disassembly required. (ignore the pic pls •^•)

1 - Arrival

I look up at the tall, glass building, clutching my black book bag close to my chest. The rays of the sun kept bouncing off of the polished windows, aiming them straight at my poor eyes. I wince internally and continue walking, a blank expression on my face. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!!! I can't believe I'm actually here! What if the boss is a moody businessman, who also has a soft side? What if there’s a second love interest who turns out to be my childhood bestie? A few office workers stare at me as they exit and enter the building, each with a sad, paper coffee cup that probably held $1 coffee that tastes like depression and hopelessness, with a hint of French Vanilla.

I sigh a bit, contradicting my inner joy, and enter the building, the air condiotioner immediately hitting my face. It was a stark contrast to the blazing inferno outside, which some people call August. I look around the lobby. I eye the late Fourth of July decor: a folded banner saying "AMERICA", blue streamers and some American flags, mixed with some Puerto Rican flags, and some others that the local dumbass probably put. I head up to the main desk. A middle aged woman, probably in her thirties stared at a desktop computer boredly, occasionally tapping at the keyboard. Her blonde hair is messily tied up in a bun with a plastic spork, though its partially hidden behind a small daffodil. She sniffs a bit, pushing up her square glasses, before sipping some coffee (though it didnt smell like it..) from her "World's Best Mom!" mug. I stare at her for a while, unsure of what to say, but she spares me the trouble and glances up at me. She sighs a bit before flashing a smile.

"Hello. Welcome to Hayes. How can I help you?" The lady says.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. I stare at the lady. Big fail, Mira. Way to go. I finally managed to speak. "I....work here."

The lady nods a bit. "Ok."

I nod as well.

We stare at each other for a while, before she sighs, a hint of a smile quirking up the corner of her lips.

"You're new, aren't you?"

I nod.

"All right. Follow me." She stands up from her chair, yawning a bit before making her way through the lobby. I follow her.

"So, do you know where you work?" She asks. I nod, pulling out my application from my book bag, and show it to her. She takes the paper from me, examining it. She reads it before her nose scrunches up in confusion.

"Huh?" She adjusted her glasses on the bridge of her nose, and looked a bit closer. "You applied to be....a cafeteria worker?"

She looks at me, and I nod again. She gives a small smile. "Not a lot of people choose that job voluntarily." She chuckles a bit to herself. "All right. You'll need to be in the cafeteria. The other workers will show you the ropes. It's almost time for lunch, so be prepared." The lady looks me up and down. "You don't look very....talkative."

I nod.

She smiles at me. "Well, maybe try to put on a smile at least while your serving food. After going through this hell, people will appreciate it." She extends her hand toward me. "I'm Maelyn. Nice to meet you."

I look at her outstretched hand. Is this it...? Do I... actually have a friend?! I take her hand, and shake it slightly. "Miralia." I respond, and let go of her hand. Maelyn gave me a smile that exuded a warmth almost as warm as the weather outside. "So you do talk. You'd better get going. The lunch rush is almost here."

I nod, and give her one last wave, before continuing to walk, until I find myself in front of a pair of cafeteria doors. They reminded me of a middle school, and I smile slightly. I peek my head in.