Blind // H.S.

four

My first week at Columbia has been more than I could have ever imagined. I seriously catch myself wondering if I'm going to wake up one day and be back home in North Carolina, and realize it's all been a dream. I'm so glad that's not happened yet, and I hope it never does.

I get to live in the city that never sleeps, work with some of the best in the industry, and put my hard earned education to use. I seriously could not be more grateful to be where I am right now. I never want this to end.

I've been able to work in several of the departments already, but artist relations is by far my favorite.

I mean, obviously the interaction with Harry was a highlight but I have had the opportunity to sit in on meetings with some other artists too. On Wednesday, I sat in on a record discussion with Dove Cameron and her team which was insane. I literally grew up watching her on Disney Channel. On Friday I got Adele a coffee, talk about the biggest flex of my life. (Her coffee order was an iced chai latte in case you were wondering)

Today is Sunday, and per usual, I use this as a self care day. Do things I want to do. No work, no stress, just me time. I get up around 9 am and lay in bed for a while, catching up on social media and occupying myself with the black hole that is TikTok. I swore I'd never download this stupid app but my best friend from college, Abigail, kept sending them to me and I finally caved to see what all the hype was about. Biggest mistake of my life because now I average a good 3 hours a day on the app.

After scrolling for around an hour I decide to rise from the warmth of my bed and head to the kitchen for some breakfast. I open the fridge and its bare with the exception of some whipped cream and a bottle of ranch.

'Crap' I think. With how busy this week has been I haven't had time to restock yet. And since a whipped cream and ranch combo won't suffice for breakfast, I decide to head to my favorite coffee shop on the corner of my street.

I change from my pj's to a vintage Pink Floyd t-shirt, my favorite black biker shorts, and throw on my oversized denim jacket. I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth and splash some water on my face. I slip on my vans and grab my wallet, keys, and my copy of Love is a Mixtape (my favorite book of all time) and make my way down the stairs to the lobby.

"Good morning to the best doorman in all the world" I say as I run up to Greg's desk with the biggest smile on my face. "Good morning to my favorite resident in all of the building, but don't tell anyone I said so" he says with a grin.

"I'm headed down the street for breakfast, can I get you anything this fine morning?" I ask him.

"You're kind to ask Charlie, I'm okay though. The wife made me some bacon and eggs before I left home and I'm still stuffed" he says. He always beams when he talks about his wife, and I find it so endearing. I hope one day I find someone who makes me beam the same way Greg does when he talks about her.

I give him a nod and a 'see ya later' and head on my way. I round the corner to the left and make my way into the quiet coffee shop. It's been my favorite find since moving to the city. It's unique in style, quiet which makes it a great place to work in a city that is constantly booming, and most importantly has the best cup of coffee I've ever tasted.

I make my way to the counter and am greeted by a friendly barista. "Can I do an iced coffee with almond milk please? And a muffin too" I ask. She smiles and says "Coming right up, I'll bring it right out to you. Feel free to have a seat" I smile and nod and make my way to my favorite little corner booth.

I sit down and open my book and my focus shifts to the words that line the pages. I'm a creature of habit, so I like familiar things. This book is familiar to me, as it should be after the 30th time I've read through it. I get so lost in the pages I hardly realize my coffee and muffin have made it to my table. I take a bite of the warm sugary pastry and wash it down with a cool sip of bitter coffee. I shift my eyes back to the story for only a few moments before I'm interrupted by a deep and familiar voice. "That's a great book, one of my favorites," he says.

My eyes shoot up to meet the gaze of a certain recording artist I had met the week before. "Mine too," I say shyly. "I'm impressed, not many people know what it even is."

"It's a hidden gem, and I kind of like it that way. It's kinda like the people who know and the people who read it are in this special club. The elite few" he says with a smirk on his face.

I let out a soft giggle and shake my head, "Well that's true, I guess? I've never thought about it that way"

"May I sit, Charlie?" he asks as he begins to pull out the chair opposite me. I nod and set down my book. I grab for my coffee and take another long sip as he is settling in.

"Do you come here often? I thought this place was my hidden gem in the city" he asks me.

"Yes, I mean kind of. I've been here a bunch of times since I moved here. I've only been in the city for around 3 weeks though and my apartment is right up the street. It's convenient and the coffee is to die for" I reply.

He smiles and takes a sip of his coffee. It seems to just be straight black which is something I could never do. It takes a special kind of person to be able to tolerate and appreciate a straight black, plain cup of coffee.

Miles always took his coffee black.

"Only three weeks, huh? You moved all this way just for an internship?" he questions me.

"Yeah kind of. It was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up. It's been my dream for like ever to work in the music industry. When I saw Columbia was looking for interns I applied right away. Plus I wanted out of my hometown." He looks deep into my eyes as I respond to his questions. You can tell he's really listening to what you have to say and genuinely cares about what you're talking about. It's refreshing to feel like your voice is heard and appreciated.

"And where is home for you, Charlie?"

"North Carolina. Teenie tiny town you've never heard of. It's actually pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Small town, small mindsets and I wanted no part in that," I say. It comes off a little more aggressive and brash that initially intended, but he nods and we continue on in our conversation.

"My hometown is small as well, so I understand. Sometimes you want out, you want more. Not that home is a bad thing, but sometimes you need room to grow," he says, wisdom well beyond his years I can already tell. He's cut off with the sudden ring of his cell phone and he reaches to pull it out of his pocket.

He answers quickly and sternly to the person on the other end of the phone, call lasting no more than 30 seconds.

"As much as I would love to sit and chat with you here all day, my services are being requested at the studio," he says as he gets up from the table.

"Of course," I reply "duty calls."

"Not to be too blunt but I am fascinated by you Charlie," he says. His words catch me completely off guard and I am left feeling genuinely speechless.

"I- uh, thank you" I say, completely fumbling over my words. He flashes a smile to me and says "Could I possibly get your number?"

"Um, yes. I would really like that." I reply. He extends his arm out, passing his phone to me to save my contact.

"It was lovely to see you today, Charlie. I'll talk to you soon." he smiles and turns to make his way out of the quiet little coffee shop on 6th street.