#5

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A loud gasp trialled off my lips, echoing through my empty dark room. My pillows are drenched in sweat clinging to my body. Suddenly my ragged breathing became faster and uncontrolled, my heartbeat following along as it pounds through my ears.

I sat up, placing my hand on my heart and shutting my eyes. Using my other hand, I turned on the single lamp at my bedside, It was all I had in my room making the dull environment seem estranged.

I tried calming down my breathing which only led to warm tears staining my cheeks and gasps uncontrollably coming out.

"You're fine," I repeat to myself.

Nightmares were a common occurrence, since my parent's death I have never had a proper night's sleep. There was always something or someone waking me up.

After multiple large breaths of air weren't enough to compose myself I turned off the lamp and lay back onto the pillow. Still silently crying, my eyes fell from the darkness and slumber took over me for the second time a few moments later.




A yawn escapes my lips as I lock the front door closed, while shaking my arms and body I head towards my car freezing. I throw my bag onto the passenger's seat releasing a sigh and resting my head back the moment I enter the car.

To say my body was tired is an understatement. I felt drained of every thought and emotion, all I wanted to do was sleep but I couldn't. Every time I close my eyes I see them, it is like a constant reminder of the past. If anything it felt more present.

A sudden knock brought my eyes back into focus and my mind centred. Turning my head up to look outside the window I found myself preparing for the worst unintentionally but when Easton's smile welcomes me I sigh in relief.

Easton's smile was wide, his pearly teeth were on display like usual, bringing me a sense of comfort. He brought his hand up and moved his fingers in a circular motion over and over. It took me all but two seconds to understand what he was doing and roll down the window.

"What's up?" he says casually, now resting his arm across the top of the door and leaning down so that our heads are levelled, His smell invades my nose and surely the entire car.

"I'm about to head to school," I said nudging my head to the bag beside me, he slowly nodded his head and bit his lip deep in thought. My patience starts to run out as he takes his sweet time answering, reluctantly I start the car hoping he'd get the idea.

"I was just about to come over to your house to see if you wanted to ride with us today" he points to a black car that was a few feet in front of us. Were we all going to fit in?

Am I seriously even considering it?

"It has five seats so don't worry," he said again somehow already knowing what I was thinking.

I stop and think it over. I was already in my car, and it would be best if I probably went by myself. There was no need for me to tag along.

"You know what Easton, it's fine I don't wanna bother you guys, plus I'm already in my car" I smiled unintentionally listing off reasons. "I'll see you at school yeah?" I nodded gripping the wheel.

He smiles giving me a short but sweet nod. "All alright" is all he says before walking to the car that I knew would be full with the rest of his friends.

I take a few soothing deep breaths while sitting in the car for five minutes waiting for them to leave. They don't. "Fine" I mumble switching the gear to drive and leaving first. The moment I head off they pull out right behind me and remain a few feet away from me the entire ride to school.

I tried to control the smile that threatened to leave my lips.

Maybe I should have just gone with them.






"Why didn't you ride with us?" a gasp leaves my lips when a voice so suddenly echoes through the library. My face drops when I turn my head and see Jacob standing expectantly.

Jacob raises his brow as he waits for an answer. I sigh closing my book and placing my hands on top of it. "it's fine. I have a car" I shrugged my shoulders acting as if it was a casual thing to decline an offer.

He sat down eyeing me "We just want to be friends with you, you know that right?" Why though?

"I know... it just takes me a while to warm up to people. Especially guys" I chuckled at the last part before realizing the words I had said.
I clear my throat "Anyway," I smile, Jacob sat there in silence. Confused, he narrows his eyes in silence.

Crap.

I stood up grabbing my book and bag "We should head to class" I walked away before stopping when I didn't feel him next to me. Was he suspicious of me? I looked back at him hoping he still wasn't stuck on my answer. "you coming Jake" Jake. Why did I call him that?

Mentally scolding myself, his eyes light up finally turning my way. For the first time I saw a genuine smile come from him "Yes, I'm coming," he stood up and walked my way with a slight pep in his step. All I can do is hope he forgets part of our interaction as we head to our next class.




I walk out of a restaurant and make my way to the place beside it. Straightening up the stack of resumes in my hand I fix my posture and throw on a large smile.

"Urban Uni Restaurant and Bar" I mumble the name of the place before stepping in. Would they even hire a seventeen-year-old? I look inside just for it to be empty. It probably hasn't opened yet.

I walk in further "hello?" I say jaw dropped at how big the place was on the inside. Every place in the area was cramped and full while this place had enough room to fit three restaurants inside of it.

Her dark skin allows the makeup on her face to glow from the orange light. Her shiny curly hair bounced as she walked towards me with a welcoming grin. "Hi, we open in an hour," she claps removing the dust from her hands before brushing it on the apron she wore.

"I actually just wanted to speak with the manager for a quick second," I say hoping for the best outcome. She shocks me by turning around in a circle, and sticking her hand out. "Manager at your service" I laugh and shake her hand.

"yeah hi, is this place hiring?" I ask hopefully her eyes widen "Oh yes funny you said that we just lost someone due to maternity leave" We walk towards the counter, shelves of alcohol coming into view behind her, it makes me second guess even walking in. "now, how old are you?"

"I'll be eighteen in three months," I say quickly,.

She nods "well you can't sell alcohol but there are a few restaurant spots open" We walk to a snack parliament "Dessert is usually what we start all of our employees on, it's easy and not many people come by. Would you be comfortable with it?" I nod straight away.

It's just temporary.

"Now if I see you drinking any alcohol you will be fired" She crosses her arms but the smile on her face lightens the mood. I nod frantically again.

"Perfect. I'm Persephone and I do manage this place but I do not own it, so you will sometimes see the owner walking around so always be on your best behaviour" Out of all the things she has said this once seemed the most serious "Tomorrow there are a few other things we need to go over, just search for a guy named John and he'll let you know about everything. Say at around 6?" she explains before going on about the dos and don'ts.

I hold back a victory dance and continue to nod.

Finally.


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