Chapter 2

Monday arrived quickly. Ariana got up early in the morning around 4am. She made food for her family. She arranged her books in her beg as she left home. She has delivery to do before going to school.

With quick efficiency, she delivered milk and newspaper until 7:30am. However, as she glanced at her watch, a look of realization crossed her face. She was running late for school.

"Shit!" Ariana exclaimed under her breath, feeling the pressure building up. She swiftly finished her remaining deliveries and rushed to school. She arrived at 8am, class would start any minute from now.

In a hasty manner, Ariana ran to the hallway and she ran to her locker, she grabbed some textbooks from her locker. She wiped the beads of sweat on her forehead with an handkerchief and took a moment to tidy herself up, fixing her skirt and adjusting her shirt. Once she felt presentable, she locked her locker and headed towards her classroom.

Just as Ariana was making her way through the hallway, a group of girls carelessly bumped into her, causing her books to scatter across the floor. Without even looking up, Ariana already knew who had caused the commotion. It was Casey, the so-called queen bee, surrounded by her loyal followers.

Casey, Nora, and Sofia were the spoiled heiresses of influential I parents. Casey's dad happened to be the city's mayor, Nora's dad owned a renowned mining industry, and Sofia's father was the owner of a highly successful gaming company. The three girls exuded an air of entitlement and arrogance wherever they went.

"Oh look, it's charity case. Running late today, are we?" Casey sneered, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Ariana knew that this encounter meant trouble. Trying to regain her composure, she quickly gathered her books, but in her haste, her bag tumbled to the ground, spilling its contents.

"Let me help you pack" Nora offered, seemingly with genuine concern as she squatted down to assist.

"No need, I'm fine" Ariana said, her voice tinged with hint of defensiveness. She quickly packed her bag and stood up, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment.

"Oh, the stench! it's unbelievable," Sofia commented, crinkling her nose. Swiftly pulling out a small perfume bottle from her pocket, she sprayed a cloud of fragrant mist into the air, inhaling the sweet scent.

Eager to escape the uncomfortable situation, Ariana hurried away towards her classroom a word. Little did she know, Nora, discreetly picked up the letter she penned earlier that morning. Ariana had planned to mail it to her uncle in California once school school ended asking for help since he is ignoring her calls.

*****

After finishing her classes for the day, Ariana headed to the coffee shop where she worked in the afternoons after school. As she put on her apron, she warmly greeted her boss.

"Hey, that cute guy over there seems to be interested in you" her co-worker/bestie Annie whispered in Ariana's ear.

Ariana brushed off the comment, saying, "I don't have time for guys right now. Just go ahead and take his order, Annie".

Annie smirked mischievously and pretended to be on the phone with her mom as she walked over to the counter. Ariana watched Annie's playful behavior, amused and slightly surprised. Annie winked at her, encouraging Ariana to approach the customer.

Taking a deep breath, Ariana walked over to the guy's table with a friendly smile.

"Hi, welcome to our coffee shop. What can I get you?" she asked in a polite and welcoming tone.

"I'll have a cappuccino please," he replied.

"Sure thing," Ariana replied cheerfully.

She skillfully prepared the cappuccino and brought it over to him.

"By the way, my name is Jeffery, but you can call me Jeff," Jeff introduced himself with a friendly tone.

"Nice to meet you Jeff. Here's your cappuccino. Is there anything I can help you with?" she asked, maintaining her warm smile.

Jeffery's demeanor suddenly changed as he checked Ariana out with a hint of lust in his eyes. He licked his lips, which made Ariana uncomfortable and disgusted. "Can I have your number?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't give you my number, Jeff. Enjoy your cappuccino," Ariana said with a touch of sarcasm before gracefully leaving his table.

Returning to the counter where Annie was waiting with excitement, Ariana couldn't hide her annoyance. "Annie, please don't ever do that to me again. I've told you before that guys like him can be really disrespectful"

Curiosity piqued, Annie persisted, "Well, what did he do?"

Ariana sighed, feeling frustrated. "Just go ask him yourself. Can you cover for me? I have a letter to mail".

Annie nodded understandingly. "No problem, our shift is almost over. See you tomorrow".

Ariana quickly removed her apron, grabbing her bag, and hurried to the post office before it closes. Upon arrival, she realized that she had forgotten to bring her letter.

"Ugh, I must have left it at home. I'll have to come back tomorrow," she mumbled to herself and she headed to the gas station where she worked part-timed in the evenings.

Deciding to grab dinner for both herself and her mom, Ariana headed home. After feeding her mom and tucking her younger brother, Mike to bed, she collapsed lazily onto her bed.

As she lay there, the events of the day played over and over in her mind. She couldn't help but think about how Nora had kindly helped her pack her bag earlier. Maybe, just maybe, people can change for the better.