My Darling Luna

I exited the glass doors of my work building. The marble building towered over the hordes of people, and the bustling sound of urban traffic finally accompanied my ear drums.

I breathed in the fresh scent of rain, and heaved a heavy sigh of relief.

I made my way across the street, with my shoulders slumped in defeat after the ordeal that just occurred. My boss's voice ringed again in the back of mind.

"Melanie, your column for this weeks article is absolute crap. I gave you an extended deadline and you still managed to blow it?! Keep this up, or I'll get rid of you"...

I'll get rid of you.
I admit the words stung.

If I manage to mess up and lose another job that accepted me when I desperately needed cash, I'll need to move back to Philly.

Grandma used to tell me I have my mothers persevering spirit, and my dad's sarcasm. The combination of that is a little strange I'll admit, but I'm not complaining. She said my parents got along amazingly, but my mother occasionally got annoyed of my dad's sense of humor.

The thought of them always brought a smile to my face.
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I approached my apartment building, taking a long glance at the 2 long flights of steps I had to climb to reach my place on the third floor.

" Why me Lord, why me", was all I muttered as my tired body lugged it's way up the stairs. I sipped my dull coffee, my face grimacing at its sour , bitter taste.

As I finally got to my apartment door, a pink rent due paper was stuck onto it. I let out an aggravated sigh, it's as if the issues keep piling up.

This day is just getting better.

"That stupid-"

I yelped as felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around only to be greeted by my landlord Tom.

"You were saying?", he spoke to me, and I could smell the tinge of alcohol in his breath.

I backed away from him, as he leaned in a little more to get a response out of me.

3 words I can use to describe Tom as much as possible is; cheap sleazy man.

" I was going to say that stupid idiot", I spoke back, soon regretting my vital words.

"Mel, Mel, baby, you know you don't have to do that sweetheart, all I want is the 700 you owe me for this month".

My face turned into a grimace, as he flashed a lopsided drunken smile at me.

"And Tom, you're too much of a drunken, alcoholic idiot to accept the fact that I don't have it right now. And that some people have jobs, and lives. Money is difficult to make." I snapped back. I spun around on my heel, and walked into my apartment, slamming the door shut on Tom.

"Mel, Mel, baby" , I mocked him, exaggerating his thick accent, waving my hands vigorously in the air.

I have to get ready for the charity ball tonight, as part of my job. All the editors, prestigious business owners, and doctors of New York City are attending. My boss was given the opportunity to get a ticket, but his kind soul decided to give me a chance. He wants me to see all the competition the company's  up against, and have me schmooze as much as possible.

"You're young and fresh faced, you'll get more attention" , I told myself, rolling my eyes as I repeated the only compliment he's ever given me.

He wants me to report everything I found out back in the morning.
I let out a laugh at the whole idea, it made me sound like an undercover spy or something.
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I decided to keep my makeup fresh but glamorous. My red dress hugged my figure, accentuating my curves, but still keeping a classy look. It wasn't as expensive as it looked because I managed to snag the little beauty on sale when I had the chance. I examined my back in the mirror, wide open, and spaghetti straps wrapped around my shoulders. I shivered a bit since this open style is not I'm used to.

I checked my look one last time to make sure I came out somewhat decent before I headed out.

"Eh, mediocre ", was all I managed to mutter out as I looked away from the mirror.

I walked down the slippery steps of my apartment building, afraid to slip and break every bone in my body.

"Screw this!" I said aloud, as I took off my heels.

My Lyft approached to me on time, and I quickly got in.
•
I arrived at the charity event. I glanced up at the building in amazement. It stood proud and tall, I wasn't able to recognize it. Everyone entering the building looked so elegant and had a partner glued to their hip.

I needed a date?!

I broke out of my thoughts, and walked up the velvet stairs. The atmosphere automatically shifted, and my stomach filled with butterflies.

The whole place was filled with doctors, company and business owners, entrepreneurs, and God knows what others.

The chandelier that towered above me sparkled with indescribable beauty. It's emerald crystals glimmered around the gallery, with specks of green shining across the walls.

"Excuse me miss?"
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To be continued....

My Darling Luna 2022