◦ ◦ Cayden's POV ◦ ◦

The New York sunshine rose into the sky and poured into my bedroom window before I even had time to shut off my annoying alarm. I rolled slowly and pulled the covers over my head and simply ignored the gleaming rays.

Only, I forgot to shut off my computer the night before, I was drunk, wasn't my fault... Anyway, I heard a loud BING from the application that monitor's my emails; someone emailed me. I was really hoping it wasn't just junk mail because then I got out of a comfortable position for nothing. So, I got up, stretched a little, brushed my teeth, tamed somewhat I could of my hair then finally made it to my inbox. I clicked a few buttons and noticed the new email; it was from a dear, faraway friend, SciencePrince. So I don't know his name, he could be a hot twenty 23 year old that has mocha skin and brown eyes and who's head reaches over 6 feet, OR, it could be some old 40 year old creep that plays video games all day and has binocular glass, you know the ones that make his eyes look like the sized of oranges. I just put on a big smile and hoped he told the truth, and then I opened the email.

Hey GradGirl,
Good morning. Sorry I am waking you up, if you're not up already. You went out partying; maybe you won't be up... Oops! Well, I am in a great mood today, think it was the Café Cubano, I thought I should start spreading it, you were first on my mind :P How are you? Have a good night sleep after your going out last night?
-SciencePrince

I tried laughing, but my voice just doesn't want to shine like that morning sun, at least not in the morning. His good mood was getting to her though; he really did know how to spread it.

Oh SciencePrince,
Your Café mood did the job, I'm Miss Sunshine :D I had fun last night, I fell asleep fast, that I guaranty you! HaHa. My best friend Aurora, remember I mentioned her, maybe once or twice, she's an actress to be...? Anyway, she brought me out and yes, I slept well. So, what are your plans for today?
-GradGirl

Well GradGirl,

I am glad you had fun, well deserved! I vaguely remember you mentioning her... Actress to be eh, is she cute, maybe I could hook up with her just before her sky rocketing fame! HaHa.

-SciencePrince

I again attempted that wanna-be laugh of mine, it came out rather as a dry cough, I need coffee. Mmm, coffee, maybe a donut too. That's it; I am making a quick trip to the Donut shop after I get cleaned up. Would Aurora like this SciencePrince guy? He doesn't seem her type, neither does she sound his. Maybe I just don't want them to hook. Oh well.

Dear SciencePrince,

She would never do a blind date, I mean never. So, what do you have planned for the day??? Me, well I think I am going to hit the book store I need something to read! Then, I think I will do some shopping then get my hair done; boring chick stuff all day :D
-GradGirl

Well GradGirl,

Sounds like fun. I'm going to go check out the new dive team I've been assigned to. I didn't get my job :( I Apparently I am missing experience in the field so I was sent to work with the dive team for up to a year. You know how much I love diving. Diving for money, Ha! No better match. Couldn't be happier!
-SciencePrince

Dear SciencePrince,

I am going to go; I need a fresh coffee and a donut in my system soon before I become grumpy! I hope you have a good day, and I will talk to you eventually! Ha. TTYL

-GradGirl

He sent me a last message saying good bye then I took a quick shower, got dressed in black sweats, expensive, but on sale at Macy's* when I bought them, pumas and a big tote bag. I quickly put my hair up in a bun with a big head band the swiped on some mascara and I was off the closest bakery.

It took my nose not even ten minutes to locate the closest Bakery with a rack full of donuts and freshly brewed coffee. What happened next happened so fast and next thing I knew, I was sitting at a table beside the big front of the store windows, with a large double-double, a Boston Cream in one hand and a cinnamon bun in a brown paper bag. I have to admit, my whole life I had a major sweet teeth for cinnamon buns and strawberry ice cream, but all other sweets seemed to fit that description as well.

I didn't really need to worry about my health, or I should say my weight because no one cares about their health anymore, as long as you're skinny and have blue eyes, you're perfect; doesn't matter if the stuff you're puking out burns your throat and causes diseases. I have a fast metabolism and half the time I just skipped lunch because either I'm not hungry or I just don't have the time.

