CRAVE

CHAPTER 1

Valerie Harris is visioned as @sarah.luna on Instagram!

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> Val - POV <

    "Yes mom, I called the tenant this morning about the apartment. The sink was fixed and I'm gonna grab the key in the front desk when I get there." Reassuring my worrysome mom on the phone. I didn't want to risk a car accident for my first day in Chicago so I put my phone to my lap and switch it to speaker.

"Alright sweetie, please text me and your father when you get to the apartment." Suddenly I hear my mom start to sniffle.

"Mom? Are you okay?" I say with concern. I know that this isn't easy for her. Being the only child and now moving far away from my hometown in Boston.

"I'm just proud of my baby girl that's all." I can hear her grabbing tissues and laughing. "I'm just an emotional wreck, nothing new."

I smile. "Thank you mom, I love you, but hey I promise i'll visit as much as I can."

"You better." Her laughter and sniffles warm my heart. "I love you too sweetie, talk to you later."

"Bye." I hang up the call with a big smile plastered on my face. I turn on the radio and check my GPS.

Only 10 minutes away!

- - -

I grab my bag and phone and head to the lobby. As I walk up to the front desk and see a familiar smile. I remember seeing him at the front desk last time I visited.

"Valerie!" He beams at me.

"Hey." I say with a shy smile.

Shit. I forgot his name.

"Alright so you just have to quickly sign this and then i'll give you the keys." He hands me a little packet and points to the line with a pen.

I sign the line and hand it back to him. When he puts it away I see his name tag on his button up. Thank god. The printed words say "LOUIS".

He gives me the keys and a paper with more information on it.

"Thank you so much.. Louis."

"No problem! But hey as a friend if you need anything i'll be here. With being in big Chicago by yourself can be a lot... trust me I would know. I also can definitely show you my favorite spots too." He says with a sweet smile.

"That'd be lovely." I smile back. "Well thank you again!" I grab the keys and the paper and head inside the empty elevator.

I stand to the side and push the number 14. It's not the highest but i sure remember it having a beautiful view. Seconds before the elevator door starts to close I hear running.  Should I hold the door open? Before I even make a move a guy runs into the elevator right before it closes.

The unknown guy was panting... I take a quick look at him. He has dark hair. Dressed in joggers and a white tee. Not gonna lie... he's hot as fuck. Realizing that I'm still looking straight at him I turn my head away.

"Sorry i. What floor are you?" I ask shyly.

He chuckles. "The one you already pressed."

"Oh... cool." Why am I being so awkward. Ugh.

"I've never seen you around here before. You visiting someone?" He asks me.

"Actually I just moved in today." Having me say that feels so great.

"Oh trust me you're gonna love the city." He smiles.

I smile back. The elevator door opens and I walk out.

He walks faster to catch up with me.

We are both walking down the same hallway and stop close to each other.

"So I guess we are neighbors." He looks up at me.

"I guess so." I let out a small giggle.

He walks closer to me. I look down and notice him writing down his number on a gum wrapper.

It's only been the first day and someone is already giving me their number. Oh boy.

"Here, you can contact me whenever." He hands me the wrapper.

"Oh and by the way my name's Zayn."

"Valerie but just call me Val." I put the wrapper in the front pocket of my jeans.

"I'll seen you around then." He walks to his door and opens it.

Before I can say anything he walks into his place.

I take a deep breath and open the door with my new key.

I take off my sneakers and head straight to the big window with unremarkable view.

"Home sweet home" I whisper to myself.

I fall onto my sofa and pull out my phone.

I text my parents and my friends and browse social media: Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat. 5 minutes later I fall asleep instantly.

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Hey guys I hope you like the first chapter!!
- Momma duck <3