Free Apple's Angst by Rebecca Eckler

version” of herself? What better time to actually be a “better version” of herself, even a new version of herself, than right now?
    â€œHi,” Apple said quietly, taking a seat near the girl. The girl clearly hadn’t heard her, because she didn’t look up from reading. Apple’s voice had sounded like a frog’s croak. She cleared her throat.
    â€œHi, I’m Apple,” she said, this time more loudly. “Are you Emme? Is that short for Emma?”
    Again, the girl didn’t look up from her magazine instantly, as Apple assumed she—or anyone—would when someone says hi and offers an introduction. When Emme finally did glance up at Apple—after what seemed like a minute—she looked bored.
    â€œYes, I’m Emme,” she answered, her tone flat. “And, no, it’s not short for ‘Emma.’ It’s just Emme, like the letter.”
    â€œOh! You’re going to be interning here too, right? Nancy was just talking about you. We’re going to be working together,” Apple said. She knew she sounded childish and geeky and nervous.
    â€œExciting,” Emme said, sounding anything but excited.
    Luckily, Dr. Berg finally appeared. Emme went back to reading and didn’t look up again.
    â€œReady?” Dr. Berg asked. “I think you’re going to have a wonderful time here. The people are so nice. And I met a very nice young man who apparently is on television too. His name was Sloan … Sloan something.”
    â€œSloan Starr,” Apple finished for her, acting as if her mother should know who he was, even thoughApple hadn’t remembered his name herself. “He hosts
Rock the Clock,”
Apple said. “He’s very famous. His show airs right after yours. Happy loves him. He interviews musicians.”
    â€œAh, my baby gets her first job. I’m so proud of you,” her mother said, pushing Apple’s hair behind her shoulders. It was all Apple could do to stop from slapping her mother’s hand away. “Just think of all the interesting people you’re going to meet, including celebrities!” her mother continued. “It’s so exciting!”
    Apple glanced at Emme, who gave her a look that clearly said, “You brought your MOTHER to a job interview? What a loser!”
    Emme, unlike the others, appeared not to notice just
who
her mother WAS. If she did recognize Dr. Berg, she didn’t seem to care. For some reason, it bothered Apple that this Emme didn’t notice or seem to care.
    Apple wanted to explain to Emme about the boots and how they hurt so much and that that was the reason she brought her mother in with her. But Emme, her new co-worker, seemed far from friendly. In fact, she seemed scarier than Fancy Nancy.
    â€œEmme?” Morgan called out as Dr. Berg and Apple were leaving. “Nancy will see you now. I’ll take you there.”
    Apple couldn’t help but look at Emme, who must have been 5 foot 10, as she got up gracefully, like an elegant safari animal. Her legs seemed to go on forever in her fishnet stockings. Her stiletto heels didn’t seem to bug her at all, even though Apple was in pain just seeing her walk in them. Emme straightened the flowerysilk scarf around her neck and gave Apple a quick look before picking up what looked like a very professional portfolio. She smirked at Apple as she passed by. She smirked! Emme was treating her like a pestering younger sister.
    â€œThat girl certainly has attitude,” her mother whispered. So Apple was right. She wasn’t being paranoid. Even her mother noticed!
    This job just became even more challenging—and not in a good way, thought Apple as they made their way back to the car. She wondered if this whole working-at
-Angst
thing was one big mistake. Even though she had been excited just a few moments earlier, she couldn’t help but wonder if she
did
have what it took to make it in this