Edited
Alexis
I wake with a start. It's at this point that my alarm rings, adding to the early morning headache I'm already having. As much as I want to hit that thing with a sledgehammer, I force myself to get up from bed and put it off. It's a beautiful Saturday morning and I wanna sleep in because I had a hectic week. What, a Saturday? Oh man. I completely forgot I have work!

I pick up my phone to check the time and it's already twenty minutes past eight.
Just great.
My shift usually starts by nine. I quickly say a short prayer and go into the bathroom. After my skin care routine I put on a pair of navy blue jeans, a pink T-shirt and my black sneakers. I check the time again, 8:45. Luckily for me, the restaurant I have my morning shift at is ten minutes away from the my apartment on campus.

"Hey Sally," I say to my room mate as I come out.
The girl I share the apartment with is the best ever. She's 19 and is studying sociology. Even though there's a 2 year gap between us (I'll be turning 17 soon) one would rarely notice because we're almost like sisters. She's absolutely sweet.

"Hey Alex. Late for work again?" she asks. She has that glint in her eyes again.

"No, of course not," I say hurrying out.

"Whatever you say Alex." Why can I feel her rolling her eyes?

By the time I get to the restaurant, I have only two minutes to spare.

I work five hours at Kelly's, a pretty popular restaurant and they offer ten Canadian dollars an hour which is fine by me. Though I would love to, I don't work more hours because there's an art studio I work at in exchange for learning.
I decided to improve on my natural talent of art because I know it'll be useful one day.

The studio I work at is called Macy's. I work for free but when I make a marketable drawing they sell it for 200CAD and take 50CAD from the money. That way, I can learn and still earn some money. They say I'll make it big one day so they want to encourage me.

"Alexis, you made it just in time. I thought you'd come in late," my friend and colleague, Ava says.

"Yeah right, I never come late," I say, which is true anyway. I have never come to work late.

"Of course. Get to work lazy bones."

I quickly put on my apron, name badge and the plastic (utterly forced) smile they say will encourage customers. Personally, I think my smile only frightens them. Here go 5 hours of being on my feet taking insane orders from sometimes very annoying people.

5 hours later.
I am the absolute definition of tired My shift is finally over and I take my pay - I'm paid on a daily basis. Ava's shift will go on for another hour but she's on break now. I have only an hour left to head out to the studio. Ava and I go out for lunch.

I'm starved. "I think I could eat a cow now," I say.

"That's disgusting. Shut up before I puke on you," Ava replies with a look for utter disgust. We order and pounce on our food, at least in my case.

"I think you should start heading out to Macy's. You know it's a long way and I even wonder why you prefer walking," she says when we finish our lunch.

I prefer walking because it saves me money but I can't tell her that. I have pride, people.

"It's healthier that way," I simply say.

I quickly say good bye and start my journey to the studio. I'm going to be at Macy's from 4 to 6pm.
I'm so keen on saving so that I can buy an artist toolbox and work from home. I don't want to depend solely on Macy's to sell my work. The manager, Macy actually likes me though. I look up to see the familiar sign board with their motto under the name: express yourself with art.

"Hi Macy."
Unlike most managers, Macy likes to be at the centre of everything that happens here.

"Lexi! I'm so glad to see you."

"Okay? I was here last week though. Why does it seem like you didn't think you'd ever see me? Did something happen?"

"I know. You see, your last painting go not only money, but recognition too. It was bought by an art company for 700CAD and their ambassador said they'd like to meet you!"

"Wow. That's nice." I'm stunned. The turn of events is rather sudden.

She surprises me by giving me a hug.

"No, Lexi. I should be the one thanking you. They said if I could have someone like you then they'll look into my business to make it grow. Ever since you came here, things have been better for me. It's like God chose to smile on me. Thank you."

This is awkward. "There's nothing there. Your business will grow with or without me," I manage to say when I get out of her hug.

"Lexi," this time she looks very serious, "we want to employ you. We may not be able to pay you but your work will."

"Calm down. First of all, I haven't finished learning, secondly, I already have a job." This is too sudden. She wants to go from being my tutor to being my boss?

"You can work the way you've been doing."

Surprisingly, I consider. I guess it wouldn't hurt. "Okay then."

"Great. You start today. We're going to leave out the ones you're not good at and concentrate on your strong spots. That's where your maximum potential is, especially in collage and mosaic. You're a natural at pen art and I think you're good to go darling. Oh yeah, and the company I told you about is called Grand Arts. Their head quarters is in the US but they have branches all over North and South America. They said they'll come see you soon. For now here's your money."

I feel my spirits soaring. This is the best I've felt in a long time and I almost smile. Almost.

"Thanks Macy. I couldn't have done it without you."

From there, we set to work.

A/N
Hey guys. There's chapter 1.
Today's question: sneakers or boots?
I'd take sneakers any day.
I'd love to see your votes and comments. Till the next chapter.
Bye my lovelies,
Diane.