VIOLET'S POV
I gathered my things early in the morning and headed to the nearest café. I sat myself down and went to the back of the restaurant. Minutes later, a boy who looked about sixteen, only one year younger than me, approached my table. "Hi, I am Ryan and I will be your server. Did you find anything you like?" he asked politely.
"Yeah, can I get a hot coffee with two sugar and crème," I told him trying my best to smile without looking like a complete fool. Happiness right now felt... Irrelevant.
He grinned and walked away, getting my order. Hopefully it wasn't too much. I sat there looking out the window, recapping of what was happening and trying to make mental notes of a plan. I need a shower, clothes, a home, and a way to make money.
Ryan came back and gave me my drink. "Here you go," he said.
"Thank you, may I get the check?" I asked.
"Yeah, I will be right back."
I took a sip of my coffee and I was enjoying it. It's so cold outside and I really liked the sweetness of the drink settling in my stomach, warming me up. Ryan was back and handed me the check. "Have a nice day, pay at the front desk," he explained.
I nodded my head and finished up my drink fairly quick. I went up to the front desk. "Hi, that will be two dollars and sixty cents," the cashier told me. I gladly gave her the money and thank her for convenient service. I would have tipped the waiter, but I don't have any extra cash.
I strolled out the front door having the cold air hitting me like I was a punching bag at a boxing rink. I took a deep breath and looked up at the sun, wishing one day I will shine as bright as that again. I walked aimlessly down the sidewalk to find a guitar with a strap in the trash. Why would someone throw this out? It's amazing, the colors look handpicked, and it looks barely used.
I slung it over my back and find a corner where I can set up a hat, to try to make some money. I put my bag down and find a broken container to put out in front of me. Now, I need to pick a song. I choose Therapy by All Time Low.
More people start to gather around me and throwing in loose change they had in their pockets. I smile gratefully as each and every one of them throw in even a penny. That's one more cent to leave New York and find somewhere else to live. I finish up the rest of the song and picked up my things. A man with black hair walked up to me, "One day, you're going to be an inspiration around the world."
That took me by surprise. I am a broke girl, with no where to go, and nothing to look up to. "Thank you, but I am just a girl in the city, trying to survive from my past, without drowning."
He walked away, and I carried on going to the nearest subway. I hopped down each of the steps, holding onto the railing. I immediatley saw a spot by the entrance, just to make sure that they see me. I put the container back on the ground and started strumming the guitar to get people's attention. I mentally picked a song and stood my ground. I take one last deep breath before I start.
I sand All of Me by John Legend. Gradually, people around the area take notice and form a circle. One by one, they throw money into the container, making me smile. I saw little kids watching me intently and clapping along to the beat. I shred a tear as I noticed more people enjoying my cover.
The song finally ended and I heard a loud roar of clapping and whistling. I grinned at the sight of everyone taking out there time to listen to me play. Eventually, all the people left to go catch their trains and I counted up all of my money. I had $62.78. I skipped lunch and made my way back up the stairs, to walk to the nearest convenient store.
