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Post by Olivia Fielding on Jul 23, 2010 0:05:48 GMT -5
 Houston, Texas
March 15th. So many memories, I can almost feel your presence. But then I open my eyes. You are not here any more. I can tell, as just my things surround me. This apartment shows no signs that you even lived here. It hurt too much, so I spent a weekend cleaning everything until the air felt clean again. I guess I have you to blame for that. You taught me to tell when the air felt bad or good. I remember you telling me that it would be for my protection, but I could tell you were just worried about me and my fears. I jump at the littlest things after all. But at least I can function still. I mean it has been what, forty years since I have seen my father, you would think I would be over it by now. But maybe it is the pesky ghost getting on my nerves. That and you leaving. It has been worse since then. With a sigh I all but let your memory slip away as I wash out my coffee cup. Just a small one to start the day off and wake me up. Then it is off to work. Of course once I arrive I will make another coffee, so that I am alert for work. I do not care if too much caffeine might kill me. Even you could not stop me from drinking it. No matter how much I loved you. I love coffee more. It is like a life source. One that is stronger than oxygen, as I can feel it holding me together. On the drive to work I play Strange over and over. I often feel like doing as the song says and staying in bed with Kleenex and chocolates. But I have to keep living and working, otherwise I wont have a bed. I love the story to this song, I just wish I was able to actually wake up and it all would be better. It also would be good if I could actually afford one of those strapless black dresses mentioned in the song, but I would have no idea where I would have to go to teach you a lesson. Not that I am over you. Upon arriving at the diner, I quickly put my things away, and straighten out my awful aqua green uniform. It is only 7.45, so I am early, as always. Which makes it possible for me to actually have a coffee before starting. With a wave at one of my co-workers I move to make my coffee. There was not many people here yet, just the few regulars getting their morning breakfast and coffees. The rush would not start until closer to 8:30. An hour later, as I am taking an order to a table, not watching where I am going, it happens. I bump into someone, and the fear runs through me, causing me to not wish to look at who it was a bumped into. All I could do was continuously say how sorry I am as I start to clean up the mess. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Jul 23, 2010 3:30:37 GMT -5
Well what a day yesterday, and looking at the time I will have to definately get up. Second day in Houston, Texas, and I already want to go back home to Chicago. Don't get me wrong, I love going on school field trips, especially when I get to concentrate on my singing career, which is what I want to do when I finally finish school. After putting on my favourite musical soundtrack, Wicked, I get up and get ready to head out for some breakfast before I start the final leg of this history field trip.
I decide to head out to the diner down the street. I know, we were told never to go anywhere alone, but I always have my pepper spray with me. Never leave anywhere without it, that, and my pink iPod. Again I put in my earphones to continue listening to the fantastic music from my favourite musical, and practically bounce down the street. I don't care who sees me as I silently mouth the words to every lyric sung. This is who I am destined to be, and I can't hide it.
I reach out and open the door to the diner, and soon spot a seat near the window. Placing my bag on the table, I glance at the menu, wondering what I can get that will allow me to perform my best today, as most of it will be walking around a museum. But I did study the museum, and where it is located, right near a store that sells music. Just my lucky day. I soon see that they make frozen soft drinks, which makes me smile, but I then wonder if they make iced coffees, as I would rather one of those than a coffee right now.
As I get up out of the booth to get someone attention, I bump into one of the waitresses. "I am so sorry." I see that whatever she was carrying had gone everywhere, but lucky for me none of it got on my clothes. I hear here say she was sorry, "It's okay. Nothing got ruined." I give her a smile, hoping that might brighten her day. "I will just tell the person in charge that it was might fault, and I am sure that nothing will happen." Why was I saying that, I never blame things on myself, oh well.
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Jul 23, 2010 5:27:06 GMT -5
Why the fear would come when awkward things happened was due to one simple reason - I hate crowds. And accidents usually mean attention. I would prefer to live my life without the people noticing me. There may only be a few in the diner still, but it was still too many people who were now looking in my direction. If only there wasn't so much of a mess to clean up. It would have been easier and there be less attention on me if it was smaller.
