The Great Gatsby Chapter 2
June's POV
I woke up to the horrible shrill of my alarm clock. Oh how I hate that thing! I regret the day I bought it and one day I'm throwing it away! I looked over at it and saw it was 6:00am. Why do I have to wake up so early to go to work?! I covered my head with my pillow and tried to hide in the soft covers. It didn't block out the shrill though so I had no choice but to sit up and turn the clock off. I stretched my arms and legs then got out of bed to go get ready for the day.
After I took a quick bath and washed my hair I quickly dried off. Then I put on deodorant, and went to my closet to pick out a short sleeved yellow dress with black roses across the hem and a matching long sleeved lightweight sweater. I put on stockings and bronze shoes then I opened my jewelry box to pick out what would best match the dress. Today I suppose I'll just wear dangling diamond earrings with a diamond bracelet.
I went to the mirror and fixed my hair into a French braid. It was a little hard since my hair reached my mid back. Usually I have my brother Johnny help me with my hair every day. Johnny is my fraternal twin but from how close we were and how much we look alike we may as well be twins. He's was my best friend and we've never left each other's side even during collage so it's really hard for me to live so far away from him. I miss my Johnny so much and it hasn't even been three days yet!
At that thought a sob started to build in my throat and tears came to my eyes. But I blinked them back and took deep breaths. No, I can't cry at least not right now. I finished braiding my hair and left a few curls to frame my face. Then I put on my normal eyeliner and mascara but this time I put on a beige color eye shadow. I put on some peach lipstick and sprayed some Mitsouko perfume. I grabbed my favorite book This Side of Paradise to read during lunch andput the picture of my Dumpling close to my heart for good luck. I don't care what Daisy says I will see him again. With that thought I ran to call a taxi.
In 10 minutes I was on my way to work. I found a job as a court stenographer a few days before I moved here. So I'll be recording all the legal processions meetings. It's not really the most fun or exciting job in the world but it works for me.
When I got to work it was 7:25 so I have 5 minutes to spare! I'm so glad I'm not late! I ran into the building and went over to front desk. The secretary looked at up me and put the papers in her hands to the side. She has deep-set gray eyes that are like two windows looking out on an overcast sky. Her skin is china-white and she has a crooked nose and bushy eyebrows. Her fine, straight, black hair is cut short and is slicked down.
"Hello. How may I help you?" She said as she gave me a polite smile.
"Hello. I'm June Carraway and I'm here to start my first day as a stenographer."
"Oh yes! It's nice to meet you Ms. Carraway! I am Mrs. Yeske please come with me." She said as she stood up and held out her hand for me to shake. I shook it and she started to lead me down a hall and to the right. We finally came to a door on the left side of the hall. Mrs. Yeske opened the double doors to reveal the courtroom. The benches and tables were made out of cherry stained wood. The walls were painted white and they had no paintings on them. There weren't even any windows!
"As you know you work starts at 7:30 and ends at 3:30. During that time you'll be at that type writer there and type every little thing that goes on in the court room. You'll have a 30 minute lunch break at 11:00. And your payment will be $90.12 a month so after work today just pick up your check from me. Your first case will start in a few minutes. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask." She said before she gave me a polite smile and walked back to the front desk.
I walked over to typewriter and got everything ready. After 10 minutes people started to file in so I got ready to type.
After work- 3:30
I lightly winced as I rubbed my hands to get rid of the soreness. I'm so glad work is over! But I still can't go home unfortunately because I have to go grocery shopping. I turned in my reports for the day then hurried to the front office and saw Mrs. Yeske.
"Good Afternoon Mrs. Yeske. I'm here to pick up my check for this month." I said as I struggled to slip on my sweater.
"Good Afternoon Ms. Carraway. I hope you've enjoyed your first day." She said as she dug her desk looking for it.
"It wasn't bad. My hands hurt a little though." I said making her chuckle. She finally found the check and gave it to me.
"I don't blame you! Have a wonderful afternoon. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow!" I said as I left. Let's see now I have $90.12. The house is $80.00 a month but I've already paid it for this month with money from my savings. So I'll buy groceries and I suppose I'll save the rest of it. I called a taxi then after 10 minutes I made it to the bank. I cashed the check and hurried out to the taxi to go to the store. After 10 more minutes I made it.
I bought bacon, Bread, Butter, Chicken, Coffee, Eggs, Flour, Milk, Oranges, Peaches, potatoes, a Round Steak, Sugar and vanilla beans. In total that was $6.33. Once I was finished I hurried back to the taxi and headed home. In 15 minutes I was home and after I paid the taxi man I ran inside to put everything in the refrigerator. I really hope nothings spoilt on the way home!
Once everything was in the refrigerator I went into the living room to check the time. Its 4:15 now so I don't think I'll be able to make the peach puffs I wanted to. Well I probably will but by the time their finished it might be too late in the day. I wanted to bring some over to Mr. Gatsby as a sort of welcoming gift. But I guess I'll have to bring them tomorrow afternoon. I know it's mixed up because when you move somewhere your neighbors are supposed to introduce themselves to you. But I really wanna meet this Mr. Gatsby and it seems the man never leaves his mansion so I don't think he knows I'm here.
Oh well I guess I'll just start baking. I've already wasted enough time spacing out! First I started off with making the puffs. I made the batter mixture and once it was finished I dropped large tablespoons on to the baking sheet and stuck it into the oven for 30 minutes. While they were baking I put the metal bowl and whisk into the refrigerator to make them cold for the cream. Then I peeled and sliced the peaches in a bowl.
I have 20 more minutes so I'll finish reading my book. With that thought I ran upstairs to grab my alarm clock. This way the puffs won't burn because I was so absorbed in reading. I set the clock to ring in 20 minutes then snuggled into my bed with This Side of Paradise. After 14 pages I heard that stupid alarm clock once again! The moment I get to the really interesting part here comes the alarm!
