Unravel // Van McCann

2. I'll Take It

I've been told it gets easier to wake up the older you get. I'm still waiting for that to happen. I contemplated whether or not to call in sick today but thought against it. I begrudgingly peeled the duvet off my body and made my way towards the toilet.

I wasn't hungover or anything—I was just tired. Tired of what I'd walk into. What new case will I get today? Another infidelity case? Fuck's sake! I've had so many I'm basically learning what not to do...for...y'know...if I ever wanted to cheat on someone.

I hope you know I'm being sarcastic.

I stepped out into the cool morning air for my first cigarette of the day and watched as the city slowly woke up. I could see lights on in several windows of the apartment building nearby and commuters already out the door on their way to work. This was my favorite time of the day. There was something calming about having a ciggy and just watching people go about their day. I quickly finished my cigarette and stepped in to finish getting ready for the day.

I walked to my closet and opened it, contemplating what to wear. My work has a semi-formal dress policy which I hate. It doesn't help when it's going to be unusually warm the next few days. I settled on a crisp white dress shirt and tucked it into my trousers before putting my belt on. I didn't feel like wearing a tie today so I skipped it.

I could hear the kettle whistling so I quickly ran to turn off the stove and to prepare my brew. While the tea was steeping, I opened the cabinet to find some Weetabix and placed two slabs into a bowl and poured milk in. I realized I was running low on milk which meant I had to go to the store soon. I was supposed to go over the weekend but that didn't happen. I'll stop by on the way home.

I guess I've been slow getting ready today because once I glanced at the clock, I realized I had to leave in five minutes if I wanted to catch the bus on time. I quickly ate my Weetabix not tasting it at all and downed my tea, burning my tongue and throat in the process. What a lovely start to my day. I grabbed my messenger bag, my wallet, and phone and hastily bent down to find a pair of boots to wear. I was planning on wearing the new boots I was gifted but didn't have time so I scrapped it. I locked the door behind me and half ran half walked to the bus stop.

I could see the usual small crowd at the bus stop and was relieved I didn't miss the bus, but I didn't have long to catch my breath before the bus showed up. As I paid for my fare and got on, I noticed the bus was unusually crowded. Normally I'd be able to get a seat on my own but it looked as if all the empty seats were occupied, forcing me to sit next to someone. I didn't mind, though, because it gave me an excuse to sit next to the lass I've been fancying for about a month now. I spotted her further down the bus in her usual seat and made it out like I didn't know where I wanted to sit when in reality I wanted to sit right next to her.

"S'alright if I sit here?" I asked her and she looked up and nodded her head, scooting over to make room for me.

She's been wearing summer dresses this past week which has been a blessing because I've been seeing more skin. I could smell her floral perfume and she had her dirty blonde hair in a half ponytail. She's absolutely gorgeous which fucking terrifies me. Normally I don't have a problem talking to a lass but there's something about her that makes me forget how to speak. I've been trying to figure out how to talk to her for weeks without making it out like I've been watching her for a whole month.

Something I've learned since living here is that most people keep to themselves and are shocked if you do start a conversation with them. It's not that they're rude—it's just their culture and I've learned that it's specific to Seattle. So I can't start a random conversation with her. Whatever I say has to make sense.

I tried my best to stare straight ahead even though I'd love to stare at her for the entire bus ride. I'd occasionally glance out the window and try to see what she was doing out of the corner of my eye but she was on her phone checking her socials. Some people have their work badge on while taking the bus but she unfortunately doesn't so I don't know if she's a student or if she's working, but from what I've seen, she looks to be around my age.