After a long while, I finally finished the cinnamon bun, icing and all, and also finished my coffee. It was sadly, time to leave the pastry haven and do some shopping. The book store was the closest so I headed there. It was an older book store, not really used but seemed to stay in business always. Aurora introduced me to it a while back, when she was into plays, lots of Shakespeare. I am more into fictional, mystery but still comedic books as well.

I took a while, but I found a book that was worthy of my time and bought the whole collection. Which was only 4 books but that would keep me busy for a little while. Next was my very trusted and very good friend of mine, Valentino, my wonderful hairdresser, or as he calls himself, the 'HairMaker'. Cute, but I just call him Valentino. I forgot to book an appointment, oops, but that's normal. Valentino said he had time for me after he was done with the lady in his chair at that moment so I just waited it out with my new book. But only after reading a few words, I felt my cell vibrate and started to sing La Tortura, you know that Spanish song by Shakira. I always thought it was exotic and now every time my phone rings, I feel as if I am in Costa Rica belly dancing like Shakira.

"Hello?"

"Miss Brias?"

"Yes. Who is this?"

The man who asked my name sounded familiar, but I just couldn't place his voice.

"I am the Lieutenant down at the Miami Dade Police Department; I read your resume and heard what was recorded of your interview from last week. I have to say, I am impressed. I am in need of a couple good, experienced people for the job. The only thing I am concerned about is that you live all the way in New York, would it be an issue to come all the way down here?"

"OMIGOD! I GOT THE JOB?!" Ok, so at this point, I was up off the chair I was once sitting on and I was jumping around like a complete nut job. Everyone in the salon immediately stopped what they were doing and just stared at me. I didn't see any of their faces cause I had my eyes closed and I was loudly whispering how happy I was.

"How soon could you start?"

"I can be there within the month. I would have to look for a new house and get all my papers put together..."

"Perfect. Sadly, you'll have a workload waiting for you."

"Oh, that's what I wanted from the beginning!"

He gave me his number so that I could call him once I know when I can start work officially and then he hung up. I had the biggest smile on my face, MY SKIN WAS GLOWING!

Right after, Valentino was available to my needs and sat me in front of the head massaging, hair shampooing and soap rinsing, sinks. Afterwards, he sat me in his chair and asked me what I wanted.

I told him I wanted to go blond and he just gasped. I couldn't tell if he was disgusted or if he was really, really, really shocked.

"If you want to, you know it's going to cost a lot of money and time to keep up with the touch ups...?"

"I don't care! My life is finally starting, on the right foot, so I am going to take the next step and dye my hair fuckin' blond!" I lifted my hands in the air and spun around in his chair.

He shot me a funny looking smile then headed off the make the chemical based liquid that would change my lifestyle.

Later on, I came out of the salon and I felt really fabulous. I also felt a little nervous since my beautiful, shoulder blade length, brown hair was gone, it was now hidden under the dumb blonde's head.

So next was shopping, with my new hair and my new found blonde confidence. But, I still needed a little more confidence to help me get winks instead of stares. So, knowing Aurora, she had a hangover and the last thing she would want was to get up at noon to go shopping. But, also knowing my other best friend Linda, she would be up before 9 ready to clean the house then shop before the big needle hits 10. So, I called her instead. She gave me the thumbs up and that she would meet me downtown at the shopping center and of course, in the food court.

Between traffic and the stupid drivers in the parking lot, it only took me under an hour. In New York City, that's pretty good. It took me a while to find a spot but, as lucky as I am lately, I found a spot only about 10 ft from the entrance, pretty good eh? Then it took me an added 10 minutes to find Linda, and then we finally sat down with pizza and water at a little table isolated from the food court.

"So, why did you dye your hair blond?"

Linda was tall, two sizes skinnier and had naturally blonde shoulder length hair. On the pretty scale, she beat me to the top. I was maybe a 6 or 7, she was easily a 12 maybe even 15. Funny thing was, she always thought I was the pretty one and she was the loser. I think that's the reason we became best friends.

"Because, I got that job in Miami! Remember I was telling you about it." That's when I took a big bite of my pizza and let her ponder a little.

"Oh, right, right! YOU GOT IT!" and she practically yelled that. I nodded my head, to calm her down. "All the way in Miami? That's far..."

"Way to state the obvious. Yup, Miami. I am so excited, I don't know how I'll managed leaving everyone here though."

