After New York

Chapter Two: Here and Now

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Chapter 2

  Tessa

I shut the door to the apartment behind me. Shrugging off the sleeves of my jean jacket and hanging it on the wooden hook next to the front door. I rub my hands together quickly, warming them, before reaching up and into the pocket of the coat and pulling out my phone. It's past 5, and I take a second to consider if I have time for a quick shower before heading out again.

I'm supposed to meet Landon and Nora in less than an hour. So, unfortunately there's no way I'm getting a shower in. I still have to change and get to the subway station and then it's at least a 20 minute ride to Nora's stop from there. Not to mention the 10 minute walk to her place. Honestly, at this point I'll be lucky if I make it on time.

I sigh, taking a seat on the bench to the right of the door before slipping off my shoes and placing them on the shelf underneath. Standing up, I pull off my nametag and move towards my bedroom. I look over the day's tips, and lay them down on my dresser. Placing the nametag on top like a paperweight.

I didn't do too poorly today, for a lunch shift at least. The late nights were really where the money was, but now that I'm in classes at NYU, I have to take what I can get. I'm lucky they are even working with my schedule.

Truthfully though, If it weren't for Landon still paying his share of the rent...I am not exactly sure what I would be doing. There is no way I could afford to live here on my own. I'm struggling enough as it is. I would be forced to look for a new roommate I guess. I shake my head to try and push the thought from my mind. I'm not thrilled with the idea. I've gotten used to living on my own these last few months. Seeing as Landon pretty much spends all his time at Nora's now, besides an odd night here and there or the occasional visit to pick up a few more Items of clothing, or a package he's had delivered. But overall, I'm pretty much by myself these days.

I do sometimes feel like I am taking advantage of the situation, but Landon is always quick to remind me that Ken is really the one paying, and that he's not hurting for the money. Plus, the idea of struggling to fill the room between classes and work is enough to push any uncomfortable feelings I may have to the back of my mind for now.

Looking up, I get a glimpse of myself in the mirror above my dresser.

Fuck. I need a shower.
I walk to the adjoining bathroom to quickly wash my face. Eying my locks, I decided to spray some dry shampoo in my hair as well and quickly run a brush through it. Hoping that's a good enough substitute for the actual shower I desperately need. I don't bother with my makeup. It's just Landon and Nora after all. And I doubt either of them will even notice.

I turn on the sink to wash my hands in an attempt to rid myself of the smell from my shift at the restaurant. Taking a few steps back into my bedroom I remove my uniform, before folding it and placing it in the hamper at the end of my bed. Looking through my closet I decide to pull on a pair of black jeans and a lace long sleeved top. I take out a new uniform for tomorrow's shift as well, and hang it on the bathroom door.

One last thing to worry about tonight when I get home. I think to myself.

Finding my reflection in the mirror once more, I run my fingers quickly through my hair, glancing at the jewelry box on my dresser. I decide to pick out a necklace in some kind of futile attempt to at least look like I made an effort tonight. I sift through the jumbled contents of the box, and settle on a silver chain with a small opal pendant, and try to pull it free from the cluster of silver and gold it's tangled up in. In the struggle I drop another piece of jewelry and it falls at my feet, directly under the green dresser, disappearing from my sight. I bend down and blindly grasp for the fallen item before my hand finds it, and I slowly pull it out. Watching as the small silver book charm reveals itself, dangling from the end of the unclasped chain, flickering in the light.