A New Career in the Same Town

[Tiana Jackson]

”I know, I know.” Tiana snickered and shook her head. ”I’ll be fine. I hold a grudge like no other, but it’ll eventually fade away and I’ll like the place if not love it.”

In the meantime Tiana would push her bitterness to the back of her mind and hope the topic was over. The more she thought on it, the more likely her good mood would be spoiled even with how sweet Alex seemed to be. Luckily Alex’s attention was grabbed by the doors to the administrative office and Tiana paused with her. Trading glances between the door and the petite girl beside her, it was clear as day that Alex was nervous. Tiana didn’t need to be an empath or mind reader to figure out that.

"Well, uh… I guess this is me.”

Tiana glanced back at the door with her hands on her hips. Obviously she wasn’t effected by the door, but then again she wasn’t the one getting a job. She pursed her lips and thought for a while before looking at Alex.

”Hey now, look here.” She began with a smile. ”Don’t you get all nervous on me. You’ll do fine.” There was sincerity and conviction in Tiana’s voice. ”You’re really nice and I’m sure your boss knows that too. Besides, even if you make some mistakes, as long as you work hard and learn from your blunders, you’re sure to get things done and stay on top. My mom always said that as long as you’re determined, you can surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. You’ll do fine, Alex.”

[Alexandra Lawson]

Alex tore her eyes from the office door and turned them toward the taller girl. It was almost humorous how the tables had so suddenly turned. Here was Alex in her early twenties, having endured more than her fair share of struggles to adapt to the sudden, new life that had been thrust upon her much in the same was as Tiana and now the teenager was offering words of support and encouragement. The thought of who, exactly, was the 'mature adult' in this equation was enough to incite a small giggle from the redhead even if it did seem a little out of place given the circumstances.

"Thanks." Alex said, her features quickly shifting to move away from the concern and uncertainty that they'd displayed only moments before. A soft smile touched her lips and she gave a nod. "I guess with how the day started it can only get better from here." She offered a laugh and an exaggerated shrug of her shoulders. "But hey, the same goes for you too." She pointed a finger at Tiana herself then. "You keep that in your head as well, okay?"

A low sigh escaped as Alex looked back to the door. "Alright." She said with a sense of finality to her tone. "I should get in there and get started." There was a brief pause before she cast one final glance back toward Tiana. "And, yeah, so... Don't be a stranger, okay? If you need anything, anything at all you let me know." She gave a bit of a smirk then. "You know where to find me."

[Tiana Jackson]

”Thanks. I guess with how the day started it can only get better from here. But hey, the same goes for you too.You keep that in your head as well, okay?”

Tiana had to smirk when Alex pointed at her, rolling her eyes a little playfully.

”I’ll be fine. My day’s already gotten much better to be honest. Although who knows what else could happen before everything’s over.”

Knowing Tiana’s luck, something would come along to spoil her mood. However right now she was feeling far better after having met Alex. It reminded Tiana a lot of Lola; somehow the other girl made Tiana herself feel much calmer. If this kept happening Tiana might actually consider being more social. The thought was enough to make the girl smirk a little.

”Alright. I should get in there and get started. And, yeah, so... Don't be a stranger, okay? If you need anything, anything at all you let me know. You know where to find me.”

Tiana’s smirk transformed into a kind smile and she nodded. She shifted her backpack and took a few steps backward. Now that her mood had improved, maybe she’d head to the kitchen instead of burying her face in her pillow. She’d likely have more fun cooking anyways, considering she hated sitting still for too long. She guessed she got it from her mother.

”Sure thing Alex. I’ll bring you an apple so you can live out the cliché.” Tiana joked before turning and heading off towards the kitchen. ”Good luck Alex! Don’t drown in the paperwork, alright?”