Cindy's Prince- A true Cinderella story

Cindy

The Workaholic

"Are you going to the party tomorrow night?" Beth asked. "We could wear matching masks. That would be so cool."

"I don't have time for partying, Beth." I scanned all the overdue bills sitting on my bedside table. "I need to start looking for a job or I am going to be homeless."

She pouted. "You are no fun! Always working working working." 

I laughed and playfully smacked her with my pillow. "Working is how I survive."

She caught the pillow and sat down beside me. "Well you know what they say. All work and no play makes Cindy a dull girl. You don't even have a boyfriend."

I smiled at her sweetly. "I don't need a boyfriend Beth, I need a job."

"Well why can't you have both? I have both." She has always been so stubborn and persuasive.

"Ok maybe I'll find one while I'm job hunting."

"Yesssss!!!" She squealed and hugged me. "Now I think I finally have my spontaneous stepsister back."

We chatted for a while before she decided to go back to her room.

I woke up the next morning, deciding that I should start my job hunt early.

My step mother and step sister were both asleep when I left. I didn't want to wake them in case they tried to make me wear makeup or stockings or anything girly.

I stood on the curb of our apartment building waiting for a cab when a man, looking like he just rolled out of bed, came up to me.

"Hello ma'am." He said with a smile. "I'm Prince Alex and I would greatly appreciate it if you would do me the hugest favour. You see my father sent me here without any of my bank cards or maids or anything for me to be comfortable. Would you mind giving me some money so I can take a plane home?"

"Eew! Get away from me freak!" I shouted at him. "You smell horrible! Go take a shower or something or better yet, go find yourself a job instead of making up stories."
I couldn't believe how desperate people have become. It's like scammers have taken over the world.
I shook my head as my cab came. A Prince? That is the most original one I've heard so far.
This man wants me to give him money when I hardly have enough to take care of my own self. Although I live with my stepmother, I have to provide my own part of the rent and I have to pay some of the bills as well.

I paid the cab driver and got out, throwing my bag over my shoulder. The first place on my list was Club One Casino.

I went in and searched for the person in charge. One of the girls directed me to the manager and I followed him into his office.

"So I understand that you're seeking a job here." He said as he sat behind his desk.

"Yes sir." I answered politely as I handed him my résumé.

He looked at it and seemed to be deep in thoughts. "Is this name on your résumé correct?" He asked, stroking his beard.

"Yes Sir. That is correct." I assured him with a smile.

He stood up from his desk and handed my résumé back to me. "You do understand that I run a legitimate business here. I don't have any time for jokes young lady!" He scolded me.

"But Sir-" I tried to protest but he had already made up his mind.

"Please leave my office this instance!" He shouted. "Why don't you go find Prince Charming and let him give you a job?"

I ran from his office to the nearest bathroom. This is the second job interview I have failed just because of my name.

Cinderella Berlock.

I know my parents loved fairy tales, my Mom even wrote some, but did they have to give me this ridiculous name? I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was no Cinderella. I could never imagine myself wearing a tiara and frilly frocks and frolicking behind some boring prince. I am an independent woman. That's why I work so much.
I wiped my eyes and looked at my résumé. There were pictures of crowns and fairy wands decorating my name.

Beth!

My stepsister is always doing these crazy things....always drawing on my stuff no matter how much I tell her not to. She is an artist and provides her portion of the rent by working at a local art gallery downtown.

I sighed and gathered my things. I won't let one disappointment ruin my day.
I walked to the nearest internet café and redid my résumé, changing my name from Cinderella Berlock to Cindy Berlock.

It was almost midday and I was getting tired of walking around and not getting hired.

I stopped at Ricks Cafe when I saw a 'Help Needed' sign.
Finally.

I pushed the door open and an overhead bell rang. I walked up to the counter and gave the cashier my best smile. "Good Morning. I understand you need help?"

"Yes we do." She looked at me from head to toe. "Well why are you standing there? Get behind the counter. People are going to start leaving if they don't get served."

"What-now?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Now." She tapped her fingers on the counter. "Do you have a résumé on you?"

Really? A résumé is the second thing she asks for?

I hurriedly took my résumé from my bag and handed it to her.

"Hhmmmm." She glanced over it. "The first guy was a Prince and now we have Cinderella."

Oh no! I gave her the wrong résumé.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Cinderella. I'm Stacy." She gestured for me to follow her. "This is the changing area. It is co-ed and uniform must be worn at all times." She handed me the uniform and waited for me to change. I did so quickly and followed her.
She introduced me to the cooking staff and they welcomed me warmly.

"Now meet your co-server." She said gesturing to a man wearing a matching uniform like mine. "Alex come meet Cinderella." She shouted and he walked over to us.

"Hi." He smiled at me and I instantly remembered him from this morning. "You're Cinderella?"

"It's just Cindy." I told him as we shook hands.

He smirked at me and I knew he was going to cause me trouble.