With You: A Modern Day Cinderella Story

Piper

I pull myself up as the alarm is ringing next to me. What day is it? Where am I? It slowly comes back to me as I look around my small, cramped apartment. I need to get up and get ready. I have to find a job today. The irritation I felt came rolling back to me in waves as I remember what my ex did. His actions forever changed my life. As I look around my cozy apartment, I laugh. He thinks he broke me but that couldn't be further from the truth.

I hop out of bed, grab some clothes and head straight for the kitchen. Coffee is all I need at this point. I can worry about all the other details later. I stroll into the kitchen, pull open the cabinet and plop my mug on the counter. As I start the coffee pot, I hear some shuffling in the hall. A few seconds later, Ang comes flying into the kitchen. The smell of coffee has apparently filled the apartment.

"Good morning gorgeous" she chirps

Lord help me, I am not a morning person. How is she so happy in the morning? Ang is my roommate. She was there for me in the roughest of times and my hero when she offered up her guest room to me when my ex blew up my whole world. Ang has an infectious giggle that warms the souls almost as much as this coffee I'm sipping.

"Good morning, Ang" I say while sliding her a cup.

She studies me for a minute before asking "What are your plans today?".

How about I drive my car through that asshole's living room? Is murder still illegal? Maybe I can fly him and his home wrecker out to the woods and set them on fire like they did my world? I can think of a couple of things that would make me feel better.

I'm pulled back from my thoughts when Ang asked, "What are you smirking about?". I offer her a smile. "I need to head downtown to apply for some jobs" I say.

My savings are almost depleted, and I've moped enough around this apartment. It's time to pick up the pieces and learn to walk again. I drop my mug in the sink and turn to head back to my room. Ang scurries up to me and takes my hands in hers.

"You know I am always here for you, right?" She whispers.

A smile tugs at my lips as I throw open my arms to offer her a hug. "I know" I reply.

Ang has been my rock since high school and even now into adulthood. I sometimes feel like I rely heavily on her. I really had no idea my world would implode like this. But when it did, she was right there to pull me out of the trenches of hell.

"I heard that one of the firms downtown is looking for a marketing associate. I know one of the directors. I could put you in touch" Ang offers. And here I go again sucking on the perpetual teat of friendship.

"That would be amazing Ang. Thank you so much!" I reply before turning to head to the room.

"I'll text you the details" she yells after me as I blow a kiss over my shoulder to her.

~

I kick on the shower and while the water is warming I take the time to reflect in the mirror.

What am I doing?

How am I going to make it?

Can I survive without him?

Do I even want too?

My life has done a 180 in the last month. I went from perfect relationship to single and never want to mingle. Tristan was the one. The one I wanted my forever with. Or so I thought.

I'm pulled from thoughts as my phone vibrates reminding me that my tasks at hand for the day are still waiting. Ang seems to have secured me an interview for one today.

I strip down and step under the hot water. As the water pelts me, I try focus on the things I want to achieve today. After my personal pep talk, I have to say I'm feeling invincible today. It's like the water is metaphorically washing away my past and a new me will rise again. I wash my hair and body while contemplating if I'll ever have another reason to shave my legs for again.

I turn the water off and step out. The cold air hits me and I'm reminded of how long it's been since someone has made me shiver like the frigid air surrounding me. I'm a hopeless romantic and still holding out for that prince charming to sweep me off my feet. I want that shiver….

I need to get laid.

I dry off and head to my room to get dressed for the day. As I stand in my doorway to the closet, I have the same thought every girl has. "I have nothing to wear". I comb through my closet and after what feels like an eternity, I look around my room and chuckle. It looks like a tornado went through my room.

I finally settle on an outfit. A black pencil skirt with a cream-colored silk blouse and my cheetah Louboutin's. My dark, raven colored hair is perfectly polished, my makeup is artfully applied, and this outfit is smoking hot. I haven't felt this good about myself in ages. I turn to admire myself as a smirk graces my pink pouty lips.

Fuck Tristan.

This is my new mantra.