The coffee would require sponges, luckily one of the other waitresses came to my help, bringing water and sponges. With a smile I silently thank her. It was one of the newer ones, that I was not close to to But I knew that she knew that I would hate the attention and spotlight. I never can I hide that. Turning my attention to the girl I had run into, I was happy to know she was okay and unharmed, although I could not help but shake my head at her words. "Yes well. As long as you are not hurt, and none of the coffee got on you. We would not want you to get burned." I do my best to smile, although I can still fell the fear within me. It did not help that I could also sense my not-so-friendly stalker ghost watching somewhere in the shadows. I really wished it would go away, or at least reveal itself. Especially if it is or is not my father. As I could feel a whole lot better if it is not and I knew that.
I make a small laugh and wave my hand at what was left of the mess. "The manager, Nancy, will not mind. It is not the first or the last time. And no one gets blamed. It is fine." I was slightly surprised that this girl, who appeared to be about thirty years younger than me was being nice. It was not often that you could find nice and friendly people, especially the young ones. Smiling I take out the order book that was in my pocket. "While I am here, why don't I take your order?" I say, wishing I could make it up to her by giving her a free whatever it was she wanted. But there was no way that my boss, Nancy, would go for that.
"Of course I will have to take care of this mess first, but you can at least sit and relax while you wait. Save going and competing for attention since our take-away customers are making us a little busy currently." Sighing I pause and look back at the mess, that I gratefully see no longer was as big since the coffee and food had been cleaned up. "Which was why I was not paying attention. Which I am sorry about." I apologise again, more out of habit than feeling bad about what happened. Although I still felt bad. Running into customers happened more to the newer waitresses than ones who had been working for like twenty-five years. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Jul 27, 2010 5:15:54 GMT -5
{ooc - sorry Rachael that it took me this long to reply. Also sorry - just couldn't get into the head of my character to post in first person - I tried.}
Charlotte saw another waitress come over to help the waitress that she had bumped into, or maybe it was the other way around, who knew. She saw the waitress shake her head, and reply, saying that as long as Charlotte wasn't hurt, and they would not want her to get burned. Charlotte gave the waitress a smile back, and then heard the waitress say that the manager will not mind, as it wasn't the first time, or the last. "Okay then."
Charlotte didn't know whether to leave the waitress and head up to the counter to order, though her decision was finally made, when she suggested that she could take her order. "Um, sure. That would be great." Charlotte gave her another smile as she slid into the booth. She knew what she wanted to drink, but wondered what they had for breakfast, eyeing off the menu. The waitress said that she would have to take care of the mess, but Charlotte could sit and relax while she waited. She looked at her watch, wondering if she had time to eat anything, but decided to order. If she ran late for the field trip, it wouldn't be that bad, as she could get a taxi.
"Sure. I will have an iced coffee, and maybe some pancakes, thanks." The waitress continued to talk, and Charlotte waved it off, "It's okay. I am okay, and I hope you are as well." Charlotte then looked out the window, to see that the day outside was already busy, with people heading to their respective workplaces.
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Jul 30, 2010 6:27:46 GMT -5
Olivia was unsure who was to blame for the accident; she had not really been paying complete attention so it probably was her fault. Looking at the customer once again, Olivia satisfied her worries. It was clear that nothing had harmed the customer, or gotten on her clothes. So everything would be fine. It was due to the customer’s clear indecision that Olivia had suggested that she take the girl’s order. She quickly writes down 1 Pancakes in the food section and 1 I/C in the drinks section of the order pad, before stuffing the pad back in her pocket.
After being waved off by the customer, who was now acting like the incident was nothing, Olivia returned to the mess. She picked up all the broken pieces of the mug and plate she had been caring, and placed them on the tray. She then carefully carried that into the kitchen. Carefully placing the tray where it would not be knocked over, Olivia went and put in the customer’s order. Going around the back, Olivia grabbed some of the old newspaper, to wrap the broken pieces in. Something she would have to do, while staying out of everyone’s way of course. Olivia saw her boss watching her, so she shook her head in her direction, hoping to make Nancy stay away. "Olivia going out and making a newbie mistake. I do not know. I guess I will have to take that out of your pay check." "Go ahead and laugh all you want. It was my fault. I was distracted.” Olivia replied, as she wrapped up the last of the pieces. "Distracted huh? What we got ghosts roaming the diner do we? Care to take their orders then?" Nancy joked quietly, so no one would hear. Nancy was one of the only people Olivia had shared her ability too, and understood that Olivia wanted to keep that part of her a secret. "Only if you like giving food to customers who cannot pay.” At that, Olivia walked around Nancy, to take the rubbish outside to the bins.
