It's only 3pm and I'm already itching to leave. Sometimes I wonder why I ever took this job, but then I picture the condescending glare of my father and the judgment filled tone laced throughout all of my mother's questions and I quickly remember. I need independence. Polly doesn't understand; she agrees with my parents that the entire point of college is to find someone to settle down with and become the perfect family all their friends would be envious of. Polly is halfway there if this Pete fellow she's so hung up on ends up being the real deal. Whenever I stagger out of my room in the morning cursing about being late for work I'm greeted with an over exaggerated eye roll and a "honestly Piper just quit. You're such a stubborn asshole sometimes." And I once again find myself asking why the hell we are friends.

But work isn't always that bad. Nerudas is honestly one of the best-hidden gems in the city. Catering to college students and those who love the bohemian lifestyle, Nerudas has a prime stock of vinyls, books, and even the rare DVD. Not to mention the small café in the back that sells the best damn coffee in the city. I was ecstatic when I first got the position… that was two months ago and my joy has quickly faded. The days are slow; few people ever come in unless its open mic night and then we are struggling to cater to the mob that seems to appear out of nowhere. Most of the time however I find myself reading behind the counter or rearranging vinyls for the millionth time. Today is no different.

Elbows propped up on the counter I lose myself in my latest find, failing to hear the bell above the door chime as someone enters the store. Minutes pass as I absorb page after page when suddenly I feel as if I am being watched. Glancing up I meet the gaze of one of the hottest women I have ever seen. God those eyes! They are the deepest shade of green I have ever seen and I can't help but stare as they flick over my body. One perfectly sculpted eyebrow rises as she meets my gaze. "That must be a good book, I've been standing here for ages and you never even noticed me. What great customer service."

I could feel the blush spreading through my cheeks as I stumbled for a reply. "It is. I-I mean, not that you're not important. I just didn't… I… What can I do for you?" Oh God damn this foot in mouth disease! A shiver runs down my spine when I hear her laugh at my bumbling. "Jesus kid, lighten up." When I look up again I hold her stare. Neither of us looking away as we try to figure out what the other is thinking. "What's your name anyway?"

"Piper, Piper Chapman." Oh God, really you had to include your last name? Way to go genius. I hear her chuckle before she extends one pale, flawless hand. "I'm Alex." Then after a moments hesitation she smirks and adds "Alex Vause." She glances around and focuses her gaze on the record player in the corner. "Interesting choice. I didn't peg you to be an Amy Winehouse fan." Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow is wafting through the air and I find myself swaying along to the beat inadvertently. I smile and throw a glance over my shoulder only to find that her eyes are glued to my hips. The fire dancing across her irises sends a rush of heat to my core. Suddenly she's smirking and I look away trying to control the rush of emotions evoked by her gaze. She hands me a pile of books and continues to smirk as I ring up her total. "You're here all by yourself?"

I nod and glance towards the front door. "Yeah my coworker went out for a smoke… that was like 2 hours ago though so he probably isn't coming back. I hope you don't want a coffee because I really suck at making those." Glancing down at the book in my hand I can't help but smile. "This one's really good. Kundera is a genius." She doesn't offer a reply and I glance up nervously hoping I didn't say something stupid once again. Her eyes are narrowed, lips pursed and she appears to be assessing me, as if I'm some puzzle she can't figure out.

"You read Kundera?" Those perfect eyebrows rise as if challenging my statement.

"Of course, he's amazing. He… He sheds light on my inner desires and finds words to describe the fundamental truths of life. I mean what could be more accurate than 'When the heart speaks the mind finds it indecent to object.'" Staring straight into her eyes I find myself whispering "Haven't you ever wanted something you know you shouldn't, but once you've set your heart on it your mind fails to come up with reasons as to why its wrong." My gaze drops to her lips and I can feel my pupils darken as I watch them part and her tongue peeps out, innocently wetting them before she speaks in a rasp so deep I involuntarily shudder.

"I think I'm beginning to."

And it was in that moment that I became addicted to the drug that is Alex Vause.