My eyes flutter open to the sound of birds chirping outside of my window. For once, the sound of multiple engines running at once isn't so loud and obnoxious. Grabbing the corner of my blankets, I move it to the side and place my sock clad feet on the purple memory foam rug I have at the side of my bed. Standing up, I put the corner of the blanket back into its proper position and grab my book that fell on the floor last night. Walking into the kitchen, I open the book and mark the page with a quick flip of the corner. Looking down in distaste at my actions, considering I always hated folding the pages since it ruins them and they can never get back to their pristine condition, I unfold the corner and try to make it as straight as it used to be, to no avail. Giving up, I place the book upside down on the table to keep it open on the correct page before moving across the tiny kitchen to the pantry for some cereal. Right on the top shelf, as it's supposed to be, a white box with little activities on the box stands tall and proud among the smaller boxes of granola bars and pudding packages. Standing on my tiptoes to grab the box, my hand reaches the middle of it and I pull it down placing it on the white marble counter next to the pantry. Going to the cabinets, I grab a black bowl and silver spoon in one hand, take the box and my book in the other, and make my way to the living room.
Setting everything down on the glass table, I sit down on the black couch, moving the purple and white throw pillows to the other end. Looking for the remote to the small surround sound stereo I have, I find it and turn it two notches above the lowest setting. There is a time and a place to make it burst-your-eardrums loud, but now was neither the time nor the place. Keeping it low is preferred for the morning, and I'm sure my neighbors would agree.
Pouring the cereal half way up the deeper-than-normal bowl, I run back to the kitchen in disbelief that I forgot the milk; one of the most essential parts of cereal. Still standing up, I pour the milk and bring it back to the fridge so it doesn't spoil. Retaking my spot on the couch, I bring the bowl into my lap and dive right in, the cold milk awakening my taste buds to the cinnamon flavor of the thin square cereal. While chewing, I turn on the stereo to my playlist and flip the book over so I can see the words.
Seven bites and four pages later, a knock on my door breaks the tranquility of the morning. Who is that? What do they want?
Suspiciously, I creep to my front door and look out the peephole, a chest filling up my vision. With another knock, the stranger takes a step back, revealing his face. I breathe out a sigh of relief at seeing Damon on the other side of my door. But why is he here?
Unbolting the latch, I open the door. He stands there, eyes scanning up and down my body. I'm not sure what he was looking for, my pajamas are two sizes too big and completely camouflage my form.
"Good morning," I say, catching his attention.
His eyes meet mine and he smiles. "Good morning."
We stand there awkwardly for a minute before I remember who I am and where I am. Who: me. Where: in my own apartment. Meaning: I have to invite him in and not let him stand out in the hallway for everyone to see and hear us.
"Sorry, come in."
Stepping out of his way, I let him walk past me before closing the door between us and the rest of the world.
"Sorry for barging in unexpectedly, but it's Saturday and I figured we could do something today and maybe Brandon can come along. It won't be as fun as yesterday, but a day on the town doesn't sound too bad."
I stand there and debate for a moment. I know I have school work that I scheduled to do today, but I also know that I am ahead in all of my classes by at least three days. What's the harm in taking one day off, on the weekend, to have a little fun with a new friend?
Deciding that there is no harm and I can just do the work tomorrow or early Monday when I have work, I nod my head and sit back on the couch.
"I would like that. Where are we going? What are we doing? What time? Oh! I almost forgot, I'm having breakfast. Do you want any? I don't have many options, but you can't go wrong with cereal."
"Woah! Slow down. We will go to the little shops downtown and just look around and shop. There is a cute book store that I think you will like. It also has a cafe area that we could have lunch in as well. I was thinking we could go soon, maybe in an hour or so. I know you need time to get ready and since I just sprung this on you, I think an hour will be fine for you to get ready. We will meet you here then. I would love some cereal, but I just decided to make these plans so Brandon was in the dark with you."
"You should probably go tell him. Rain check on breakfast? I can make a mean bowl of cereal, and music and literature is provided for no extra charge."
"I will definitely take you up on that offer another day."
Standing up, I follow his actions and walk to the door to see him out. He opens the door and steps out, waving before turning around and walking horizontally across the hall, to the door next to mine.
"See you soon," he says, shutting his door before I could reply.
