[major editing done on jan 23rd '19]
the internet - sunset
"i attempt not to let my optimism slip awag,
'cause it's okay"
xx
8:25am
los angeles, CA
xx
Saturday mornings were always hectic for some reason.
Today was no exception, ofcourse.
I stopped by at a tea house for a peach tea and spilled it all over my trousers. Okay, maybe not all over. The stain was small enough to cover with my cardigan. Okay. It's okay.
Next stop of today, my job interview. I entered the bright shop for the second time this week. This time, there was a boy behind the register. He looked up from whatever he was looking at, acknowledging me with a small smile.
"Morning, how can I help you?''
I looked at his yellow polo shirt and black apron and name tag, belatedly realizing that it might be my new uniform. Not too bad. His name was Mark. Deepish skin and messy honey blonde permed hair. He was cute.
''Hey good morning. I'm looking for miss Paisley. I have a job interview.''
Mark nodded somewhat courteously and left to summon his manager. He comes back within a minute with miss Paisley to his side. Realizing he did his part, he offered a close lipped smile before turning into the opposite direction to help a newly arrived customer.
"Miss Sadu?"
"That's me," I said, and we shook hands.
"It's nice to see you again. Follow me."
xx
9:15am
los angeles, CA
xx
I got hired on the spot. Which was a first, by the way. I wasn't sure if she liked me, or was just desperate. Maybe it was a healthy combination of both.
I gathered my books and headed down to the library, Alessa and Camilla were already there waiting for me to start our mini-cram session. We had a Biology repetition coming up and we didn't get to study enough because of track.
Camilla nudged me, tilting her head to look at me with a pout, ''You're not even listening!''
''Huh?'' I asked staring between the page in my notebook and her face. ''Were you talking to me?''
''I was,'' She sulked, ''I was asking you about Alessa.''
I glanced over to her empty seat, remembering that she left to get some iced coffee a few minutes ago. ''What about Alessa?''
''Her birthday is coming up and I need your help.''
''Girl, when?''
''This Tuesday, September 9th. Mind helping me with a lil something?"
I distantly wondered why Alessa hadn't told me anything about her birthday. She seemed like one to get really excited over it weeks before. 'Not at all, what's the plan?"
''Well. Alessa is super extroverted, as you might know. She has a lot of friends. Last year Gabby and I planned this huge party in her hometown, it t was lit." Camilla said, smiling bitterly at the memory of it for some reason.
"Gabby? Who's that?"
Camilla's eyes now looked guilty. "She didn't tell you yet. Nevermind.''
''Is Gabby that ex girlfriend?''
Camilla nodded, "After they broke up, Alessa wasn't herself anymore, she like, never took time off. She was working and studying all day long. To keep herself distracted I guess, but still. It wasn't healthy. She still looks so worn out sometimes, so that's why I want to do the complete opposite of last year. Just a small kickback. Close friends only, no drama, good food and music.''
Alessa has been acting nothing but happy all this time. I would've never known she was struggling. When she mentioned her breakup, she brushed it off like she didn't care anymore.
''That sounds perfect.''
Suddenly Alessa comes in carrying a cupholder with drinks. ''We'll text about it later, okay?'' Camilla whispered.
Alessa approached our table with a big grin on her face. ''One medium iced vanilla latte for with almond milk and peppermint for Cam."
''Aw, you remember my order. If this isn't friendship goals." Camilla cooed, sipped at her straw
''And I went to Chia to get you some bubble tea. Cause I know you don't like coffee.'' She looked at me and smiled such a bright smile I return one before even processing what she said. "I don't really know what you like yet so I got a coconut milk tea with tapioca pearls. That's what I get usually."
''Thanks, Alessa.''
She grabbed her own cup of mocha iced coffee before happily hopping back to her seat. I focused on studying curriculum. I heard Alessa and Camilla talking, distantly, but I focused oj taking my notes instead. what but I drowned their voices out and focused on taking notes.
''Have any plans for tomorrow?''
''Me?" I asked, "You remember that TA guy from the gym?"
Alessa was stunned. "Jaebum?"
At this point Camilla has tuned in on the conversation, seeming interested.
"Yeah. To make a long story short, we talked a bit about like, music and stuff and then he invited me over to listen to some music."
"His music?"
"No, like, I have this huge box with old records that I brought with me from home, but I don't have a record player or anything, He does have one so we're going to listen to them together, I guess."
"That sounds mad cute," Camilla laughed, "In any other situation I would be incredibly alarmed but JB is a nice guy. I approve."
Alessa smirked. "Yes me too."
I rolled my eyes, "Are you guys going somewhere?"
"Yeah, we're going to go to the movies and do some shopping, but I guess I have to count you out on that."
"Guess so."
"Let me know how it went. " Camilla said, winking. "I have to go though. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
xx
10:43pm
los angeles, CA
xx
Camilla and I had been going back and forth about Alessa's birthday for a while and were able to arrange some stuff allready. My phone buzzed again, and the corners of my lips perked up as I clicked to read the message.
[10:49pm] JB: Room A110, A wing. 8pm?
[10:51pm] Okay!
[10:56pm] JB: Goodnight :)
<3
