The Wolf Tattoo

One

~Zariah Lewis pictured above~

"Zariah you can't keep coming to work late, how many times do I have to tell you?"

This was a weekly thing. I was working in a small café in the middle of the city. It was an easy job, not enough customers to make the days hectic but enough to keep the place open. Ryan was a great boss, he was patient with me. He knew I needed the money for collage and rent so he dealt with my late mornings and tried his best to overlook them.

"I know Ryan, I'm sorry my mother called me on my way here for me to leave my brother to school," I panicked rushing my answer. My hands trembled as I pushed my messy hair from my face.

"Yes as it's been happening weekly but-"

"I'm sorry, I'll try my best to be on time from now on I promise."

My bottom lip quivered when I noticed his sympathetic face. He didn't have to say the words, I already knew I was being fired.

"I've heard that many times from you Zariah. Look I don't want to let you go, you work so hard, don't think that gets over looked. You've had too many late mornings dear," his eyes softened as he handed me an envelope. I turned it over in my hands reading the words 'Pay Check'.

I sighed sadly, "Thank you for the past few months Ryan." 

He patted my shoulder, "It was a pleasure knowing you Zariah, take care." And with that he turned from me walking into the back kitchen.

My smile fell as I stepped out into the cool air, the breeze blowing my hair into my face. The reality hit me like a ton of breaks falling onto my head. I was jobless. How was I meant to pay for college and pay for my apartment with no money. I walked along the path way, stopping at my car. I softly banged my forehead repeatedly on the window.

"You know, if you keep doing that you'll knock yourself out."

I jumped and whipped around, startled by the sudden voice.

The guy's bright hazel eyes stared into my blue ones causing me to freeze. This guy was beautiful. His dark hair was styled in a way that was messy but looked neat, his sweatshirt's sleeves were rolled up showing of his toned forearms. Gosh is it getting hot in here or is it just him? Damn. The smirk playing on his lips was evident causing me to scowl.

"Excuse me?" I questioned crossing my arms giving him a slight glare.

"Cool down shortasss, no need to get defensive," he chuckled the smirk growing on his face.

I glared at him straightening my posture trying to look taller, "Do I look stupid enough to give myself a concussion?"

"Well-"

I interrupted him rolling my eyes, "Don't even answer that."

I turned away from him before unlocking my car and getting in, muttering to myself about how rude he was.

"Nice meeting you Zariah," he grinned waving before walking away.

How the crap did he know my name?

"Michael, Julie!" My voice echoed throughout the apartment before I saw my best friends' heads pop out from their bedrooms.

"You called?" Michael's goofy grin lighting up his face as his brown hair fell into his eyes.

I shook my head giggling at him, "You're an idiot, guess who got fired?" I threw my keys onto the kitchen counter, kicking my shoes off my feet before collapsing on the couch.

"Looks like you're the idiot," Julie laughed sitting beside me.

Michael huffed, moving my shoes to the front door and placing my keys on the key rack before turning to look at me. His left eyebrow raised as he smirked at me, " Told you to stop being late."

He pushed my feet off the coffee table before pulling me in for a hug.

"What are you going to do for money?" Julie asked.

I pulled away from Michael before running my hands through my hair and sighing.

"You're going to have to get a new job anyway Riah, your parents would never give you the money to pay for rent," Michael frowned sitting on the floor in front of us.

"I could always move back in with my parents," I suggested shrugging my shoulders. Of course it wasn't what I wanted to do. I mean, who wants to leave freedom with their friends and go back to a house full of boys, excluding my mother. Not happening.

"Zariah are you crazy?" Julie frowned, "We'll help you find a job don't worry about it alright, save that stress for another day."

Michael patted my knee before getting up from the couch and stretching out his arms yawning. "I better go I have class in a half hour, I'll see you guys later "

I waved at him and sunk further into the couch, chewing on my bottom lip growing nervous. What if I wouldn't be able to find a job? What if I find one and embarrass myself in my interview get the job? What if I don't get the job?

I shook my head as if to shake the thoughts from my mind, I was being far too dramatic.

I turned to see Julia on her phone, "Movie day?" I suggested a small smile growing on my face.

She looked up and grinned, "Movie day."

We were both cuddled up in blankets watching movies for the next few hours. We're The Millers was playing. I tried to focus on the movie but the guy from earlier on that day kept crossing my mind.

What was his deal? I mean he was gorgeous of course but he was so arrogant. I don't even know whether he was being arrogant or was trying too hard to be funny. Like who makes fun of a stranger's height? I am short which is true, below average 5 foot 1 right here. Or am I even a stranger to him, should I recognise him? He did know my name but I have no recognition of who he is. Maybe he was flirting? Probably not I mean he was a 10 and I'm a strong 5 with good makeup but who knows.

I push the thoughts out of my head, not literally, and decide not to dwell on him. He was just a random guy in New York City. A very attractive random guy but that's besides the point. Not worth it.

I lay my head on the arm rest of the sofa and drift off.

~8th August~ 12am~ 1132 words~
A/N~ So that was the first chapterr, hope you guys enjoyed. Feel free to leave me a comment on your opinions. Baii <3