Upon returning to the kitchen, and having washed her hands, Olivia went to collect the waiting pancakes and iced coffee. "You know. Why don’t you tell that poor girl you walked into that her meal here will be half price?" Nancy said as Olivia passed her. Pausing, and looking back at her boss, Olivia smiled. “Thank you. That is a good idea.” Out in the main part of the diner, Olivia watched where she was going as she took over the food and drink. “Here you are miss.” She said with a smile. “Also, I was told to inform you that the manager here has decided that, because of what happened, your meal here will be half price. That makes it $5.50. You can pay for it now or after you are done.” OOC: It is all fine Mel  . It is in the rules, so we should change it to third person anyway. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Aug 3, 2010 4:32:28 GMT -5
In the corner of her eyes, Charlotte could see the waitress cleaning up the mess, and she kept thinking that she should have looked to see if anyone was walking by before she had gotten up off the seat. But it was done now, so no need to worry about it more. The waitress then headed out the back with the broken things, and Charlotte wondered what today would bring.
Soon enough the waitress came back, and Charlotte gave her a smile. "Thanks..." She looked at her name tag on her uniform, "...Olivia." She eyed off the food, and couldn't wait to get into it. Olivia then spoke of the manager saying that her meal was half price, stating the price, then giving her the option of paying now or later. "Well, I don't mind paying now." Charlotte turned to her bag, fishing out of her purse, and then handed Olivia some money. She knew that she had given over a couple of dollas more, but she thought it was only fair. "Keep the change, okay?"
Charlotte then had a thought, "Maybe you could get yourself something, and take a break, unless that is not allowed?" She had no idea how long this woman had been working for. For all she knew she had been on her feet for a few hours without a break, or she could have just started work. Whatever the case, she felt that she needed a break, even if it was for just five minutes.
{ooc - sorry it is only short}
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Aug 6, 2010 6:05:15 GMT -5
After telling the customer about the new price of her meal, Olivia waited to see what she wanted. She nodded her head, waiting for the girl to get out the money. With a smile, Olivia took the money, noticing that the tip was more than what would normally given. "Don't be silly.." She started, but was interrupted by the girl's suggestion. "My break isn't for another fifteen minutes actually. The breaks don't start until after the rush is completely over. But thanks." Olivia smiled, as she turned to go run up the girl's order.
It took no time at all to add the order, take away the manager's special, then put the money into the cash register. Olivia, after all, had been working there for over twenty-five years, so that was no surprise. She then grabbed the receipt, and picked up the change to return to the customer.
"Sorry to disturb you again, but here is your receipt and change. I can't accept such a large tip, really." Olivia gave the girl a smile, hoping not to offend her. Really Olivia did not care about the tip, or if she got any. "Actually, I might take that break you suggested I have now. Do you mind if I join you, since it isn't that much fun sitting alone?" Olivia had no idea where the idea had come from, but as soon as she had said it she knew it probably was not the best idea. She didn't know this girl, and the girl probably had no interest talking to some waitress that was probably old enough to be her mother. Although it was part of a waitresses job to listen to the customers, so who knew, maybe this girl would want to talk to her.. OOC: Sorry mine is also short. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Aug 12, 2010 5:35:14 GMT -5
"Okay," Charlotte said, when Olivia said that her break wasn't for another fifteen minutes, being unable to take a break till the rush was completely over, thanking her. "And no worries." Charlotte then watched her leave to fix up the money. Again she looked out the window, and knew that she would have to leave soon, but would have enough time to eat her pancakes, and could always finish off her iced coffee on the way to the rest of the excursion for school.