With an unnoticed wave, I close the door, a huge grin taking over my face and stretching my lips farther than I thought they could go.
This is it! This is my new beginning. With Damon hanging out with me, I could find my adventure and have someone to finally share them with.
Squealing in delight, I abandon any hope of relaxing on the couch and instead pick up my bowl of cereal and bring it to the sink, remembering to wash and dry it. Skipping down the hallway to my room, I pass the bathroom and see the clothes I left there last night from my shower. I pick them up and toss them in the hamper, making a note to bring them to the laundry room when we get back later. Resuming my short trek, I open my closet and look for a light sweater, a pair of jeans, and stylish boots to match. Having my clothes all together, I take a hurried shower, brushing my teeth under the spray of the water to save time. Stepping out, I get dressed and leave my hair open to air dry, knowing it will dry straight.
With the extra time I have, I grab my purse, phone, and keys out of my bedroom and put them on the kitchen table. Hearing music coming from the living room, I leave the kitchen and go into the adjacent room, finding the remote I turn it off and retrieve the book to put back in the kitchen.
All set and ready to go, I run out to my car, hoping to have enough time to go to the bank to withdraw $200 to make sure I have enough for this outing. Unlocking my car, I climb inside and turn the key to start the engine. Reversing out of the spot, I merge with the morning traffic and immediately stop at a red light. Checking the time, I notice that I only have 20 minutes left before they show up at my door. Knowing the drive and how long a withdrawal takes, I am confident that I will have enough time to get there, take out the money, and get back. The light turns green and I remove my right foot from the brake only to slam on it the next since a car from my right blew through the light. Heart beating in my chest, I look both ways then slowly step on the gas. I pass on block then two until I finally get to the beige building with a big blue sign on top of it. Sighing in relief and taking a moment to relax from the almost accident, I remove my card from my wallet and walk inside, scanning my card to gain entry into the ATM area.
Quickly checking my surroundings, I put my card into the machine and then enter my pin. Two minutes later, 10 $20 bills are folded neatly into my pocket and I go back to the car. Unlocking the doors, I go inside and jam on the lock key once the door is shut. I never trust being in the parking lot of the bank. Anyone could try to rob you in hopes you withdrew money and didn't deposit any. Transferring the bills from my pocket to my wallet, I restart the car and back out of the parking spot, a black car right behind me. Joining the traffic, I switch lanes almost immediately since I have to turn left into my apartment building. The light right ahead turns yellow, and unsafely, I speed up to make it. The light turns red when I make it to the otherside, but the same black car behind me blatantly runs it.
I ignore the weird feeling in my gut about the car and chalk it up to him being late for work. Anyone would be in that much of a rush if they were late for something important. The lane to the right of me ends and a new one begins. I put on my blinker and go into the leftmost lane. In my rearview mirror, I watch the truck behind me do the same. I speed up and take a random left, one block from where I live. Even with the spontaneity of the turn, the guy is still behind me.
What do I do? What do I do?!
Taking a deep breath and counting to three, I push all the way down on the gas and fly though the streets, two, three, then four blocks away from where I am supposed to be. I hit the maximum speed my car can do and realize I know where I am. I was here yesterday. Unrelentingly, I fly down the road and when I see the familiar curve, I attempt to drift by hitting the brakes so the traction of the back tires lose their grip on the road. The drift is rough and I fear for my life at the sharpest part, but alas, the back tires finally catch and I see the black truck fail to do the same thing. With only one thought in mind, I get back to the maximum speed and only slow down when I'm at the opening in the trees. My car bounces and shakes from the rough surface of the trail, but within a few moments, I am covered enough that I'm no longer visible on the street. A few seconds later the black truck passes by, not taking notice of the gap. I laugh in relief. Was I really just being followed? Why would someone want to follow me? The sound of my phone ringing breaks through my troubling thoughts. Damon's name flashes on the screen. When did he add his contact? When did he get my number? Swiping across the screen, "hello?" I answer breathlessly.
"Hi. We are outside your door."
"I'll be right there."
Hanging up, I'm grateful he didn't hear the breathlessness in my voice or my shaking tone. Slowly, I turn my car around and hesitate pulling back out.
"I'm a big girl. I can do this," I say aloud to no one in particular.
With a quick "1, 2, 3" I get back on the road and race home, desperate to not be alone anymore.