Bab 9: Daddy Issues.

Alisha sat alone on the couch, sipping her coffee and staring blankly at the wall. She had spent the last five days going to interview after interview, but she still had no idea if she would be able to land a job. The constant rejection had left her feeling drained and dejected.

Suddenly, the door to the apartment swung open, and Ashley walked in. She was wearing tight jeans and a cut-off top, and had a cigarette dangling from her lips.

"Yo," Ashley said, offering Alisha a half-hearted greeting.

Ashley sauntered over to the couch and dropped down beside Alisha, taking a long drag from her cigarette. "What's up?" she asked, noticing the glum expression on Alisha's face.

Alisha hesitated for a moment before answering. She and Ashley had never been particularly close, and she wasn't sure how much she wanted to share with her. But she couldn't deny the relief she felt at having someone to talk to.

"I've been going to job interviews for the past week," she said finally. "I don't know if I'm going to get any of them, and it's starting to wear on me."

Ashley gave a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, job hunting can be a real bitch," she said. "I told you passion alone is not enough to survive here, it takes more than that "

Alisha hesitated for a moment, not sure if she wanted to share her troubles with her cold and distant roommate. But then, she decided to take a chance.

"I ran away from my home because of family," she said slowly. "I don't have a lot of money, and I don't know how I'm going to pay for food or anything."

Ashley didn't say anything for a moment. Instead, she passed Alisha a cold, hard glare and settled back on the couch, taking another drag from her cigarette. Alisha felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had known that Ashley could be cruel, but she hadn't expected her to be so heartless.

"Daddy issues?," Ashley said in a sarcastic tone finally, offering Alisha the cigarette. Alisha shook her head and declined, but Ashley didn't pull the cigarette back. After a moment, Alisha took it and brought it to her lips.

As she sat there, feeling more alone than ever, her phone suddenly rang. Alisha fished it out of her pocket and saw an email notification from one of the fashion companies she had interviewed with.

Heart racing, she opened the message and read the words she had been longing to see: "Congratulations, you have been selected for the position of Assistant Fashion Designer at Fashionista Couture. Report tomorrow at 8 am sharp."

Alisha's eyes widened in disbelief. She had actually gotten the job! She looked up at Ashley, who was reclining on the couch, lost in thought, she somewhere in her heart wanted to tell Ashley abou the job but figured she won't be happy with it.

As Alisha stood up to leave, she couldn't help but wonder what Ashley was thinking. But then she remembered that it didn't matter. She had a job, a future, and a chance to make something of herself in this city.

As she slipped her phone back into her pocket and walked out of the apartment, Alisha felt a sense of exhilaration that she had never experienced before. She didn't need anyone's help, not even Ashley's.

She was going to make it on her own.

Alisha woke up at 6 am, her heart pounding with excitement. She had been dreaming about this day for months, ever since she had landed in the city with nothing but a suitcase and a dream.

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the city streets outside her window. Alisha felt a sense of serenity wash over her, as she breathed in the cool, fresh air of the early morning.

She got up from her bed and walked over to the window, gazing out at the skyline. It was a beautiful summer morning, with the sky painted in shades of pink and orange. She felt grateful to be alive and to have the opportunity to pursue her passion.

Alisha took a deep breath and made her way to the bathroom to get ready. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and applied a light layer of makeup. She chose a simple yet elegant outfit for her first day, a white blouse and a black pencil skirt.

As she got dressed, she couldn't help but feel nervous. What if she didn't fit in? What if she wasn't good enough? But she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that she had worked hard for this opportunity and that she deserved to be there.

She grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

As Alisha walked out of her room, she found Ashley standing in the living room, eating a sandwich. Alisha was surprised to see Ashley at home in the morning, as she was usually out and about. She greeted Ashley, but Ashley just said "yo" and slid a plate of sandwiches towards her.

Alisha felt confused as to why Ashley was being nice to her all of a sudden. Ashley's next words confirmed Alisha's suspicion as Ashley said, "With your sudden change of behavior, I figured you got the job," Ashley said, her tone icy and distant.

Alisha felt a pang of embarrassment. She had been so caught up in her own excitement that she forgot to tell Ashley about the job interview. "I'm sorry, I was about to tell you," Alisha said, her voice apologetic.

Ashley didn't reply and continued to eat her sandwich, ignoring Alisha's presence. Alisha ate in silence, feeling a sense of unease in the air. She wondered why Ashley was acting so cold and distant towards her.

Finally, Ashley asked, "So, where did you get the job?"

Alisha replied, "Fashionista Couture."

Ashley stood up suddenly, revealing her bare midriff, as she was wearing a crop top. She said in a cold tone, "I can give you a ride," and then without saying anything else, she left the house.

Alisha was taken aback by Ashley's coldness, but at the same time, she felt grateful for the offer of a ride. She quickly finished her sandwich and headed out to start her first day at work.