"Oh my God, is that true? That's absolutely mortifying, right? "

"The heck was that? "Like wolves, we are pack creatures; our diversity is what makes us stronger as a unit."

When did a walk-through commencement turn into your principle living out his furry fantasy?

Oh my gosh!I wouldn't be surprised to find out he has fur. And here I was imagining he'd start howling at the moon.

Lyssa, what did you think of all that oddness?

I nodded my head absently, not paying attention as my classmates ripped into our principal. My mind was racing with a million and one things I had to accomplish, and I just couldn't bring myself to care.

I did my best to stay on top of things, but there were times when I felt completely overwhelmed. . My senior year of high school was winding down, the cost of living was rising, and I was still unemployed.

"Hello!Ania! "

As I heard that, I blinked and stuck my head out of my locker. "Huh?"

"What did you think of our principal's ten-minute diatribe on how we need to embrace our inner wolf or whatever?"

I mumbled, "Well... it was a little unusual," I refrained from mocking the middle-aged man's attempt at originality. He was a kind person for a school administrator and had given me money for lunch a few times without making me feel like a bum.

Thankfully, the talk continued going because my buddies weren't waiting for me to finish my thoughts.

Barbara Lim was my vivacious and intelligent first year roommate. The whole affair had felt strange. At the park where I was studying after class, she had bounded up to me, declared our friendship, and slid me a cola. I was too taken aback to explain to her that it wasn't how things worked, and furthermore, had I done so, I would have been proven wrong, as she is still one of my closest confidantes four years later.

Which, if I'm being completely honest, was impressive. Never one to trust easily, I often found myself misled.

There was an upsurge of affirmative responses from our group, and I occupied myself by retrieving items from my locker rather than answering. I was dead penniless and swamped with commitments, yet I detested disappointing my pals.

It's not like I was picked on or anything. They were quite understanding for teens, but I still felt left out whenever I had to make up an excuse for why I couldn't go on one of their adventures.

Of course, I could always ask one of them to keep an eye out for me, but I wouldn't want to. Label it as you like, but it's pride. To be honest, I just liked to keep my personal matters to myself.

Oh no, I just found out that there's a party at Matthew Rigdon's house tonight!

That made everyone stop laughing awkwardly, and it prompted the girl who had been talking eagerly to blush.

"Am I misinterpreting what you said?" "Man, you just met Ania's exes."

It was inevitable that I would sigh at this point. It's true that Philip was my on-again, off-again, on-again, off-again boyfriend. He was cute and I liked him well, but we just didn't click as individuals. He also had quite different priorities than I had. Maybe due to the fact that he was a spoiled privileged kid who was loved and cared for by his parents, while I was just... me.

It seemed like he was continually pushing for an even tighter relationship than I was ready for. We were also not on the same page sexually, therefore no encounters of that nature had ever taken place.

"it's fine. There's no hard feelings; we're just spending some time apart to figure out what we want. "

"That's what you said the last time." In a lilting tone, Barbara Lim pointed out as she went back to tidying her locker.

Alice chimed in.

"All right, I get it," I said, rolling my eyes. "Stop stressing about it for now." Barbara Lim emerged from her locker with a big grin on her face. ,

"see you night long then?"

For a split second, I stopped and tried to mentally reorganise my day to see if it were possible. Although my head told me no, my heart was on board. Since we were graduating, our time together would no longer be the same. Everyone else seemed to be thriving in their new circumstances, while I was still struggling to get by. It would be nave of me to think that things would remain the same as we all went our separate ways, even though we would remain good friends.

Sure, I'll be around tonight. Bring me your sibling's old graduation robe, please. I failed to order mine in time and now I must borrow one.

That's not the case. It was beyond my financial means. Once again, though, that was none of my friends' business and didn't need to be shared.

"Well, yeah, of course!"

Not for the first time, I was really appreciative of how kind my friends were and how they never seemed to question whatever I asked for.

In unison, we all headed for the door. While a few of us walked, the parking lot served as our true "goodbye" location because that's where our automobiles or our parents' cars were waiting. I waved and made assurances that I wouldn't be too late before I left.

Still, I delayed going to my lodgings. Instead, I headed straight towards the central commercial district, where I entered the first available eatery.

"Hi. Can I be of assistance?" according to the hostess's enthusiastic description. When I had a job, maybe I'd be more upbeat, too. Nonetheless, it was challenging for me to get work as a high school student.

"Yes, I was hoping to get a hold of your HR director."

That was definitely not the norm, and I was aware of that. I knew I should have requested an application first, but I was anxious to cut to the chase.

