Chapter 1

Meadow

If anyone were to ask me how I would describe myself, I would say artistic. That was by far my favorite attribute. I recently just turned 20 and was slowly adjusting to adult life, especially so far from home. If anyone had told me I would get a good job in my dream city, I would have slapped them silly, but here I am, getting ready for my first day at work. I was excited, I could barely contain my joy, mainly because the salary would be phenomenal, and I would be able to save up enough money to do something I want with my life. I turn to see the photo of my parents and me on my bedroom dresser. The picture was taken when I was 10 years old; life was so much easier then. My dad passed away when I was 11, and my mum was diagnosed with cancer soon after. We had to reach out to different organizations for help, and thankfully, they were able to foot the bill. I don't know what we would have done if they hadn't helped us.  Buzz…Buzz…Buzz.

The noise snapped me out of thought.

''Hello!" My best friend shouted over the phone.

"Hey girl, no need to shout, I have perfectly good hearing," I laughed.

Katie had been my best friend since we were both in diapers. Our moms were best friends, which only makes it acceptable that she and I are. She was a lot to handle, but I loved her regardless.

"You weren't about to go to work on your first day without calling me, where you?' she asked, and I could swear I could feel her smile through the phone.

"Of course I wasn't, I was just about to call you before your call came in." I didn't like lying to Katie, but to save myself from her outburst, sometimes it was necessary.

"Hmmm…. Okay. I'll try to believe you. Anyway, are you nervous? Or excited? Or both? Do you need me to go with you? Hold your hand? Drive you there?" She drilled me with questions.

"Katie, slow down. You haven't even let me answer one question yet, "I said, laughing.

"Oh, sorry, love, I just want you to know you're amazing, smart, sexy, beautiful, and so much more, and I'm so proud of you for landing this job. Remember I'm always here for you," she said, trying to catch her breath.

"Thank you, Katie. I love you too. And yes, I am nervous, but I'm more excited, though. I really want this to work, and I really hope it does."

"You'll be fine, girl, trust me, and who knows, maybe you'll find someone special and fall…"

"Girl, please, I don't have time for love. I have dreams to chase. I have to go, or else I'll be late for my first day. Bye-bye. I'll call you as soon as I get back home."

"Byeeeeee"

I quickly get dressed, almost tripping over my bag, which I left on the floor. My apartment wasn't the neatest; my bra was on the couch, socks by the door, dirty dishes in the sink, and half of my clothes lay almost artistically on the floor of my bedroom.

In my defense, I had only just moved here a few weeks ago, got the job last week, and started prepping a few days ago. No human being could do all that and have a neat apartment.

"I'll spring clean when I get back," I say out loud, knowing fully well I won't. If it's any consolation, it's the middle of November, and spring cleaning is overrated.

Just before leaving the apartment, I take a slow, long look at myself in the full-body mirror hanging on the wall in my bedroom next to the dresser. "Damn girl, you look too good," I say to myself, giggling. Being a curvy girl was such a blessing. The white corset top I was wearing hugged my body perfectly, showing off my small waist and above-average boobs. The tight black corporate skirt that was just below my knee did justice to my hips and my round backside. My hair was in a messy high bun, leaving all the attention to my neck, where a single gold necklace shone beautifully in the morning sun. I added a gold bracelet and a gold ring to complement my outfit and paired them with short heels for convenience. I push up my glasses from the crook of my nose; they always fell a little when I spoke. "Sexy and confident yet cute and corporate, perfect."

The commute was about 25minutes from my apartment. My new job building was located in the busiest part of town, which meant noisy cars, over-crowded streets, and rich pricks who felt better than everyone else. "Well, it's too late to turn back now," I say as I walk to the entrance. Just as I am about to push the door open, someone grabs my arm and pushes me to the side. I'm thrown off balance, harshly crashing to the ground. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!" My voice is louder than I anticipated.

"This entrance is for me and me alone," A deep, throaty voice says, coming from a tall figure with green hooded eyes staring down at me in amusement.