Sovrano

Rosa

The next morning I woke up bright and early. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to in order to keep my job at the public library.

My shower time was cut short as I started thinking about my new neighbor, Bastiano. What if I ran into him in the hall? Granted I don't think most people are awake at four in the morning on a Saturday, but still. I had to look good just in case.

I stepped out of the cramped shower stall and wrapped a dark blue towel around me, tucking it in at the top to keep it secure, and wrapping my short hair in another towel. Picking out what to wear was hard. Most days I go with an oversized jacket, (sometimes denim, sometimes not) and a tight shirt with very tight leggings that accentuated my curves. But today I was inspired. Maybe I should wear a dress? No, most of my dresses were meant for hot dates, not work. I huffed and wiped my foggy mirror to stare at my reflection. The only thing that really stood out to me was the now scabbed over scratch from Tequila's bathing session yesterday, other than that my face was surprisingly clear. I grabbed my favorite fruity lotion and rubbed it on my skin, then I plugged in my hair dryer and got to work untangling and smoothing my light hair until it fell in a perfectly messy bob above my shoulders.

Walking out of the bathroom and stepping into my cool apartment caused goosebumps to sprout all over my bare skin. My toes curled against the cold hardwood floors and I briefly wondered why I shouldn't just wear a cozy sweater and comfortable joggers. Then I wondered why I would even bother thinking of wearing something to impress a guy I met once for ten minutes and that I probably won't see today.

"Screw it," I muttered as I headed towards my closet and pulled out a tight, white long-sleeved t-shirt that showed off my collarbones and shoulders, along with a pair of form fitting light gray joggers. Today just was not the day for me to get dolled up for work. I yanked open my underwear drawer and pulled out a nude bra that hopefully wouldn't show under my shirt, and black boy shorts because I wanted to be extra comfortable today. With a quick tug at the small knot near my chest the towel dropped to the floor in a heap and I pulled on my boy shorts and snapped my bra into place. Then, I walked over to my vanity across from my bed and began putting on my makeup.

By six AM, I was fully showered, dressed, my face was concealed, contoured, my eyeliner was winged and I had eaten. My sock clad feet slid slightly on the floors as I made my way towards Tequila, who rested on the window sill with her paws curled underneath her body. "Bye, Quila. I love you," I whispered in her ear as I bent down to kiss her head. On the way to the front door I stopped to refill her food and water bowl, then I grabbed my black JanSport backpack off of the floor behind my gray couch.

Once I had my shoes on my feet I walked out the front door and turned to lock it behind me when I heard something coming from Bastiano DeRose's apartment.

"Listen Pietro, I need you to make her talk. If that's the only way to do it, then do it. Capisce?" A brief pause. Then, "Perfetto."

I narrowed my eyes slightly before locking the door and walking down the stairs towards my car. The cold leather seeped through my joggers and chilled my thighs as I sat inside and pulled the door shut behind me. My hands rested on the steering wheel as I half wondered what Bastiano was talking about and half wondered if I was gonna get my period soon because my boobs ached. Never mind that, I started my car and backed out of my parking, only to run into another car. My body jerked forward upon impact and my heart started beating rapidly in my chest. Why aren't you wearing your seatbelt? I groaned and pushed open my door open and made my way towards the other car behind me.

The man in the passenger seat looked like he didn't have a care in the world, whereas the woman in the drivers seat looked like she was gonna pee herself. She quickly scrambled out of her car and lightly shut the door. I found myself admiring her glossy brown hair as she walked towards me nervously, her hands wringing together.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?" She asked me and before I could respond, she started talking again. "I'm sooo sorry! I didn't see you, I mean, your car is so small and you were parked behind this shrub and- and..." She stuttered as she gestured frantically with her small hands.

"It's okay, I didn't check my mirrors. It's not your fault," I cut off the poor girl and gave her a smile to help ease her nerves. Now, I'm usually not one for smiling at strangers so this action caught me by surprise. The light breeze ruffled her long hair and she tucked a stray tendril behind her ear. She was stunning, with high cheekbones, full lips and tan skin. She was the type of girl you would thirst follow on social media.

"I'm Rosa, and you are?" She asked me in a breezy voice.

"Althea," I replied giving her another smile. Rosa was a name that I wished envied. Of course that would be her name though, it suited her. Behind her, the man in the passenger seat reached over and yelled through the open window.

"Rosa, hurry your damn ass up! My stomach is growling and you know that I can't deal with being hungry!" Rosa's face twisted into a scowl and she muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'hangry bitch' under her breath.

"Looks like you have to go," I continued, "your uh...guy there sounds like he needs you." Rosa nodded and smoothed her hand over her light blue jeans.

"Bye! It was nice meeting you, Althea... despite the circumstance," She wrinkled her nose and I let out a small laugh before agreeing and walking back to my car as she made her way towards hers. This time I remembered to buckle up and check my mirrors before I backed out into the street.

But I forgot to see what damage the hit did to my car.