Started As Strangers, Ended As Lovers

eight.

"Knock knock."

"What?" I almost screamed out.

Brody's been making knock-knock jokes the minute we left for downtown and I'm going insane by the second. It's not the fact that he's making jokes, it's the fact that he has the lamest jokes in the history of Lame Jokes and he takes pride in it.

And shoves all that pride on me, strangling me with it and then says, "Wasn't it fun?"

"Iva."

I sighed. Knowing this boy, he isn't going to stop until we reached our destination.

"Iva who?"

"I've a sore hand from knocking!" He cried out, dramatically putting his left hand on his chest.

I snorted, "Let's see how the doctors of no-fudge-given hospital can treat that."

His eyes widened and was about to say something when I almost shouted with relief, "We're here! We're here!"

He turned around to look at our destination and made a face, "That's downtown? I thought it'll be cooler."

I smirked, taking pride in making him uncomfortable, "That's Queens for you."

"You would've thought the word 'Queens' meant luxury and all," he grumbled as he found a place to park his car.

I barked out a laugh, but not at all offended, I could see where he was coming from. Most shops were either out of business and shut down or just not open because their lazy asses were not bothered to get down here and open their store and run a ten hour business.

That's not the worst part.

The worst part was that the only good thing were the being streets surprisingly clean, but that's about it. The multiple buildings were all worn out, graffiti painted emblazoned on them and the walls were chipped.

I was surprised that a tumbleweed didn't drift through this deserted part of town.

"It's usually not that bad, it's more lively during weekends, I think," I said, trying to lighten Brody's spirit.

But I couldn't really say much about that since I don't really come out to here during weekends, I'd rather stay in my little room in the motel then come out here.

God knows what trouble lies in the dark corners and alleyways in this town.

He sighed and combed through his long, untamed hair with his long, sleek fingers.

Now that I realized, I wonder how fluffy his hair really was. I don't get boys' or mens' hair. I mean, they look fluffy when in actual fact they're not and vice versa. Yeah, what?

"Let's get this over with."

I nodded and walked down the streets with a grim determination.
———
"Welcome! Anything I can do for you today?" A worker greeted us the minute we stepped in.

I returned her greeting with a smile, "Not really, I'm just waiting for my friend."

"Skylar?" A familiar tone rang out upon hearing my voice.

"Kara? Where are you?"

"I'm at the back, give me a minute, I'll be out soon."

I nodded, even though I damn well know that she wasn't able to see it.

I gave the worker another smile, this time more apologetic, saying that I was sorry to barge in without doing business with them.

I left the salon, pulling Brody along with me, immediately feeling that bringing the guy who caused the tear in our friendship along wasn't the best idea I ever had.
———
author's note:
firstly, I want to just put it out there and say I'm not exactly sure if Queens is an actual town/city so please don't be offended bc I really don't know what place is more
'boring'? I guess and I didn't want to downgrade or discriminate anyone.
secondly, I'm fully aware that this chapter is quite short but I kinda want to save the drama for later chapters? Lmao.
This is still level 1.

pls vote!! that makes me a happy bagel instead of a sad one ;-))

xoxo, angela
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