Chapter 4

Building from Nothing

Waiting was a mistake. I should have gone to do something, gone to keep myself busy enough to not think. Thinking isn’t really helping me right now it is what you need to do though. I was never good at waiting in the first place, always had to be doing something scheming something, raising the bar of accomplishments to show the world what I was capable of and how much better you thought you were. I need to get back into doing, anything is better than being left thinking like now.

Getting comfortable on school flooring is never an easy task, with a mind full of ideas and plans to enact push it out of my head or at least to the side to surprise you with later.

First, take stock of the raw materials the art and woodworking department has access to so I can make sure there won’t be any shortages of materials for the stage and props. Paint and ply will be a big thing for most groups but some may be looking at fabric or rope as well so keeping a clean inventory will cut down on potential problems massively.

Second, check with Luna or Celestia details like budget, team sizes, brackets, venue, allowable material, rules etc. Getting a baseline over what I need to keep an eye on and where I need to step in or help out will keep things smoothish.

Third, long shot but see if any of the student body would be willing to help out with stage crew work. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Thank you brain very helpful.

Small notes so far but at least this will keep me organised for a while. Add the work I might be getting if Lunas friend is willing to put me on that’ll get both the days and evenings sorted for a good long while. Won’t stop me chipping in everytime you fuck up though.

The stuttering buzz of the stationery office light coming to life pulled me out of my own head long enough to find my bearings. It might only be small steps, but I have a plan, and once Sunset Shimmer has a plan the world can get the fuck outta my way cause I’ll be damned if I let this chance get away.

Especially since the last chance fucked you raw from hope and promise. Lovely image there, thank you.

New books, bags and pens in hand, I feel like the bad mood from earlier was starting to lift. Making my way towards the art department, I actually felt a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. If that’s a smile then I would recommend not doing it in front of children, they at least are innocent… mostly. I’ll cop that one, not gonna stop myself that easily though Bitch I’m just getting warmed up. Oh gods my mind is turning into a C rate villain.

Gotta focus though, plenty to do now and the more I throw myself into this, the less I’ll think about everything else. The arts department storeroom has never been known to be the most organised place, quite the opposite most would agree. Stepping into the smell of paint and lacquer, the sight of piles of ply and pine, and the feeling of hours and hours of cataloguing, cross referencing and spread sheeting fills me with a cross of satisfaction and complete and utter dread for how my hair is going to look at the end of it all, as well as my hygiene from how I’ll smell after this much labour good thing your reputation already tanked then.

Plugging my phone into charge and setting a 15 minute alarm before first class starts I start to clear a small section of the floor to move everything over a bit at a time. Ply and larger items first since they’ll be easier to make space for originally and also more important to budget for as a starting point. Sheets start to move, notes start to accumulate and the empty pile I started with fills up quickly. My arms start to burn a little and my fingers go a little stiff from the constant writing but I love it. I always felt better taking the lead in a project, even one meant as a punishment it seems.

I’m really picking up steam when the alarm I hear the cacophonous racket of my phone alarm echo in the empty space where it sits. Walking over and flicking off the alarm I can hear the sounds of other people milling about in the background. “Holy shit I was in zone there.” Sweaty and dishevelled I feel great, packing the notes up and putting them into my bag I double check that I’ve marked the area off so that teachers won’t grab supplies from this pile.

Kicking the door closed, My face meets it a second later with the intimacy of an abusive spouse. Arm locked behind me, I feel blood running over my lips. This is why you shouldn’t start feeling happy. The universe has to work to correct that kind of shit real quick. If my short term memory works after blunt force trauma and potential concussion I’ll make sure to remember that one.

“The fuck do you think you’re doing in there bitch?” ooooooh, fuck me. “Messing with our art supplies, already seen the front entrance. Blowing it up the first time wasn’t enough, so you do that then come right back here to setup preparing for the next big scheme. Think I’d fucking let you do that?” paranoia much?

“Didn’t do anything to the front Rainbow, Both Celestia and Luna can vouch for me there, I’m here cause Luna changed my punishment.” now please let go of my arm, I really don’t think it’s supposed to twist that way.

“Bullshit” or put more pressure OK, owowowow. “I’m not letting you do anything else to Fluttershy after the last time. She needs that ply in there for one of her whatsies at the animal shelter. You are going to open that door so I can see what you’ve done before you get the chance to run.” Oh goodie, late as well as bleeding. Didn’t think that was due till next week.

