As Told by Me

Chapter One

"Double shot, extra dark roast with a packet of sugar and a scoop of cinnamon." The tall dark haired barista says. I rise from the table I've been seated at to grab my coffee. The girl smiles at me, and I smile back. I return to my MacBook and crack my knuckles. I have been in New York two weeks and I've managed to find work, this coffee shop, and my apartment. I found one supermarket a few days ago, but I can't seem to find it again. So for two days I have been living off of granola bars and this coffee.

My work transferred me to New York to work in this branch of the publishing company. I'm one of the better young editing assistants at Warren Books. I've actually been writing novels since I was in high school, one of which was published my junior year of college. I landed this job because my publisher- bless his heart- put in a good word. I needed the job, because the cost of living is high, while having one book on the market doesn't bring in a ton of money.

I sip my coffee and write out another scene of my newest novel. Suddenly, the chair across from me scrapes on the floor. I look up and my glasses fall down my nose. Sitting in front of me is the type of guy I know I don't have time for. Clearly he just rolled off of campus at NYU, clad in salmon colored shorts and a white v-neck t-shirt. His flat brimmed hat is turned backwards, exposing blonde hair fluffed up in the front. His skin is extremely tan, and his teeth are unbelievably white. His baby blue eyes gleam. He reminds me of Nathan. He's exactly the type of guy I would have swooned over six months ago when I was waiting for Nathan to call me back.

"Can I help you?" I ask, pushing my glasses up my nose.

"Hi, I'm Matt. I was just wondering what a beautiful girl like you was doing in a shabby place like this?" He smirks. I gag.

"I'm sorry, I'm very busy right now. So if you wouldn't mind, I would rather you go shoot cheesy pickup lines to another girl." I say, staring at my computer screen.

"I didn't catch your name. What are you working on, sweetheart?" He leans over the table and tries to look at my computer.

"I'm Alexandria Heartfield, and none of your business." I say, closing my laptop.

"I've heard that name before. Do you go to NYU?"

"No, I've already graduated from graduate school at University of Minnesota."

"Hmm, I can swear I've heard that name before."

"I'm an author."

"You're a what?"

"An author. I write novels. I wrote When in Ireland. It was a New York Time's best seller." I sigh. I begin to pack up my bag.

"Whoa, slow down! That's awesome!" He says. He picks up my coffee cup from the table and hands it to me. "So, I actually came over here for a reason. I wanted to ask you for your number, and take you out on a date."

"Sorry, not interested. Thanks though." I grab my coffee, take out my keys, and walk out of the shop to my car. I climb into the luxurious leather seats of my 2013 Chevy Cruze and sigh. At least I have my awesome car and my awesome apartment. I drive the twenty minutes to my apartment in Queens. When I get home, I change into an old pair of UMN sweats and a crappy old t-shirt that belonged to Nathan. I turn on some Netflix and pop some popcorn, throwing my curly brown hair up into a messy bun. I scoop up my cat, Watsyn, and scratch behind her ear. Texting my mom, I settle down on the couch and snuggle up with a blanket. I miss my family, and almost regret my move to New York. Almost.

My phone dings.

I know you've been ignoring me, Lexie. I miss you. Call me when you get this, okay? -Nathan

I stare at the phone.

Can't. I moved to New York two weeks ago. I got a promotion. Also, please refrain from calling me Lexie. You don't have that privilege anymore.-Alex

I wait for a few seconds as the little ellipses come up in the corner of the screen.

Why didn't you tell me? Lexie. Come home. You know that this is crazy. Come back to Chicago General. They never filled your spot. Stop toying around with a stupid dream that is nothing but something you used to do in high school. God, Lexie. You and I were supposed to be doctors together. We would be doctors together if you hadn't have left the program. You're so stupid sometimes. Why would you chose English over medicine? Come home. Let's work this out, please. -Nathan

I can't believe his nerve. Yes, I went to college and double majored in English and Biology. I went to medical school, and once I realized that I didn't want to be a doctor, I left my residency. People make mistakes. My biggest mistake was believing that Nathan would love me, even if I wasn't a prestigious doctor. As soon as he found out I left the program, he told all of my friends it was because I was pregnant with someone else's kid. He told them I cheated on him with one of the attendings. When I called him and told him it was because I found happiness in editing, he told me I was a failure. He only wanted me if I was also a doctor. He only wanted me so he could take me home to his parents and show off his "successful girlfriend and fellow surgical resident". He despised my book and dispised my writing. When he found out I was writing again while I was still in the program, he stopped talking to me for a month and a half. I figured that was him saying we were done. Then he popped back in to gloat about the hernia repair he did and to check if I had gotten a job yet. I told him that Warren Books hired me. He called me stupid and hung up the phone. Analise told me over and over that he was not worth my time. Yet here he is, coming back into my life.

Please, do me a favor and leave me alone. I'm not coming back. Goodbye, Nathan. -Alex

I sigh in relief and roll over on the couch. The sound of Grey's Anatomy on the TV lulls Watsyn and I to sleep. Tomorrow, I start my first day on the job at the New York branch of Warren Books.

Author's Note:

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I would appreciate any and all critiques so drop a comment if you want! Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Haley