What Once Was

Chapter 2: Feel Like a Brand New Person

I had spent the rest of the weekend unpacking my stuff and preparing for school on Monday. My apartment was starting to come along. I had hung up some posters of my favourite films as well as some pictures of my home friends and some pictures of my parents and I.  The finishing touch was a picture of Danielle and I placed on my bedside table. I must have been around 5 in the picture whilst she was around 11. Even at her young age, she had big dreams of going to med school. I sat on my bed and stared at the picture.

"I'm gonna make you proud Dani".

I pressed a kiss onto my fingers then laid them upon the picture frame.

"I love and miss you".

I was once again brought out from a trance by the sound of my phone beeping. It was a text from my mother...

"Good luck today. Your father and I are so proud of you. You're going to smash it. You'll be our little psychologist in no time. Love you <3".

I glanced at the clock on my wall. 8:13. My first class started at 9. I rushed to my bathroom and quickly made myself presentable. I decided to apply some makeup today as to make a good first impression. Nothing too much. Just a thin wing on my eye and a rosy lip. I threw on a baby t-shirt and some cargo pants. Once I was ready I grabbed my bag and headed out, making sure to lock the door behind me.

GSU's campus was beautiful, something in stark contrast to the rest of the city. It felt like something from Harry Potter. Classic, old buildings. Flowers and other bits of  greenery as far as the eye could see. Despite the city being rainy and dismal most of the time, the campus had a weird glow to it. My first few lectures went really well too. The content was enthralling. I had even managed to talk to a few people in my classes.

At the back of my mind, however, was the thought of starting my job in a few days time. I was excited, but more so nervous. I really needed the money. And the bar seemed like the perfect solution.

                            —-———————-

The first few days of school flew by and Thursday quickly came around. I was supposed to start at 6 pm. Judging from what Lily was wearing, I decided on a pair of black flares, a black t-shirt and some platform oxfords. I followed suit with her makeup too and decided on a Smokey eye. I fixed my hair into two braids, a style that had become a classic for myself in the past few years and headed out of the door.

I got to the door of the bar and took a deep breathe. I didn't know why I was so nervous. I had plenty of jobs before. I guess this one had just meant more than the others.

I pushed open the door to be met by the familiar jingle sound. I looked towards the bar and was met with Lily, as well as an unfamiliar face: a curly haired brunette male, probably around my age. The pair greeted me with wide toothy grins as I made my way over.

"(Y/N)! Ahhh! I've been so excited for you to finally start! This is Tom".

Lily pointed toward the brunette next to her. He was handsome. Pale and slender. Had a pretty smile.

"Hi I'm (Y/N). It's nice to meet you". I placed my hand out to shake his. He reciprocated.

"Hi (Y/N). It's nice to finally meet you".

Lily once again made her way from around the bar and grabbed my arm. She pressed for me to walk with her.

"So the boss is waiting to meet you. His name is Will, but I'd just refer to him as 'Sir'. He prefers that".

I smiled at her and nodded, trying hard to suppress a grimace. 'Sir' I thought... This is going to be interesting.

"Sir! Hi, I'm (Y/N). It's so good to finally meet you. Thank you so much for this opportunity!"

I was enthusiastic. Overly enthusiastic.

The tall male looked me up and down a few time and smiled. He had short red hair and it was clear he was an avid gym goer.

"(Y/N) hi! It's so nice to finally meet you too. You're quite... beautiful. I heard you've worked in the bar industry before?"

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. The guy was intimidating. Very intimidating.

"Yes that's correct! In my home town I worked in the local bar for 4 years".

He smirked to himself, seeming relatively pleased with the answer I had given him.

"Amazing. Welcome to our team. Lily and Tom will be training you for the foreseeable future. If you need anything, you just let me know directly".

The tall man shook my hand, casually sliding a piece of paper into it as he did. I quickly looked... a phone number.

"Damn... he seems to like you". Lily nudged at my arm, smirking as she guided me back to the bar front.

"Oh I don't know about that".