Wake up, you're 'bout to miss everything... COMPLETE

Prologue

Los Angeles. 5 a.m.

My alarm clock began singing his song, I was ignoring it. Every morning I had the same routine-wake up, drink coffee, get dressed and go to work.

Growing up wasn't easy, since I had to live with my mom and my step dad. When I was 16, he tried to rape me when my mother had to work to pay his lazy ass. One week later I ran away and lived for a couple months in a friend's house. When I felt that I were a burden I left San Francisco and moved to live with my grandma in San Diego for two years. I was 19 when she passed away, and again I was alone in this cruel world.

My grandma left me one small apartment in LA and some money, but it lasted for a month and I was kicked out. For my luck LA is known as a hot place and it's rare to rain here.

Now, I work as secretary who serves her asshole bosses coffee. After 6 months in the streets I finely had a roof above my head and some money to pay rent.

Today is my birthday, and I celebrate my 23rd birthday alone.

The streets of LA is already humming with people, who had their own problems. Before I exited the building, the neighbor who live next to me, touch my butt and nod with approval. Thanks to him I don't have to pay the full rent.

While walking I hear my old Vans torn apart in their front, leaving my toe peeking and mocking me in the face. I had to swallow my tears and stay strong. Only today.

The city center was filled with teenage girls who looked like I was looking 6 years ago- piercing, black cloths and colorful hair. The only evidence of my past was my stretched ears and some scars of piercing on my face, maybe that's the reason I even get to work in this magazine.

The entrance to the building was guarded-something new I guess- and kept the girls from coming in. "I guess someone important is coming today", I whispered to myself.

When I was near the door the guard pushed me backwards and crossed his both hands to his chest. "You can't come in", he yelled at me. "I work here asshole, thanks for the humiliation". The man's face got a reddish color and his eyes showed madness. "Show me your card", "don't laugh at my horrible picture", just one blink and finely I was in.

"Why are you late?" my idiot boss Vince showed up. "Your stupid guard decided that I was a threat", his face softened. "Sorry, we have a really important band today, Adam worked with them and he was so happy to call them".

An hour later, I was sitting behind my desk answering calls. Vince came in my direction and waved me to come to him. "Don't forget that you need to smile, serve coffee and don't stare if you know them", I nodded to show that I remember and understand his orders.

Few minutes later, I could hear Vince laughing with some guys and when I've got the sign I walked quietly into the interview room. "What would you drink?" I asked firmly. When each one said what he wants I left the room. One second after the door closed behind me it opened again. "Want some help?" I smiled weakly. This guy had tattoos over his hands, stretched ears and a big smile. This beautiful man made my knees weak and my cheeks became a little bit red. I don't think he noticed that though.

When I finished serving the drinks I returned to my desk, trying to avoid any human interact. Couple minutes later the guy exited the room again and was going in my direction. "It's Grace, right?" my eyes widened a little but soon enough for him to notice I reacted. "Yeah. Can I help you?", "it would be great. Where is the toilet?" I pointed him the direction and returned doodling in my notebook. "Oh right, Vince told me to call you". He looks like a good guy, but someone like him would never notice me. "By the way, I'm Tony", he winked and left me with red hot burning face.

After work I was so tired that it was pointless to go back home and encounter with my neighbors, especially with that gross man on my birthday. To keep my mind focused on something else I've decided to go to Cassandra's place. Cassandra is my grandma's best friend who lived with her until she got married. Cassandra is my family, the only one who care about me. "Grace? What are you doing here? Ain't you supposed to celebrate your birthday with friends?" yes, I know, I don't have friends. "I want to do it with you", "Oh honey, don't be silly! You don't want to celebrate your birthday with an old lady", "you're not old Cass!" we both laughed until it hurts. "Sorry to do it, but you got another latter". I could feel the blood leave my face and my heart skip a beat.

"Read it out loud honey", all I could do is nod automatically.

Dear Grace,

I miss you so much! You don't understand how boring is in here. My mom is annoying as always, over protective as always and my dad keep drinking and gambling our money, but who cares?! As long as I have you nothing matters. I wish you could come back to San Francisco, but I know it's not an option. Sometimes your mom come here drunk and yell under my window all night. I know that you would be mad if you knew that I'm still hurting myself but it's the only answer for me...some days are harder and some are easier. My mind telling me to finish the pain, but I know you will be there to bury me.

I love you so much,

John.

My eyes filled with tears the second I read his name. "I can't believe he did this to me, why he had to finish it?" my tears streamed down on my cheeks, leaving me breathless. Cassandra quickly hugged me tightly, she only wants to take the pain away. "You need to get some sleep darling, stay tonight with me".