Different
Chapter 1
1
My watch read 8:45.
Late, late, late, I thought to myself, I am going to be so late. Throwing on a black sweater and leggings, I haphazardly slipped on some shoes and ran out the door. This was just my luck; my alarm deciding not to go off on my second day of work. Perfect. After almost plowing down a toddler at the steps on my brownstone, I slowed to a speed walk.
8:50 am.
I was never going to make it. Even though I had been living in New York City for almost a month now, I was still having trouble traveling in the subway system. By the time I made it to my train it was 9:00.
I sighed. It wasn't that I would be fired for being late - the owners were an old, married couple who understood I was still learning the ropes of the city - but they would give my shift away, and I really needed the money.
Moving to New York had been an impulsive and risky decision. But I couldn't stay in Texas anymore - too much history. That and my ex Dylan. This was my fresh start; my chance to finally be on my own and away from those who always tried to control me. I did not regret my decision. And even right now, as I sulked onto the subway after scrounging enough change to pay my fare, I couldn't help but feel electric from the city buzz going on just above my head. Stay positive. You'll catch the next shift and everything will be alright.
Leaving the subway station and walking into the heart of the city was my favorite part of the move. Always being a little disoriented and confused as to what direction I am facing leaves me with a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. This is my home now.
Knowing there was an hour to kill, I ducked into a coffee shop. Fall was in full spring and the air was beginning to chill. I ordered a black coffee, rubbing my hands together for warmth as I waited for my named to be called at the counter.
I had always been independent as a child to the point where I liked to cause problems. I was the kid who always ended up in the principles office for speaking out of turn or rough housing in the classroom. Once I even rallied my classmates to skip class because I hated the teacher. My parents supported my independence while at the same time disciplining my misbehaving at the same time. They always knew what to say to get through to me, which is why the day they died is the worst night of my life.
"Kirby?" The bartista pulled me from my thoughts.
I smiled, gratefully accepting the coffee. Turning abruptly in search of milk and sugar, I ran straight into the person behind me, spilling their coffee all over the floor.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry!" Grabbing a handful of napkins from behind me, I clumsily mopped up the coffee best I could.
"It's alright, love," a deep, mesmerizing, british accent answered with a chuckle.
I groan in embarrassment. "No, this is completely my fault. It goes along with my mess of a day."
Before I could scrub the floor completely dry, an employee came stomping in with a mop, glaring in my direction. I half smiled, hoping to convey my apology.
Without giving my victim a glance, I leaned over the counter. "Whatever he just ordered make another. I'll pay."
"No, no. You don't need to do that."
Looking over my shoulder to resort back, I was met by a pair of emerald orbs. A breathtaking smile was plastered over his face, showing off two distinct dimples. His curly hair looked windswept compared to his put together appearance. There was a mischievous spark in his eye that caused the corners of my mouth to turn up, amused.
"Yes, I do need to do that. I completely destroyed your last cup." He smiled at my exaggeration. "It's the least I can do."
He stared at me a minute, as if he expected me to do something. I just started questionably back until he said, "I'm Harry."
"Kirby!" The bartisa called from the counter. I carefully handed Harry his second cup of coffee.
"Ah! My debt is repaid," I joke while Harry cracks a smile. "I'm really sorry again, by the way."
"Eh, that cup tasted terrible. This is much better," Harry said, taking a sip. "In a way you did me a favor."
I laughed. "Well in that case it seems as though you owe me."
We made our way to the exit, coffee completely intact. Stepping outside to the nippy air, I gripped my cup tighter, hoping to gain some warmth from the coffee inside. I looked up at Harry with a smile to see him already staring at me with curious fascination.
"Which direction are you headed?" I asked taking a gulp of coffee, burning my tongue in the process and causing Harry to laugh to my struggle. "God, this is just not my day!"
"I don't think this will make you feel any better, but did you wear two different shoes on purpose or . . .?" Harry asked, pointing at my feet.
I threw my head back in embarrassment, running my hand across my face. This was the worst day ever. I opened my eyes to see Harry unable to contain his laughter. Well, maybe not the worst day ever.
"Yeah, yeah laugh all you want, curly! I spilled your coffee once don't think I won't do it again!" My threat only caused him to laugh louder. I huffed in annoyance. I am clearly unable to make a good first impression.
I began to walk toward the shop, leaving Harry in tears behind me. I glance over my shoulder to see Harry jogging after me with a cheshire smile. "And where do you think you're going?" I asked playfully.
"Where ever you are." I feel heat rush to my cheeks as we continue walking. I stare up at Harry curiously. Who was this mysterious guy? As he smirks back, I realize I can't wait to find out.
My watch read 8:45.
