Tucked (REWRITING/EDITING-)

1

(Picture of Eli above)
Emma.

Thumpa thumpa thump. My gigantic suitcase bumps the stairs with each step I take. Whatever genius decided not to put an elevator in this building obviously didn't have to climb four flights of stairs to their room. My arms ache as I lug the hell raiser step by step. At least I'm getting a workout. Yay.

"Emma!" I hear my dad holler from down the stairs.

"Yeah?" I reply.

"What number is your apartment again?"

I sigh. I told him this ten minutes ago.

"4c!" I yell.

I pick up my huge blue suitcase and begin to trudge up the stairs again. Finally, I reach apartment 4c. Now, where is that key... I dig around in my purse for a bit, and I retrieve it. It's a simple silver key on a ring with a few other things. I stick the key in the lock and let myself in.

The apartment is in really great shape for not too bad of a price. The kitchen is to my right, with fairly new appliances. I set the key on the counter and lug my suitcase through the door on my left, the bedroom. Ugh, stupid heavy suitcase.I leave the room to go find my mom and dad, but they have already made it up all the stairs.

"Well, that was the last trip." My dad sighs, panting a bit from the climb.

I nod. "Thanks for the help you guys. For everything, accepting my dream to live here, I love you."

We exchange goodbyes, and then they leave me to unpack. Around six, I leave my place to get a bite to eat, since I don't have any food around yet. I head down the three flights of stairs and leave the building. Outside my building, there are a few places to eat within walking distance, so I make my way to a sushi place around the corner. San Francisco is a great city for walks. It's a short journey, but I still get the chance to admire the Victorian style homes on the other side of the street.

After having a satisfying California roll (my favorite) I head back home. Just a few buildings away from my apartment, I pass a bakery called Nina's. Maybe I'll go for breakfast tomorrow. I can never turn down a warm croissant. As I climb up the stairs in my building, I try to think of my apartment number. Look who's forgetful now.

Is it 4b? D? C? It must be D, that sounds right. I walk into the hallway and head to 4d. I pull out my key and put it in the lock, but it won't turn.

"Come on!" I exclaim.

I examine my key ring to make sure I have the right one. I try again but no luck. I band my hand against the door.

"Arrrgh!" I growl.

As I'm retracting the key, the door slowly opens. A guy is staring at me. A very attractive guy.

"Oh my god! I must have the wrong apartment! I just moved in today and I thought it was this one and I'm very sorry so--"

"Don't worry about it." He grins. "I'm Eli. And you?"

I blush furiously.

"Emma." I state confidently.

His eyes are the bluest I've seen in a while. They remind me of the ocean, but with specks of green in them.

"Emmaaa. I like it. So, Emma, would you like to come in for a cup of cocoa?"

"We just met... and isn't it a bit late and hot for cocoa?" I ask quizzically.

idiot. Why did i turn him down? Look at him, now he's blushing.

"Sorry, I wasn't sure if you were a coffee drinker, or tea or.... But everyone likes cocoa, right? Also, we're neighbors, and I have a feeling we'll being seeing a lot more of each other."

He scratches the back of his neck, embarrassed. I nod quickly.

"I know, right? I love hot chocolate too! And, yeah I suppose we will."

He gestures behind him,looking over his shoulder.

"You want to come in?" He asks.

"I would, but I still have a ton of unpacking to do. Another time?" I bite my lip uncertainly.

"Oh yeah, for sure." He smiles softly, running his fingers through his blonde hair.

"See you around then!" I give Eli a small wave and turn to leave.

"You bet." He waves back and closes his door.

I head over to 4c, and before I open the door, I smile to myself. Not a bad day.