Now I was sad. I never really thought of what I would be leaving here. My friends, all of them! My family, my annoying brother and cute little sister, my mom, my dad. And that's when I started reconsidering.

"Maybe I shouldn't go..."

"Cayden, who are you kidding! GO! This must be a grand opportunity if you applied for a job all the way in Miami, take it! Sure, we're all going to miss you but obviously you're happy. I mean, you dyed your hair blonde! Be happy!"

"Awe, I love you!"

"You're loved by all, also."

We talked a little about my new job in Miami as we finished our slice of pizza then made our way to the first store in sight, Macy's. I had plenty of money, provided from my last job, which paid pretty well. It was a legal firm and I was a secretary. Anyway, it was one of the highest legal firms in New York and being a secretary, I got paid very, very well, like I said.

"So what are we looking for?"

"Well, I would like a new wardrobe for Miami. I thought you could help..."

"Alright, as long as I can get an outfit."

"Deal."

And then we got to shopping, let our magic fingers do the work, looking through racks of clothing and shelves of accessories. After an hour of shopping and a half hour in the change room, we made it to the counter with half a wardrobe. And that wardrobe included the following:

Two white blouses with style, one floral patterned blouse, two solid coloured well fitted t-shirt to show off her top half, two solid coloured long sleeves, several casual yet work appropriate cardigans, one black blazer, one white blazer, a tan leather jacket, a pair of black skinnies, a pair of white skinnies, a pair of blue straight legged jeans, a pair of black pin stripe wide leg trousers, a pair of tanned also pin striped suit pants, and a couple non-opened toe heels to finish every assemble.

Well, you see, I got everything I needed for work, but I also will have another life aside from work and that's my 21 year old life. I need casual clothes and I need fancier clothes. But, I figured they would better clothes for the hot weather down in Miami so I would leave it till then.

Linda and I decided it was time leave the mall. She had to go to work; I had to wake up Aurora, next as house shopping. So, I gave Linda a big thank you hug for her help and I went looking for my car in the very crowded parking lot. It took me a while, but I found it and eventually got on the right roads that brought me to Aurora's place. On my way there, I got a phone call.

"Hey, heard about your new job in sunny Miami."

It was my ex, Chris Powers. Him and I started University together, but didn't end it together. Half way through, I caught him cheating on me at some party he didn't bother bringing me along to. I didn't even know about it, but Aurora heard about it and brought me and that's when I caught him grinding his way through the floor with her. Lucky for him, I still let him in my life, but as casual friends only. I don't hang out with him as often; neither do I talk to him as often.

"Oh, yeah, living your dream in Miami." I couldn't help but brag, it was fun when I was bragging to him.

"CSI, eh?"

"You said it."

Since I've known him, he's always wanted to be CSI, I don't blame him, it's a really awesome job and I got it. But he didn't, he was a detective for the Massachusetts's police department. So all of this got a huge smile out of me, and I mean huge.

"Well, congratulations."

"That's it? Congrats?"

"Yes."

I was honestly expecting more, but I guess not.

"So you called me so that I can brag?"

"No, I just wanted to apologize."

"You're 3 years late buddy."

"I know, it just took me that long to realise that I made a h-"

"I don't care. I've lived without you for 2 years and I couldn't be happier. This blonde bombshell is going to Miami alone and you can tell me goodbye and my party."

"Blonde?"

"Blonde like that woman 2 years ago."

Now that made me smile, I couldn't come up with anything snappy ever unless I was talking to Chris and I loved it.

His phone call barely cost me anything, but the ride to Aurora's cost me at least 15 bucks in gas, that's how far she lived. But when I made it there, I found the hidden key outside her door, snuck into her bedroom and the 15 bucks was well made up for when I scarred the shit out of her.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"I GOT THE JOB! I'M MOVING TO MIAMI!"

She very quickly got out of her bed and jumped up and down with me, letting out these little screams. She hugged me hard and took a while before letting be breath again.

"I am so proud of you! When are you leaving?"

"When I find a house and I was hoping you could help me with that."

"OMIGOD, yes! Let me take a shower and get dressed then we'll go online and find you a home you hobo."

She always made me laugh, she rocked. In our group, I was the forgetful one, and I forgot the shut her apartment door.

"Could you please shut up!" An old man voice yelled.

"Go away Murph, i you wouldn't spy on people you wouldn't hear them!"

