I finally sat up straight, after hours of bent over scribbling in my song notebook, an excited smile gracing my face. I jumped to my feet and raced through the hall to the first room on my left, Bishop's room. Without knocking, I barged right in and leaped on to his sleeping form.

"Ouch," he yelped, after I crash landed on his abdomen. "Vienna?" His voice was clouded with sleep.

"I wrote a new song!" I said.

"It's 2 in the morning."

"It's 2 in the morning, and I wrote a new song."

"Classes start tomorrow."

"It's 2 in the morning, classes start tomorrow, and I wrote a new song. Good, glad we covered the basics." I crawled off of him and shoved my notebook in his face. "Read, bitch!"

He sighed. "You're not going to leave until I do, right?"

"You are correct."

He sighed again, before sitting up and switching on the lamp beside him. His shirtless form was suddenly illuminated, and I would have thought about regretting barging in, if it were not for my overpowering excitement.

"I'm a prisoner of this room, he's the innkeeper, and I'm doomed," Bishop read aloud, his eyes skimming the rest of the song. "This is good, Vienna, real good."

"Thanks!"

"Can I go back to sleep now?"

"No! Now we need to write the music for it, dummy. Come on, to the piano!"

I grabbed his hand and pulled his dead weight out of bed, dragging him all the way to the piano. I ignored his moans and groans, and we plopped down onto the piano bench.

We sat and figured it out for hours. It was only when the sun was rising that we had something we both liked.

We belted out the lyrics, as I looked out of the window at the city skyline. The orange light shined through the skyscrapers, as the city started to wake up. I watched an elderly woman walk a chihuahua down the street below us, as we reached the chorus. We locked eyes as we sang, our voices coalescing perfectly.

As the song ended and the piano faded, I turned to see Finn standing in the kitchen. He had only boxers on and stood there, scratching the back of his neck and yawning, his hair a rumpled mess.

"Do you like it?" Bishop asked, as he finished playing the end of the song.

"You wrote it?" He asked me, pouring himself a glass of water.

"Yeah, last night." It was kind of obvious that it was about him, and I wondered if he would ask about it. "Um, what do you think?"

"It's loud. Don't fucking wake me up again." He stumbled off back in the direction of his room.

Bishop played a discordant chord and gave me a funny look, before we both broke into laughter.

He bumped his shoulder into mine, and I looked back outside. My view was now filled with pinkish-red hues.

I looked back at Bishop. He was already looking at me. His brown eyes flickered from mine to my lips, before he started to lean in. His eyelids fluttered shut.

"I got a job!" I blurted out all of a sudden, his lips mere inches from mine.

He leapt back, as if I had burned him. He stood up and blew air out of his mouth, pacing in a slow circle. "That's, uh, that's really good. Um, where?"

"Beans and Breakfast. It's this cute little coffee shop down the road. I start training today," I blurted all of this out at Energizer Bunny pace. Bishop barely knew what to do, as he took all of my word vomit in.

"That's amazing, Vienna. We should all go out tonight and celebrate Hex's new song and your new job."

"Sounds like a date. Or, a plan, I mean. Anyways, I'll just go and get ready, I guess. I'll see you later," I said, before rushing off back to my room to escape the awkward tension in the room. A very attractive guy tried to kiss me, and instead, I blurted out some random news about my job.

"What was I thinking?" I whispered to myself, after I had closed the bedroom door behind me. I didn't have much time to dwell, because a quick glance at my phone showed me that I had about an hour before I had to be at Beans and Breakfast.

I quickly got ready, before meeting the boys in the kitchen. I grabbed a banana, and we parted ways, the boys to campus, and me to work.

I longed to be going with them, to be on campus, taking music classes and making new friends, but I knew that wasn't a possibility. If I wanted to pay rent next month, I'd have to work my ass off, nevermind dream of affording school.

"Good luck," Bishop yelled, as the three of them rounded a corner and disappeared from view.

     So, that's how you use the espresso machine," Jeff, my boss, said, as he tapped the counter with two of his fingers.

"Got it," I said, even though it was pretty much the opposite. My head was spinning with the influx of information, and I was trying hard to remember everything he had told me.

