Chapter 1

Summer was always one of Fiona Coyne's favorite times of the year. The warm sun, the cutest dressed and swimsuits, going out with friends, and sleepovers without worrying about upcoming school events. This summer was different though, her best friend Holly J was off interning and taking summer courses in college, Declan was busy doing his own thing in the states, and her few other friends had jobs or had gone on vacation leaving Fiona left in her lonely apartment in Toronto. Although she still had her friend Eli, she longed for a female friend to bond with. Eli Goldsworthy was a creative boy, he attended Degrassi with Fiona and even wrote the play she directed. He was witty and sometimes cocky, but he was still one of her good friends. He just never understood her love of fashion, the soap opera that would melt Fiona's heart, and her need to be a socialite.

Unfortunately, like Fiona's other friends, his parent were dragging him on a cruise for two weeks, insisting this bonding would help his mental health. The idea intrigued Fiona, but no one seemed to have time to go with her and it wouldn't be much fun all by herself. After two days of sulking around the house trying to distract herself, she ran out of things to do. Her nails were polished and painted, her hair freshly cut and healthy, and she even organized her closet, throwing out all of last season's outfits. Deciding some fresh air would do her good, she got dressed, taking as much time as possible of course, and out the door she went. Walking down the street, her bright eyes landed on 'The Dot' a popular hangout for the degrassi students. On the window there was a white sign with bold red writing. 'HELP WANTED. See Manager for Details' it read.

A job. Something Fiona had never had in her life. The perfect distraction for her boring, lonely summer. A smirk played on her lips as she walked inside, eyes landing on the employee behind the counter, struggling to make 3 orders at once. It seemed he was the only one on duty. She sat at a nearby table waiting for him to get a break, only he got busier and busier by the minute. As one order went out, two more came in. Suddenly the woman a few tables away knocked over her tea in haste to get to her ringing phone. Letting out a click of her tongue she simply got up rushing out of the dot, talking quickly to the person on the line, and leaving her puddle and mess behind. The barista looked at the mess warily, trying to decide if he should stop what he was doing or wait. Fiona smiled and walked to the edge of the counter grabbing the white rag on the corner and giving him a sympathetic smile.

"I got it." she told him, chuckling when he gave her an anxious thank you and continued to pour the latte he was making into a cup. Throwing away the now empty cup, she soaked up all the wasted tea into the rag then returned to the counter, getting a wet rag to clean the small table with. When she was finished the boy seemed to finally get a break as the flow of costumers died down and he gave her a small, sheepish smile.

"Thank you so much for that, it gets kind of crazy in here and my co-worker quit suddenly today." He explained taking the rags and throwing them into the sink.

"My name is Mikey." He told her, extending his hand out to her. She smiled warmly at him and shook his hand.

"My name is Fiona, Fiona Coyne." She said confidently, the way her mother taught her to. He returned her smile and then coughed realizing she must have been there for a reason.

"Oh wow, I'm so sorry you probably came here to order something didn't you? What can I get you? Whatever you want, It's on the house." He sputtered out, a small blush appearing on his cheeks. She giggled and shook her head, getting a confused look from him.

"Actually, I came in here to ask about the help wanted sign." She said, gesturing to the back of the sign. His lips formed a small 'o' of comprehension and he then he looked like he was deep in thought.

"Well….you sure did help me out today…" he mused out loud, his eyes studied her for a second before he spoke.

"Have you ever worked in a place like this before?" he asked.

"No, this would actually be my first job…." She replied, it was her turn to be sheepish. Her cheeks turned a light pink and she looked down at her hands. Twiddling her thumbs, dread began to consume her. Why would he hire an inexperienced girl like her? Just as she was about to tell him 'never mind' he cut off her thoughts with his next words.

"Then if you'll take it, the job is yours Miss Coyne. I'll teach you everything you need to know." Her eyes lit up and she looked up at him with surprise.

"R-really?" she stuttered out, cursing herself in her head. 'Confidence. Confidence.' She chanted in her head, calming herself down.

"Yes Ma'am, You get paid every week on Friday, You'll be responsible for helping fill orders, clean up, bus the tables, ect." He ended with a wave of his hand before smiling.

"So will you take it?" he asked, his brown eye locking on hers. She couldn't keep the smirk off her face as she extended her hand this time.

"Of course, It'd be my pleasure." She said with a nod, excitement bubbling up inside of her.

"Awesome, you start Monday." Mikey said shaking her hand and smiling. He explained he had to clear it with the old man who actually owned the dot, but still gave her a name tag and a shirt with the logo on it. It took all she had to keep from squealing like a small child when she walked out of the door. Maybe this summer wouldn't be so bad after all.

A/N: Ahhh, so this is the first chapter. D: Not sure how I feel about this, ill try to post more soon. Yes, little Imogen gets introduced next chapter, Yay! :3