“Fucking whatever.” good mood gone, patience out the window, white top most likely conspicuously covered in red stains now. “I’ll open the door, you’ll see nothing has changed other than me making a pile to confirm what’s here and what isn’t, you’ll yell and probably insult me more and then we can both get on with our fucking day. Happy?” wait for snarky response.

“Unless you disappear somewhere in that situation, no.” There it is, at least I have my arm back. “C’mon then bitch open up the door.” no need to tell me twice, sooner we’re done, the sooner I can leave your paranoid cunt arse behind.

As soon as the door opens I almost lose my footing catching a kick to the small of my back, admittedly though it does get me into the room quickly. Rainbow bitch follows quick enough to see my less than graceful recovery.

“So where is it?” She has nothing on Luna for the scary glare

“Right here, that’s the pile I made for what I’ve been able to check off and mark numbers for.”

“No! Where is the stuff you’re hiding, the shit not out in the open” how big do you think this room is dumbass?

“The flesh eating bacteria is hidden in with the paint, the sharks with lasers have been trained as ninja so I dunno where they’re hiding, and the nuclear warheads got delayed by customs but should be here next week hopefully.” hope I got the sarcasm through, never know with Rainbow.

A low growl, thumping footsteps and the feeling of my solar plexus curl into itself from her rebuttal. I think she got the sarcasm. “Fuck you bitch. Don’t think you can hide for long, I’ll be watching and just waiting for you to fuck up again. *Pfft*” Between attempts at getting air to make the trip into my lungs I feel her liquid hate hit me square in the back of my head. I can’t even raise my head from the ground when I feel a solid impact hit right under where I’m clutching my midsection. My stomach turns and everything Luna gave me this morning makes the return trip to the carpet along with my own contribution of bile. The door closes as I struggle to keep my face from falling into my own vomit. Those eggs don’t taste as good the second time do they.

My stomach stops churning, the pain fades slightly, the smell continues to burn. I push myself back onto my feet though. Sifting through the piles of rags I pick out a small strip to clean up my mess You’ve yet to succeed in cleaning up a single mess you’ve made so far, small steps though since this one’s easy.

Chunks of eggs and pieces of bread are easy enough to clean, getting the smell out isn’t possible but cracking open the door is the best I can do there. The soiled rag goes as I start back towards class, detention is a sure thing after how long I spent just trying to get myself back on my feet. My appearance isn’t going to help in that regard either, nothing to be done but face it though.

Making my through the hall, there isn’t any sound. The lack of students, lack of teachers, lack of life around me. I hate it, I hate that whenever I get close though it hurts even more. The quiet turns to static and the walls bleed away as I just keep moving forward, forward, forward. Always gotta keep moving forward. I can’t though, my feet can’t keep moving and the static is getting louder.

“---set, look at me!” Oh that’s why. “What happened to you? Why’s there blood? Look at me Sunset!” I don’t want to look though, I’m late for class and I don’t want to think about it anymore. Just need to keep pushing forward. The pressure get tighter and wraps around my arms. “Just stop. Come on. into my office now.” That’s not the way to class though, it is moving forward, maybe a compromise is good enough.

Moving forward again, the walls start to come back into focus, the light dies down and the static ends until I can see and hear Luna walking me into her office Didn’t take long to end up back in here did it. Almost a mirror repetition of this morning, only with me having a bloody nose, spit in my hair, and the taste of bile in my mouth.

“Okay Sunset, please tell me what happened.” Not the serious face but a worried one, I can’t drag her into this though.

“Had a disagreement with someone, as far as a report has to go though, I tripped in the dark and couldn’t catch myself before I hit the door, Got dizzy after I fell and lost my breakfast after that.” Oh if looks could kill I think you’d be making her a murderer.

“As far as the report is concerned you’ll be telling me who you had a ‘disagreement’ with and they’ll be enjoying a suspension for assaulting a student” please don’t make this worse. The already hate me enough and I can deal with it until it all blows over. Can’t have people thinking you’re on my side since they’ll just make you a target at that point as well.

“I can’t.”

“You mean you won't.”

“Same thing in this instance.”

“No it’s not, you’re protecting the person that attacked you on school grounds. This falls under me and I won’t have anyone getting away with that kind of behaviour.”

“I’m not protecting them, that much I swear. I’m sorry but I can’t tell you who it was.”