"Alright, give it a try. Go help that customer." He went back into his office, leaving just me and Allie, my coworker, behind the counter.

I took a deep breath and approached the counter, smiling nervously at the man that stood on the other side. "Hi, um, what can I get you today?"

"I'll have a large caramel latte with coconut milk, hold the foam, and a southwestern breakfast burrito, no tomato," he said, barely glancing up from his phone.

I had to work hard to keep the smile on my face. Why such a complicated order for my first order?

I handed the chef the order for the burrito through the window and and headed to the espresso machine. Even though it was explained minutes before, all of the buttons looked foreign to me.

"Shit," I muttered, desperately pushing buttons.

All of a sudden, a jet of hot liquid splashed out at me, soaking my apron. I yelped, holding the now scalding apron away from my body. "Stupid girl," the customer muttered. My face heated up, and I looked around, panicking.

Allie came up behind me. She took the cup from my hands and replaced it was a styrofoam one. "You get the hot coffee black. Just coffee. I'll handle this one."

I smiled gratefully and made the easy coffee, before handing it to a waiting customer. Allie made the latte like a pro and served up the order efficiently. I watched in awe, realizing that this was a lot harder than I anticipated.

     And it didn't get much easier. My shift droned on, with embarrassing mishap after embarrassing mishap. By the end of my six hour shift, I was covered in coffee, had been yelled at around twenty times by an array of costumers and also my boss, and was absolutely drained.

I was sitting in my room after I dragged myself home, decompressing with some Netflix in bed, when Zane burst in the door, sans knocking.

"Come on, babe. Get up and get ready, we're going out!" Zane exclaimed, like it was the best news he heard all year. He has a goofy grin on his face, as he slapped my doorframe excitedly.

"Out where?" I groaned, not wanting to leave my cozy sanctuary.

"To Finnegan's, our favorite bar. Now let's go, wear something sexy."

I rolled my eyes, before changing, getting ready, and joining the boys in the living room. Zane, Bishop, and Finn lounged on the couch, while Danny was foraging through the fridge.

"Why do ya guys never have food?" He asked, slamming the fridge door and throwing his hands in the air.

"I thought you said you were going to start grocery shopping for us?" Finn said, looking up from the Twitter page open on his phone.

"Yes, and I kept trying to chase down everybody to put in money, and nobody would."

I laughed and rolled my eyes, before plopping down next to Zane. He surveyed my outfit, a leather skirt and a gray long sleeve shirt, before giving me a thumbs up and a sly smile. I punched his arm, and we both laughed.

"Seriously though, Vienna, you look hot," he said.

I fought off a revealing blush and tried to shrug it off. "Thanks," I said, putting some sarcasm into my tone, like I got compliments like that all the time. I didn't fail to notice Bishop kick his leg, though, when he thought I wasn't looking. Suspicious, I thought, but ignored it anyways.

"Alright, what are we waiting for?" Finn asked, rubbing his hands together. "Shit, do I need to get my booze on."

"Valeria," Zane answered.

Right on cue, Valeria burst through the door. "Hey, sorry, I'm here. My audition ran late."

"Audition for what?" I asked.

She sat down next to me on the couch. "My reason for coming to New York, of course. I'm a ballerina, and I'm waiting on my big break on Broadway."

"What was it today?" Finn asked, actually looking somewhat interested in the conversation.

"Cats. Finger crossed, guys, I've been dreaming of being in this show since I was little." She grinned wistfully.

"Well, how'd it go?" I asked.

"Not so great. Don't think I got it, so let's go get fucked up!" She cheered, before walking back out the still open door.

"That's the spirit," Zane shouted, before getting up and racing out the door behind her.

Finn and Danny followed them out too, hooting and hollering as they went, leaving just Bishop and I in the apartment. He stood up and looked at me, extending a hand downwards. I let him help me up, flashing him a smile that he barely returned.

"Let's go slowpokes!" Valeria said, sticking her head back into the apartment and winking at us.

I tugged Bishop's hand that was still in mine towards the door. "Come on, pretty boy, let's go celebrate!"

