Ch. 3 Settling in my apartment

I had to go meet with the owner, so I can can discuss what apartment I got. At the end of the meeting, I got the apartment I needed and will be moving into it tomorrow. I told Orlando and he and told me that's really great and knew I would get it. Ignoring the fact that I threatened the owner.

"Hey, so, um...yeah can I get your number?" He scratched his head.

"Of course, here." The small blush on his face made you want to play with him.

"I do need you to take those flowers in the back to Fidalgo Country Inn." He said reading off a note.

"Oh, certainly." Glad that this time I driven my car here.

I take the flowers carrying them into the hotel and go to the front desk, asking where I should put the flowers. She said to just give them to her, and she'll take care of it.

"Alright, here's the last one." Saying with a huff as she grabbed them from me.

"Are you saying here?" She asks out the blue.

"Yes, I am but I'm moving to my apartment." Her face changes into one of worry, like she realized something.

"Just stay wary of Orlando." She sounded very worried.

"Why?" I asked her, thinking nothing wrong with him.

"He is a playboy. Just be careful, he's not all nice."

"Alright, but how do you know him?"

"I used to work there like you. But he pushes the boundaries." It sounded like she was close to tears.

"Don't worry I'll be completely fine." I assure her, brushing it off.

"Would you like to go to lunch together sometime? I would like to hear more about Orlando." I say as a glint of mischief sparks in my.

"Sure, I guess. How about tomorrow?" She suggested.

"Yeah, and don't worry I won't bring Orlando." I say, a smile tugging at my lips to laugh.

"Thanks, I really don't want to see him." She replies.

"Well, I'll be off. See you at 11:30 and I'll come pick you up." Leaving before she could say something about the time.

I think about Orlando, and he was nice, but then again, he could just be tricking me. Let's see what I get out of that girl. I know I need this job, for now at least.

Moving out to my new apartment that was so bland on the inside. Well at least I have a blanket and pillow. I roll in my two suitcases and start to unpack. This apartment will be so empty for a while with no furniture, well at least there's some basic kitchen supplies. Laying on my blanket I think about tomorrow when I will learn some stuff about Orlando. This reminds me of my school days, going around like I owned the place.

I dreamt of my family; we're all having fun in the living room. My bothers with their squirt guns, my mom and dad sitting on the couch. I was running around trying not to get hit from my brothers. Near the end we all burst out laughing as the whole place had water everywhere. But soon the water turned red, and my family fell to the ground and now I hear whispers. "Why didn't you help us. You left us." I put my hands on my ears trying to not hear the whispers. I woke up all sweaty and shaking and went to get a glass of water, chugging it down. It reminded me that I need to get a move on and start doing what a mafia leader would do. Sighing, I stayed up the rest of the night and left for work in the morning.

Today was Sunday and I didn't think there would be too many people here. I say hi to Orlando and we go about our day until lunch.

"Hey, Orlando I won't be accompanying you to lunch today. I got something I need to do."

"You sure it can't wait." He says.

"It can't, plus I need to get going see you when I get back." I leave as he starts to step towards me.

My heart is beating in my chest, it calms down as I park in front of the hotel. I see her waiting for me outside, getting out of the car I walk towards her. We walked to my car, and she gasped, putting a hand over her mouth.

"How did you get a car like this?" Looking at how shiny it is.

"Money, I'll tell you more in the car." I answer.

She nods and gets in; we start talking as I drive. "This car was a gift from my parents." I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "They gave you a car and not anything else?" You have no idea what they gave me. "Their dead." I say glancing at her, she's looking out the window thinking what to say. "I'm sorry, when did they die?" I hear the sadness in her voice. "It's alright, not long ago. We're here."

We picked a table outside and ordered drinks, she began to talk. "My name is Sheela, and I was a florist. I worked with Orlando in the shop, he was always so nice. We went out to lunch and this one guy keeps looking at me, he got so upset that he dragged me out the door. I argued with him saying what the hell was that. He smacked me and I stood there shocked I left as tears came out my eyes." She pauses as the waiter gives us our drinks and we order our meals. She takes a sip of her drink before continuing. "A week later I was in the back changing out of my work clothes. He came in and shouted at me for flirting with someone. He hit me in the arm and put me up against the locker, saying don't flirt with anyone again. He left and I slid down to the floor, thinking why is he acting like this. He continued to hit me for days and eventually I left, for good. It took some weeks to go find a job and that's how I work at the hotel. I really don't want to get you in trouble."

"I assure you I won't get in trouble. Thank you so much for telling me this." Putting my hand over hers as some tears leave her eyes.

"Yeah, it's nice to finally tell someone."

I take some sips and say, "Would you like to be friends?" A little surprised she says, "Sure, that be great."

We parted our ways after I dropped her off, heading back to the shop. I am very happy with what she told me.

"Where have you been?" He shouts as soon as he sees me.

"I'm sorry it took longer than I expected." I smiled to make it seem truer and lightly touched his arm.

"Well, let's get to work." He says calming down.

The day was great, soon I can put some of my skills to use. And Orlando, get ready for what I will do.