First in Line | Drew Starkey

chapter one.. new beginnings

My eyes slowly opened as I felt the morning sunrise peek through my blinds. Outside I could hear the birds chirping, obviously having an important conversation right outside my window. I rolled over stretching out my limbs from being still all night and hopped out of bed. I promised myself a while ago I would stop checking my phone as soon as I woke up each morning. I needed to take the first few moments to myself.

I headed straight to my bathroom that connected to my room and brushed my teeth. After a few minutes, I spit and rinsed my mouth out. I kept looking at myself in the mirror wondering how in the world my hair gets so messed up during the night as I tried to brush at the tangles and make it look a little less chaotic. In almost a month I'll be starting my senior year at UNC Wilmington.

Don't even get me started on that. Every conversation lately is about my future and what I'm doing with my life. It's stressful and makes me worry. Of course, the follow-up question is when I will settle down and marry. Truthfully, I don't know. I don't even have any prospects in my corner, and as each day passes by I begin to accept the fact I just might be alone forever.

The career part isn't that stressful. I've known for a long time what I wanted to do in life and I was so close to accomplishing it. In 2 semesters, I'll finally finish my bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising. One of the final requirements is for me to complete an on-site internship. I applied everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Most of my summer has been spent applying and interviewing for positions.

After I tamed my hair, I went into my kitchen and turned on my Keurig. Soon I heard the familiar roar of it warming up. I opened the drawer below it, inspecting what tea I wanted to drink today. I grabbed a black tea bag and placed it into a mug under the Keurig and watched as the hot water poured out over the tea bag into the mug. Once it finished pouring, I picked it up carefully and went back to my room, grabbing my phone and sitting at my desk.

I opened my MacBook and logged into my university email, hoping that for any updates on my applications. The black tea tasted amazing and warmed my body up with every sip I took, waiting for my emails to load.

Soon enough I heard the familiar chime go off and cross my fingers. I refreshed the page and saw an email from a styling internship I applied to. I took a slow, deep breath and I clicked on the email, and closed my eyes. Please let this be good, I kept saying to myself.

"Hi, Olivia,

Thank you so much for applying for our Assistant Stylist Internship. We would love to speak to you further about this position. Would you be available for an interview today at 3 pm?

Sincerely,

Emmie Holmes"

Holy Shit. Yes! I quickly replied to the email accepting and confirming the interview time and receiving the interview link. I immediately texted my mom, to let her know and tell her to send good vibes and prayers, and I also messaged my friends' group chat to tell them. My friend Lucy facetimed me right away.

"Liv!! Are you serious!!" she screamed. I couldn't help but laugh.

"It's not certain yet, but I have a good feeling about it! I have to join the link to speak to her at 3 today." I responded.

"You've got this in the bag I promise! We've gotta go out for drinks tonight."

"Bucc's?" I questioned.

"Duhhhhh" she sing-songed, "I'll text you a time!! Good luck boo."

We ended our call and I checked the time. It was around 10 so I still had time to go fit in a quick workout. I quickly changed into a matching bike set and threw on my tennis shoes. I was always active in high school being on the cheer team. It was definitely a big difference when I got to college and didn't have the activities after school. Like most, I gained weight in my freshman year. On top of that, I felt more stress being away from home and away from the friends I grew up with—college was not off to a great start.

I don't work out to achieve a certain look. Working out helps me relieve some stress and feel good. Throughout high school that's exactly what I did. I was obsessed with being as small as possible and would constantly beat myself up over what I ate. I know that's not healthy, and it's been a slow process, but I'm learning to be better and love myself.

******

After my workout, I went back up to my apartment and showered so I could clean up and prepare for my interview. I chose to wear a ribbed white muscle tank tucked into high-waisted leather pants. I layered a few gold necklaces and added a few of my favorite rings. I loosely curled my hair and did light makeup.

I looked over at my phone and saw it was 2:55 so I went back to the email and found the link which directed me to a Zoom waiting room. I twiddled with my thumbs while I patiently waited for someone to join. This could be a really good opportunity for me. I can make connections and get my name out there to directors and actors, plus Outer Banks is one of the top Netflix series right now, so of course, it would be fun. A few minutes later, I saw my laptop screen and Emmie, the head customer appear.

"Hi, Olivia! It is so nice to meet you." She chimed. I smiled and replied, "Thank you, I'm grateful to be able to speak with you today."

"Your resume and past work are very impressive for a student. I loved reading about you," she said. I beamed at the compliment, "thank you, that means a lot."

"We would be delighted if you wanted to come intern with us for season 2. I noticed on your application that you're only required to complete 200 hours or at least 12 weeks, but we would need you for a minimum of 6 months. We can give you the proper forms to give to your department at school." Emmie said.

Holy shit. I got it. I got the freaking internship to work with Outer Banks.

*****

I'm sorry it's kind of a slow start!! I want to make sure it's good so I don't want to rush it  :') Pinky Promise we'll get Drew the next chapter!!  Here's a gif to make up for it!

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