Picture Imperfect (Niall Horan)

35 - Cassie

35 – Cassie

            A few days after I filled out my job applications and turned them in, I wake up at ten thirty in the morning for my first shift at Victoria’s Secret. The day after I gave in my application, the manager, Diana, called me and almost begged me to work for her. Of course, I accepted. They must really need employees, and I need a job as soon as possible, so this worked out perfectly.

            After I shower, I follow the dress code by dressing in black slacks, a white tank top and a black blazer. It’s not my ideal outfit, but it works. Thankfully, Diana told me that I can wear almost any shirt I want, as long as I have my blazer over it. My hair is straightened and my makeup is minimal but professional looking. I make it to the store just over five minutes early.

            Diana sees me walk through the store, and she rushes over. “You’re early,” she says, like she can’t believe that I am not only here on time, but early.

            “Yes,” I smile. “What do you want me to do?”       

            “Do you know how to work a cash register?” she asks and I shake my head. There is no one in the store right now, so she walks me over behind the counter and hands me a name tag before showing me how to work the register. It’s pretty simple once I get the hang of it. I have my first customer and I don’t mess up once. Diana stands beside me, seeing if I am doing right, and when I finish the sale, she gives me a thumbs up.

            My shift is only five hours long. I thought that I would be here for at least six, but I’m mistaken. I spend most of the time learning the ropes, and I love it so far. It’s the right job for me. Obviously, retail isn’t the most ideal job for anyone, but I’m definitely a people person. I catch on quick and after three hours of learning the ropes, I spend the last two hours unpacking and organizing. Making sure the bras are facing the right way and making sure the displays look presentable. The entire time, I don’t think of anything else but work. I don’t allow my mind to wander to Niall, my dad, anything. It’s surprisingly refreshing. My thoughts are usually consumed by Niall, by the memories of my father being dragged away from my home. Thanks to this job, I don’t have the mental capacity to worry about anything.

            When my shift ends at five, I find myself dreading going back to my apartment to be alone with my thoughts. Diana thanks me repeatedly and I do the same. During the whole day, only ten people came into the store. It was certainly slow, but kind of perfect for my first day. On my way home, I call Angie and tell her about my first day.

            I throw my keys on the counter when I enter my apartment. It’s about five fifteen, but I’m exhausted from being on my feet all day. Out of pure laziness, I call and order a pizza for myself before changing into sweatpants. My phone rings as I slip my shirt over my head, and the caller ID says that it is Will. Immediately, I think of Niall, and I don’t know why. Whenever I am with Will, I can’t help but feel… guilty. My finger taps the ignore button, and I leave my phone in the bedroom. Eventually, the pizza arrives and I spend the rest of the evening alone, watching the Twilight movies with lack of anything better to do. Halfway through Eclipse, I consider calling Niall. Then I realize it’s about one in the morning here, so it’s about two a.m. in Miami. With a sigh, I push the thought away and laugh at myself for realizing I’m jealous of Edward and Bella. At least they have someone who loves them unconditionally.

*****

            The next morning, I wake up a little past nine, still lying on the couch from last night. I get up, stretch and then put the leftover pizza in the fridge. When I check my phone in the bedroom, I see that I have a missed call from Brandon. I smile and call him back.