Choices

I woke up pretty early the next morning. That’s what I get for knocking out as soon as I had gotten back last night. I wasn’t expected at work till 5 and I really had no plans prior to work anyways. So what the hell am I supposed to do all day? Especially when my funds are sort of limited at the moment. I decided to take the free time I had and walk down to the pier. Maybe I’ll text Brian and see if he wants to hang out with me at the beach as well. Speaking of which, I still need to reply to him.

Good Morning Handsome, sorry for knocking out on you last night. :(

Oooh you caught me just as I was waking up. Good morning gorgeous. It fine. Sleep well?

Yeah I did, thanks for asking. Uhm, hey are you busy today?

Not till later. Why, what’s up? :)

I wanted to see if maybe you’d like to spend some time with me on the pier perhaps? Say 12ish?

Perfect. I’ll meet you at the little bicycle place. ;)

I smiled. It was only 10 a.m. but I didn’t want to make him rush to the pier to see me. So I took my time getting ready today. I hopped in the shower and then threw my hair into a braid so it could be wavy. I searched through my bag for a cute bathing suit, which I soon realized I didn’t have any. So, I decided just to throw on a pair of shorts and a white t-shirt. To top it off, I let my hair down and wore a big hat and some sunglasses. As far as my make-up went, I wore bright red lipstick and of course the usual eyeliner and mascara. I felt great. Ever since I got out here my mood and my confidence has been at an all time high. Or maybe I just was being completely girly because of Brian. Either way, I felt great.

Once I was finished getting ready, I began walking to the pier where I was going to meet Brian. To my surprise he was already there. He was leaning against the side wall of the bike shop smoking a cigarette. He looked so perfect standing there. Though he did stand out from the other people around. As I began to get closer to him, I saw a group of girls go up to him. Great, fucking great. They we’re giggling and being flirty. I just kind of stood there watching how he interacted with them. He was giving them attention until he looked up and I believe spotted me. I smiled and waved as I began walking closer. I sort of felt stupid, but it was either turn and run or face him and those girls. He began walking towards me the same time I was walking closer to him. Completely ignoring the girls who were basically throwing themselves at him. Then I noticed he had something in his hands.

”A beautiful flower for a beautiful girl.” He said handing me the flower he was holding as the distance between us ceased.

”Awh, you didn’t have to.” I blushed.

”You’re right. I didn’t have to, but I wanted too.” He smiled at me.

Was I dreaming? Or was he perfect? Either way I was happy.

”Shall we explore the pier today?” He smiled offering his hand out waiting for me to take hold.

I hesitated. Hand holding? What if my palms get sweaty or what if he’s not really trying to hold my hand? My mind was going a mile a minute thinking of different scenarios for handholding. He stood there patiently with his hand out. What if I shoot the gesture down and then he doesn’t talk to me again? Suck it up, Darla. I reached for his hand and he smiled at me.

”Okay.” Was all I could say.

We walked along the pier, hand in hand stopping every now and then looking at random things in the little windows of shops. In the reflection of the windows I saw us. We looked like a couple. I must say we fit together quite well. He was dark and mysterious and I was the black sheep of society. But most of all, I noticed that I was actually smiling. I looked as happy as I felt. That, alone in itself was a relief to me.

”Hey, let’s get some ice cream?” I suggested.

”Sure, I’ll buy.” He smiled.

We made our way to the little ice cream shop. He got a waffle cone with three scoops of strawberry and vanilla. I got myself a small serving of cheesecake ice cream. (That’s my favorite.) Then we both went to sit down outside at one of the tables.

”So, any idea on where you’re going to live?” He asked.

”Actually, I hadn’t really thought of it yet.” I replied. I knew I needed to find a place but I wasn’t actually sure where to look or what it would take so I could set the proper goals for myself.

”Well, I know of a place that’s currently renting out studio apartments. Its pretty nice and not that far from here, as a matter of fact.” He smiled.

”By the time I’m able to afford it, I doubt it’ll still be available. I mean, I have enough for a first month’s rent but security deposit is an issue.” I sighed.

”What if I said, I could get you in there with whatever you have right now?” He gave me a crooked, yet, adorable smile.

”Really? But how?” I asked.

”I know the manager and a friend of mine lives there. All you’d have to do is pay the first month and I’m sure he’d let you slide as far as the security deposit goes.” He smiled again. “Shall we go check it out?”

I literally jumped out of my seat and onto his lap to hug him.

”You’re fucking amazing!” I squealed. “Yes! Let’s go.”

We walked to one of the beach parking lots where his car was. I hopped in without hesitation. If I can get into an apartment sooner than I thought I could then it’d be so much better and I won’t have to constantly stay at the hotel anymore. We probably drove two blocks away from the beach. I took a look at the apartment complex. It was nice and sort of fancy. Would I even be able to afford this place? Brian parked the car and we both got out. I wasn’t sure where to go so I followed him.

”Jackson!” He yelled.

”Gates?” A guy said in the back.

”Whose Gates?” I asked. He just smiled at me.

The guy, who I assume was the voice in the back came up to greet us.

”Hey man! What’s up?” He asked.

”Do you still have any rentals available?” Brian asked the guy.

”Yeah, want to check it out? Is it for you or…?” Jackson asked.

”Her. She just moved back to Huntington and I wanted to help her out.” Brian said.

”Hi I’m Darla.” I introduced myself.

”Well Darla, I think you’re going to like it here.” Jackson smiled at me and then we followed him out the office towards one of the apartments.

Notes