A TWENTY SOMETHING by Caelum Cayden

Look out the window and soaking in all the beauty felt like such a surreal experience. It feels like a dream come true. Even when I am here, in the great city of New York I jut cannot believe it. Coming from a different world nation, a different country, being raised with totally different sets of values and ethics than my peers really make things weariedly exciting. Coming here wasn't hard, neither was leaving my mom and sister behind: I always knew I was gonna do it anyways. What was difficult though was knowing I would never get to see my hometown, my family for a long long time again.

I will not be able to visit the beautiful streets, not

be able to get shit drunk and throw up and just not get out of it. Huh oh sweet sweet memories! Thinking about what a comfort home is, really makes me nostalgic about leaving home but what choice did I have? It was either my career or my family and my comfort space: I being the stubborn ass that I am, choose the second and possibly the hardest option was. But now what good it is to think about now? I am thousand of kilometers: oh shit sorry! miles: miles from home and now this is what my life is.

"What utter bullshit!" Remy exclaimed.

"What is?" I asked, facing her.

"This!" she replied, shoving her phone in my face.

Remy has always been a big critic and the first person to call out other's on their bullshit, but this time I don't blame her for that reaction, because what I saw made me burst out into laughter too. "Locals claim they say a giant dog or wolf of some sort running through Time Square at three in the morning. Some believe that it was a Werewolf of some sort. Some people say that due to yesterday being a new moon night, werewolves were unleashed. According to an urban legend, many believe or at least say, there are creatures of the dark larking among us. Living with us as equals but beware as they have been sent by the devil himself and will be mankind's doom."

"The actual fuck?" I laughed as I tossed the phone back into Remy's hand. I was never someone to believe on such nonsense. I don't think something like werewolves or vampires or fairies existed. But apart of me do want to believe in wizards because if they were true then someday I might get to go Hogwards and let got of this stupid, miserable, muggle life.

"So are you excited?" Remy asked. Her eyes shinning and her smile wide. For a second there she reminded me of a ghost or something creepy from a horror movie.

"Yeah I am" I replied, smiling back.

"I can't even believe I got the job let alone an interview" I added, shifting my gaze from her to the beauty outside.

"Come on Ani! You deserved it!" she replied, playfully punching my arm.

"I am skeptical about it" I smiled.

"Why? You are really good at what you do! You were the only female chef in a kitchen full of sixteen guys. If you could handle that, then this will be a cakewalk" she said, winking.

"Remy it was different!" I snapped.

"How?" she calmly asked.

"Because..." I paused, took a deep breath and started, "Because it wasn't such a big deal! This is Chef Christopher Edwards we are talking about! He is the youngest chef in the history to own fourteen Michelin Star restaurant, that's a big deal. After Chef Ramsey it's him"

"So? None of what you said gives me a reason to doubt your capabilities. You are a good chef and a very hardworking person, trust yourself. And trust me when I say this, Chef Edwards saw something in you, his team saw in you and that's the only reason you are the new Sous Chef" she said, rubbing my arm comfortingly.

"Speaking of that, why does he head the kitchen? I mean most of the big chefs owing a big restaurant are not directly involved in operations" I asked.

"Honestly I don't now and I never asked. Besides I don't see him very often" she replied.

"He's not with his crew?" I raised an eyebrow.

"His kitchen crew yes. Not the rest. We usually get briefed and de-briefed by the general manager" she said.

"Well, as you being the Bar Manager, can I expect free drinks?" I playfully asked.

"Girl hell no!" she snapped her fingers.

"Why?!" I exclaimed.

"Let me give you a piece of advice Annica.." she paused, her expressions darkening.

"Never do anything to drive Christopher over the edge" she added.

"Okay Remy you're scaring me" I gulped.

"Look you gonna work directly with him and there are certain things about him that only we as employees know" she said.

"Which is?" I emphasized.

"He gets over the edge sometimes. Just do your work, mind your business and abide by the rules and you'll be fine" she replied. I opened my mouth but quickly closed it as our cab came to a haul.

"That'll forty eight dollars and do you need help with the bags?" the cab driver turned and asked.

"No that's fine sir we'll manage. Here keep a fifty" she said, handing the cash and smiling.

"Thank you. And you ladies have a good evening" he smiled and Remy nodded in response.

We got out of the cab and helped ourselves with the bags. I helped Remy push my huge bags out of the trunk and on to the ground. I then dragged then across the street to a narrow door.

"Here we are" Remy said as she held the door for me.

"Thank you!" I replied, dragging the bags inside.

"It's not much but it's close to work and not to mention affordable" she said as she opened a small locker on the side wall and pulled out a bunch of newspapers, magazines and what seemed like mail..?

"Is that a mailbox?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah why? Haven't seen one before?" she teased.

"Obviously I have! But they look different. Very different" I replied as I titled my head to have a better view of this MAILBOX.

"Well if you are done admiring my mailbox shall we?" she asked gesturing towards a series of spiral staircase.

"No elevator?" I asked, mortified.

"I'm afraid not" she snarled.

"Oh god kill me now" I said, covering my face with my palms.

"Oh come on it's not that much" she smiled.

"Which floor you said you live on again?" I asked, hoping for a good news.

"Fifth" she giggled.

"Of course" the sound of it made my head hang low. In the back of my mind I was pretty sure I was heading towards my death. Before starting I took a deep breath, muttered a silent prayer to Lucifer under my breath and just hoped for my legs to still work tomorrow.

"Come on you're almost there" she said as she held the door wide open for me. Her voice did not feel very reassuring. I could feel beads of sweet forming on my forehead and it felt as if my lungs were on fire. I some how managed to drag myself inside. As soon as I heard the click of the door locking behind me I collapsed on the couch.