Today, Los Angeles experienced an unusually heavy rain. It wasn't a nice rain, either. It was storming. There were loud claps of thunder that made you jump ten feet high and the lighting made you want to stay inside and away from all windows. Not to mention, the rain was coming down hard and it was cold.
"Is Axl still picking you up in this weather?" Cassie asked, taking a sip of her tea. She was in fuzzy, sky blue pajama pants and an over sized shirt, which looked very comfortable.
I nodded. "Yeah, it's not like we're going to be outside," I said as I slipped on some boots.
"I mean, if I were you I'd ditch him today," Cassie said, followed by a loud clap of thunder, which shook the apartment.
I just laughed and shook my head. "No, Cassie. I'm not skipping out on a date. Why would I do that?" I asked as I adjusted my sweater.
"So we can watch movies together?" She suggested.
I just smiled. "Tomorrow, Cas. We'll hang tomorrow," I told her.
"Okay. Just be careful and have fun!" Cassie told me as I headed out the door, "Stay dry!"
"I'll try to!" I called back to my roommate and I left.
I prepared myself for the cold, heavy rain as I walked toward the exit doors of the apartment building. I knew Axl's car was sitting somewhere outside.
I opened the door and was greeted by a huge gale of wind. I was pelted with rain as I made my way to Axl's car, just a few parking spaces down.
I tried to run as best as I could through the rain. I ran around the front and to the passenger seat. I opened the door and got in, only to find myself soaking wet and uncomfortable on the leather seats of his car.
"I guess I could've parked closer," Axl grinned.
"It would've been nice," I agreed, smiling.
"So, where to for lunch?" He asked, driving around the block.
"It's up to you. I'll eat whatever," I shrugged.
"I know a really good pizza place. You've probably had it before," He suggested.
"Pizza sounds good. Let's do that," I nodded.
The streets weren't too busy today. No one in Los Angeles was used to rain so no one drove when it was pouring like it is. Unless you're Axl, of course. We walked inside and placed our order, the took a seat by the window.
"Why by the window? It's storming," I said.
"I love storms," Axl shrugged.
"Oh," I said, "Never been a huge fan."
"Why not?" He asked, tilting his head to the side.
I shrugged. "It's a long story," I said.
"No, no, I want to hear. We've got all day, Laura," He smiled.
I hesitated. "It's kind of a sad story, I guess, if you're up for that," I warned him.
"Share your past with me and I'll share mine with you," He replied.
"Okay. If you say so," I sighed.
"When I was six, my mom died of cancer, leaving my dad to watch over me and my older sister, Sherri. Sherri is eight years older than me, so she was out of the house as soon a she turned eighteen, which was four years after my mom died. My sister and I were very close, you see. My dad was abusive and she had made me a promise that she would get me and her out of there as soon as she turned eighteen. Instead, she left me behind, which I have never let go," I said, stopping.
I took a few seconds, but continued. "I was scared of thunderstorms when I was younger and Sherri always comforted me when they were happening. The thunder and lightening were always my biggest fears. One time, my dad had gotten mad at me and threw me outside in a storm. Sherri did everything she could, but he wouldn't let her outside to help me. He treated me like a dog. So, every time it storms I think of that," I finished quickly. I just twiddled my thumbs and didn't look up at Axl, afraid of what he might think of me.
"I was abused when I was younger, too," Axl said lowly, making me look up.
"I got kicked out of my house when I was sixteen and hitch hiked to Los Angeles," He told me.
"You hitch hiked to Los Angeles?" I asked him in surprise.
Axl nodded like it was no big deal. "Yep. I definitely got some interesting rides from some interesting people, but I made it here alive," He said.
"We both did. We both made it here alive," I told him, making him smile.
A few seconds after I had said that, the pizza was brought out. We bought a pepperoni pizza because who doesn't love pepperoni?
