And the story commences! Thank you guys for reading and make sure to vote or comment. Hope you guys enjoy the first chapter!

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Why is it so freaking cold?

The harsh New York winds blew past my shivering figure. Teeth chattering, I scurried to my door and pulled out my new key. I struggled fiddling with the stubborn lock, my hands shaky from the cold.

I really hope I don't get frostbite.

After what seemed like a century, the door finally opened. I quickly shut and locked the door behind me, making sure all three locks were secure.I rubbed my hands in a lame attempt to warm them. Even though my apartment was warmer than outside, the heater wasn't efficient. It only brought the room up a few degrees.

Exhausted and cold, I tossed my keys carelessly onto the cracked and dirty counter. I looked around the room and tried not to cringe at the new living arrangements.

The apartment was a disaster.

It was a small place, basically one room for the kitchen and a bed. The bathroom was tiny, almost making me feel like I was in a tiny closet.

The walls were chipped and the carpet was stained and worn. I examined the stains and tilted my head. I wondered what possibly could have gotten stuck on the carpet. Some of it was crusty or molding.

And don't get me started on the large bug I found yesterday. I nearly had a heart attack as I trapped it in a plastic cup to take it outside.

I scrunched my nose in disgust before walking to the bed.

When I rented this apartment, I didn't care about the conditions. The only thing that I cared about was finding a roof to cover my head.

I refused to sleep out on the streets. I didn't know much about New York City, but I knew enough living in Los Angeles that you didn't want to be on the streets alone at night.

Looking at my new home, I almost regretted my decision. But it was too late now. I already had paid rent for the next few weeks and I was too scared to talk to the landlord.

He creeped me out when he was showing me the place, his yellow teeth on full display as he eyed my body in a way I didn't want to think about.

Sitting on the worn down mattress, I rubbed my face in exhaustion and frustration.

I didn't get the job- again.

This was my fifth interview. I had gone to different local stores and restaurants, but each one rejected me. You would think in a big city like this there would be multiple job openings...wrong!

I've pleaded with multiple staff members, but they claimed there were no available jobs. I was getting desperate.

I had gone through multiple newspapers, searching and none of them took. Tears of frustration started to build and I quickly wiped them away. Now was not the time to cry like the baby I was. I would have to do it later tonight.

I was also running low on money, which only increased the load on my shoulders. I already made a dent in my savings by buying a plane ticket and apartment. That didn't include the bills, food, and personal items I needed.

I didn't have a lot of money to my name. My parents had me when they were older and passed away two years ago.

I didn't have many friends because I was too shy and even if I did, I wouldn't have asked for help. This was my mess to solve.

Maybe you wouldn't be in this mess if you just minded your own business or called the police when you had the chance.

I shook my head. If I had just closed the book shop early, I would still be in Los Angeles, reading a book in my old bed without a care in the world.

But that Rosaline didn't exist anymore. This Rosaline needed to stay clear of any trouble.

I just needed to find a stupid job first.

Sighing once more, I made my way to the kitchen and grabbed the only thing in my pantry– Instant Top Ramen. I added some water before putting it in the microwave.

While it cooked, I went to the bathroom to freshen up. Washing my face, I looked up into the mirror. I furrowed my brows and cringed at the unfamiliar girl in the reflection.

She looked so...drained. Her dark locks looked oily and flat as it went over her shoulders. Unhealthy pale skin glowed underneath the lighting and her face looked a little sunk. There were dark-ringed circles under her eyes, showing her exhaustion and stress. I stared into their haunted brown depths for a few moments before closing my eyes tightly.

It hurt to know that that girl was me. The once carefree and happy girl was missing, only to be replaced by this withering ghost. I was going to dissolve into nothing if I didn't take care of myself more.

I ran a hand through my hair, the rose charms on my bracelet creating small noises. I looked down at the jewelry my mother gave me, my heart sick as I remembered my parents. If they were still alive, I knew I wouldn't be in this situation in the first place. Mom would be there to give me a hug while dad talked to the authorities with me. Even then, maybe I wouldn't have even been at the shop when it happened.

Too many "what if's". It's too late now.

My depressing thoughts ceased as I heard the microwave beep. Wanting to get away from my reflection, I gratefully went back into the kitchen.

After finishing my Top Ramen, I put on my worn out pajamas, adding my heavy jacket and climbed into the bed. I tucked the covers tightly around my curled body to ward off the cold. I played with a strand of my hair, a frequent habit of mine to comfort myself when I was anxious or stressed.

