Change your Perspective

Chapter One

"Elaina, I think going on this trip would be beneficial for you," Professor Woodward said. All semester she's been trying to get me to go with Professor Key and some of his associates to do a cultural study in Peru. "Professor, I don't know. You're right; it is a great opportunity but can't you go and write a paper about him," I said. "No, I still have classes to teach, and being my best journalism student, I thought you'd be the perfect candidate for the project."

I shook my head slightly, about to turn her down for good, but she interrupted me, "You are my most promising student, and Professor Key thinks it'll be an excellent chance to get practical work experience, plus it'll look good on your resume. You will only be writing a short piece on the professor and taking pictures. Think about it, please," She said, flashing me a warm smile. I know she's just trying to help, but I'm not sure I can cut two weeks of my life with my internship and everything else going on. "I'll let you know by tonight," I said before quickly making my way out of her office and down the halls.

"Ellie, come one, come on, I can't believe you are running late and on my birthday, tsk tsk," Charlie said as I walked up to him. "Well, it's not my fault that Professor Woodward ambushed me again. She's not going to take no for an answer. Actually, now that I think about it, you're going to Peru with Professor Key," I said, poking him in the side. I knew he had also put in a good word for me. "Yeah, and I think it'll be a good experience for the both of us," he said while smiling brightly. We had reached the door, and Charlie rummaged through his bag, looking for something. After a few seconds, he pulled out a scarf, and before I could protest, he secured it around my neck. "I know you forgot yours, and let's face it, it's freezing." We both let out an awkward chuckle and walked out into the snow.

After living here for two years, I never got tired of seeing it. I grew up in the south, so we never got the chance to see snow. It was cold, unforgiving, but also so beautiful. It's amazing how something could be so many things at once.

"So, have anything special planned for today?" Charlie asked as we walked through central park. "Nah, nothing special, just gonna meet Kris at our usual joint." Charlie looked down at the ground as we walked, bobbing his head up and down. "Oh...ok," he says, disappointed. I give a light smile to him. "Come on; I'm messing with you, man!". I said while laughing. He chuckles a bit "Pfffts, of course, I knew that," Charlie said as we walked through the streets until we came upon a little bar called the old haunt. It was old-fashioned, but the drinks were good, just like the atmosphere. We have been coming here every Saturday night for the past year, so we were no strange to the bartenders. 

"Ellie, Charlie, what took you so long," Kris yelled from our usual booth. "Smartie pants still hasn't given her answer to Professor Woodward. So she was hounding her again," Charlie said while sliding into the booth. I took my usual seat next to Kris. "What I thought you told me you told her no," Kris said while folding her arms, disappointed. "Oh hush, today isn't about me; it's about Charlie, so let's get drinks," I said while quickly making my way to the bar.

"Hey Ellie, let me guess the usuals?" Anya asked with a slight smirk. "Yeah, and can you give mine an extra shot of vodka?" I said while shooting her a pleading look. She began to pour our drinks. "Charlie with a manhattan. Kris with a cold beer and Ellie a cosmopolitan with an extra shot of vodka," Anya says, smiling. "Thank you," I say, emphasizing before heading back to the group. 

"Let's have a toast to the birthday boy," Kris and I both said while holding up our glasses. The three of us finish our drinks, dance, and laugh for a while until Kris slips away and brings back a cake. Charlie smiling brightly looks at the candles, "You know what I wish for," he yells over the loud music in the bar. "I wish for my dear friend Ellie to come on this trip with me," and with that, he blew out the candles. I could definitely feel the extra shot of vodka alcohol. Wanting to make his day, I shouted back, "Ya know what, Fuck it, let's go to Peru."

After downing a few more drinks and finishing off a few pieces of cake, my head began to feel heavy. I could tell Charlie started to slow down too. "Ready to go home, you two?" Kris said while pulling my arm over her shoulders. "Come on, Ellie let's get you out of here," she said softly. I could hear Charlie's protests from behind us as he followed us out of the bar. The cold air filled my lungs, causing me to clutch onto Kris tighter, shivering slightly. We all huddled together to keep warm while we waited for the cab.

Once our cab arrived, the three of us piled into the back seat. My place was the closest, so it made sense for us to go there. She managed to corral us up to the third floor and into my tiny apartment. She lugged me to my bed and disappeared into the apartment. I quickly found myself falling asleep.