Chapter 1
The alarm rang, echoing across the room. I tried to get more of the blanket to cover my ears from its murderous sound but it didn't help at all. The pillows might help, so I shoved it under my head. Useless.
Rage begun to bile up onto my skull as the ringing just won't stop. I released a primal growl then threw the pillow as hard as I could sending it flying towards the alarm. It hit it, and caused it to fall down the drawer but it still didn't shut up.
I got off the bed shoving aside the blanket then stumped my way onto the room to shut the alarm myself. I picked it up furiously, causing the short long curls of my silver dyed hair to fall into my face and my short trimmed beard to itch in annoyance. I studied the alarm looking at the time, 8:18. I shut it off feeling more satisfied that the silence is back again. I lay the bastard down on its previous spot before slowly making my way back onto the bed while scratching my scruffy chin. Half way through when realisation hit me in the gut, 8:18, oh shit, I'm late for work.
That one sentence in my head caused me to go on overdrive and I rushed across my bedroom to pick up a towel before going for the bathroom. I furiously opened my bedroom door not even minding anything as I rushed out. As soon as I got in the bath, I stripped out of my pajamas not giving a damn as they flew and landed on the cold floor. Soon enough, cold water kissed my slightly built lean body.
The shower was quick and as soon as I dried myself with the towel, I went back to the bedroom then changed into my blazers and dress shirt. I rushed quickly to the kitchen to prepare a sandwich for breakfast. I didn't properly fix my attire but I didn't care, I need to leave my apartment as soon as I could.
I splat the peanut and jam on the sandwich then quickly shoved it in my mouth, using my teeth to hold the sandwich for me. Now I can finally leave.
I nearly stumbled on furnitures as I literally ran, desperate not to get any more late. I made a quick glance on the calendar near the door as I was about to leave and it caused me to abruptly stop. It's a none working holiday, infact, the whole week is my day off.
My core shook and my knees trembled, my goodness..."Hell yeah!" I screamed. A fresh morning breeze hit me on the face and for the very first time in a month, I savoured it. I could sing a celebration song or dance with glee knowing that for a week I get the chance to feel alive once again, but now that I relaxed, exhaustion got the best of me.
I closed the door then removed my shoes that I actually forgot to tie up. I removed the bread in my mouth before setting it aside on an empty plate when I reached the kitchen. My eyes began to feel really heavy and I tried my best not to fall on the floor. I opened the door to my bedroom then removed my attire setting them down on a chair near the entrance.
Now that I feel less suffocated, I let myself fall down the soft mattresses of my bed. Slowly I could feel myself drift back to the bliss of sleep as I closed my eyes.
I didn't know what time it was when I heard the door bell ring from the living room. I slowly opened my eyes and I have to rub them with the back of my hand for my vision to clear. The bell ringed again so I urged myself to fully get up.
I moved a bit sluggish as I made my way to the living room to check who's behind my doors. I turned the knob slowly, feeling a bit weak. I opened the door and a tall figure stood outside. I rubbed my eyes ones again to finally get a clearer view and, oh damn.
The tall figure revealed itself and it turned out to be a really nice looking man. First thing I noticed was his dark emerald eyes, deep with wisdom and hearty gentleness, thin lips, and an angular curved nose. He has a nice face, a nice dark messy short fringe hairstyle, and a tamed beard matching his hair's color. His lips curved up into a smile making his eyes close as he spoke words I cannot hear through the haze of my instant infatuation. What a smile...
He continued on to talk about something, not having any idea that all I could hear was the singing in my head and the drum of my captured heart. I didn't even notice that he was holding a paper bag . What's inside? Only God knows what, as I let my eyes feast on that handsome face and nice body under an open zippered sweater and sea green dress shirt.
My mind was bedazzled as I continue to just stare and be oblivious of the fact that he was actually saying something.
His eyes caught mine and then I realized that he caught me checking him out. My mind went blank as I panicked. All I can say was, " O-oh, I-I'm really sorry for not paying attention. It's just, I'm really feeling a bit tired and my head is swaying a bit. Work's been really merciless this days". I let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of my head as I felt the wave of embarrassment.
He gave me a curious look before eying me up and down. He smiled," Yeah, you look like you'd be needing some refreshments". He held the neat looking paper bag infront of me offering it, " I hope you like biscuits? Made them myself".
Words got caught up in my throat as my face heated up. I don't even know this man and now his offering me some home made biscuits, " Uum, gee thanks".
I reached for it a bit awkwardly and he gave it to me willingly. His smile remained unyielding and sweet, " My name's Ryan Reid by the way". He offered his right hand for a handshake and I took it a bit excitedly to feel the touch of it, " Hensley Richard". I was surprised of how cold his hands were but nonetheless I lingered a bit too long just holding it before letting go.
He didn't seem to mind it at all and I was thankful, but nonetheless I felt ashamed of having no control over myself. I might scare him away if I keep acting weird. Can't let that happen.
"By the way, I'm the new neighbor next door", he said pointing at the door just next beside my own apartment.
New neighbor! Next door! This day is a blessing from queen Luck(for once), " Really! That's great, it's been lonely here being the only person on the top floor aside from Mrs. Lilly next yours".
He brightened," Oh Mrs. Lilly! She was really nice".
"Yeah she's real' cool"
There was a bit of a pause before I decided to continue, " Well, if you want you can come inside for some coffee and we could share your biscuits?".
He shrugged, " That's truly tempting, but I'm afraid I have to go, there's somethings I need to catch on to. Thank you for your kind offer."
"So, see you around then Mr. Ryan"
"It was nice meeting you, but you can just call me Ryan."
We exchanged a bit of pleasantries before finally, he went on his way.
Better get ready, seems like it's something worth the shot.