Olivia soon came back with her change and her receipt. "Thanks for that. And that is okay. I understand, but I will remember for next time if I am ever back in this town," Charlotte said with a smile, taking it from Olivia. She picked up her purse out of her bag, and placed it all in there, first adding any coins, then the receipt and notes in their section. Charlotte then heard Olivia speak more, saying that she might take that break that Charlotte had suggested now. When Olivia asked if Charlotte minded if she joined her, she shook her head. "No. Don't mind at all." Charlotte gave her a smile, then waited for her to join her.
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Aug 30, 2010 22:22:32 GMT -5
“Thank you.” Olivia nodded when the girl said she could join her, and sat on the seat across from her. “I’m Olivia, obviously, by the way.” Olivia said, motioning to her name tag as she said obviously. “You’re not from around here are you?” Olivia paused, wondering if that sounded slightly insulting, before trying to explain herself. “It’s just that I know all the regulars, and I’ve never seen you in here before.” Olivia took a sip of the coffee she had quickly made herself before coming back out with the change and receipt, while she listened to the girl’s response.
Olivia couldn’t imagine what a trip from Chicago to Houston would be like. It would have had to have taken a day or two. Olivia had always wanted to go to Chicago, but had always put off those plans due to not wanting to travel such a long distance. She had looked at doing it, but the fact that they were 1745 kilometres apart had turned her off ever doing it. She never liked to drive anywhere over 1000 kilometres, as being alone for that length of time can make someone go crazy - particularly one who could see ghosts.
“If you are here for long and have some free time maybe you should check out the Houston Theatre District. I don’t know if you would be interested in it, but I hear it is very popular. Even people who hate enjoy themselves there. I haven’t been to see anything there for years, but I am sure that there are still some good concerts on there.” Olivia suggested. Of course Charlotte was more likely in Houston to go to the museums, in the surrounding museum district, but there was just something about her that made Olivia feel that she would enjoy the performing arts side of Houston’s attractions. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Sept 6, 2010 5:39:18 GMT -5
The waitress sat down, and introduced herself, even though Charlotte had seen her name from her badge that she wore. Charlotte smile, and gave her own name, "Charlotte. Nice to meet you Olivia." Olivia then said what was pretty obvious, and Charlotte shook her head, acknowledging the statement. Though Olivia soon said that she knew all the regulars, and she had never seen her before. "Yes, well just here for school unfortunately. Though leave tomorrow I think. I just want to get back to Chicago, where I go to school."
Charlotte wanted to continue on with babbling about what she wanted to do with her career, after school, but decided that maybe Olivia might not want to listen. Though really that had never stopped her from not opening her mouth about it. Then Olivia said if she was here for long, she should check out the Houston Theatre District. When she added that she didn't know if Charlotte would be interested in it, she felt her whole face light up, and her eyes grew wide for a few moments.
"Oh my goodness, I would so love to check that out, but really most of the day is planned around this thing for school. If nothing is going on later, I will definately have to see it for myself." Charlotte felt herself getting all excited over it all, and sat up in her chair, ready to tell this waitress about what she wanted to do. "Well, after I finish school, I hope to get into theatre. See I am part of this choir back at school, and I have been told by most people who care, that I am pretty good. Well to be honest, I think I am brilliant at singing. Even though some people like to make fun of my obvious talent, I over come it all by making videos of me singing. These will be my obvious audition tapes for the collages I am going to get into."
Charlotte took a breath, and then went for her drink, taking a few mouthfuls of it. When she was done, Charolle looked at Olivia, "That is pretty good. Might have to get another to take away when I have to go."
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Sept 7, 2010 3:09:36 GMT -5
Olivia had known her name was obvious, but she still said it, just to be polite. The girl, Charlotte, seemed nice and after what happened Olivia should be as polite as possible. “It is nice to meet you too Charlotte.” Olivia smiled.
After mentioning about the theatre district, Olivia watched as Charlotte’s face lit up. Clearly Olivia had been right in presuming that Charlotte would be interested in that type of thing. “Well I guess that is understandable, hopefully you do get some spare time to check it out though.” Olivia responded when Charlotte explained how the day was structured around the things for school. Olivia sat patiently as Charlotte explained what she wanted to do when she finished school. There was just something about young people who felt so strongly about what they wanted to do that made her smile. She did not know why, maybe it was because when she was young she only wanted to get out, but had little plans of future. Which is why she was still in her first job - not that she did not love it.
