Infrunami

Bailey (I)

I'm new to this town, dead middle of nowhere California. I moved here to leave my past behind me and not see anyone I know, but this proved more inconvenient than I believed. A month ago I found an ad for a small shop on the main street with an apartment above, only downside was no parking and water damage, but I can't afford a car anyway and water damage isn't exactly the worst thing ever. What the ad did not mention was the dark tattoo parlor next door constantly blasting music and the very thin walls between my flower shop and the tattoo parlor. I haven't met the owner yet, but they always park their motorcycle out front by the shop, not very convenient for customers but I won't stop them.

I've been living here for about a week and today my belongings are finally getting shipped to my new home. The moving truck arrives and one of the movers and I begin to unload the haul. Box after box, maybe I brought a little much... While the mover is inside stacking boxes, I struggle to lift a large box I think has my TV in it when I hear the voice beside me on the sidewalk.

"Hey, looks like you need a little help with that." She chuckles.

I shift my vision to the young-looking red-headed girl with many piercings and worn clothing. "I'm quite fine actually." I go to lift the box once again, unsuccessfully.

She steps down from the sidewalk, puts out her cigarette, and helps me lift the box.

"See? Just let me help."

I groan. I am not in the mood for socializing right now.

We continue into the store and up the stairs to my apartment. We drop the box, and the girl stretches.

"So, what's your name?" she asks stretching down and reaching her ankles.

"Bailey, I just moved here a week ago."

A smile flashes across her face and she replies, "I think I could tell with the way you have a moving truck outside. Anyway, I'm Violet, Your neighbor."

So she was the one blasting the music in the tattoo parlor.

"The walls are quite thin you know. And your music is very loud."

"And? I'm not going to turn it down princess."

I roll my eyes and the mover walks out of my kitchen and into the living room where Violet and I currently are.

"Looks like everything is ready, I'm going to head out." The boxes around the room at sorted by their labels and ready to be unpacked. "Okay! Thank you very much!" I smile at him.

I escort him out of the building, Violet following, and sit on the curb out front as the sun sets on the horizon. Violet stands by the curb and takes out her cigarette box and lighter. She offers me a cigarette and I refuse. She lights hers and takes a hit, the smoke coming from her lips as she exhales shining in the orange sunlight. "Guess that means my work here is done. Have fun with your bakery." I frown and look up at her. "I'm a florist" She chuckles and hits her cigarette again. "I knew that."

And just as quickly as she arrived, she was gone.