love, gloves, and grace. | a.f.i

two.

seattle, washington. 8:15am.

ELLIE DAVIS

the laundry room was always empty during the week, i usually did laundry on wednesdays or mondays. it's not that i didn't like people, there were more machines open and i got my laundry done faster than i would on a saturday.

the room reeked of a faint yet persistent mildew smell. a few washing machines and dryers were lined up against the wall, all of them old and showing signs of heavy use. a couple of metal folding chairs were placed nearby, providing a makeshift seating area for those waiting on their laundry.

the only other person in the room was mrs.jean who was the neighbor to the left of me. she was in her late sixties, a kind older lady who reminded me of my grandmother. she moved in after her husband died so i like to help her as much as i can.

sometimes i'd bring her dinner from the diner if jim has any leftover as long as the boss didn't find out.
her and i were folding laundry next to each other, having a small conversation.

"i thought for sure you'd be at the dance studio today, dear" she says, looking up at me.
"not today, jean. no classes today." i smile warmly, helping her fold her clothes. "how is school going?"
"good, i have an exam this afternoon. i didn't get to study much last night, the guy in fifteen b was being loud. i had to go over there and ask him to keep it down" i explain.

"oh, dear." i hear her murmur, followed by the click of her tongue.
"that boy is trouble, el. i don't know what it is but i just don't like him" she shakes her head.
"i've only seen him a couple times and when i did he's always covered in blood on hiding his face. you best stay away." the way she spoke was like a grandmother worried for her grandchild.
"you've got a good head on your shoulders, hon. don't let him ruin that for you."

i shake my head and smile. placing the last bit of her folded clothes in her hamper. "let me help you, ms.jean"

i accompany ms.jean to our floor, holding her laundry basket and mine on either side of my hips.
"is there anything else i can get you, jean?" i ask, handing her the laundry basket as she enters her apartment. "no, that's alright darling" she smiles, gently patting my hand. "good luck on your exam" i nod, closing the door behind her then going to my apartment.

i sit the laundry basket by my feet and begin searching my pockets for my keys. "fuck" i mutter, realizing i left my keys locked inside my apartment.
there's a click next to my door, i look up and see my neighbor from 15b stepping out. we make eye contact, he then looks down at my laundry basket and back to me still searching for my keys.

"locked out?" he asks.

i nod, standing up straight to cross my arms. "yeah, guess i forgot my keys" i sigh.

he stands there for a moment, reaching into his pocket and pulling out something i didn't quite catch. he steps in front of me and drops his duffel bag before he starts messing with the handle of the door until it creaks open.

my shoulders drop with relief, "god, thank you" i blurt out.

he takes a step back, nodding his head and he finally looks up at me. "no problem" he mumbles, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jacket.

"i'm eliana." i introduce myself, sticking out my hand.
he stares at my extended hand but doesn't return the handshake and looks up at me. "ashton." he blurts.
"nice to meet you" i press my lips into a thin smile, bending down to pick up my laundry basket. "mhm" i hear him hum as he reaches for his duffle bag.

"anything else you need?"

i can tell he was growing irritated by the conversation so i shake my head, "no, no." i cough. "thanks again. have a good day." he turns away from me, throwing his hood over his head and walks towards the stairwell.