The Neighborhood

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"So," I began to converse, trying to start another conversation. Really I was just trying to bring up that lil stunt he pulled in the breakfast aisle. I would be lying if I said I didn't like his cheekiness but it was something that made me nervous. And being anxious was an emotion that I tried to avoid like the plague.

"So," he copied, his eyes intensely looking at me from above then going back to scanning the various food sources.

I suddenly became uneasy, going to a different alternative question since I don't believe I was completely prepared for the primary one I wanted to bring up.

"So," I dragged out the word lowly, his intense gaze catching my brown eyes, "why'd ya move in the first place."

The question seemed to catch him off guard but I notice he wasn't necessarily surprised.

He hummed softly, the color in his eyes glazed over to a more dull gray. His mind lost as he searched for the right words.

The rustling of shopping carts and conversing echoed throughout our neighbouring grocery market.

There were certain things that I had to put a strain on since I was a very impatient person but this was something I had to respect. He was already living alone from the start and from what I could tell from little aspects he gave away, he was lonely a majority of his life. I didn't really know how I knew, it was a sort of feeling that gave off the sad emotion.

"I had to get away," Keith finally said, "what went on that night was something I didn't want to stay around for."

A dry laugh left his lips then a solemn silence took over.

I knew if I pressed more in the situation, the outcome would likely be something I can settle with.

We was currently standing in line for check out when I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes as a small tug made it's way to my lips, thinking it was Keith being playful. Happy that his mood returned back to its original way.

"Why you always-".

"I knew it was you," Aaron's voice rung my ears, nearly making blood run down from them.
I resisted the gag that made it's way to the back of my throat. He was another thing I avoided like the plague.

"Oh," I replied numbly, realizing that Keith wasn't by my side like before. I wished this was the end to our greeting but I was just getting myself false hope.

"That's allot of stuff you got there," he laughed as he took small steps closer to me, "you here by yourself," he continued trying to catch my gaze.

I stepped back from him,mirroring his actions as I still searched for Keith. I wasn't intimidated by him let's make that clear, he was just to close in my personal bubble.

Where is he???

"No, I'm here with a friend," I said, pushing the heavy basket to the cashier.

"Yeah right," he said sarcastically, his hands roaming my shoulders, slowly making its nasty way down South.

"Fuck off Aaron," I snapped, shoving his repulsive hands off me.

He sucked his teeth, placing a firm grip on my forearm.

I tried snatching it from him but it only tighten his grip.

"Get the f-".

"C'mon bab-"

"Is there a problem," Keith voice blessed me, his height towering over Aaron's smaller form.

Aaron's eyes scanned over the man, his grip quickly loosened around my arm.

"No," he stated quietly, "I was just-".