Look at how disappointed and angry she is at you, congrats you did it. Take a deep breathe Shimmer and make this convincing. “It was a small disagreement where we both got narky with each other, a suspension isn’t necessary and this kind of thing shouldn’t happen again.”

“That is my decision to make” Failed spectacularly in the convincing “I am not asking miss Shimmer, am I expressing a demand for you to give me the name of the student that committed assault on school grounds.” Tell her to go fuck herself. Why? Cause I’ll find it funny. “I am not allowing you out of this room until I know what happened Sunset.” Good thing these chairs are comfortable then.

Okay, let’s try a little more truth while avoiding a name that might go over a little better. “I was in the storeroom making an inventory of what’s in there that could be useful later on when those events take place, when I was locking up someone came up and thought I was up to something, had me open the door and look around. I made a few sarcastic jabs, they didn’t appreciate my sense of humour and there was an altercation where I didn’t come out on top.” No lies, no misinformation, downplaying a little bit but still.

“Still missing a name Sunset.” dammit. Strike two.

I can’t. I can’t have her become a target. She can’t punish a student for something that happened to me. How can I get her to back down? howhowhOwHoWhowhow! I don’t know what to do. She’s still staring at you, disappointed in you. Judging you. Stop it! Stop making me go back to putting others in bad positions for my own benefit. Stop making me use you!

“Sunset! Calm down, I’m not going to get you in trouble-”

“I don’t care about me! I care about what’ll happen to you! Every student out there hates me, if they think you’re on my side by punishing someone for doing something to me they’ll turn on you.”

Well good news the anger is gone, don’t think we’ve seen dumbstruck Luna though. Shut up. No, I think I’m quite content pointing out your most recent fuck up.

I don’t like how it’s gone quiet. I want to look up and apologise, for snapping at her, for spitting on her authority, for making her job harder, for existing as nothing but a burden and strain. I just, I can’t see another person that had hopes for me look at me with disappointment and anger. I finally found someone willing to trust me again, don’t make me lose that so soon after gaining it again.

“...Well then, that is a little different to what I was expecting.” Must not have expected much. “As nice as it is that you worry about my reputation among the students, that is my concern and one that is generally irrelevant, my job is to enforce the rules and keep order. If the students don’t like the fact that I do this even to students they dislike then that is their problem.” I don’t want that to become a problem in the first place though, I just want to fade into the background and let everything keep moving on. “So in the interest of a compromise what will happen is this.” By the smile on her face this is going to be fun. “I will be calling an emergency assembly to make note of the schools rules in relation to attacking other students and the heavy punishments they incur.” That’ll piss off everyone, wonder who they’re going to blame for that? Oh, fuck me. “I will also be stressing that failure to identify those that break these rules in a misguided attempt at camaraderie will also face punishment that may be severe enough to lead to suspension.” Ha! Sneaky bitch. She should not be smiling, Celestia warned me that there would not be any further warnings, that the next breach would be a foot to the arse on my way out the door. “Lucky for you this rule is coming into effect after the fact, so whilst I am going to sign a slip excusing you from classes for the next few days, it will not be through means of suspension.” Oh thank fuck for that, Luna I could kiss you.

“Won’t some of the other teachers be unhappy with that little factoid when it comes up?” Why the fuck did I just say that!Cause you’re an idiot. Duh.

“Good thing I am the one responsible for determining punishments, if the other teachers don’t like it. Tough.” Now I remember why she’s my favourite, bitch always took shit from no one.

“So then what am I supposed to do for the next week?”

“Well I recommend taking a shower to clean yourself up a bit, PE locker rooms do not have a class at the moment so feel free.” You do smell like shame and spit after how badly you let Rainbow kick your ass. “Then I would head into the mall with your exemption pass to get some new clothing and speak to Swift before they get the lunch rush done.” ...that does sound like it would be the best use of my time taking half a second to consider it. Or in your case being told since you aren’t smart enough to consider that option.

Considerations aside this is still going to cause waves, I’ll need to make sure that no one sees me inside school hours that can report back that it isn’t as though I’m not being punished. Luna might not see it as a problem worth considering but after how far she’s going to help me out. Undeservedly. I’m going to go out of my way to ensure it doesn’t come back to her at all, I’ll pay her back, ensure all these upcoming events run smoothly as possible and be a goddamn motherfucking model student. She says whilst cursing and refusing to name a troublemaker that assaulted a student (who totally deserved that ass-kicking). Fuck off brain I’m motivating myself to being better. Give it five minutes and we’ll see you fail like always.