I went in the kitchen and opened the oven to see all of the puffs perfectly cooked through. I carefully took the puffs out and placed them on a cooling rack. Then I grabbed the peaches, cold bowl, and whisk out of the fridge. I mixed the milk, water, sugar and vanilla beans onto the metal bowl. I carefully mixed until it started to thicken. At that point I took out the beans and added one more tablespoon of sugar. I continued mixing it before I saw soft peaks.
Next I used a sharp knife to make a medium size cut on the side of the puff to slide in the sweet peaches. After that was done I topped all the puffs with whipped cream. I'm so glad their finally finished and they look better than I thought they would! I wonder what time it is now. I peeked out of the kitchen to see that its 5:00! This didn't take much time at all! I have enough time to run over and introduce myself. But then there's the matter of getting the guards to let me in.
They have to I mean I'm really harmless! Besides I spent time and money on this so there is no way I'm backing out now. I put three puffs on a serving plate and after I grabbed my coat I started to walk around to the front of his house. As I walked up the stone pathway I saw the front of the mansion and my jaw dropped. The house looked like it was picked up and dropped there right from France! Mr. Gatsby is so lucky! I wish I could live in a place like this!
I walked closer to the ivy covered gate and went over to one of the four guards.
"Hello! My name is June Carraway. I just moved next door in the little cottage and I wanted to introduce myself to Mr. Gatsby." I said shutting my mouth so I don't ramble too much. He seemed to take in my appearance before he gave a sigh.
"Let me send in one of my men to see if Mr. Gatsby is finished with work and would like to have visitors right now. In the meantime just wait here." He said before he sent someone to go check on Mr. Gatsby.
"Thank you so much Mr.…"
"Morris. Hugh Morris."
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Morris." I said holding the tray with one hand and sticking my other hand out for him to shake.
"It's nice to meet you too Ms. Carraway." He said with a small smile as he shook my hand. After that we both just stood there for a while. You could feel the awkwardness in the air. It lasted for a very long time until I finally decided to break the silence. But the moment I opened my mouth the guard that Hugh sent before came back panting and out of breath.
"Mr. Gatsby says he'd love to meet you." The man said between gasps of air. The rest of the guards set to opening the gate and soon I was on my way into the house. I knocked on the door and a butler opened it.
"Madam if you would please follow me." He said in a thick French accent. I followed him into the house and I froze. Goodness! This house is so luxurious and gorgeous that I can barely describe how astonishing it is. I heard someone clear their throat before I realized it was the butler who was more than halfway up the winging staircase. He motioned for me to follow him and I did.
We finally made it to a door and the butler opened it to reveal an office. I walked further inside and when I saw the man sitting at the desk I almost dropped the puffs in utter amazement. His smile and eyes were shocking. He had a deep tan. His blonde hair was cut and slightly tucked behind his right ear perfectly. I can't believe that this is Gatsby. I actually expected an old man with a cane, but the man in front of me is far from old. He can't be older than thirty!
"Hello Mr. Gatsby! I'm June Carraway but you can call me June. I just moved into the cottage next door. I wanted to introduce myself and to give you these as a little welcoming gift." I said snapping myself out of it as I brought the puffs closer for him to inspect them. Mr. Gatsby eyes widened a little and he looked at me as if he didn't know what to say.
"Thank you very much…June. Please excuse my manners. I'm Jay Gatsby. But my friends call me Jay. Sometimes they call me Gatsby. Either one is okay with me. It's so wonderful to meet you." He said getting up and taking the puffs. This is a surprise! Usually I'm taller than almost every man I've ever met except for my brother but that's because we're both 6ft. However Gatsby and I are the same height too! Happily or unhappily Mr. Gatsby didn't seem to notice or if he did he didn't show it because he didn't seem as surprised as most would. Jay put the puffs on his desk and stuck his hand out. I took it and the moment our hands touched electricity shot up my arm. He must have felt it too because he quickly let go.
"Well it was nice meeting you. I just thought I'd introduce myself since we're neighbors. I hope that we can become very good friends."
"I'd like that as well. You know if there's ever anything you want or need don't hesitate to ask me."
"Thank you! The same goes for you."
"I'm sorry?" Jay said with the most confused face I've ever seen. Goodness you'd think someone's never said that to him before!
"I just meant that if you need anything don't hesitate to ask me. I'll help with something if I can." I said smiling at him. He still looked a little shocked but smiled back. He seemed like he wanted to say something else but the telephone rang. He went over to his desk to answer it and spoke a little harshly into the phone. He looked very upset and was about to start yelling. But then he seemed to remember I was here and his cheeks flushed from embarrassment.
"I'm sorry about that June it was just a bit of business."
"No really! It's alright I didn't mean to take over too much of your time. I should have called before I came over to make sure you weren't busy. But I didn't have your number."
"Well here it is. Let me write it down for you." He said scribbling it down on a sheet of paper on his desk. He gave it to me and our hands brushed again which caused that electricity again. What on earth is that?!
"Thank you. It was nice meeting you."
"It was nice to meet you too." He said and I headed for the door. The same butler from before showed me out and I waved goodbye to Huge as I walked to my house. But on the way I couldn't shake the thought that I've seen Gatsby from somewhere. Oh well it's probably nothing. After all when you've moved so much in your life it gets to the point that everyone looks familiar.
Once I got home I put away the last three puffs and started making steak and potatoes for dinner. After I was finished I ate, cleaned up the kitchen, and got ready for bed. I put on a golden silk nightgown and washed the makeup off my face. Then I got into bed and fell into a peaceful sleep.