Degrees of Desire (gxg, txs)

chapter one

-Isabella

I've never given much thought to where I might end up in the future. I've always imagined myself to become a writer or something that had to do with the English Literature.

Since I was younger, reading was my way to escape reality. My parents often found it hard for me to get my head out of my books.

They've always held high expectations for me and to this day, I continue to keep them happy by sticking to those expectations.

I'm a straight A student, I have been since I was young. Since I like to prioritize studying and reading, I am often seen as weird and quiet. I don't really mind though, I kind of like it that way.

The only people who truly understand me are my two best friends, Iris and Nathaniel. Iris and I have been best friends since middle school.

We met Nate our freshman year of high school. He had barely moved into town. We met in one of our classes and instantly clicked. They are both pretty popular so I've always wondered why they decided to befriend the "quiet" girl.

We don't live too far from a major city. There are a lot of things to do nearby and we typically spend our free time together. If I am not studying or hanging out with them, I am working.

I currently work at a small, but popular, coffee shop in our town. I've slowly been saving money so I could go to college. This past summer, I've been working all the time to save as much as possible.

Tomorrow is my first day of school, so I won't be able to work as often. I'm hoping to maintain my grades and apply for colleges with good writing programs.

My parents aren't particularly happy with my choice in field of study but nonetheless they are glad I have good grades.

I've never been the type to talk back or to stick my head into other people's business. Like I said before, I keep to myself.

The only people I care about are my friends and family. They mean everything to me. I've always done everything I possibly could to keep them happy.

I have a younger sister, Maggie. She is 6 years old. My parents adopted me when I was about 1 year old since they found out they couldn't have children of their own.

I don't know my biological parents. I've never met them and my parents didn't have any information on them either. I used to be obsessed with wanting to know who they were but as time passed, my interest in them slowly disappeared.

Maggie was their rainbow baby. They continued trying and my mom eventually got pregnant. I remember being just turning 12 and getting the news I was going to be an older sister. I was over the moon with excitement. She is my favorite person ever.

We spent this whole summer together. While my parents worked, I took care of her in the mornings and once they got home, I'd go to work.

Right now, I am on my break at work. I decided to sit at a table and read a book. It's been quite slow today. Sunday evenings are usually slow anyways. We don't have very much time until we begin to close the shop. My manager, Joe, walks towards me from the back.

"Hey kiddo, you can start closing up now. I have to run but you know how to do everything. Here's the extra key, I'll get it from you at your next shift." He says handing me a key from his pocket. "You're the best." He smiles running out the door.

I get up from the table leaving my book on the counter. I walk to the back to get started on mopping the floors. Suddenly, I hear the bell to the door ring.

"Hi sorry, we are closed." I yelled from the back.

I didn't get a response back so I wasn't sure they heard. I let go of the mop and make my way to the front of the store. Once I got closer, I repeated my words.