Mental pessimism aside, Luna gave me that little golden ticket of freedom leading me to a beeline for the showers. They ain’t fancy, barely warm and pressure is better in most garden taps but it did clean me up a bit. At least until the shirt goes on, bleh. Back to being semi-presentable left the decision for best school exit to use for getting to the mall. Front entrance would be idiotic since I’d be in full view of half the school classrooms, back entrance is where most truants use so equally bad idea. The sports pitch would be decent since there isn’t a PE class at the moment and it’s more of a walk to get anywhere so the teachers don’t keep an eye out as much, at least usually.

“Obvious decision is obvious. Time to get out there and get everything back on track… again.” Talking to yourself is the first sign of mental illness. Yes, but verbal motivation is generally more successful than internal, also you are a mental illness so go fuck yourself.

Knowing that there was no PE class was a double blessing since on top of getting the chance to clean off blood and whoever Dash sucked off that morning, it meant that the fields were completely empty. Makes it easy to walk out at least, pain that I gotta double back to get to where I’m going. You could always try and walk out the front entrance like a badass with a swagger. I could also continue to ignore you and get to where I’m going.

The streets are pretty empty considering it’s only just after 9:30, I mean yea rush hour is over but you’d think there would still be a few cars on the road. No complaining about good luck though, that normally invokes Murphy to full effect. Plus it means I can enjoy a quiet walk get my head space right for what I’m going to get to wear and how I’m going to present myself in front of Lunas friend. The friend that may have heard of what I did, as well as how I was manipulative, and a liar, and… oh fuck me. It’s amusing how you only just thought about this now.

“Ok, ok. Ok. Right, she may also not know. Luna wouldn’t recommend me now without telling her I’m worth hiring, she wouldn’t set me up to fail.” Unless she wants to see you suffer a little as recompense for all the shit you did. “Nope, nope. NOPE, nopenopenopenope. Even if she did, I just have to show that I’m still worth a chance. Spend a little more on one outfit to show how serious I’m taking this and cop everything she has to say on the chin and stay calm and certain. This will all work out, you’ve got this.” This is going to be fun.

Got to speed things up a bit here now since I need to really focus on getting everything right, I was just going to pop into the bargain bin for everything except my underwear but now, now I need to find something that’ll cost more than spare change. Just means I’ll be pissing off Rarity by wearing the same things multiple times a week, small sacrifices though. Plus the fact she couldn’t think any less of you.

Making my way through the lower floors of the complex until I reach a directory I considered my options. Don’t have enough for the big guns, they’d make me look overachieving anyway. Don’t want anything low in quality since I want to be able to use it again at some point. No jeans and shirt combo since that just screams ‘I don’t want to look serious about this’. Skirt and blouse combo may be the best bet for me.

“Target it is” might as well see if they’ve got any specials going and grab everything at once. Might be able to not put myself in more debt than necessary. Doubling check where I’m going, and away we go. The mall has a few parents with young kids and elderly tottering about but the lack of younger generations makes me feel like I’m sticking out like a vegan at thanksgiving dinner. Doesn’t mean much though since I’m technically not skipping with Lunas pass, it’s just the thought of trouble at this point wearing me down.

Slipping into the store, grabbing a basket since clothing is awkward enough without having to try and keep it all contained. Especially with the sizes you have to look at. Looking over the floor I see mannequins wearing skinny jeans and skirts, “Unless they’ve become much more aggressive in expanding target markets I think we’re good to go.”

Casual, casual, pajama pants, yoga, trashy teen, belts masquerading as skirts, bras identifying as shirts, handkerchief with strings, ah business attire here we go. Crap, crap, horrible colour, oh this one looks nnn-not with that price, eh, hello there.

Half price, black business casual with white accents and zip up pockets. Bingo baby we’ve got ourselves something to work with. Might be a little tight and even miracles can’t make you look worth anything. Nope this thing was made for me and fuck you for even putting a thought otherwise, gunna find a few other pieces and maybe some pajamas, then I’m walking out of here in style.

Catching myself humming a commercial jingle as I’m checking out knocks my thoughts out as I dump the notes through the self serve checkout. Only twenty five dollars left after the great clothing splurge, should be plenty for a toothbrush and other necessities. Big thing now is changing into my serious business and getting over to Swift’s shop ASAP.

