I jolted from my bed when I heard the alarm of my phone. I blinked and my forehead creased with confusion.

I raised my eyes and looked at the clock.

My eyes widened when I realized today is my first day at work.

I am glad that I was able to pick and iron my clothes last night when I woke up from my two hour nap.

I ran to the bathroom after grabbing my towel and bathrobe to immerse myself under the shower.

After showering, I dried my hair with a blower and made big curls for it. I also applied a light makeup to complete my daily work look.

Once done, I opened my wardrobe cabinet and pulled out my long, pink floral skirt paired with a plain white short-squared blouse. I also paired the ensemble with a beige wedged open-toed one-inched heels.

I stuffed my wide-striped canvas tote bag with my work essentials and brought the hard copy of my contract and other requirements needed by the Human Resource Department of Casa della Moda.

Casa della Moda is situated near Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence.

I was grateful for Carlos as he oriented me on the bus stops and taxi stations as I go from one place to another just in case my work required me too.

I was able to get in Casa della Moda within thirty minutes before my official time of eight o'clock to five in the afternoon.

I drew a deep breath and stared at the high glass doors of the shop where my future as a fashion designer will start.

A kind lady wearing a sundress and pink flat shoes smiled at me when she exited the shop.

That must be my cue so I pushed the heavy door and roamed my eyes on the organized rack of clothes from hats to blouses to dresses and even a limited edition display of footwear.

"Buon giorno e benvenuti a Casa della Moda Shop! (Good morning and welcome to Casa della Moda Shop!)" A woman who appeared to be in the early thirties greeted me and I smiled at her.

"Hello, I'm Florence Castelo and I'm looking for Miss Zenith Salvacion." I asked politely and she clapped as if I had said something to be joyful at.

"Oh! Pleasure to meet and work with you! Madam Zenith has been talking about you ever since she had seen your amazing records in college from your hometown!" The woman exclaimed and led me to another door on the right of the shop.

When we entered, I was more amazed with how chic and spacious the whole store is.

There were about three persons working at the left side of it. Two more at the right side and another three person tables at the center.

There was also another door at the back part of it, probably for the store owner himself/ herself.

"Oh, forgive my manners, signora Florence! I am Rebecca Salvador, the  Senior Fashion Designer here in Casa della Moda. And these young lads and lasses are, hey regazzi e regazze, eyes here! Our new family member is finally here! (Hey, boys and girls!)" Rebecca said with so much enthusiasm and the four guys and four girls approached us.

"Hello and buon giorno, signora Florence! I am Enrico Flavio, the garment technologist." Enrico, a guy who is about my age, smiled and extended his hand for a handshake which I gladly took.

"Hola, Florencia! Yo soy Napoleon Gerardo, the visual merchandiser here. (Hello, Florence! I am Napoleon Gerardo.)" Napoleon, a man who seemed older than the rest of us, flashed me a boyish grin and I returned the same gesture at him.

"Let the ladies talk, Nappy!" Rebecca said in her Italian accent and rolled her eyes at him.

I couldn't help but let out a giggle at Rebecca's attitude.

From the looks of it, they seem to establish a bond probably because they have been working long enough in this shop.

"Quit it, Becca! I am just introducing myself and none of the ladies appeared interested in talking." Napoleon defended himself.

The three ladies, somehow looking a little younger than me, exchanged bored looks at him.

"These are Adelaide, Miyuki and Renatta. The one who went to the restroom was Viola." It was Napoleon who introduced the ladies.

Adelaide was the lady in red hair and appeared to be used to illustrating and designing.

"Hi, nice meeting you!" Adelaide smiled and I did the same.

From my perspective, I think she's extremely cool. She has this deep set of green eyes which were made greener because of her ash-gray hair color.

It was Miyuki's turn to butt in and she has a gentle handshake which was  deceiving because of her petite figure and her Japanese face was fierce and emits a confident aura.

"Hello, Florence! Watashitachiha issho ni nakayoku naru to omoimasu! I really like your pleasant aura! I can't wait to hang out with you! (I think we will get along together!)" Miyuki was probably the perkiest of them all. Her sunny disposition was a contradiction of her strong personality.

"She's speaking in her language again!" Viola, with a violet hair, commented as she approached us from the restroom.

With bright eyes and a cheerful smile, she welcomed me and I returned it politely.

"Hey, I'm Viola! But, you can also call me Violet." She smiled toothily and gestured to her hair and her chic attire.

"Hello to you too. Renatta is the name, and I'll be willing to play your game." The tall lady in her shiny black pixie-cut hair said and I nodded.

"It's so nice meeting you all!" I said and they started going back to their places when we felt someone walked up behind me.

"Oh, Madame Zen! Our dear Florence is finally here!" Rebecca exclaimed and I gradually and eagerly turned around to meet my Boss.

I gasped when I saw who she was!

I certainly cannot believe what I'm seeing!

How could I forget the woman in Carlos' wallet when he spoke so highly of her during our trip to Mercato Centrale?

"Pleased to finally meet you, Florence." Madame Zenith said, her eyes glistening with amusement.

Should I say 'hello' to Carlos' mother?

What should I say without appearing awkward and perplexed?

God, help me!