“It’s good to know that theatre is still loved, and not going to be one of those professions that die out.” Olivia said when Charlotte mentioned her plans to enter the industry after school. “I am sure that you are a brilliant singer, and that going to the theatre district here would be a good experience for you. You never know, the collages you want to get into might like to know that you have been to at least one place like that. Other than any in Chicago anyway.” Olivia went on slightly, not remembering what type of theatre services Chicago did or did not have from her research.
Olivia took a sip of her own coffee when Charlotte did. She smiled when Charlotte mentioned that it was good. “That is good to know. We pride ourselves in a few awards that we have won for the drinks here.” Glancing at the counter, Olivia checked to see if it was busy again, satisfied that it was not, she turned back to Charlotte. “Well when you are ready to leave I will slip in and make it for you, save you having to line up and order it.”
"What type of theatre are you interested in?" Olivia asked, genuinely curious about Charlotte's future plans. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Sept 11, 2010 19:59:11 GMT -5
Charlotte nodded enthusiastically, as Olivia said that she hoped Charlotte would get some spare time. She hoped so too, but recalling the schedule, Charlotte wasn't really holding much hope. "I guess I will make my own time."
She hadn't meant to, but Charlotte started her normal ramblings, telling Olivia what she was hoping to do when she finished school, adding every little detail. When Olivia replied, saying that that it was good to know that threatre was still loved, made Charlotte nod. "I know. Well, I hope it doesn't die, then I will be truly devastated." She giggled a little, wondering what she would do if that were to happen.
When Olivia spoke of being sure she was a brilliant singer, Charlotte's eyes brightened up, placing a hand to her chest. She continued to listen to what else was said, nodding, agreeing with everything Olivia was saying. "That was nice to say, despite not hearing me sing. I think I am a wonderful singer, and know that I am above others in our group at school. Though I would never tell some of them that, only the ones who really matter. And maybe you are right. Maybe visiting one of the places in that theatre district might help me. Thank you for suggesting that."
After Charlotte had taken a sip of her coffee, commenting on it, Olivia replied, and Charlotte smiled. "That's great. Well I will be sure to recommend this establishment when I get home to anyone who is wanting to come to this area." Charlotte took another few sips of her coffee, watching Olivia turn back to the counter, which made her wonder if she had to get back to work or something. Though when she turned back, Olivai mentioned that shen Charlotte was ready to leave, she would go and make one for her, instead of her lining up. "Okay, sounds like a plan."
Olivia then asked Charlotte what type of theatre she was interested in. Charlotte sat up, and leant on the table, "The only one that I am interested in is the musical theatre. I just want to stand on stage in front of a packed house, and just sing my heart out with as much emotion as I can give. I have put everything into our school musicals and our club, but still would love for others to see what my full potential is. I just love singing so much."
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Sept 14, 2010 1:02:33 GMT -5
Olivia was enjoying Charlotte’s enthusiasm, and the good mood seemed to be rubbing off on her as she soon realised she was smiling as the girl spoke. “Oh well I doubt that it will happen, I am sure there are a lot more out there who love it too. I just do not get to be around young minds much, so I am just happy to learn that theatre is still loved, and the world isn’t being completely taken over by technology.” Olivia cleared up when Charlotte mentioned being devastated if theatre ever died out. She had not meant to worry the girl, although she had no idea where her small ramble came from.
After complimenting Charlotte on singing she had not even heard, Olivia listened to her comment on being one of the best in her school. “You’re welcome. I may not have heard you sing now, but I look forward to one day going to show and seeing you as the star and knowing that I met you before you were a star.” Olivia said in response, hoping that it was the right thing to say. “My pleasure, I am happy to help.” Olivia said after Charlotte thanked her for suggesting she go to the theatre district.
“Why thank you. On behave of the whole establishment we are pleased to know that the little accident earlier has not put you off, and that you would be happy to recommend us.” Olivia responded, going on a bit more than necessary again. Although she was unsure of how many people Charlotte would find in Chicago coming all the way down to Houston, it pleased her to know that she would recommend this small cafe Olivia often felt she could call home. Olivia nodded when Charlotte said ‘sounds like a plan’.
