It is nice to get off work at a reasonable time, instead of forcing myself to work ten to fourteen hours. It is still light outside. I am finding that while I am working, sometimes on weekends, I still have more time to do things. Much better than what I was doing. Waking up, going to work, coming home and going back to bed. Then doing it all again the next day.

I'm happy as I leave. Things are finally starting to go right.

As I pass by a couple, my shoulder bumps into the wizard's. I turn to apologize, then stop short. "William?"
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I went into work yesterday, but there were no special events. Instead, I was run through how things were there compared to Paris. I had been expecting more work, but I wasn't going to complain. I was still very happy from spending the weekend in Paris with Terry. It really is the city of romance, I think. I really didn't feel ready to leave on Sunday night. Terry said he would contact me soon and I really hope he does.
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Merlin, I knew this would be a big change, but I didn't expect this.

This is my third day of training, which means I am halfway through. I didn't really know how training could go for a whole week, but I know from working as a waitress for years, proficiency is key. Apparently the same is twice as true now.
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"Enjoy your stay, Miss Jones."

"Thank you," I smile as I take my room key from the witch working at reception. I'm staying at the larger of the two hotels owned by P & G in Paris. I still can't believe it. I'm in Paris. I don't know if I'm more excited about that or the new job.

Training starts tomorrow morning so this afternoon, along with the new manager, Popham, who seems quite nice, I took a portkey that transported us to Paris. It took us directly to the hotel lobby, which had a specialized area just for portkey travel. I haven't been able to look around, but I plan on doing so after I go to my room.
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I frown as I look my bank statement and then glance to my checkbook. Today's tips are laying on the counter next to me. I quickly add up what is in my savings, what is in the checking account and what I made with tips. Even though the first day of April is a Tuesday, giving me almost an extra week to get pay for at least the first half of monthly rent, it still won't be easy. Especially on top of Colleen's
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I slowly walk up the stairs to my flat. Some days at work, even if they are busy, seem to drag on. Today was one of those.

It was wonderful to go out with Terry the other night, though I'm worried. He got a message and after he replied, he became more and more quiet. I didn't ask him about it, but I am concerned. I hope whatever it was, it turned out alright.

As I reach the landing, I hear a knocking and see it is my landlord, knocking on my door.
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I can't believe it took me this long to visit a street fair. A normal London street that usually would look familiar looks completely different. I might have thought by magic if it wasn't for the fact that this is a muggle event. There are a variety of booths and stands set up along the way. Some are selling food and others have items of almost any kind imaginable. Many are handmade crafts from local artisans, while others are set up by nearby businesses. There are also a variety of games and down at the end of the street, there are rides. It is an exciting environment as everything mixes together. I can hear live music too and while I try to pick out the different instruments, it isn't easy over the sounds of the crowds.
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I hum as I wash the dishes. I usually not in such a good mood when I do so, but work has been decent, even though I know of at least one server that lost his job. I always have a fear that I will have a bad day and that is the day people remember. I can't afford to lose my job.

It was nice to work the earlier shift because I was able to have dinner at home and read. I don't have a lot of time for it, but if I have the chance, curling up with a good book is a nice way to spend the evening. I shake my head slightly. It might sound dull, but sometimes it's nice to have time to relax.
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I really do not like this holiday. I have spent the entire afternoon and evening watching couples in love. I watch them holding hands and kissing, using pet names.

I have worked here for years, usually working the entire day. Most want to spend time with their loved ones, so I would take extra shifts. The same is true now. One of the main differences is that this year, Colleen isn't at home waiting. I'll be going back to an empty flat, which makes this year much worse.
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I look in the mirror and frown. I didn't know what to wear and I've spent nearly an hour, putting together various outfits with what I have before settling on a black skirt and blue shirt. I feel it isn't right though. What if it is too dressy? What if it's too casual? It could be the wrong choice completely. However, it seems to be a good middle ground. I glance at my hair, which didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. Sighing, I take it out of the hair clips and brush it. That's a bit better. I never knew I would be nervous before the start of the date, but I am.

I glance at the clock and am shocked that time is flying by. I guess this will have to do. With one last glance in the mirror, I go into the other room to wait for Terry.
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I step out into the evening air and take a deep breath. I love being outside, especially after being inside for hours. The smells from the kitchen are nice in the beginning but over time, you long for something else. The cool air also feels much nicer than the heat from the kitchen and attempting to move table to table quickly without looking rushed.

Today was a shorter day for me, which was nice. I still have a whole evening to myself. There are a lot of things I can do with it. I could catch up on some sleep or just put my feet up, but those are things I do right after I've worked a long shift. I want to do something different, since it is still relatively early.
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I clock out of work and sigh. Aside from that night out last week, I have been working until late at night or until close every night for two weeks. However, today, I just worked the first dinner rush. It's only eight o'clock. Still relatively early. I think about my friends, who I haven't seen since the start of New Year, even though a few owls have passed between us. I would love to catch up.
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Bill, bill, advertisement, bill...

I sigh, brushing back a strand of my hair as I stand by my post box, looking at what I received. I used to like receiving post and now I dread it. I have so many bills to pay, I don't know how I can afford it.
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I let myself into the now empty flat twelve hours after I left. I picked up a few hours of someone else’s shift. I needed to, but my feet are aching more than usual and I want nothing more than a warm shower or bath.

I shut the door behind me, locking it and turning on the lights. Even though she was only here for a little while, I am used to having Colleen here. Yet, Saturday evening, the day before she left, was not pleasant for anyone.
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Surprises. Life is full of them. Some of them are wonderful, like finding a five pound note in your winter jacket that you forgot you put there the previous year. Or getting an owl with a note from a friend just to say hello. However, other surprises are anything but good. They can turn your life upside down in a horrid way. They can shatter your dreams and your heart at the same moment and you’re never the same again.
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