When She Smiles

Part 1:

"So where are you from..." He looked down at my duffle bag, "or where are you going?"

I put down my cup of coffee and replied, "I'm from America, and I'm going to be starting university."

"Really?" This seemed to spark his interest. "For what?"

I looked at my coffee mug, "That's really none of your business isn't it?"

Instead of being offended by my rudeness, he smiled and even chuckled putting a hand over his mouth, letting me catch a glimpse of tattoos on his fingers.

"No, I guess it's not."

We just sat there. Me being uncomfortable looking everywhere, but at him; and him smiling at me.

As soon as I finished my coffee I got up to leave. He ask, "What's your name? I never got it."

I bluntly say, "I never gave it." And walked out with my duffle bag in hand.

"Mines Jay Pa-!"

I looked back at the cafe feeling rude for not even wanting to hear his name completely, but I quickly shook the feeling off.

If I thought the home I grew up in with my three siblings was loud, I had become clearly mistaken.

I only had enough money saved in advance for a small one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen in living room apartment.

Not that I necessarily minded, I was the only one who'd be living here, and atleast it wasn't a total dump. Atleast I didn't see any roaches.

But the neighbors were very loud. I could hear yelling and pots hitting each other, my new apartment did not come with the luxury of thick walls.

I look at my door and decided that one simple door handle lock was not enough, and made a mental note to go out and look for different locks.

I walk around the apartment examining it a bit more. In the living room area I noticed all the walls were white, a opportunity to paint, there a small stand with a box TV set, and a dark blue sofa in front. The kitchen was small, but so am I. No dishwasher, but a sink with clean running water. I walked down the small narrow hall to the bedroom. The sheets on the bed seem fairly new, dark blue.

It was all a little better than what I expected, especially since the outside of the apartment buildings looks like a drug-dealing neighborhood.

I gave out a light sigh and collapsed on my bed. It has been a long day.

I woke up at noise of a knock on my door. As I walked to the door I glanced at a mirror, and thankfully I didn't look like I just woke up from a deep sleep.

I got on my tippy toes to see a woman with her child. A girl maybe six or seven. In the woman's hand looked like a dish.

I patented down my jeans and dark green T-shirt.

As I opend the door I noticed how they looked a little restless and annoyed.

"Hello, I'm Faith please come in."

The woman smiled and ushered her daughter in.

Once they got settled I sat in front of them on a stool.

"So what are your names?" I asked carefully, making sure to pronounce each word right.

"I'm Kim Edda," She put a hand on her daughter, "and this is Sarika, my daughter."

I smiled, "Very nice to meet you both."

"This is for you," Edda gestured to the dish in her hand, "It seemed you wouldn't be having home made meals. You are a foreigner, right?"

I giggled a little at her unsure expression.

"Yes yes. I'm from America." I reply.

"Ooooo wow, American." She said sounding impressed.

Edda seemed like she was going to ask another question, until her daughter whispered something in her ear. And she said she must leave.

I locked the door once again and happily ate the homemade meal.

Once I was done I went to bed forgetting the day and drifting off into my dreams.