Checking the store map again and find myself in for a big benefit, the shop isn’t located in the food court, it’s on the other side closer to the more mundane home ware stores and the like. Might be trying to keep the younger crowd out by putting it where the more adult generations tend to need to go, again not going to take a bit of luck for granted. You need all you can get since you’ve got nothing else going for you.

Hurrying out that direction and checking my phone to confirm the time, I’ve only wasted half an hour getting clothing sorted. Benefits of not being picky I suppose. The shops are starting to get a few more people walking in and out but still plenty empty enough to not be any kind of busy, I speed up a bit to swing into the bathroom to get dressed before that changes.

First step in here and I’m regretting this decision, either the last occupant had a three course Taco Bell breakfast or the cleaning staff suck at their jobs. Seeing the state of the cubicles I’m heavily leaning towards the latter. Women sit on the fucking seat, how the fuck did this bitch spread it all over the seat?! Nope no time to consider this shit just change quickly then get out before I puke. Good thing I had deodorant in my locker.

Urgh, I didn’t even touch anything yet I still feel dirty after that, I wonder how bad the toilets near the main food thoroughfare are if this is the quiet one. Actually, no. Fuck it, focus on the big thing. Swift is right around the corner and we’re making a good first impression. Beyond the bad one Luna has probably already given her. Shut it you.

The shop itself looks really plain. Can actually see why Luna likes it, she never seems to be one for pomp and splendour. Add the fact they seem to use low lighting it more than likely is one of the few places she doesn’t need shades without it being one of those romantic mood lighting joints. Interesting, wonder if those thoughts are getting you employed faster. “...” ok fuck you for being right but thank you for pointing out that I’m standing and staring at a restaurant. First step is always the hardest so let’s rip that band aid off now shall we. You control your own feet dumbass, I’m just looking forward to seeing you fail again, so get to it.

No bell, chime, or other notice of entry goes off when I open up the door but I still hear a clear voice ring out as soon as I make it three steps. “Sorry we’re not open for another half an hour.” I don’t wanna do this anymore, just walk out and pretend it never happened. I can just apply for the grocery store instead. Without reference or any legal documentation other than Lunas school records. Good to see you are willing to fail without any attempt, just like I knew you would. Goddamn it

“Um… Sorry I’m not here for the food. I-My name is Sunset, I think Luna said she was going to let you know I was coming?” Yay, my voice only kinda shook a bit there, so fuck you brain I was able to say it. Goodie for you, one question though. Why hasn’t she answered back? Oh shit, she did have a bad impression before meeting. “I-I know I’m here a bit early, I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t a-annoying you through lunch or dinner rush. I’m r-really sorry if I have.”

The swing door to the kitchen slams open and I feel myself jump, I meet eyes with a woman as tall as I am. Her eyes slam into mine and I instinctively try to shrink a little further back. “Stay where you are! If you’re looking for a job last thing you should be doing is backing away from the person deciding if your worth their time little girl.” oh yea, definitely not starting with a good impression. Gotta push forward and try though, so Shimmer, square your back, offer a hand, and speak with a little more confidence. So lie out your arse, you’ve been doing that for long enough that it should be easy.

“Sorry about that, you took me by surprise coming out, My name’s Sunset. It’s nice to meet you.” and cue hand and smile and we have made a successful introduction without cowering and pissing ourselves. As though it’s something to be proud of.

Her eyes keep at mine and she makes no motion to accept my hand. “Uh-huh, got that when Luna called me last night. So you’re the little shit that’s trying to make good after making her life hell? I’ll admit you do have a spine to come in and ask anyone close to Luna favours after what you did. No brains, but a spine at least.”

This is better than I hoped. I like her. Of course you do.

Alright, with how forward she is no matter of talk around is going to do anything but piss her off. So straight up and as honest as I can be. Worked to get me here from Luna before “I am, Luna and I spoke last night after an incident at school. I know anything she’s told you isn’t painting me in the best light and I’m not going to make excuses for that.” Her eyes softened a little bit so I’m taking that as a good start. “Luna lent me some money to get myself sorted, I need a job to get her paid back with interest ASAP. She gave me your name and I’m not going to let an opportunity to start making good on that promise slip me by. No matter how much I have to work to prove myself worth that chance.”

Ham it up more you melodramatic bitch. Fuck off for ten goddamn seconds so I can try and do something right. HA! You’d need longer than that to ever get something done right.

