DOMAIN

C H A P T E R 1

~ The First Glance ~

I woke up at 7:00 AM like I do every morning.  Yes, I know that makes me sound crazy but I don't like to sleep the day away like my roommate Alex. Lord knows I love her but I have never met somebody who can sleep all day, and wonder why you're overloaded with stuff that needs to be done.

I made my way downstairs to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. It wouldn't be a good or productive day without my morning coffee.  I made my coffee as well as some breakfast and sat at the kitchen table to have a quiet breakfast before I'm engrossed with the business of the day.

To my surprise, I heard the shuffling of feet coming from upstairs only to be followed by Alex decending down the stairs still half asleep. I picked up my phone to check the time seeing that it was 7:24 and I don't think I have ever seen Alex up this early.

"Alex, are you sleepwalking or did you wake up this early on your own?" I joked with her as she made her way into the kitchen.

"Well good morning to you too," Alex said while grabbing a coffee mug and filling it with the dark steaming liquid.

Alex made her way over to me and sat down in the chair closes to the window.

"I asked to have the day shift today so that I can be off in enough time to go out tonight for Abby's birthday party," Alex said while stealing a piece of toast off my plate.

Crap! I forgot tonight was Alex's sisters party. I'm not really into going to clubs since I'm always so busy during the day that when I get home, I just want to shower and head straight to sleep.

"And don't think you're backing out of coming tonight either," Alex said as if she could read the thoughts running through my mind. I guess that's why we are best friends. Alex and I know each other better than we knew ourselves. 

"No no I'm going to be there tonight and don't worry, I will pick your sister up a gift since I know you haven't gotten her one yet."

"This is why I love you," she replied moving her hands together to form a heart shape.

I laughed at Alex's quirky gesture and got up to get ready for the day. I had work this morning as well and needed to get dressed so I wouldn't be late. Working at a coffee shop wasn't my ideal job but it does help pay the bills until I graduate from college and have a job I actually enjoy.

Once I finished getting dressed and said my goodbyes to Alex, I headed for the door to start my day.  I drove myself to work contemplating calling in sick at least ten times and once I arrived at the shop, I realized my chances of calling in were too late.

....

My shift finally ended and let's just say it was an eventful one.  I had to train the new hire who dropped a cup of tea on my shoe causing me to have a damp sock for the rest of my time at work. I tried not to show my anger towards her since I know what it's like to be scared and new, but you try working with a sock soaked with tea.

Once I left the shop, I remembered I had to get Abby a present so I stopped to do that. Now that it was later in the evening, I headed home to get ready for tonight. I tried not to think about going to the club so much and to focus on the bigger picture, to show my love to Abby.

I went to take a shower so I could rid myself of the smell of coffee and the tea on my foot. Once I got out of the shower, I put some music on to listen to while I finished getting ready. Alex came into my room the second she heard music playing and started singing the song that was currently playing.  I laughed and joined in on her musical performance.

"Vina, you totally have to wear this dress!" Alex said pulling out a short silky red dress from my closet.

"Isn't that a little bit too much for a club?" I asked looking at the dress in her hands.