The Art of Avoidance

03

C H A P T E R  T H R E E

             Matt moved into our humble abode a week ago. The three of us spent the day emptying box after box before the apartment finally began to feel like home. I was woken early the following morning to Elliot jumping on top of me with excitement ridden on her face.

             After being dragged out of my peaceful and comforting bedroom she announced, "Today is a day of exploration Stella, and you are coming with." She insists on soaking up as much of the city as she can until class starts up, and I am apparently joining.

             "Exploration, hmm," Matt said, deviation playing at his role of respectable new roommate, "I'll have you two know, I'm an exquisite tour guide." Elliot giggled as he picked up my untouched apple and took a bite.

             "Are you now, Mr. Matthew Anderson?" I had amusement written across my face while Matt gushed on about his expertise in everything New York City, insisting we brought him along on our little outing.

             To which El and I held no objection, taking it as a chance for the three of us to bond. Something we need to be doing if we plan on living together peacefully for the next year. "Perfect! How about we start today's adventures with a walk down the Upper East Side?"

             "Sounds good to me!" Elliot chimes in, as if it hasn't been her dream to frolic along the narrow strip and drool over the handsome houses ever since she watch the first seasons of Gossip Girl. She pouts lightly at my knowing gaze and I roll my eyes in response to her childish actions.

             Don't tell her this, but I too have been waiting to express my inner Serena Van Der Woodsen on the New York platform. "Something I should know?" Matt questions, grabbing his house keys from the kitchen counter.

           "No, it's nothing important." Elliot blurts out before I have a chance to stop her. "Right, okay well while you two sort out what's not important, and maybe get dressed, I'll go catch us a cab?"

            He steps out quickly after, both Elliot and I looking down at our attire. A white camisole and candy cane pajama shorts is not what I wish to walk around the city in. The two of us rush into our rooms to make a quick change, I settling for jeans and long sleeved blouse while Elliot goes for a rather bold, and ridiculously expensive jean mini skirt and an Alexander Wang opened back black long sleeve with a nude pair of her beloved red soled shoes.

            Boston bred doesn't always mean coming from a middle classed family living in the suburbs. Elliot's father runs a highly respected law firm, taking cases from only the most crooked yet filthy rich business owners, who pay good money for their secrets to never be publicized.

           With too many Louboutin's to count in her massive walk in closet back home Elliot makes Blair Waldorf look like our very own Jenny Humphrey. "So," Elliot begins, twirling around on her nude pumps, "how do I look?"

            "Fantastic, as always El." I admit honestly. Her model like figure helps her to pull off almost anything she puts on. Before I regret my weak attempt at presenting myself well enough I head for the door, the pitter patter of heels on wood following close behind me.

             Once we made it down to the street Matt gave an exasperated sigh and threw his hands up in the air. "Finally! Had I known you two were the type to spend 15 minutes looking in the mirror before deciding on an outfit I'd of waited until you were dressed to get the cab."

             Embarrassed by his outburst I hang my head a little lower to hide the faint pink shade highlighting my cheekbones. "Fashion is art, I'll spend an hour perfecting my look if I have the time." Elliot states, her shoulders back and head up high. "Right, well into the cab we go." Matt said, hands shooing us towards the open car door.