"Pretty boy?" He asked, seeming like his old self again. "That's a new one."

I grinned flirtatiously, as we caught up to the others in the elevator. We exited the building and started walking along, until a recognizable object was dead ahead.

"Wait a minute, we're not walking there?" I asked, stopping in my tracks, as we neared the entrance to the subway.

"No. It's too far. We're taking the subway," Bishop said, elbowing me softly.

"The subway? Gross," I instantly whined, recoiling.

"Uh oh, rich bitch has to ride like the commoners," Finn remarked quietly, but still loud enough for me to hear him. Valeria smacked him upside the head.

"Dios mio, leave the poor girl alone." She turned to me. "Have you ever ridden the subway?" She slung her arm around my shoulders.

"That obvious? Is it as scary as it seems?"

"Nah, just stick with us kid, you'll be fine," Zane said, ruffling my hair and smirking.

"Zane, we're the same age, you can't call me kid. Finn is the only one who's allowed to call me kid, because he's a big senior."

"Shut up," Finn said, shooting me a glare. "Kid."

I cracked a smile. Maybe he didn't hate me as much as he made it seem.

We entered the subway, and Finn scanned his card, letting Valeria and Danny rush in between the bars with him. Then Zane scanned his and pulled Bishop and I both through with him. "Is that allowed?" I asked Bishop, glancing around to see if anyone caught us.

"Nope," he said, shrugging.

"Alright then." Then we waited for our car to come. There were crowds of people around, and I was a little overwhelmed by everything going on, so I don't think you can blame me for what happened next.

I was looking at a homeless man playing the drums, when the one we were supposed to take arrived. The five of them boarded it, and I didn't, because I hadn't noticed that they'd moved. Bishop looked back, as he was stepping on and called my name. I whipped around and approached the car, but as soon as I was close enough to reach out and touch Bishop, the glass slid between us.

"No!" I exclaimed, pressing a palm to the glass. Bishop looked at me concerned and yelled something incoherent. Finn pointed and laughed at me. Valeria pouted and mouthed something that looked like 'poor baby', as she grabbed Finn's arm worriedly. Zane looked back and forth between me and the rest of the group, a shocked and amused smile on his face.

Bishop pressed his hand against mine on the glass and mouthed the stop to get off at. I nodded and bit my lip nervously, barely understanding what he said.

There was a loud noise and a blast of wind, and just like that, my friends were gone, and I was left alone. I screamed, "No!", but no around me gave a shit, the most anyone did was give me an odd passing glance.

I started panicking, looking around at the hoards of strangers surrounding me, closing in on me. I struggled to catch my breath and stay calm.

I tried to listen to the announcements, but they were basically in a different language. Instead, after giving myself a pep talk, I opted to walk up to the closest person to me and ask for help.

I approached a man around 40, wearing a New York Giants sweatshirt and a black knit hat, despite the mild September temperatures. "Excuse me, sir, but do you know which one I should take to get to the corner of 24th and Main?"

"Go fuck yourself," he said, before throwing his Dunkin Donuts cup at me. I yelped and dodged the wave of hot black coffee that was sent my way, receiving only a few drops on my shoes and legs. When would my coffee filled day end?

     I picked the styrofoam cup off of the ground and threw it away. "Sorry to bother you, sir," I muttered, as he stalked off into the distance.

I pulled my phone out of my purse and tried to dial Bishop's number, but I had no service, so the call immediately failed.

I looked around at all of the people bustling about around me. Everyone had somewhere to go and someplace important to be. I was more than overwhelmed, but I set my face in determination. I could do this. It was time to show this city what I was made of.

"You got this, girl," I said, as I studied an incoming subway car.

"No you don't," a passerby said, shoving past my shoulder, almost knocking me over.

I groaned, looking around and getting frustrated. Then, a lit up sign on an upcoming car displayed the correct address. I waited for it to arrive, before making my way towards the entrance. However, a horde of people pushed in and out of the car, and before I knew what was happening, the doors again closed and the car took off.

"Shit! You're kidding me," I said, throwing my hands in the air and stomping my foot, like a child who didn't get their way. My resolve quickly started to fade.