Weirdly, he rarely engages in one-on-one conversation. Never without first

initial access to our web portal.

With what I believed was my brightest grin, I nodded and told her that. "Yes, but it's a bit of a crisis right now. If you did that, you'd be doing me a great favour. "

"All right, I'll be back "But I'm not going to make any promises."

I made a half-bow while clapping my hands together as if in prayer. Expressing gratitude, " Many, many thanks! "

I apologise if I came across as too needy, but I really needed to find work. Even if I was adept at avoiding detection and finding food and shelter illegally, it didn't mean I like it. If everything were on the up and up, there wouldn't be nearly as much tension.

"That booth over there is where you may wait."

She indicated one that was situated near a window and bathed in bright sunlight. It seemed understandable that one would be left unoccupied.

In an effort to seem professional, I made my way there and took a seat. It seemed possible that this was the reason I wasn't being employed, albeit I was unclear as to what it really included.

About five minutes later, to my utter amazement, a tall, wide guy with a reddish complexion emerged from the rear. Yeah, I kind of figured I'd be ordered to leave. But he saw me and sat down opposite me in a matter of seconds.

"Julie says you're in the market for a new job."

"Yes! To begin, I'd want to introduce myself." ?

"I see. How many hours a week would you like to work?"

"Typically throughout the day. As I conduct my online classes at night, it's unlikely that you'll see me out and about in the city after dark, especially as a young lady.

"You don't have an automobile."

The moment I heard his voice, my stomach did a little twist at the sound of his fear. "No, but I'm just around the corner!" The stroll wouldn't take more than four or five minutes at most. That's why I believed this company would be a fantastic place to work.

"I see. But, although we no longer accept paper applications, I am able to mark new ones that arrive via our web portal as urgent. Please provide me your contact info; I need to call you.

"Would an email work? In comparison, mine is rather special. Yes, of course! "

Even if my email address was a throwback to my freshman year of college days, it wasn't why I still used it.

After three unsuccessful interviews, I realised that prospective employers didn't appreciate it when applicants didn't have access to a phone. In fact, for many of them, it was the last straw that caused them to be disqualified.

"Great!"

My pulse was racing as I spelt out my email address for him to write down. It was probably silly of me to worry so much over a casual chat with a potential supervisor, but I was desperate for work.

" I promise to get back to you as soon as possible,"

My God, I really hoped he wasn't trying to get under my skin with a lie.

"Thanks! Now go out and enjoy your day. "

Having gained some optimism, I shook his hand and left. I wasn't the sort to invest all my hopes in one location, so I moved on.

After that, I go on to the subsequent location.

My back was hurting me by the time I had visited every restaurant and business that had a help wanted sign up. It turned out that taking everything from my locker home was a challenging physical activity in and of itself. But, I persisted, and my determination carried me through to meeting with every available boss.

I was able to return home without feeling like the whole trip had been a waste since most of the meetings had gone smoothly.

Thankfully, the distance between points was not too great. Perhaps closer to twenty minutes than the fifteen I had informed the first boss. All of my energy had been used up by the time I got there. I wanted to stay in bed until it was time to hang out with my pals again.

"Hey there,Ania! You have a really tired appearance. "

Somehow, I mustered up the courage to grin at the doorman. While he may be a little intrusive at times, he was a really kind guy.

"Hello there, Mr. My day has been absolutely insane. Holy crap, I'm really graduating!" I didn't really want to talk to him as much as we did, but I figured I should keep things cordial for the time being.

"This is a pivotal juncture in your life. Are you psyched to finally fly the coop? "

Indeed, I doubt I would use the term "excited" to describe my feelings. The phrase "endlessly afraid" seemed more truthful.

Well, I didn't quite come out and say that.

In either case! For my part, I can't wait to make my own dreams come true! I mean, it's not like I hadn't been doing it for years...

"Ho, ho! What about your mom and dad? Have they become as pumped up as you have? "

When my father acts like nothing is wrong, my mother weeps over my outgrown baby clothing.

Another round of falsehoods, but at least they were charming ones. And ones I had to maintain since the doorman had mistaken my family for his own upon our entrance. They were only holding the door open for me since I had one box of belongings and both hands were full. Naturally, I let his assumption keep up, and I had no idea how the family hadn't corrected him.

"Aww, how sweet. There are a lot of individuals who would give everything to have parents like that. "

My heart almost stopped , "Yes, tell me about it."

