Hero

One

My lungs feeling as if a blazing fire was spreading throughout my chest, my legs numb and music pounding through my headphones. I make it back to my apartment and press the stop button on my phone that tracks my runs. The automated voice tell me my pace, time and distance. Entering the building I go to the mail room, knowing Riley she didn't bother to check yesterday's mail.

My headphones still blazing through my ears, giving Matt the perfect chance to scare me, as he did. Feeling a pair of hands grab my shoulders I jump, turning around and almost smacking him. He laughs.

"You are aware that you are an ass, right?"

"I know but I also am your best friend so technically I'm already forgiven" he smiles. "Plus you gave me the perfect operatunity with the music pounding".

I stick out my tongue and he laughs at me once again.

"How much today?" he questions pointing to my phone, "around six kilometers" I answer and shrug as he high-fives me.

Matthew Artobello, my best friend since I moved to Toronto. He was tall with a skinny frame. His hair dark jet black and eyes dark brown. I guess I could say he was always the comedian, he knew how to lighten up the crowd, and he knew how to be a pain in my ass; but that was what best friends were for, right? He worked with me at Kingston Publishing, he managed all the incoming and outgoing money in our company, basically our firms accountant. He was my first co-worker buddy, after spilling a mocha frap on the soft pink sundress I was wearing on my second day at work.

Running upstairs to find Riley already running around like a maniac, she was always so unorganized. Riley was my roommate and best friend since we were about five years old. Her blonde, almost white, hair flowed gently down her shoulders as her dressed swayed. Curses flew under her breathe as she fiddled with paperwork.

"It would help if you got ready the night before" I interrupt, rightfully she throws a pen at me.

"My cousin is making me do half the paperwork, I spent all day yesterday making orders" she complains. Riley and her cousin own a club and some people recently quit leaving her to do a lot more work than she is use to.

I let her be and go to take a nice shower after a cool morning run in the mid September air. I strip from my sweaty clothing and step into the blazing shower, the hot water streaming over my body. A sensation of relaxation spreads through me.

"Time?" I call, waiting for Riley to answer me.

"8:50", perfect I have enough time to eat and get to work. By the time I get out Riley has already left for her morning meeting with the band who is planned to play at the club Friday night.

Slipping on the outfit I had planned yesterday I step in front of the mirror to see if I still liked it. I had a pair of light pink ripped jeans, a black tank top and a white flannel. Applying the most natural make-up I prepare for work. Letting my light brown hair naturally dry I open the fridge to retrieve my awaiting fruit salad with greek yogurt I had prepared before my morning run.

After cleaning the dishes I set out to work, taking the elevator down and to the parking lot. My heels clicked as I set towards my car, driving off to work.

I walked through the revolving door I make my way towards the elevator to get to my floor. This building has twenty floors and I work in the sixteenth floor, the photographers floor. Getting off on my floor I make my way towards my office.

"Morning Ellen" I say as I walk by the secretary.

"Morning Ms.Thicket, this weeks schedule has been set with all your appointments for the rest of the week, it's on the database but I know you like a hard copy. I left it on your desk" I nod in thanks. Ellen was a sweet older lady, she always was on top of her game and knew how to make everyone's jobs run so smoothly. She would be scheduling everything for everyone on the floors.