The Rags and The Riches

One

John groaned at the ear-splitting sound of his alarm ringing through the room. He looked at his rusting alarm clock and it read 18:00. The 22 year old sighed and sat up not wanting to leave the warmth of his squeaky old bed. He rubbed his eyes, squinted and looked at his surroundings, John's shoebox sized room was in a state as always cluttered with boxes and papers he never really bothered to go through.

It never actually bothered him, the mess, his whole tiny apartment was like that. It wasn't actually his fault though, after failing everything at school and not getting a proper job his aunt Mimi kicked him out and in haste he had to find a place and move his stuff in too.

He got up and shivered from the cold and quickly rushed to his bathroom and begrudgingly got ready for his day.

As John let the warm water flow down his back he thought about work. He honestly didn't mind it, it was just the repetition that got to him. He wasn't one for having a steady, boring career and settling, he actually planned to do something exciting and meaningful with his life.

He wasn't exactly sure what it was he would be doing, however he was certain he didn't want to lead the life everyone else had. John had known that from the minute he had started school.

But unfortunately for him a few bumps in the road had set him back and his life would have to remain like this for now.

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'Stupid Mimi' John thought he trudged along the streets of Liverpool, the two of them have had yet another fight and John ran out of the house refusing to listen to her.

He had been wandering for about an hour now, it was a December morning and John cursed himself for not bothering to bring suitable outdoor wear. John knew he shouldn't really be wandering around alone at a time like this. But he was too blinded with anger to think sensibly.

The 12 year old frowned, watching all the kids, his age, walking off happily to school. He didn't understand why some kids were so glad to go to there some mornings.

He hated it with a passion, he wasn't good at most of his subjects as whenever he was struggling the teachers failed to help him. The only thing that interested him was drawing, no one really seemed to nurture his interests or even appreciate him.

These reasons were why he ended up walking in the opposite direction from the other kids. He was glad. But on the other hand, he was cold and hungry and had no idea where he was going.

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Paul furrowed his eyebrows as the rising sun's hues peeked through his grand bedroom window caressing his handsome features. He turned to his side, which was effortless in silk sheets, and faced his American fiancée - Linda.

He felt so lucky to have her in his life, facing her made him realise how in love he was, he could watch her sleep all day but he also remembered his newly found responsibility. He stroked her cheek moving her messy blonde hair from her face and got ready for work seeing as it was now 6am.

He was excited for his first day in the big leagues. Paul had woken up early especially so he could have a relaxing bubble bath n his large bathroom.

This was much needed due to the sudden wave of stress and pressure overwhelming his system. He didn't want to admit the pressure was getting to him, because he had preparing for this ever since school.

Just not the part of his father becoming seriously ill.

He got dressed and treaded carefully to his master bedroom, trying his best not wake his sleeping fiancée. Looks like he didn't need to because when he looked over to where she was previously laying, there was an empty space.

So he shrugged and went downstairs to indulge in a Full English.

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John quickly hopped to his kitchen, with one leg squeezing through his trouser leg and the other balancing him. Typically, he was late again and had to rush off to work. When he had accomplished putting on his trousers, he went over and swung open his cheap fridge. This proved difficult task to do while trying to pull on a jumper and do up your shirt buttons.

He sighed when he remembered how he forgot to do shopping having fallen asleep. He shut the fridge, and slipped into his shoes, deciding on going hungry for now (he could pick up food in the way).

John cursed himself for oversleeping (again) when he saw he bus drive round the corner. He hastily tied up his laces, preparing to run to the bus stop, for the thousandth time.

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Paul's driver pulled up in front of a large building that will now become his kingdom.
Paul grinned excitedly, it was time. He got out of the car ready to begin a brand new day.

He opened the doors and greeted everybody with a friendly smile plastered on his face.

One light haired man stood in the corner, his arms folded, shaking his head at the young man. He stared at him, his eyes never wandering and followed him into the lift. He rubbed his hands together

'This is going to be fun'