TWO

Within the life one is given the oddest things often occur taking us off guard. In as much as one strives to live their life based on a routine that has them knowing the next set of events as each second unwinds, life unfortunately pays no dues to those plans. 

In fact, life often places an unorthodox situation in our hands and how we react to it is literally up to us.

Closing the door to the shop, I gave one last wave to Ms Friedman. Clasping the opening of my coat tighter to withstand the cold wind whipping past me, I grit my teeth tucking the box of brownies she gave me for free under my arm. Considering I had a serious sweet tooth, it was thrilling to work in a place that quenched one's caffeine cravings but had amazing sugary treats. 

If I wasn't careful I would acquire the Type 2 diabetes that my father suffered a lot sooner. I had spent the holidays back home watching my mother monitor what he ate like a hawk. 

And when I returned in preparation for the start of the semester, when I spoke to her the other day she expressed how exasperated she felt catching him in the middle of the night with a piece of cake in his hand. 

I found her frustration humorous as I pictured my father's six foot frame hunched over in the fridge feasting on the sweet good. They had met back in high school and from what my mother told me, she didn't like him at first. But my father wasn't the type who gave up easily. He was stubborn in that way which now that I think about is one of the characteristics I acquired from him along with his laid back disposition. 

My mother on the hand was more strict and was more of the disciplinarian in the household. As a result I had a tendency to find more comfort in confessing my sins to my father than her.

Although my characteristics were more similar to that of my father's, I was the spitting image of my mother. 

With skin dusted in the shade of Irish coffee that took no time for me to love, jewel shaped frames encasing eyes similar to the colour of whiskey; I had also acquired her high cheekbone structure and button nose. The only slight difference between us was I was slightly taller than her 5'2 stature by a mere three inches or so.

My mother had been one of the first people who sparked my interest in books. The first book I can remember her reading to me when I was a child was "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. As I grew older I began exploring different genres. I went far beyond the books offered in local libraries to get books from friends who stole them from their unsuspecting mothers or older sisters that were laced with steamy, erotic scenes.

It was in those books my intrigue in sex was sparked. I couldn't help but giggle to myself whilst I walked briskly down the street towards my apartment thinking about the times I hid under my blankets on school nights reading scenes. Scenes that held the power to make a nun question her choice to never spread her thighs.

It wasn't long before I felt relief wash over me at the sight of my building. Taking a warm bath sounded very appealing but as I neared the steps that led straight to my home I paused briefly, perplexed by the sight of a figure sitting hunched over on them.

Taking a quick look around me, I relaxed slightly when I caught sight of a few figures moving about on the street in case anything happened. With that in mind I took a few cautious steps each one a bargain with fate. 

I could feel my muscles involuntarily tense the closer I got to the figure as I took deep breaths through my nose.

I couldn't make much out from the person whose entire head was covered by a black hoodie whilst they placed their upper body onto their legs covered in black pants as if in need of support. But from the silhouette I could tell it was a male and as I briskly walked up the steps maintaining a safe distance lest anything should happen I mumbled a low greeting to the stranger only to be met with silence.

Keeping my breathing under control I spared a few glances their way as I pulled out my keys quickly. Once I stepped past the threshold of my personal space I immediately shut it pressing my body against it releasing a heavy breath.

I admit now that maybe I was overreacting, being too quick in assuming the worst of the individual outside. And without wanting to ponder too much on the issue I pushed myself off the door and discarded my coat simultaneously along with the thought of the man outside despite the miniscule voice in my head whining to continue wondering. 

I managed to convince myself they'd leave soon and for some time I managed to distract myself with preparing a warm meal for myself before taking a warm bath.

After spending some time slaving over the stove, it was only halfway through dishing for myself when I noticed my phone ringing. 

Smiling lightly at the name that flashed across the screen I wasted no time in answering only to be met with an immediate complaint, "I know it's a requirement for us to respect our parents but I swear my mom is getting on my nerves," Donovan groaned. 

Chuckling lightly I could already picture his lips downturned into a frown, "What did she do this time?"

"She's been trying to be wingman the whole time I've been here."

"You're way too dramatic. And besides she just wants to see you happy, honestly I don't get why you're turning her care into a crime." 

The scoff on the other end had me pausing in my movements to control the urge to roll my eyes, "Easy for you to say. You're not the one being pimped out."

"So I take it the family bonding is going well," I replied placing the phone on the counter after putting him on speaker to keep placing generous portions of food onto my plate. 

"It's okay but after having a serious talk with my dad it really hit me that we'll be out in the real world soon."

"We're already out in the real wor-"

"You know what I mean, Ali. Soon we're going to have annoying ass bosses breathing down our necks and more bills to pay."

