The Siren (18+)

Chapter 24

April felt stupid. She didn't know why she left Ramee's apartment in such a panic. The feeling of sitting in the arms of someone who was spoken for was a terrible one. Even if the way they sat wasn't romantic it still felt wrong to be vulnerable in a space that was meant to be filled by someone else. She didn't want to be a cause of tension in their relationship and she did not want to sink into old feelings.

April couldn't stay in the cubby in fear of running into Uchi or Carmella. Not that she had many other options to begin with; all her friends either already had roommates or guests came over to visit. It seemed that it was cuddle weather because she saw a car believed was Lexi's and Penny's cars parked in the cubby. She didn't want to encroach on any of their spaces and Miguel wasn't home. She didn't have the keys to his apartment on her so she decided to walk to her own apartment. The streets were lit with colorful lights and the crunch of the snow underneath her boots made her feel slightly better. Even though her mind was elsewhere her aching feet were a reminder that she was present. In Los Santos. In her own body.

A black car stopped next to her while she was on her trek home. "April?" She hadn't seen Marty Banks in ages. He still looked the same. His youthful face was flushed from the cold as soon as he stuck his head out the window. His red and black hair blew softly in the wind showing a glimpse of his forehead. The soft looking oversized black hoodie he wore gave the illusion of innocence on him. She greeted the man politely in response. April was not in the mood for small talk. She just wanted to go home. She could feel the cold from the snow seeping into the long sleeved cotton shirt she wore. "You walking home? Let me take you." He offered the shivering girl. April was tempted to decline but the thought of walking in the snow for any longer made her quickly accept.

The warmth of the car (that she was pretty sure belonged to Yuno) was enough to ease her discomfort. April did not mind the man she just hated the idea of him always catching her in these situations. She hated looking pitiful. "Have you eaten?" He asked. His eyes still on the road. April wanted to lie but her growling stomach sold her out. She wanted to sink into her seat and disappear. Marty chuckled lowly and drove into Burger shot. He explained that he was a new investor and didn't want to be seen purchasing from the popular cat cafe. After getting food from the packed drive thru he drove in the direction of her apartment.

"So why do I keep finding you walking all the way to Vespucci? Why were you waking home alone at ten at night? Doesn't your family own multiple cars?" April closed her eyes and took a breath. She couldn't handle Marty's prying. His voice might have been adorable but she just wasn't up to it. "I don't mind walking. Seoul isn't far from mine." She responded simply. She was thankful for the man, really she was but she just wanted to get to bed. The man could probably sense April's mood after her lack of enthusiasm so he remained silent for the rest of the ride. He parked right in front of the entrance so she could make it home safely. April was halfway to the entrance of the foyer but she couldn't shake off the guilt of being so rude after he had saved her from a longer walk in the cold. She turned and carefully ran to his car and promised him a day to hang out when they both were up to it. After a goodbye and a small wave he drove away. She smiled at the cute man's goodbye.

As soon as she entered her own place she pulled off her boots and threw Ramee's shirt in the dryer. She stood in the shower for a few minutes. Allowing the hot water to run over her and the steam to fill up the room. While she stood still she thought about the day's events. The day had started on such a high note with Bobby giving her a new look and spending time with Bleach. She was very disappointed with the way it had turned out. First Uchiha's treatment towards her and then Carmella's questioning stare. She just didn't know how to feel.

If she had to describe her life she would break it up into three. The time she spent with her controlling pretentious family being one, the other being broke with nobody but her husband and her debts and now. While the woman may have moved to Los Santos for all the wrong reasons she was glad to have met the people she met. She made a name for herself in this city but most importantly she found true friends and family.