I keep my back straight and eyes locked with Swift, she doesn’t say anything or budge. I feel myself start to get nervous and want to shift but lock my legs until my calves cramp. “Fine, sit down over there.” She points to a table in the corner away from the main windows. “I’ll be back in a few moments and we’ll have a good and proper discussion. No promises. But I will give you a fair chance to make a case to me.” Oh thank the gods, it’s more than I expected at least. Bah. Still plenty of things you’ll say to ruin it. Just look at your track record so far. Different me, different results. This time will be better.

Swift lives up to her name swinging back through the doors shortly after I get myself settled. She’s got a few food trays, glasses, menus, and a notebook with pens. “Alright then kiddo, did Luna tell you anything about me before she sent you my way?”

“Only that you and your partner run this place and that it’s a Sushi restaurant.” At least I hope so, since it’s all I can remember.

“Hm, good on her I guess.” She’s glaring at me again, I swear her and Luna taught each other for how effective they are at it. “She and I have been friends for a long time, she comes here often enough to catch up and unwind with a friend. I trust her implicitly, but I also know she can be a kind hearted fool for anyone she sees as a student with a sob story, been used and abused a few times being to nice to rotten kids down on their luck.” Oh fuck me, I can already see what’s going to happen here. Is my life a fucking walking cliché. I feel my head drop. “Oi! Eyes up and look at me girly.”

Why bother. Exactly, why bother. Urgh. No! I won’t let you win this! Eyes back and show her how serious we are. Make it clear. We. Are not. Going to use her trust against her. “Luna placed her trust in me when no-one else would. I’m not going to waste that. I won’t let myself sit down and have the one person in my life right now think that I’m anything but what they expect of me and better.” My hands hit the table before I consider what I’m doing, I’m not thinking right now, I just can’t lose this because of idiots in her past. “Yes I’ve been fucked over in the past, and yes I’ve treated others like shit in turn. I’m not hiding that fact, I’m not saying it’s an excuse, and I’m not expecting you to trust me. Not right away at least, If after our talk you still feel you can’t trust me then that’s something I’ll live with as deserving of what I did. I will get a job though! I will pay Luna back and I’ll make up for what was done from me in the past. Not just her but everyone. I’m trying to focus on who I am now, I hope you’ll give me that chance at least.” My breath is coming out in short bursts from how I’ve riled myself up and I almost feel like I’m glaring at Swift, her look has softened quite a bit though.

She picks up three of the trays and tosses it at me. “Well then, let’s see if you’re worth anything then. Two trays between the hands and one in the crook of your arm, keep them straight and we’ll pop some plastic glasses on to see if you can walk without dropping them.” Considering how much I had to work to get walking in general sorted when I got here originally I’m confident in my ability to walk and keep balanced. “Manage that we’ll rattle off some orders and make sure you can keep it accurate.” Even easier considering the thaumatic equations I still have memorised. “Manage these two things and I’ll give you that one chance, mess it up and your out. Deal?”

I get the trays settled and stand up. “Just you watch, I’ll show you just why Luna gave me a chance, I’ll be the best employee you could hope for. I swear it.” The walk is easy, the orders are even easier still. By the end she has a small smile on her face.

“Okay so you’re not completely useless, pretty good memory at least which I can appreciate.” Yes! “So one big question remains.” Fuck! The smile drops quick and the glare returns “Why are you here now instead of in school?” Oh. duh, of course that’d raise trust questions with a student being here at this hour. Should have maybe asked Luna to call ahead to avoid this issue.

Fishing out the pass, I hand it over to her. “Luna gave this to me, she wanted to give me a few days to get everything sorted out after what happened. I thought this was my highest priority.” Because you’re an idiot.

Shaking the pass in front of her face lazily Swifts smile returned. “Alright then gir-Sunset. When do you want to start. Keep in mind, we may not be the busiest place here but I have high standards that I offer every person coming through those doors and I expect you to be able to keep up with them.”

No hesitating here. “You have a spare uniform out the back?”

“Get ready to work, I promise you’re going home sore tonight. Doors open in half an hour, which means we’re ready in twenty minutes, I’ll get your bank details tomorrow.”

I get up to follow her out the back, excited to start. This is the first major step, just watch it’s only going to get better from here. Keep those dreams in mind, I’ll be here to remind you when they fall to pieces.

Author's Note

This took a bit longer than I wanted, life can be a real bitch to your free time sometimes.

Already started on the next chapter so fingers crossed it won't be held up like this one was.