I closed my eyes tightly, hoping to dream about the warm California sun instead of the cold New York night.

~*~

"I'm sorry, Ms. Sinclair, but we just hired new staff a few days ago. Why don't you keep looking down the block? I am sure there are plenty of job openings there." A manager reassured me before ushering me out of the full diner.

"But wait, I–"

My protests were cut off as the manager closed the door in my face. Now on the sidewalk, I was pushed and shoved against the wall by the crowd. I huffed as I glared at the door, sticking my tongue out immaturely.

Job openings down the block? I already tried that!

Sighing in defeat, I joined the crowd down the block.

I looked up at the tall buildings, blocking out the curses and honks from taxi drivers. I had to admit, parts of the city were gorgeous, especially at night.

I shook my head at my thoughts. Now was not the time to admire the scenery.

I gasped as someone ran into me. They muttered a "sorry" before passing me.

I winced and rubbed my side as it was still sensitive from a few weeks ago. Though I still bandaged it, it was basically healed.

Not in the mood to get jostled by people any longer, I moved to the side, in between two buildings. I eyed the alley cautiously.

Just being in this environment triggered something in my mind. My heart began to hammer in my chest as memories flashed in my head.

Knowing the early signs of a panic attack, I quickly knelt down onto the concrete so I wouldn't fall. I knew nothing could prevent it and could only let those dreadful memories pass, leaving me frozen in terror.

I could hear all the noises from that day, my ears ringing. I gritted my teeth from the pain.

I heard the guns go off as I ran down the street. I blended in with the rest of the crowd. The screams and pleas never seemed to end as I kept running, my hood secured as the men raced after me.

"Stop!"

I heard gunshots again and a sharp pain came from my side.

No!

My breathing became shallow and I tried to take deep breaths, closing my eyes tightly and thinking of something, anything else.

The flashes slowly stopped as my heart slowed to its regular pace.

I slowly opened my eyes as the sounds of the city returned to my ears. I looked at the people on the streets before staring at the alley once more.

"It's okay Rosaline, the people here are safe. You are in a different city now. No one's going to hurt you." I whispered to myself, trying to stop my trembling. With shaking fingers, I touched my right side, caressing the bandage.

Even though the stitches finally dissolved, it sometimes felt like a fresh wound. It was sensitive at times, but I was beyond grateful that it was only a graze.

If the bullet had gotten any farther, it could have hit a major organ.

"It's over. They aren't here." I murmured to myself, clenching my eyes shut.

Once I regained some control, I looked at my watch for the time. It was four o'clock. I sighed tiredly. I've been standing here in the cold for almost two hours, trying to calm down from my anxiety attack.

I calculated that the sun would go down in almost an hour. I shook my head at my foolishness. I needed to get home.

Looking around, I gulped as I realized I had no idea where I was. I tried to look for a street sign, hoping to get a hint to my exact location.

Giving up, I tried to ask for help. I took a few deep breaths before going to a crowd of people coming my way.

"Excuse–"

Oomph!

"Pardo–"

Oomph!

"I'm sorr–"

Oomph!

"Watch where you're going!" A man snapped before stomping away. I stumbled back to the wall as I rubbed my arm, soothing the pain. I began to tremble in fear and nervousness.

How do I get back?

I sniffled as I played with the ends of my hair, trying to calm myself down. My mother used to do this whenever I was upset and it stayed with me. I didn't care about the looks I got when I did. It was the child in me expressing herself.

Slowly coming out of my hiding spot, I began to hobble down the sidewalk. As I continued to walk, fewer people surrounded me.

When I made it to the end of the block, it was only me standing. I gulped as I looked at the sky. It was getting dark.

Trying to come up with a solution, I decided to go inside somewhere and ask for directions. I opened the door to the building in front of me and dashed inside.

The door slammed shut and I froze. My wide eyes scoured the room I was in and my face paled.

Inside this building was a large bar. The bar had a modern take — a marble counter with shelves covered with glasses and colored bottles. The lights softly illuminated the room, barely entering the dark space. Wooden tables and chairs spread throughout the room in front of a stage with three poles on the platform.

I eyed the poles warily. Maybe I was in the wrong place–

"Hey! We're still closed!" A deep voice barked.

I squealed as I spun around to face a chest. Gulping, I looked up to see a scowling man looking down at me.

He was a giant compared to my five-foot-six height. His large muscles stretched against his white plain T-shirt and jeans. The man had dark hair styled into a faux hawk, his blue eyes examining me.

I quivered in fear as I tried to find my voice.

Please let me talk first before you squish me like a grape.