"I don't spy!"

"Look at you old man, you're practically in my house."

Afterwards he mumbled a few words and walked away. Aurora lived in large house with four apartments. The one across from her belonged to an old widowed man. The two downstairs belonged to some younger guys, non Aurora was at all interested in, me either.

It took a while but Aurora finally finished. I had brought my laptop so that we could use it. Aurora's internet reception was the worst, and she never bothered buying this little stick thing that finds you better internet, she wasn't really an internet fanatic. I wasn't either but I still kept myself prepared for cases like this. But Aurora insisted that we do this at a nice coffee shop or local pub with a secluded booth. I voted for the coffee shop, since there were always little deserts.

We set up my laptop on the little round table in the coffee filled air of the little coffee shop and we both sat on the same side to get a better view at the screen.

"So, house? Condo? Apartment? Mansion?"

"House is too big for just me, apartment sounds too dirty, mansion is way, way too big, but condo sounds perfect."

"Alright, so we want it near the water?"

"Sure, but also near the Police Department."

"Ok..." Aurora tapped a few keys on the noisy keypad and suddenly a list of condos popped up.

"No," she clicked to the next one, "no," same thing over and over.

"Wait, go back!" I caught a glimpse at a really nice one, after 15 minutes of flipping through them.

She slowly and regrettably clicked a few times back till she noticed what I had seen. It was a Condo on the water, 5 minutes from the police department and it was big. My eyes went straight for the price and honestly, it was a reasonable price. It had a large kitchen, brand new appliances, big master bathroom with his and her's sinks, huge master bedroom, beautiful living room with giant windows that showed the wonderful view of the ocean, a patio and beautiful foyer, plus a little bathroom by the door. It looked perfect. I didn't need much, but I am girl and everyone always said girls want more then they need, or is that kids want more...? Well, which ever, I am still a child at heart and I don't think I've changed my gender ever, I am a proud woman.

Anyway, well the condo looked perfect, even Aurora was jealous, that was a good sign. So, I called the number displayed on the screen a man answered.

"Eric."

"Hi, I was calling about the condominium you posted on the internet, the one for sale?"

"I only have one. That's the only one."

I gave a nervous laugh. He is hot, or he sounded hot but that's counts for something right? Yes, if a guy came up to you and he bedazzled you with his voice, that's a good sign right there. If it isn't, it should be.

"Well, I am interested. In the house I mean."

"Com'on down for a look and you can make a final decision."

"I'm all the way in New York. I just want to make sure there's nothing wrong with the condo."

"The reason I am moving out is because I got a new job with a better payroll."

"So nothing wrong?"

"Absolutely not."

"Alright, perfect, I'll take it."

"Do you mind me asking why you're moving down here?"

"Because I got a new job down there."

"Well, you'll like it. The weather is probably your biggest change."

"Oh well. I'll deal. Well, I can give you your asking price, I just want to make sure I get it for sure."

"All yours. When will you be down, there are some things to sign and all."

"Of course. Give me a month maybe?"

"Perfect. Well you have my number, you mind if I get yours in case something comes up?"

"Of course."

So I gave him my number and he promised to be in touch. I hung up and bounced around with Aurora. Now was time to go spread the good news. Tonight was another night dedicated to a few drinks and some dancing. Maybe even some loud shouting, the funny thing is, it doesn't take a lot to get me drunk, but I don't tell anyone that.

"Alright, Aurora, let's go party! I have a new house, new job, NEW LIFE!" I danced around and Aurora blasted some music. We danced as we got ready to party, this was all back at her place, by the way.

I did pick up a cute little number while we were shopping at Macy's. I slipped it on while she did her hair. Then we switched and we headed out. This time we didn't call friends, this was sort of a celebrating just her and I. I did call Linda, to invite her but she couldn't, she was hanging out with her boyfriend, which I would do but I have seemed to misplace my fantasy boyfriend, joke, no boyfriend.

It was a fun night. I sort of lost Aurora half way through, she got a phone call and was gone, but I kept on celebrating. I had three too many drinks, danced with five too many guys and took ten too many steps. But someone called me a cab, thank god. I made it to my apartment in one piece and all alone. Again, I managed to get into PJs, too lazy to take a shower. And I fell sound asleep.