Below the Sky

Chapter 33: Elijah

Coffee is, by far, the best drink on the planet. It is better than water, better than soda, and especially better than alcohol.
I sat in a booth at The Happy Brew, my favorite coffee shop. It was late, later than I would have liked to be getting my morning caffeine if I wanted to arrive at work at a reasonable time. I had slept in today though, and skipping a stop by the small shop was not an option.
My waiter had dropped off my drink already, a large regular coffee with some milk. I liked my coffee more bitter than most, but not completely black.
I glanced at my watch, worry biting at my conscious at the time. It was past eight already, and once I finally made it to my office, it would be close to nine. I picked up my hot mug and drank faster, trying to down the liquid without burning my tongue. Once my cup was empty, I left it on my table, and went to stand up.
Then I noticed something out of the corner of my eye, or someone. In another booth on the far side of the room I saw Lila, and Riana. The two girls weren't in the best shape. Even from afar I could see the bags under their eyes, and the way Riana held herself up, proved there exhaustion. It looked like they had been through hell and back, adventured on some quest that had left them exhausted.
I didn't dwell on the two girls though, and instead payed my check, and stood up to leave the Happy Brew. I had a lot of work to get done today, and I wanted to get a head start on it. I approached the door, about to exit the shop, when I felt a light touch. Someone was tapping my shoulder, trying to get my attention.
I spun around, and noticed Riana before me. Her hair was rumpled and tied back in a messy ponytail. She wore drab clothing, a simple sweatshirt and pants. She looked exhausted.
"Hi Riana," I said to her. She smiled slightly, pleased that I remembered her name.
"Hey Elijah, do you have a second?" She asked.
"Ya, okay," I lied, I really needed to get to my office. Riana clearly needed something from me though, badly.
She led me over to Lila, and the booth they were seated at. Riana motioned for me to sit, and she too slid into a chair.
"Okay, here's the deal," she said once we were settled. "Me and Lila need your help, and I know we've known you for a day, and this is really sudden and honestly creepy, but it's true."
"What do you need?" I asked.
"Well..." Riana glanced at Lila. Her head was nestled in her arms, folded onto the table. Lila was clearly asleep.
"This is a huge favor, so keep that in mind," Riana said.
She stole one last glance into my eyes, scouting the terrain, then she launched into the story, her story, or, her and Lila's story. Riana confessed to me that she and Lila weren't just friends, and that they were actually in a romantic relationship. She told me of how Lila's parents had discovered their intimacy, and had kicked the two girls out. Then Lila and Riana had stowed at a family called the Davis's. Riana explained that the family was kind, and treated Riana and Lila such well. They just needed to leave. Riana said how she and Lila felt like they were locked in the Davis's, like life goes by so fast, and if they didn't slow down and appreciate it, they might miss it. So that's what led the two girls here, to me.
"If it's not possible we totally understand, but we kinda need somewhere to stay right now," Riana said. Her face showcased her emotions, a mixture of hope, along with extreme anxiety and stress.
My heart skipped a beat for a moment. Riana and Lila wanted to stay with me? Sure, they seemed nice, but this was the first real conversation I was really having with them. Riana was right, it was very, sudden.
At the same time though, they clearly needed to rest. It would be financially hard, yes, but maybe after the girls got settled they could work and help support themselves, even under my roof. It was a hard deal to make, but it didn't necessarily seem like the wrong one.
"Yes, you can stay with me," I relented. Happiness erupted over Riana's face, a mixture of relief, and joy.
"Thank you, thank you," she told me. A small smile escaped onto my face. Maybe this wouldn't be bad, maybe I would even grow to love these girls, treat them like younger sisters.
We went over the terms of this plan. Lila and Riana would sleep in the living room, and I would still be in my bedroom. After they got settled in I would help them find jobs, just so I don't have too much more financial worry. This won't be permanent, just until Lila and Riana get back on their feet.
"Okay, I really need to get to work," I said. Glancing at my watch it was basically nine.
"What should me and Lila do?" Riana asked.
"Um..., you guys can walk around. Just meet me back at this coffee shop around one, and I'll show you to the house."
"Okay, seriously we can't begin to express our gratitude."
"Bye Riana," then I stood from the booth. I started for the door, leaving this crazy morning behind me. I had two new roommates, people I barely knew. As the heavy wood swung open, pushing me into the fresh air, a realization hit me. I didn't even know Riana and Lila's ages. They appeared in their late teen years, maybe eighteen or nineteen. What if they looked old, but were actually much younger? What if they were around fifteen?
This was stressful to think about, but I pushed those thoughts aside. Most people look their true age, and they seemed nice enough. Even if it wasn't safe, or was risky, I just had to trust their word, and really believe their story.