✓ | A TID Cinderella Story

Chapter 1

Let's get over with this.

I'm Tessa Gray. I live in New York and I'm a high school graduate. I've been trying for a prestigious college which is in London. The problem is that I live with my step family. After my mother died when I was five, my dad married another woman. But he died six years later leaving all the fortune to my stepmother. And she hates me. So does her daughters. And she has strongly supported her decision to not pay for my higher studies. So I have worked many jobs and saved money. But I'm pretty sure it won't be enough.

Anyway, back to reality.

Right now I'm at Branwell's books, daydreaming. Yes, I should be working since it's one of my jobs but there weren't many people so I am sitting behind the counter. 

"I almost arranged all the books in their sections, but I'm running late. Could you arrange these?" Asked Jem appearing from the Non-Fiction section.

James Carstairs is literally the definition for the perfect guy. He has dark hair and eyes with an Asian face. But the thing which makes him perfect was his kindness. Seriously, even if you pour a bucket of water on him for a valid reason (don't ask me the reason) he would just give his beautiful smile and continue with his business. But don't deem him to be naive. Just don't.

"Yes Jem." I replied and took the books from him. It's technically my shift but he made sure that the new books were mostly arranged. Typical Jem. He is a gem.

I took the books and went over to the Classics section and looked for the author's name. Charles Dickens . And it was way up in the top shelf so I grabbed a ladder. Even though I'm pretty tall, it's till too high. The ladder's hinges creaked as I lifted it. I hope it holds my weight.  

I placed the books on their rightful places. Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol and at last, my favorite book, A Tale of two cites. As always, I couldn't help but have a glance. I was so absorbed, even though I'm standing on top of a ladder.

"Aren't you supposed to be working other than reading on top of a ladder." A voice said from below.

"It's part of the reason why I chose this job and I don't see Mrs. Branwell ." I replied. I looked down to see the person and I couldn't help but gasp. 

He had the most beautiful dark blue eyes. Beautiful, because they were dark as the night sky. It almost seems unnatural. To top that, he had raven black hair with sharp and angular features.

"Are you done?" Along with that comment and a devilish smirk plastered on his face, I was annoyed. I just turned away from him.

But of course, he continued, "Considering on how your looking at the book, I'm guessing you love classics."

"Uh huh." I replied, hoping he would go away. But I could still sense his amused grin from below.

"Then, would you mind recommending a classic?" He asked again.

I let out a laugh and looked at him, "You read?"

"Yes." He replied.

I sighed. "Do I know you?" 

He raised a single eyebrow and looked at me with confusion, "Seriously, did you even take your nose out of a book at school?"

Wait, school? It's been three months since I graduated. I looked at him more carefully and then the light bulb above my head went off. 

The same black hair which would always hide the board in English class.

And the same blue eyes. Midnight blue eyes which I always wished to catch.