What It Takes

Chapter 1

I woke up earlier than usual today, I could tell because the neighbours' twins weren't crying out to be fed yet. The thin wall between my room and their apartment didn't do much when it came to concealing their screams. Usually I don't mind being woken up early, but for some reason today was different and I was glad I didn't wake up to the sound of two hungry toddlers.   

I opened my eyes slowly and took in the state of my room. Although my curtains were drawn, I could faintly see snow falling. New York City's winter was colder than I imagined and I truly think nothing could have prepared me for it. My dark red hair was still covering my face as I reached over to check my phone.

4 AM, I had only slept a couple hours. Waking up this early sadly reminded me of my life back in Wisconsin. Having to work two long shifts at the bar to be able to save up for university.

Life in New York was totally different, although I must admit it isn't necessarily better. For one, I'm unable to find a decent job. Which is a problem because this is exactly why I moved here in the first place. My roommate and I live in an old rundown building we call "The Box".  And lastly I'm twenty four years old with barely any social life. 

Which brings me to why I woke up early today. Last night, my roommate Julie thought it was a brilliant idea to go out clubbing. I moved to New York City four months ago and Julie still doesn't understand why I never go out. So yesterday night, she decided enough was enough and dragged me out to her favourite nightclub. In my defence it's not that I'm antisocial, I get along fine in gatherings and around friends. I'm just not the partying type, especially when I have nothing to celebrate.

These past few months have been so exhausting. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to successfully land a job. Recruiters all gave me the same lame answer "Dear Ms. Jenkings, we were impressed with your resume and congratulations on graduating at Stanford but unfortunately, no position is currently available" . 

I was in the middle of my internal debate when the door of my room slightly opened. Julie peeked her head between the door and the wall and looked at me with a bright smile on her face. Her usually perfectly blonde hair was in a messy bun and she was still wearing yesterday's outfit. I barely had time to point it out when she jumped on my bed and gave me a huge hug. 

"Em, oh my gosh! You'll never believe what just happened. I told you to stop stressing and to live life" She screamed in my ear. 

"What do you mean" I shot back. She knew how much I hated talking about being stressed. I had lost so much weight since arriving in New York and it's a subject I avoided at all cost. 

"We just got a call! Well technically you just got a call but since you were in your room, I picked up. This woman from Jim's Coffee called and said they have a vacancy and would like you to start next week" 

I had applied to Jim's Coffee last week and it was my last resort. I knew I was over qualified and with a degree in Business, I could aim for a larger company. But I had been unemployed for  months now and needed a job to keep paying rent. 

I sighted as reality hit me. No I wasn't going to be a financial analyst or a junior trader. I was in New York and I will be brewing coffee. At least until someone else hires me. 

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Author's Note 

Hi everyone ! Hope you liked this first Chapter. What do you think will happen when Em gets to Jim's Coffee? Do you want to know more abut Em? 

Just to let you know a new Chapter will be posted everyday! Catch you tomorrow for Chapter two :)