Sleeping in your own teenage bed was never anything like you remember. And for some reason Giselle's mother had kept the bed. Nothing else except the bed. It stood in a room that acted as storage, ironing room and guest room at the same time. Since rarely anyone ever visited overnight, Giselle could see why it had come to this, but that was far from improving her sleep. The bed creaked, probably due to age more than anything else. Not to mention that she guessed a whole army of bugs would have invaded the mattress by now.

Regardless of this, her mother had kindly pulled up new sheets onto the bed that smelled of summer flowers and were quite snug. The brunette was anxious about Saturday while at the same time feeling quite bugged about the events from Friday morning. It made for a very bad foundation when it came to rest and sleep. She sighed and took her phone from under her pillow. It was 1:30. Annie had agreed to tag along. Even offered to pick her up, but since that wasn't necessary, she'd arrive on her own. Then they had written countless messages about the events that had occurred and how Ian had her taken to the cleaners. The vibe through the messages clearly painted an enraged Annie. Yet there was little she could do. Through some miracle, her own anger and rage, even the sadness, had subsided and she just wanted to leave this chapter of her life behind. Unfortunately this was the moment she remembered about Annie's tough day as well as the e-mail to Julian. At least the latter she could still do and quickly sent her mother's address to the lawyer.

For at least another thirty minutes, she tossed and turned. Then the alarm rang. 5:35. Giselle couldn't remember sleeping at all. With a groan, she pushed herself out of bed and went under the shower. Unfortunately her brain was about as tired as her body and she ended up taking a headbath. Drying her hair would now replace her breakfast. What a morning, she sighed to herself and dug through her suitcases for appropriate clothes and took a scone with her to the bus stop.

Some people that she met on the street walking their dogs glanced at her as if she was a zombie on the way to bed. Giselle didn't care and hopped onto the bus once it arrived. From her mother's place to Dean's attire for the gentleman didn't run a direct line. She had to switch at the central bus station. And with her luck, number 78 just drove off when she stepped onto the platform. Fifteen minutes of waiting time. She took a seat and leaned against the backrest. The buzz of busy people barely registered. Dozens walking past, hopping off vehicles, stepping onto others. She was just another suit, heading to work. Except maybe that she didn't wear a suit. Was she still considered a suit? She had no answer.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"You look like crap", Laury told her as a greeting when she arrived ten minutes after Giselle in the store. The brunette just shrugged and mumbled something about sleep. Her coworker didn't understand half of it, "I'm guessing you just said that you didn't sleep well?". A nod confirmed the woman's suspicion. "I'm sorry that Ian is such a dick. You know I would have punched him in the face", Laury stated and mimicked a left hook. This made Giselle laugh, but she knew that it was true, too. Between her bad night and the good news about the apartment, yesterday's news were no longer affecting her much. Regardless, Laury came over and they hugged. They were friends, had walked together through the good times and the bad. Giselle finally saw how lucky she was, having such a wonderful person in her life. Her hands pulled the woman even closer and she whispered, "Thanks, Laury. For everything you always do". The coworker held her by both shoulders, nodded with a bright smile and promised softly, "Always".

Then both women whirled through the store, took care of the customers, reorganised the storage area and prepared the store for a new collection that would arrive soon. They were as efficient and good as ever. They were an incredible team.

When it was time to lock up, Giselle's mood turned worried and heavy. "What's wrong? Anxious?", Laury wondered as they walked over to her car. The brunette nodded and chewed on her lower lip. "Don't worry, you'll be fine! You have me with you!", an overly confident driver chuckled as the timid engine of the old Fiesta started with a tiny roar. "Did you prepare yourself for your own new apartment?", the woman asked and with that the car accelerated into the traffic around them. "Uh, no? Should I have…", Giselle felt fear rise up in her chest and her hands started trembling. "No, of course not, silly. I'm kidding!"