After saying my goodbyes in a semi-awkward manner, I headed to the post office and rented a mailbox. It had been challenging, but the bargain six-month contract was a welcome relief. It was well worth the three days it took me to explore as much of the city as I could in search of recyclable bottles and cans.

While I was usually successful in avoiding regulations and other forms of interference, I had now discovered that I needed a regular mailing address if I wanted to stay in touch with people. Having a central location for all of my important paperwork, whether it be government forms, school assignments, or requests for financial assistance, has made a huge difference in my life.

It wasn't always a lot, but with the major life event I was nearing, there was always something. I unlocked my little box, took out my letters, and organised them in the lobby before catching the elevator.

It ended out that none of it really mattered. Nothing except spam and advertisements for luxury brands I'll never be able to purchase.

I started laughing at the concept and put my palm over my lips before I could stop myself.

though I was alone as I walked out of the mailroom. While I did not like having to steal, I did sometimes find the thrill of the chase exciting. Hardly the healthiest outlook, but one I tried to justify by telling myself I was making the most of it.

I had stopped at the door to discard some trash mail when I saw something... odd.

I don't remember what prompted me to glance up and see the guy who had just entered the lobby, but I did. A tall, dapper gentleman, he was on his way to the hotel's much too ritzy restaurant under the lobby. His hair was the colour of the earth itself-a rich, royal brown-and his eyes were a deep, ominous amber. He looked like he belonged at an exclusive cafe with his wide shoulders, powerful face, and sharp attire.

There was a split second-just a second-when I felt an odd attraction to him. I couldn't help but go back to sixth grade biology class, when the instructor had placed two powerful magnets on opposite ends of his desk and allowed them to attract each other. I had no adequate words to describe it. The only thing I was aware of was that my whole focus had shifted to the dashing stranger on the other side of the room.

His piercing blue eyes had me paralysed, and I was sure I could smell his perfume even from this distance. It wasn't overpowering , it had a scent that made me salivate since it was more woodsy and natural while yet carrying the unmistakable smell of masculinity and power.

What the hell?

Suddenly rousing from my daze, I slammed my head down and briskly made my way to the lift. That's never happened to me before, so I guess I'm just weary. Oh, the shame! My heart was racing like I'd just finished a marathon, and my muscles tensed up like I'd been petted vigorously. I knew I was starting to feel the effects of all the pressure I was under.

Fortunately, I was able to regain my composure and feel like myself again by the time the lift dropped me down on my level. I took a deep breath and got up to check the community board for information on when the next tours would be happening.

Goodness, I loved that the building's owners were so transparent. Being a squatter, it greatly simplified my life. The trips of which I was aware were being offered included

There were appointments with potential flat tenants all through the weekend, but as long as I departed at a reasonable hour, no one would suspect a thing.

Once they left, I could return to one of the three apartments I visited at night. I would have to conceal the little possessions I did have, but I was accustomed to that by this point and had plenty of places where no one would ever look.

After reviewing the plan many times to help it stick in my mind, I set off for the first flat, certain that I could spend the night there without any problems. Since I had a graduation ceremony to get ready for, it was extremely crucial.

As I reached my misguided haven, I set down my stuff with a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, I wanted a shower badly, so I didn't have much time to relax. Even after a decent exercise, I felt like I smelt a lot stronger than normal, and I knew I had worked really hard.

Strange.

The stress undoubtedly played a role, so I quickly took a chilly shower and then a shower hotter than the flames of hell.

While I was in the midst of unwinding after a long day at work, I overheard one of the realtors admitting guests into an adjacent apartment. Her statements were jumbled and I didn't understand a word, but she seemed to be enjoying herself. That wasn't the first time that I was relieved that she didn't notice the source of the flowing water when it came from a vacant house.

While I cleaned, though, I couldn't help but speculate about her tour group. Was it affluent travellers on the lookout for a second home? Someone famous on the internet who craved the bright lights of the big city? Whoever they were, they probably had a lot of money. Pickpockets might score big on the building's occupants if they didn't have to follow the golden rule of never robbing a person's place of residence. It would have been too obvious, and I didn't need the police nosing about my building to find out why there had been so many theft complaints.

The only option I see is to keep my hands to myself until I've left the area. Keeping myself safe was a major concern of mine, and it had done just that.

When I dried off after my shower, I got down to send letters of gratitude to the professors who had helped me along the way. Whether it was covering the cost of my sports equipment when I was younger, providing me with lunch money when I didn't have any, or just being there for me in general,

I wanted to demonstrate my gratitude, but I knew that sending them money or asking them to write me letters of reference for schools I wouldn't get accepted to would be pointless.