Late, late, late, I thought to myself, I am going to be so late. Throwing on a black sweater and leggings, I haphazardly slipped on some shoes and ran out the door. This was just my luck; my alarm deciding not to go off on my second day of work. Perfect. After almost plowing down a toddler at the steps on my brownstone, I slowed to a speed walk.
8:50 am.
I was never going to make it. Even though I had been living in New York City for almost a month now, I was still having trouble traveling in the subway system. By the time I made it to my train it was 9:00.
I sighed. It wasn't that I would be fired for being late - the owners were an old, married couple who understood I was still learning the ropes of the city - but they would give my shift away, and I really needed the money.
Moving to New York had been an impulsive and risky decision. But I couldn't stay in Texas anymore - too much history. That and my ex Dylan. This was my fresh start; my chance to finally be on my own and away from those who always tried to control me. I did not regret my decision. And even right now, as I sulked onto the subway after scrounging enough change to pay my fare, I couldn't help but feel electric from the city buzz going on just above my head. Stay positive. You'll catch the next shift and everything will be alright.
Leaving the subway station and walking into the heart of the city was my favorite part of the move. Always being a little disoriented and confused as to what direction I am facing leaves me with a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. This is my home now.
Knowing there was an hour to kill, I ducked into a coffee shop. Fall was in full spring and the air was beginning to chill. I ordered a black coffee, rubbing my hands together for warmth as I waited for my named to be called at the counter.
I had always been independent as a child to the point where I liked to cause problems. I was the kid who always ended up in the principles office for speaking out of turn or rough housing in the classroom. Once I even rallied my classmates to skip class because I hated the teacher. My parents supported my independence while at the same time disciplining my misbehaving at the same time. They always knew what to say to get through to me, which is why the day they died is the worst night of my life.
"Kirby?" The bartista pulled me from my thoughts.
I smiled, gratefully accepting the coffee. Turning abruptly in search of milk and sugar, I ran straight into the person behind me, spilling their coffee all over the floor.
"Oh my God, I am so sorry!" Grabbing a handful of napkins from behind me, I clumsily mopped up the coffee best I could.
"It's alright, love," a deep, mesmerizing, british accent answered with a chuckle.
I groan in embarrassment. "No, this is completely my fault. It goes along with my mess of a day."
Before I could scrub the floor completely dry, an employee came stomping in with a mop, glaring in my direction. I half smiled, hoping to convey my apology.
Without giving my victim a glance, I leaned over the counter. "Whatever he just ordered make another. I'll pay."
"No, no. You don't need to do that."
Looking over my shoulder to resort back, I was met by a pair of emerald orbs. A breathtaking smile was plastered over his face, showing off two distinct dimples. His curly hair looked windswept compared to his put together appearance. There was a mischievous spark in his eye that caused the corners of my mouth to turn up, amused.
"Yes, I do need to do that. I completely destroyed your last cup." He smiled at my exaggeration. "It's the least I can do."
He stared at me a minute, as if he expected me to do something. I just started questionably back until he said, "I'm Harry."
"Kirby!" The bartisa called from the counter. I carefully handed Harry his second cup of coffee.
"Ah! My debt is repaid," I joke while Harry cracks a smile. "I'm really sorry again, by the way."
"Eh, that cup tasted terrible. This is much better," Harry said, taking a sip. "In a way you did me a favor."
I laughed. "Well in that case it seems as though you owe me."
We made our way to the exit, coffee completely intact. Stepping outside to the nippy air, I gripped my cup tighter, hoping to gain some warmth from the coffee inside. I looked up at Harry with a smile to see him already staring at me with curious fascination.
"Which direction are you headed?" I asked taking a gulp of coffee, burning my tongue in the process and causing Harry to laugh to my struggle. "God, this is just not my day!"
"I don't think this will make you feel any better, but did you wear two different shoes on purpose or . . .?" Harry asked, pointing at my feet.
I threw my head back in embarrassment, running my hand across my face. This was the worst day ever. I opened my eyes to see Harry unable to contain his laughter. Well, maybe not the worst day ever.
"Yeah, yeah laugh all you want, curly! I spilled your coffee once don't think I won't do it again!" My threat only caused him to laugh louder. I huffed in annoyance. I am clearly unable to make a good first impression.
I began to walk toward the shop, leaving Harry in tears behind me. I glance over my shoulder to see Harry jogging after me with a cheshire smile. "And where do you think you're going?" I asked playfully.
"Where ever you are." I feel heat rush to my cheeks as we continue walking. I stare up at Harry curiously. Who was this mysterious guy? As he smirks back, I realize I can't wait to find out.
Please update. I really love this story. <3
9/6/14