The secret ingredient

Chapter 3

My feet hurt from walking. I've been walking around the city for a while now and I just want to get to my penthouse. I could swear I have blisters on my feet.

People keep staring at me all the time and I literally needed to talk to strangers because I got lost in this big ass city. That was too much social interacting for today. Social battery: -10. 

Finally I arrive at my penthouse and let out a sigh of exhaustion. 

I look toward the entrance. What is Rameesh -the landlord- doing here? Is my rent due? I look at my phone. 

15th October  4:28 PM

No, it's the middle of the month, so no rent due. Is someone moving out? Moving in? 

I jog toward him, "Hey Rameesh. It's nice to see you. What are you doing here?" I try not to sound too nosy. 

"Well, someone is moving in the apartment." He says and he emphasizes the word "the" as if he is talking about an specific apartment. He suddenly looks away as if he's trying to avoid eye contact.

What does he mean by "The apartment"? 

I put on a fake excited expression and say, "Really? Well, that's great!" Actually i don't really care. Rameesh is still not looking at me. This is too suspicious. What's going on? 

"Uhm.. Rameesh, am I in trouble?" I ask. Wait of course- shit! "ARE YOU KICKING ME OUT?!!" I aks him hectically.  

He then looks back at me and laughs shortly, "Wait huh? Oh, nah. Relax it's nothing like that. You're good. It's just that.." he clears his throat, "Someone's moving in and it's the apartment next to.." He points his finger at me. You've got to be fucking kidding me.

"What- but- ..Rameesh, Isn't there any other apartment available? Like the one next to Misses Joyce. What apartment was it again..?" I lay my hand on my forhead "Apartment 102! Yeah that one's free." I try to keep my voice low. Hopeful about convincing him.

He gives me an apologetic smile and starts blabbering again "Well yeah, but the guy wanted that specific one and Daisy, you know I can't just..." He doesn't even have to say it.

I sigh and nod slowly, "No- yeah. Of course you can't." Ever since I moved here I didn't want anyone in the apartment next to mine and I it was perfect, until now. I don't really have a specific reason, it's just I never wanted a close neighbor.

But even though Rameesh is a nice landlord, he can't just make an exception for me and I have to accept it. It's not his fault that this annoying new guy wanted exactly the apartment next to mine. 

It's going to be fine. I guess. Just relax. I'm trying. 

"When's this guy moving in?" I put my hands in my pockets because they're freezing. 

Rameesh thinks for a moment before speaking up, "I think in a week or so. His furniture truck is arriving in an hour and I sort of offered to help him."

Offered to help him? Huh? Who's that guy, a fucking Superhero? 

His phone suddenly rings "Well, it was nice talking to you. Be good, kid." He takes a few steps away before returning to me again "And hey," He whispers "he ain't even that bad actually. He's a young fine man. Believe me, you'll get along just fine." Rameesh winks at me before finally leaving. Leaving me confused actually.

He ain't even that bad actually. That guy's probably a man-whore who brings over a new girl he finds at a bar every night. Can't wait to hear all that. I'm absolutely not ready for a new neighbor.

I never had someone live in that apartment and it was just perfect. I'll just have to avoid him for the rest of my life and it'll be fine. Easy.

I step inside of the penthouse and jog up the stairs, imagining meeting that guy or having to listen to him sleeping with random girls. I'm praying that the walls are not thin enough for me to hear him doing whatever this guy does. 

Opening my apartment door my cat greets me and strokes herself on my leg. "Hey baby. You hungry? Let's eat something." I go to the kitchen and open a drawer. I pull out some ramen and some cat food. I pick up her food bowl and put her food in there "Here you go."

Sometimes I only eat instant Ramen and I'm totally okay with that. My mom would have never allowed me to do that, 'cause she thinks ramen aren't healthy. I mean it isn't the healthiest but I like eating it and secretly my mom does too, but she doesn't like to admit it. Well.. I mean, she can't admit it anymore because she's gone, looking down at me right now and probably craving some ramen too. 

I laugh at my thoughts and a wave of sadness suddenly takes over my emotions. Damn my head hurts. And I'm not hungry anymore. I just want to lay on my couch and rot. I never want to get up again. Forever.

I hear my phone buzz. I take a look at the message. It's a text from Jimmy. 

Jim: Hey Daisy. You ain't coming? Are you okay? I figured you just fell asleep on your couch and forgot coming over at the café today. Text me back as soon as you see this so I won't call the police and report you as missing. You know I mean that. Love you.

Shit, I told him to come by at his café today. I'll have to just tell him I forgot, otherwise he'd get a panic attack. But I'm used to that by now.

I smile softly at his text. Jimmy's not joking about the reporting part and I know that. So I start typing.

Daisy: Hey Jim, sorry I was busy today and I'm too tired to get up from my couch. My feet hurt from walking. I'm fine so no need to call the cops. Please don't overwork today and just go home. You're an old man who needs rest. I'll go to sleep now, goodnight. Love you.

He immediately opens my message and starts typing.

Jim: Good to hear that you're doing well, kiddo. Yes I'll go home in a few. And don't call me an old man, I'm a good 63 years old. But you're right, I really do need some rest, today we had had a bunch of customers. Anyway, I'm proud of you, Daisy. Goodnight, I love you more.

I laugh quietly at his response and close my phone. This day was stressful. For me and Jim. The thought of being productive all day makes me more tired. I'm slowly feeling myself falling asleep. 

Good night world.