I paced back and forth, starting to panic now. "No, you're not just some rich bitch, Vienna. You're a city girl now; you can do this. Prove them wrong."

With my determination once again set, I got on a subway car that I thought would bring me to a place close to the bar. I made sure to shove my way into the car, before the crowds could push me back. I stood and held on to a grimy pole, jaw tight and mouth set, attempting and failing not to momentarily wince at its stickiness.

Minutes later, the car stopped at my destination, and I exited, before heading towards the subway exit and emerging into the night air. I sighed and looked around, surveying my strange location. I picked a direction, before debating on calling the boys for help or not.

I wanted to prove to them that I was more than what they thought I was, or at least more than what Finn thought I was. Before I could decide on giving up my pride or not, my phone buzzed and Bishop's name came up.

I blew air out of my mouth, then answered it.

"Vienna? Are you okay?" Bishop asked.

"She finally answered? Kid's been calling you non-stop, Vienna," Zane's voice called in the background.

"Did she survive the subway?" Valeria asked.

"Yes, I think I did."

"I'm shocked," came Finn's caustic reply.

"Ignore them, where are you?" Bishop asked.

I relayed my address and started walking in the direction Bishop said he would be coming from.

      Minutes later, I rounded a corner and came face to face with him, almost crashing into him. He looked worried, until he saw me and his features lit up.

     He immediately wrapped me up in a hug, even going as far as to lift me off of the ground. "You're alive!" He yelled dramatically. "Thought we lost you there, Vienna."

     "Nah. It was no big deal, really," I said, as he pulled back.

     "That why you're shaking so bad?" He grinned cheekily at me.

     I pushed him away and laughed. "Oh shut up and get me drunk already."

At the bar, I was met with a chorus of cheers and a beer was placed in my hand. Danny, Valeria, Finn, and Zane all sat around a circular table. I sat down next to Danny and Bishop sat next to me.

     "Rich bitch survived the subway!" Finn said, holding his beer up in the air to salute me.

     "How'd it go?" Zane asked.

      "I hate New York," I grumbled, leaning my elbows on the table and taking a big gulp of my drink.

     The group laughed, and Danny excused himself from the table, going around Bishop and me. "That kid," Bishop muttered, quickly going after him.

     Danny briskly approached the bar. I saw him say something to the bartender, but then Bishop grabbed his arm and yanked him back to the table.

     "Stop trying to order drinks, you're 17," he said.

     "Bishop, don't be a party pooper," Danny whined, sitting back down.

     "Jim's not here tonight, so watch yourself. We don't wanna be kicked out," Finn said.

     "Who's Jim?" I asked.

     "The usual bartender," Valeria said. "This one's a cutie." She looked up and winked at the man, who was already looking at her.

     "Go get 'em tiger," Zane said, nudging her arm.

     "Jámas," Valeria said

     "Don't be a fucking whore, Valeria," Finn grumbled, before he drained his beer and got up to get another round. We all got kind of quiet, but Valeria completely ignored him.

     "He looks like he DJ's on the side," Bishop whispered to me.

     I looked at the bartender. He was attractive, but in the scrawny and covered in tattoos kind of way. "He definitely does meth every other Wednesday."

     We looked at each other, then cracked up into laughter.

   "Anyway, here's to new friends, a new school year, a new band, and a bunch of new opportunities!" Valeria said, as we raised our glasses and clinked them together. She took a quick chug. "Now, on to get me a mans!" She headed over to the bar.

     "What's with Finn being mean to Valeria now too?" I asked, once she was out of earshot. "That was harsh."

     "I think that's just how Finn shows affection. Pretty sure he's been crushing on that girl since the day we moved in."

     "How come he doesn't just ask her out?" I asked, as I finished my first beer and started in on a second that Finn had just brought back to the table.

     "I don't know. Maybe, sometimes, it's hard for some guys to just ask girls out, you know?" Suddenly, he was acting shy, and I got the sense that we weren't talking about Finn anymore.

     He waited, studying my face, but before I could say anything to that, Zane threw an empty beer can at us. "Come on, lovebirds! Rejoin the party!"