Quixotic [S.M]

chapter 3 [a.s]

january 22nd, 2019
aurora sallow

Right after college, I was signed to be an intern with a lifestyle magazine. It wasn't a big one, but it definitely wasn't a small brand. Both Cece and Connor supported me while I worked at the company. Unfortunately enough, I got let off before I could even progress from the photographer's assistant. Come to think of it, I haven't talked to Cece, Cecelia Aster - childhood friend from NY -, in quite awhile. We never lost touch completely, but drifted in the slightest when I ventured to Los Angeles to work on my degree in Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television. We would text and call every now and then in attempt to stay caught up with each other.

I decide that since I'm in New York, until Friday, I'll take her out for a girl's day out in the town. We both lived right outside New York City, where it was definitely less crowded but still a little hectic at times. My family stayed in the home I grew up in, and so did Cece's parents. She eventually moved closer into the city, taking on the life of a business woman. We'd window shop and go to cafes during high school.

I think about the day we can have, roughly planning a loose schedule in my mind. I'll make sure to confirm with her later tonight. I'll suggest going down to this vintage shop we used to gaze wistfully at, and we could even have a mini picnic in Washington Square park. Cecelia often modeled for me when I had projects in high school, one of my electives being photography. She would pose pretty much anywhere for my photos, and in turn receive content for her Instagram.

The rest of the morning, I spend some time wrapping up my campaign for a clothing line soon to be released by a small brand. I edited photos and the short promo video they wanted by the end of this week. I replied to some emails that popped up in my inbox, and went out to run some errands for my parents. While I'm scrolling through my Instagram feed, Mom requests some bread from the local bakery. I needed to go buy some picnic-type food for tomorrow anyways and the bakery isn't too far from the small house, so around noon I stroll over using my phone as a map.

When I approach the store, a little pup is dashing towards me. A cute puppy, most likely a Samoyed breed, with a beautiful white coat. It looks nothing but playful as I reach down to pet its soft fur. "Luna! You can't go off running away like that!" an unfamiliar voice shouts. I look up to see who the owner of the dog is and find myself staring at the stranger. A boy, seemingly about the same age as me, looking apologetic. I smile, waving him off as he says sorry multiple times. He hooks the dog back onto its leash and holds his hand out. I shake it lightly, "Aurora." To which he replies, "Quinn." He smiles back and apologizes once more before heading off in the direction I came, resuming his walk with Luna.

The bakery's door rings when I enter. The small store smells sweet with a few customers standing in line. Mom asked for some honey bread and a few rolls of Brioche. I ask for a few more additional rolls than requested, hoping to bring some on the picnic tomorrow. The kind lady at the counter tells me my cost and goes around to the glass display to grab the bread. As the employee is over putting the bread a box, my phone buzzes with a notification.

Connor: Andrew is holding a meeting sometime this week with Shawn, some of the crew, management people and I. I'll update you during the meeting if I can. Obviously rooting for you.

Oh! This week seems soon. It feels weird and almost wrong to have Connor on my side during a selection process for a job. It's almost like an unfair advantage to the other talented creatives, even though I would be ecstatic to work on tour.

Me: thanks, i'll be back in town on friday night.

The interview pops out from my subconscious, interrupting every thought I had before. The worry floods right back, knowing that they'll be discussing details of the new addition to the team. I try to take my mind off of it and gaze at the glass display, where the lady is already finishing the packaging.

The box is set in front of me, the lady sliding it my way along with my card. I thank her and exit the bakery, feeling a light breeze outside. It's then I remember that I hadn't taken a car down to the bakery and would have to hold the box of bread. I consider going to the small mart for the picnic food, but end up taking the walk back to the house. I can always just go shopping for the food tomorrow with Cece anyways.

Later that night, I grab my phone to text Cecelia about the plans. She's usually free on Tuesdays and Sundays, benefit of the company she's employed at.

Me: you good to meet up tomorrow? i'm in town until friday.. we can spend some time together before i have to head back to LA.

She doesn't respond right away, which is understandable. Celia's most likely working hard right now, and I take it easy at home. I dive into my bed sheets, holding onto my phone and earbuds. I listen to one of my playlists, cuddled into the soft comforter.

After what had seemed like an eternity, a soft ding pulls me out of my half conscious state.

Celia: i'm free! you didn't tell me you'd be back in town?! see you at the old place?

The "old place" she's referring to is this one particular coffee shop. It's one of the places we'd visit most often when trying to stay awake while studying. I respond back, telling her that was perfect. We text back and forth to set the time, and I share the plans I'd thought we could go about. Agreeing on what to do, I pack a few things into a small handbag before setting my light camera on my desk to charge. Cecelia knows me well enough to be able to guess that a camera would be brought along. It's not a chunky DSLR, but instead it's a small shooter.

I get up to drag the sheer curtains across my window, and go into the bathroom to clean up. It's about 11:40 PM by the time I finish showering, drying my hair and brushing my teeth. Even though I had gone out to run the errands, I didn't put on any makeup or product besides a light coat of sunscreen. I finish my time in the restroom by applying moisturizer and flicking the light switch. My room has become quite a mess from lack of company in the apartment. I decide on ignoring it for now, hopping into my bed.

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a/n: happy two years to the album!!! it's holds a special place in my heart and will continue dwelling there. x