More Issues Than Vogue | ✔️

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

I woke up to the sound of tires screeching and horns blaring. A typical morning in beautiful Manhattan. I never thought I'd get used to the loud noises of the natural city but it's grown on me. I threw across the covers, extended my arms above my head for a good stretch and examined my room. After months of grueling procrastination, I had finally unpacked everything and not a single brown cardboard box was in sight. Organized and clean, exactly how I liked it.

I checked my phone to find that it was only eight o'clock in the morning. My body had gotten unbearably used to the routine of early morning and late nights, my internal clock was on work speed.

But today, Sarah had given me my first day off. She claimed that my fantastic work had earned me a much deserved break since submitting my final draft for the November issue. It was a weekday and truthfully, my mind felt out of place being at home instead of the office. My body however, was not complaining.

It had been awhile since I've had this much time in my hands to do whatever I freely chose. The real world hit hard. I couldn't believe I ever took this type of loose time for granted in college. Now, I'm dwelling in it, embracing being able to lounge in my pajamas and take the day carefully and cautiously.

I thought about everything that's occurred in the past four months. High school me would be crying, and college me would be proud. Work wise, I've done everything right. My articles were getting noticed and I was being published in a national magazine. 

My personal life was an utter disaster, though I didn't have much hope in that department to begin with. I had made friends? Yes. Enemies? Definitely.

There in the middle of the chaos was, unfortunately, the mass muscle that beats, keeping me alive, yet confused in every way. Which direction does it follow?

Lead with your head, not with your heart.

RING!

The doorbell resonated off the walls just as I poured myself a bowl cereal.

I furrowed my brows. I had no expectation of any company. When I peeked through the peep hole and discovered who was on the other side of the door, my stomach sunk, knowing I'd have to exert a lot of energy to keep up with theirs.

"Nate?" I opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

"Good morning," He chirped brightly, holding a bouquet of yellow roses. "I hope I didn't wake you."

I took the flowers with a smile, suddenly conscious about the embarrassing silk pj's I stood in. "These are beautiful."

"As is the woman accepting them," He smiled.

I smiled in confusion. "Thank you. How did you even find my address?"

"Company file," He answered immediately as if he had rehearsed it. "Don't worry. I'm not stalking you."

"What's the occassion?" I asked, hiding my natural bare face behind the flowers.

"I heard you had the day off and decided to visit. Figured we'd have some alone time," He also answered in a robotic manner.

"I wish you would have called," I said, patting down my hair. "I'm not exactly dressed to go anywhere."

He waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, we're not going out. Today is your day off which means relaxation."

I blinked in astonishment at this. "Oh, uh, d-what-did you want to come in?" I awkwardly offered.

"Is that okay?" He questioned.