I groaned and reached up to pinch the bridge of my nose, "Don't remind me."

Despite him laughing at my distress, I was glad he chose to accept my request when he changed the topic, "How was your day?"

Though the question was simple, as if a switch had been flipped my mind landed back to the stranger. 

When I sauntered towards the window to take a discreet peek, I grew more confused at the sight of them still outside. It was only when Donovan called my name that I was reminded of the fact I was still on the phone. 

Feeling sheepish I reached out to grab my device and replied him, "Besides freezing my ass off, my day was okay. But I-I don't know..." I paused pursing my lips, "maybe it's nothing but there's someone sitting outside my apartment. I thought they had left by now."

"You think they could be dangerous cause if you feel uncomfortable-"

"No, no they haven't done anything. It's just weird how long they've been out there. I don't know maybe I'm just overthinking it." I replied observing the figure again wondering what was going on with him. He seemed so detached from the world around him if his lack of response was anything to come by.

"If anything happens call the police, when I come back I need you to be in one piece." 

Smiling at the serious tone he often used I walked back to the kitchen unable to hold back the next set of words that slipped past my lips, "You know in as much as you complain about how much I annoy you, you might as well just admit a part of you misses m-"

"Byyyyyeeee!"

Staring at my phone I giggled placing the device in my pocket and proceeded to finish serving the meal I made. But a part of me began to ask myself why the thought of the faceless man was bothering me once again. 

For a moment I considered the possibilities that maybe something might be wrong with him. That instead of ignoring him, I should at least offer some aid just to silence the voice in my head that developed from my mother's advice to help those in need.

Taking out a bowl from the cupboard I filled it with a decent portion of the food and grabbed a fork. The closer I got towards the door, I felt my heart begin to hammer against my chest. 

"This is so reckless..." I whispered under my breath but when I quickly peaked through the window one last time, I released a sigh of relief seeing people walking past. 

If anything happens at least there'll be witnesses. 

Stepping outside I winced at the cold air revealing the blunder I had made in leaving my coat inside. However, once my eyes landed on the person's broad back, I grit my teeth and marched down the steps

Hesitating slightly, I tentatively reached up past the shakiness in my hand and tapped his shoulder lightly in a manner that wouldn't startle him. 

His head lifted but didn't turn to look my way. Gulping I lifted the bowl up to him and placed it beside his profile silently hoping he'd see the gesture as a form of a peace offering, 

"H-Here," I said softly smiling gently in the process, "I hope you're fin - well obviously you don't seem fine but I hope whatever you're going through will pass." I kept my tone soft trying to figure out the appropriate words to say. I had never really been in a situation like this before.

He finally turned granting me the chance to see his face and if there was any doubt on whether he was dangerous all those fears dimmed for a second once I noticed his eyes. 

They were the first thing I noticed about him. Windows to the soul dusted in the shade of indigo. They bore into mine rendering me slightly immobile at the story behind them. The bloodshot colour surrounding the depths of his soul pushed me to inspect the rest of his face with moisture radiating across mildly pink cheeks and a tear escaped to travel slowly past his square jaw littered with hair.

He reached up to rub his Roman shaped nose and sniffled. The sound disrupted the questions beginning to emerge in my head only to have him reach out tentatively towards the bowl. The action allowed me to catch sight of bloodied knuckles that stood as a stark contrast against his tanned skin. 

Before I could say anything he cleared his throat looking away from me, robbing me the chance to see any more of his vulnerability, "Thank you I'm fine honestly." 

His voice was a deep timbre that filled the space between us, pulling me in. It was the kind of voice that could easily be pleasant to the ear. 

"Are you convincing me or yourself?"

He didn't reply, instead his eyes moved all over my face in a way that didn't make me feel uneasy as opposed to when Roland did it. The look was quite intense, that my gaze dropped and settled on his throat where I noticed a tattoo peeking out at me on the side. 

It was unfprtunate the hoodie covering his head deprived me of the opportunity to see more of it.

Before I could try figure out what it was he stood up abruptly and in response I stood up as well. Despite him being a step below me, he still towered over me and I could tell his height was above the average height of most people. 

I would have smacked myself for ogling the man if the calmness in my belly wasn't such an intriguing feeling to experience given the situation. 

"Thank you," he mumbled taking a step down increasing the distance between us. 

For the life of me, I couldn't find the strength to look away even after I said, "You're welcome." 

Nodding his head slightly he continued to shuffle down the steps and proceeded to walk away

Only to leave me pondering on the strange situation that's been placed upon me. 

But one will see that in our existence we are often led down a path that makes you thankful life didn't pay attention to your plans.