Chapter 3: As the Sun Sets

As I stretch, I place my hand against the cool glass of my window.  It's  mid day Friday and thank goodness Thomas is coming over today.  I can't stand another minute in my thoughts.

He's most likely here to see my sister but they won't mind a plus one.

Later today Im supposed to go in for my shift at the library. Working with Alika has been well.. not the best. She seemed somewhat warm when I first met her but now it's like I've hit a brick wall.

I run my hands through my hair in frustration and slip on a robe. A shower might help clear my mind to be honest. But, I think I'm being too harsh on her. I can't just expect her to talk to me like how I normally would my friends. I slip off my robe and step into the shower. I close my eyes and let the water fall over my chest and down my body. I scrub my body down and turn the warm water off.

I quickly dry off throw on some clothes and head downstairs. Thomas sneaks up behind me and I jump what has to be 6 feet in the air (I scare easy).

"Gosh you're such a sissy"

"Whatever shut up time about time you got here"

I look behind him to see my sister blushing...but what's new

"Can you guys calm your horses for like one minute. Our parents just left the house."

"Sorry!" My sister chirps in. It's not long before Thomas cuts her off "Soo actually um we kinda have plans ?" He slips his hand through hers and they back up slowly towards our grand doors.

"But um hey ! If you wanted to walk us out I wanna hear about that new girl you mentioned"

"Whatever" I say as I roll my eyes. "I'll walk you out"

Thomas, with Anna in hand, walks out the door into the fresh autumn air.

"Ok Ant tell me about this new girl at work I heard about. It's  a small town you know word gets around."  Anna looks over at me and winks.

"Well her name is Alika, she just started working for us... she's a hard worker ? I don't really know much"

"Alika? Huh that's.. that's a new one. What is that like German ? She must be a stunner"

We make it all the way to his car and my sister hops in the passenger. I shut the door behind him after he climbs in the drivers seat. "African, actually ok see ya"

"But-" i wasn't surprised by his surprise but was hoping we had more time to discuss it. After I make sure he's gone, I walk back around the house and into our garden.  It's beautiful,  filled with fruits and my moms favorite flower , carnations. I sit and let the beautiful pink petals settle on my face but I just can't get her off my mind.

I see her in 15 minutes.

It's about 5 so I hop in the car and start to make my way towards the bookstore . As I pull into the almost empty lot I push open the door to see just Alika there alone.

"Where's Mr. Smith?"

"He went out but he should be back in a bit. Don't worry he already told me to stay as far away from the register as possible until you got here."

I wonder why she never once in this past month has looked me in my eyes since that day. It's not my place to ask. I should be grateful she's even decided to talk to me again. I set my things down and get back to my usual tasks.

.....

I've been ignoring Anthony. I can't get that day out of my head and some white boy from the other side of town is the last person I want to open up to. I've been busy learning more sign language with mama. She's thinking of trying to apply to a deaf school to teach if she can. I appreciate her so much.

Anthony walks to the front of the store and my eyes can't help but follow. He intrigues me. I want to know more about him but I don't want to get too close. My mom always made sure to keep me as informed as possible about my environment. So I know the chances of us becoming actual friends is slim. A few moments later,  there's a loud knocking at the door. I hide at the back like I've  been told and watch from afar.

"Anthony darling ! Why have I never heard from youuu" Her voice was sweet with a southern twang but by the way she spoke it sounded downright obnoxious. I  keep watching as she and her friend graze their fingers over the cotton of his shirt and make their way up to his face.

"Now why are you ignoring me muffin"

"Ladies, Ladies please that's enough I'm at work"

"But Ant can't you at least give us a call?"

"Maybe. Alright I'll see you in a bit have a nice night now"  He slowly pushed them out the front door, sighed and slid down in front of it.

"Lady issues much? You would think a pretty face like yours you'd be well... taken"

"Excuse me?" Anthony stood up and I cursed myself. I always knew this damn smartass mouth would get me in trouble one day. I was just hoping today wouldn't be the day I meet my maker. He crosses the room and in an instant I am between him and the wall. I set my broom down slowly and look him up in his eye.

"Can I help you with something ?"

"What was that you said again?.. something about me having a pretty face" he said and chuckled.

Remembering my mom at home I need to go back to I remember my place and look down. "No sir, I'm sorry... sir"

"Alika, really Anthony is fine."

"Ok Anthony, why are you talking to me? Why talk to the colored girl in the back of the store, with the broom in her hand."

"Why not talk to me?"

"Do you ever wonder why Mr. Smith calls you by your name ? Or young man ? And calls me girl? That's why. We're almost the same damn age I'm no girl. To have the privilege to not worry about that is quite remarkable. Mr. Anthony"

"How is that any of my fault?" The smile quickly faded from his face and was replaced by a sadness of sorts.

"Well I guess it's not"

Anthony moved closer and brushed my arms so gently it seemed as if he thought I was glass. His gaze seared through mine and he moved his face closer. I bit my lip gently  in anticipation and kept wondering what the hell was happening. My eyes were traveling from his back down to his lips. There were... butterflies ? Yes butterflies in my stomach. I turned away and he touched my cheek and whispered "I think your face is pretty too." After that he left. Well, left me there to think and went to go finish his work.

I was stunned. Had I wanted him to kiss me? I barely know him. It's only been a month. He's- well he's white no offense to him. It just- that wasn't a thing in the south and I had never thought about a white man that way.

                                          .....

I- I am an idiot. The worlds biggest one most likely. Thank THE LORD all mighty that not too soon after I noticed Mr. Smith coming in. I- I almost kissed her. But damn she was- I've just never met anyone like her before. Well I also haven't been near any of the places where I might meet someone like her.

While on my break, the store got a call and since I sit near the phone I answer.

"Hello?"

"Yea it's Thomas is this Anthony ?"

"Yea it is what's up?"

"Hey so I just dropped Anna off at home and so , think we could maybe discuss what you mentioned earlier ?"

"Sure yea that sounds fine I get off work in 30 see you at our spot ?"

"Yea see ya" Me and Anthony, once we were old enough, decided to always meet up at this tavern.  We loved it and haven't stopped  going since.

After work is done, I walk out the store without looking Alika in the eye once. We walk out in silence ; and since we seem to be going the same way today I keep my distance. We got separated by the incoming night and I keep on. As I'm walking I'm stopped by the sound of slurs being shouted and 3 large men surrounding a young woman. I would recognize her anywhere. It's her.

it's Alika.