She'll Be Mine

Life Is But A Dream

*Present Day*

Living in New York was one of my biggest dreams to have since middle school. Just a California girl living in the big apple, but I assume some people have the same dream of living anywhere else. But this dream, seemed so unachievable simply because I didn't come from a family of money. I didn't live a luxurious life, even college seemed unachievable but my amazing mom always made it seem as though no matter what happened I would be able to go. Doing my best in high school was my only hope into getting a full ride, although that didn't happen. Once I could, I started to work odd jobs here and there to help my family put me through college. I got into my dream school but still had to pay for majority of it all, although financial aid & a few programs I was in helped tremendously, I am drowning in debt.

So why counseling? I loved working with others, helping them figure out their path, specifically high schoolers because I knew the struggle. I love the kids that I work with. Although the pay isn't enough to live comfortably, I can still manage and then some. Rent isn't as bad as it would be if I didn't have a roommate, but since Violet lives with me it saves money. And of course living with my best friend is also another big dream. Violet shared the same dream as I did, except that she is working as, get this, a teacher. We share the same passions which is another reason why we are the best of friends. Although we don't work in the same school she knows what goes on throughout my day.

Here I am, in the lunchroom with my other colleagues talking about making counseling sessions in the library for incoming freshman. But all I could think about is this good sandwich I got from the stand on the corner of our block. There is a really good coffee shop a block down from our school. But the time that I take my lunches, the coffee shop is packed with businesswomen and men, from the firms and companies that are literally on the same block. But that coffee shop has some good coffee and food so, I would understand the popularity.

After lunch, my office is filled with kid after kid, it is the first week of school, it's September and for the next two weeks I'll be drowned in paperwork. Most of it is helping kids who want to take certain classes or be switched from classes, most of them are in ninth grade, also known as freshmen.

At the end of the day I figure I'll go for a coffee to calm my nerves. Walking down the street I see my friend Al, who is also the owner of the sandwich stand I get my food from most days. He's an older man, super sweet but also has a gun inside of the stand ready to set people straight.

"Hey Al! How's business?"

He chuckles, shrugging his shoulders, "Its only Monday Luvia, kind of slow beside all the foot traffic but I don't expect much until later tonight. You heading to Ramona's?"

Ramona is the name of the coffee shop, specifically Romona's Coffee. Romona is a 57 year old lady who is also as sweet as can be, and works day and night in her shop. She handles everything with the help of her son Julian, who is a little too friendly when I come in. He's been trying to ask me on a date but I just don't know, so I always kindly decline.

It took about five minutes to get to Romona's and to my surprise there wasn't as many people as I thought there would be. Walking in I'm greeted by the intoxicating smell of coffee, my mouth waters at the thought of it. Coffee has just been a routine for me, but I can't or won't deny that coffee is a must for me. I wouldn't say everyday but good grief it might as well be. At the register I order the house brew when Romona comes walking out from the back. "Hello Ms. Fontaine!! Usual order I presume?"

"Of course! You know you can call me Luvia, Ramona." She shrugs going over to get my coffee, "Oh don't mind me dear, I just love that last name of yours. Luvia is such a beautiful name but Fontaine just tickles me!" Laughing I take the coffee she passes to me, after paying I quickly make my way out and catch a cab.

I'm always in awe of New York City, I do miss my sunny California where it's literally summer all year long. It does have its rainy/cold days which I lived for! Now I get snow which is a nuisance to others but it's still magical to me. Before moving here I never ever experienced snow, the first time we had it I cried. Violet didn't because she's been in it before so, it was just me crying because it seemed so unreal. I also did get pneumonia which ended in multiple visits to the doctor, and multiple days off.

Arriving to our apartment I have my key ready in hand while trying to balance my coffee in the other. Pushing the door open, I hang my purse on the hook, hearing the television come from our living space, it's a little smaller than a normal sized living room but we love it anyway. Violet is watching a movie with a bottle of wine next to her bowl of popcorn. "Are we really starting the school week off by getting drunk?" Violet whips her head around giving me her cheesy grin, "I wouldn't say drunk, more like a little bit tipsy because I've had two parents complain to me about the curriculum and it's only the beginning."

"Well then I guess it's needed but damn already? Usually our teachers get complaints the second week of school once we get into full flow." Shaking her head, she pours more wine in her glass, "I sent out the curriculum via email so that parents are aware of what is expected. And once I got to class there they were, ready to complain."

Violet gets more flexibility at her school which gives her more freedom, which was one of the things she liked most when she started. I make my way to my room which is the last room at the end of the hall. Putting my coffee on my nightstand, I grab my pjs which consist of large t-shirts and my plaid bottoms. After I sit on the edge of my bed taking my laptop and start reading more emails. Once I respond to what needs my attention, I start going through paperwork for my student loans that I have to payback. It still an ongoing battle with my loans, but eventually it'll pay off.

By 10 pm I am extremely tired and decide to call it a night, Violet is still watching tv in the living room so I set my alarm a little earlier just in case it takes a while to wake up Violet.

Soon I drift off to sleep....