Leaning on the table herself, Olivia listened to what Charlotte had to say now. Even though the girl was practically a stranger, there was just something about her that made Olivia feel that she would be a brilliant singer and would one day reach these dreams of hers. “You know, of all theatre, I would have to say that musical is the best.” Olivia commented, although up until now she had not really thought about it, it was just something that came out with no thoughts to back it up. “Hopefully you get the chance to show others your full potential then.” Olivia said smiling. “If I ever go to Chicago maybe I will get the chance to hear you sing.” Olivia said as an afterthought, returning to her earlier thoughts about how she had always wanted to visit Chicago. She had no idea if school musicals allowed outsiders in or anything, but it would make for an interesting trip and it would be good to go see a musical again after all these months. OOC - Sorry it is not a very good reply Mel. |
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Post by Charlotte Hudson on Sept 20, 2010 5:28:46 GMT -5
Hearing Olivia speak about how she was happy that theatre was still loved, and the world wasn't being completely taken over by technology made her smile sheepishly. "I know. But I have to confess that I do love technology, but not as much as musical theatre." Charlotte rummaged through her bag, pulling out her iPod. "I never go anywhere without it, as the music on there I love so much, and always puts me in a good mood. Oh, and also love the internet, as I can record myself singing for the whole world, or just random people to see."
Charlotte smiled brightly at Olivia, as she spoke, saying that she looked forward to maybe seeing her as the star, knowing her before she was one. "Thanks. That means a lot coming from someone I don't really know. I will have to get your details, and if anything happens, then I will be sure to contact you." Charlotte didn't have that many friends, hardly any really, and she knew that there were people out there that actually wanted to see her for her talent, that was good enough for her. Without thinking, Charlotte pulled out her pen, and grabbed a napkin. "Here just jot down whatever you want to give me, and I will be sure to keep it till I have to use it."
Charlotte nodded when Olivia said that musical theatre was the best out of all the theatre. She wanted to ramble all over again how she loved it, but for some odd reason, she kept her mouth shut, just moving it into a smile instead. Though Charlotte couldn't hold her thoughts back when Olivia said she hoped Charlotte would get the chance to show others her full potential, adding about if she got to Chicago, she would get the chance to hear her sing.
"I am more than hopeful. I have this feeling that something will happen after I finish school this year. I can't explain it. And hopefully you can." Charlotte looked at her watch, "Oh I really should be getting onto my school thing." Charlotte gave Olivia a reassuring smile, "I might get that take away coffee now."
{ooc - there was nothing wrong with your post, mine was a bit shit this time around.}
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Post by Olivia Fielding on Oct 1, 2010 5:46:03 GMT -5
Olivia nodded at Charlotte’s iPod. Of course those were good too, although not that she would admit it, but at first she could not work out how to use hers. “Well yes, but those ways are just improving your skill. Not like some who waste mindless hours playing video games for no real reason at all.” Olivia did not want to comment on how Charlotte mentioned that she could put videos of her singing on the internet. She was not completely sure what that meant, but it did not seem like a good thing a young girl should do to Olivia. It was not her place to comment on things like that anyway.
“Anything happens? I am sure it is more like when something happens.” Olivia smiled, her tone had a hint of optimism in it, as if she was trying to tell the girl that she had faith that Charlotte would go far in her career. Olivia did not usually give out any of her details to anyone, especially not someone she barely knew and had only just met. Yet she still wrote down an email address that Charlotte would be able to contact her on. She only included her email and full name though, feeling really that was all that would be needed.
“I also cannot explain the feeling I get that you must be a brilliant singer and that there will be good things in your future.” Olivia agreed with Charlotte’s comment about something happen after she finished school. Olivia watched Charlotte look at her watch, guessing it would be getting close to time for her to go. This was then confirmed when Charlotte spoke again. “Enjoy the rest of your time here. I hope you make it to the Theatre District”. Olivia said before getting up to go make Charlotte another coffee.
It took her little time to have it made, and for her to return to the table that had been seated at. “Here you go. This one will be $4 since it is not half price, and is a take away.” Olivia said politely, handing over the drink. “Maybe I will see you again here before you leave. If not I look forward to finding out what happens to you, career wise.” Olivia smiled. |
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. It is in the rules, so we should change it to third person anyway.