Phenomenal Enforcement Predicament

The sweet fresh smell of the morning rain fills my nostrils as my mind slowly fades into existence. My alarm screams that it's time to snap myself awake and rush to prepare for the day to come. As I open my eyes I realize I've managed fall asleep at my desk yet again, my many sheets of writing sprawled out infront of me. Quickly, I slam down the end button on my phone alarm before rubbing my eyes. I only have one month until the deadline and only have an unfinished half-hearted novel to show for the last six months. It's a miracle Mitch Brothers Publishing gave me a chance and a contract, but it's almost like my inspiration was washed away with the spring rain. I sigh loudly, gathering the sad sheets into a pile in the center. "Olivia Lucie, to be the best mystery writer ever," I say sarcastically under my breath, "what was I thinking?" I push out my chair walking to the bathroom. In the mirror I see my flat blond hair has been bundled wildly on the left side and the beginnings of dark circles forming below my eyes. My slightly pale face would be unremarkable from any other petite blonde woman in their 20's, aside from my large crystal blue eyes and a large thin scar across the left one that I've carried for as long as I can remember. A slight feeling of shame pits in my stomach at the degraded sight of myself. I need a shower, coffee and a fresh idea. After a refreshing shower and a change into my favorite gray sweater and plain jeans I lean on the counter scanning though emails on my phone as the coffee machine whirls in the background. Mostly routine ads and notifications, with a few spam emails sprinkled in. Suddenly my phone buzzes to life and an unfortunately familiar name come across the screen. I would have half a mind to ignore it if it hadn't happened to be today. "Hello Neil." I say semi monotone. "Hi kiddo! Happy 21st!" he says in a sickly sweet tune. He enjoys trying to get on my last nerve, "Were the same age Neil..." I attempt to sternly remind him. "Of course, of course!" he chuckles quickly cutting me off, "Whatever you want to to tell yourself." I sigh in slight irritation before managing to spew out a quick and snarky, "Anyways thanks so much, always great to hear from you!" in an attempt to end the conversation. "No problem Oli. Wouldn't be a very good best friend if I didn't." Neil responds smugly as the coffee machine dings indicating its time to scramble out of this. Oh lord, I can't believe him sometimes. I rest my head in the palm of my hand cradling the phone slightly away from my mouth trying to hold my laughter and failing. He's always been the same way, so irritating, outrageous and yet endearing. I'd known Neil for most of my life, or well at least since I was dropped off...I quickly shake myself out of the daze, "Suuurree" I say dramatically, "Well I should really get to work and starting my day." "Are you free later tonight? Huh? A little birthday night on the town?" I can practically hear the corny smile that must be plastered on his smug face. He knows I have the hardest time turning people down. "I'm not really sure I have the time in my schedule..." "Oh no, you you are not working through you're whole birthday. I won't allow it. I'll be there at seven sharp, wear something fun and don't expect to be home early!" he says pointedly before ending the call and leaving me with no room to disagree. I groan throwing my head back regretting not ignoring him in the first place. I can always ignore him when he gets here tonight, but I doubt that will do anything but annoy me and the neighbors in my apartment hall. Oh joy. I pour myself a cup of coffee and turn on the news and lay myself across the love seat. I close my eyes sipping my cup thinking about what to do next in my books storyline, I need a really strong ending main story arc. That brings the character and stories case to a point of learning and understanding what needs to be done finish the development. Nothing, my mind draws a complete blank. It's more difficult to know what you need to do a task but not know how to do it then to just figure something out as you go with a basic idea in mind. I have to have a plan though, or I'll never be a great writer. I chuckle to myself maybe tonight can give me some ideas. I spend the next several hours picking up my pens and papers just to set them back down and pace through my apartment, giving Neil little thought until I noticed it was 6:40 and realized he could be here any moment. I fly down the hall and into my bedroom closet. something fun, but something nice? How fun and nice? I quietly pondered before throwing on a golden sequin tank top and a black pencil skirt with matching kitten heels. After glazing my face with minimal make-up, my scar is so faded yet always seems to be the center of attention when I go out. After escaping the clutches of my self loathing I barely have time to get a sweater and get my purse together before I hear a knock at my door. Here he is. Walking down the hall I take a deep breath and plaster my most sickly sweet smile across my lips as I pull open the door. I'm greeted by Neil's usual corny smile that streaches from ear to ear. "Oooohhhh okay, you actually look kinda fun...I mean like office party fun, but still a step up." he chuckles as I dramatically roll my eyes. "So, where are you dragging me to this time?" I say playfully raising my brow as I let him step in. Neil steps in and immediately beelines for my whirlwind of a desk nestled in the corner of the living room. I sigh walking to kitchen I lean my elbows on to the graceful marble countertop and look with caution at neil, "I'm waiting..." He turns to me with a smile that makes me a bit nervous, "It wouldn't be a good surprise if I told you, now would it?"