Chapter 1
Arielle
I roll out of my bed, hitting my alarm clock. ‘Gosh, why would they make such terrible torture devices!’ I think to myself, rubbing my pounding head.
Last night was a blur, but I needed that. My best friend Katarine and I partied all night at the biggest club in the city. Why? We had just made our big move from Phoenix to New York City, barely any furniture or food, but you know we have to live it up!
“You are going to be late! Go, you know what time it is! Get up!” Kat barged into my room, yanking the cover off me. “Please, five more minutes,” I mumbled under my breath. “Fine, that’s your job, not mine!” she huffed and walked out of the room.
‘Finally, so quiet’ I thought to myself. It couldn’t possibly be that late; my alarm just rang, there’s no possible way I could be late on my first day. I roll over at 6:53 am, the clock reads. I scrambled off the bed, running to the bathroom. “Why didn’t you wake me up!” I yelled to Kat before shutting the door. “Your alarm went off 10 times already, I thought you were up!” she shot back. ‘I don’t have time for this, and it’s technically not her fault,’ I rolled my eyes, thinking to myself.
I have 45 minutes to be ready and out the door. I start my morning routine, which takes all of 15 minutes. No time for makeup, I’m so grateful to have a best friend who is also a lash tech. Then, I threw on my previously ironed clothes, because I knew I wouldn’t wake up in time to do a full morning routine. Finally rushing downstairs to leave, I was met by Kat again.
“Breakfast and lunch are on the table. I already packed it. Do you have everything you need?” Kat said, examining my outfit. “Yes, I have everything. If I’ve never told you before, you’re a lifesaver, I don’t know what I would do without you," I said, rushing out of the door.
As I walk through the streets, a familiar, intoxicating fragrance almost sweeps me off my feet, but I can’t stop and reminisce; I’m a woman on a mission. As a child, I was always underestimated, picked on, or even picked last, but not anymore. Arielle James is no longer the underdog, but now I am no longer the one picking and giving out orders!
Today is my first day at Moretti Co., as part of their corporate PR team. Moretti Co. is a designer brand ranging from fashion to home decor. I will not mess this up for myself, I can’t, I’ve worked too hard for this!
I felt chills as I walked up to the rotating doors of the building. A silver symbol with the letters ‘M.C.’ glints off the door panels.
‘It’s now or never,’ I think to myself as I make my way through the door.
