Casper & Rosie

Rosie

In the process of editing
•••••

Rosana

After the call with my brother, I took the time to catch the bus towards the nearest gas station. I figured since my family wouldn't let me buy food and drinks for everyone at a regular store, I'd have to just buy something for myself elsewhere. I didn't want to end up being the selfish one, but I knew sooner or later, my mom would be asking her side of the family for money to the store because my bottomless stomach decided to devour everything I saw in the pantry.

And I did not want to be apart of that situation again.

I checked for some loose change in my purse for the taxi driver. The nearest gas station wasn't that far away, so the total only came to about seven dollars.

"Have a nice day," he said, accepting the money. "Thank you."

I could only muster a nod after that. I got out and turned my head right to find Wawa, our local gas station. Seeing that I only had a few ones left in my hand, I realized that Richard was right about not spending much of my money.

I tried to do the math in my head when I remembered owing Marcus some change and set it to the side. I couldn't give him the dollar then because I wanted to feed Ma and Richard first, but my plan seemed to have backfired after the call and having the need of a taxi driver.

But Marcus was my friend since we were kids, and he knew that I had financial problems when he learned that negative numbers were everywhere on our bill papers. He understood that the tickets back home were expensive for me, and that I couldn't pay him the exact amount every time I come to visit.

Why did I leave home if I have trouble with money, you ask?

A kid has to leave their parents some day, right? And it's not like once I left, I had the money I needed for my dream college, or even a decent apartment to say I've been successful without you, Mom! I struggled then, and I'm still struggling, but I didn't want to add more problems to what my mother already had on her plate.

I also left because of my job, of course. Even if I get nine dollars an hour, I still have bills to pay, which leaves me broke in the end.

Oh, and Richard? He decided to stay because he thought that Ma would feel as if we are leaving her because of our situation.

A bell rang as I swung the door open and let myself inside; the cool air from the inside hit my skin before I took the first step inside. I went straight for the 99¢ bottles of tea.

The bell from the door rang again once I reached the doors that held the variety of drinks. After grabbing a container of tea, I attempted to grab a few wet wipes, since the last time I visited I didn't have anything to wipe my hands with.

I, however, bumped into someone when turning into an aisle. Feeling the need to apologize, I spoke.

"Excuse me-"

"Sorry-"

I looked up in surprise, and the stranger did too. 

Goodness gracious, he's attractive, my conscious screamed, making me look down to prevent the blush from creeping up my neck.

He had straw-colored hair, paired with blue eyes and midtoned skin. He was taller than me, and for some reason, his lips were a very bright pink.

He chuckled a bit as I shifted from my spot and nervously tugged a chunk of hair behind my ear. Attempting to apologize again, I said,

"It was my fault-"

"My apologies-"

I giggled. It wasn't often that someone would mimic my generous actions.

Suddenly, my conscious spoke. Why are you giggling? You don't do people; he'll want to befriend you!

I slowed down my laughing, and thought to myself.

He'll want to be friends, and then later down the road, partners! And you can't make his wishes come true with the problem you have. Don't encourage him!

So I cleared my throat and shrugged it off. "Excuse me," I mumbled to the stranger, passing by him.

•••••

A:N will be on the next update! (Friday)

Have a nice day/afternoon/night :)

See ya later, alligators!