CHAPTER ONE: New York

Selene’s POV

You really are unable to get anything right! How again did you get into this firm, let me guess, daddy paid for it? he says mockingly. Standing right there watching my boss rain all manner of insults on me, a deep rush of rage sweeps through my veins as I clench my fist biting down on my tongue, anything to suppress my anger. I just know that it’s only but a matter of seconds before I explode, honestly there’s just so much a person can take and as for me, I have had enough! 

I quickly grab the casebook on the table and without thinking twice swing it across the room landing it straight to his face, recalling every single moment that book had landed on my face, a sense of joy coursed through me. He definitely didn’t see that coming, I internally say to myself feeling self-fulfilled. “I am not your slave” I scream back at him matching his intensity. I have only tolerated you so far out of respect sir but not anymore! You are a condescending, annoying old geezer and I am done doing all the work while you take the credit! Don’t bother firing me because I quit! I storm out of his office with a sense of relief and apprehension. 

I clear up my desk as fast as a moving bullet before anyone can get a chance to speak to me and quickly rush out the building. Oh how I hated that office, I’m glad it's over I say to myself as I walk down the lonely alley that leads to my house. Slowly, it dawned on me that I had just become jobless. Getting home, I meet my parents in the kitchen preparing Spaghetti and Cincinnati chili, my favorite, and as expected mom begins to probe me on why I am back home so early from work. I evade her questions and run off to my room locking the door behind me, faintly hearing her yell at me although i can't seem to make out what she's saying. Dinner is definitely not in the book for me but it doesn't matter as long as mom is out of my hair. I know I have to figure something out and fast, otherwise I am toast. 

Early the following morning, I pick up my phone feeling a bit desperate, I take a deep breath bracing myself for the conversation ahead as I reluctantly dial the number of my longtime friend who works in New York. Sonia's cheerful voice hits me over the phone as the beep comes to a halt and a familiar sound welcomes me. My throat tightens as the words I had rehearsed in my head seem to slip away, she begins to yap on about how much she misses me and how I never call without even letting me speak. Allowing her go on for awhile I begin to relax more while listening to her, only laughing awkwardly whenever she cracks a joke and then slowly I cut her off, “well if you miss me so much i could come stay with you”, i blurt out without thinking and immediately regret it. What? she replies me calmly, did something happen Sel… her tone shifting to one of concern. I hesitate for a moment stretching the silence, “I, um, quit my job yesterday” i blurt out trying to keep my voice steady. Well it was about time sweetheart you hated that job, she says softly a little smile finding it's way to my face. Lucky for you there's an opening here in the company I'm working for and I think you’ll love the job… You're a lifesaver! I say with a sigh of relief, when is the interview? In four days sweetheart so get your ass over here, I'll be waiting. We schedule a meeting for later that afternoon and I'm already excited about everything. I guess Zeus is on my side today. I get ready for the day and pretend to be leaving for work, I can’t tell my parents just yet that I had quit my job at least not until I’m able to get a new one.

Taking a thirteen hour train to New York City, a lot of thoughts are literally running through my mind; will I be able to get a job? Will I be good enough? Can I adapt well in this city? I’ve always been back home in our quiet little town, leaving home feels nerving. Nonetheless I have to do this, I’m determined to make it work I tell myself. I have a lot of plans and potentials for my life, I guess it’s about time I left home. 

I arrive at the city quite late and manage to locate the café Sonia asked to meet at. As I alighted from the cab and onto the bustling streets of New York City for the first time, my heart begins to race with anticipation as the city’s energy hits me with a vibrant and electrifing wave. I can't help but notice these really tall buildings that seem to be made of glass reflecting the beautiful sun set, creating a dazzling display of light, how there are a lot of people on the road, everyone going by their business, no one really paying attention to the other. There is a thick smell of mud in the air and cars are driving past each other with so much disarray, the constant hum of traffic, the distant wail of sirens all in a frenzy. 

I enter the café and help myself to a seat next to a window so I can look out and admire the city some more. The café is calm and quiet to my surprise but the more reason I like it. After sitting for a while, I decide to go to the counter to get myself a hot cup of coffee, the evening is already getting chilly, thoughts of how beautiful and different this city is filling my mind. At the counter, I’m met with a bright smiling young lady who asks to take my order. One cup of cappuccino please with extra sugar, I politely say to her trying to acknowledge her cheerful greeting. It’ll only be a moment she replies and recedes to the back to get the coffee ready. I wait patiently for her to return taking in the exquisitely decorated café while noticing the slightly growing line behind me. Moments later, she returns with my coffee and I pay instantly with my card as she hands me a coupon ticket.  

Just as I turn, I crash into something that feels like a brick wall and spill the hot coffee all over my dress. This is definitely going to leave a burn I say to myself as a wince in pain. I look up to see a very tall and slightly huge man boring a hole into me with a fierce look in his eyes. So it wasn’t a wall after all I think to myself rolling my eyes internally while trying to prevent the coffee from burning my skin already more than it has. I can’t help but take in the stern looking man standing in front of me like a Greek God, giving off an aura of dominance with his menacing look piercing through me. His well chiseled jawline and chin were quite outstanding as his scent filled my nostrils, his captivating gaze held a depth that mesmerized me and his confident demeanor oozed charm and allure. I only then realized I’ve been holding my breath as I stood lost in the euphoria of this beautiful being.