Heights to Heights

3 : Usnavi

"Bennayyy!" The man behind the counter exclaimed.
"And new folks! Hey y'all!" He grins.

"Usnavi, these kind people knew Abuela Claudia." Benny says.

"Oh." Usnavi smiles a sad smile. "How'd you know her?" He asks.

"Well, Abue- uh.. Marcus was a lover of hers. He said she could help us get back on our feet." I say.

"Yeah, our apartment accidentally grew a fire." Alex explained.

"Ah. I see." Usnavi says, smiling a little. "I'm sure Abuela would help you, so I'll help you. Why don you stay in her place?"

"That would be amazing. We'll pay." Naomi says.
I nod along. Being sixteen, I don't feel like I have the rights to bargain my sister's money.

"No need. You need to get back on your feet, remember? I got the first couple months." He says.

"You really don't have to, sir." I say, not wanting to take this kind man's money.

"I want to. Don't worry." He persuades me, and after a few seconds, I nod okay.

"Great! Benny, can you help them with their stuff?" He says, reaching in his pockets for something.
"I'd help, you see, but Sonny is out with Pete and I can't leave the store alone."

"Oh no, don't worry." Naomi says.

He finally finds what he was looking for and he tosses it to Benny.
Keys.

"I'll see y'all around." Usnavi says, smiling as we walk out the door.

"See ya!" Alex shouts.

Usnavi chucked and waves.

I like this guy.

Benny walks back to his cab and pops the trunk and we all grab a couple suitcases.
He walks us to a cute little place across the street. He opens the door and puts our stuff down, turning on a light in the process.

"The keys, m'lady." He says, handing them to Naomi and bowing.

"Why thank you, kind sir." She smiles.

"Well I'd better get out of your hair. It was nice meeting y'all! Welcome to the barrio!" [neighborhood] he smiles, walking out the door.

"BYE BENNY!" Alex screams.

"Bye Alex! Bye Alexa! Bye Naomi!" He smiles, closing the door.

"I like that guy." Naomi says.

"I can tell." I smirk, wiggling my eyebrows.

"Oh shut up, sis." She laughs and blushes a little.

"Never." I grin.

After wandering around the empty house, we decide to start unpacking.

It takes us about three hours, with Alex running around and trying to get our attention, assigning rooms, and putting our stuff up.

I think I like this place.

"Hey, Lexa." Nai interrupts my thoughts.

"Hmm?" I ask, dusting off the kitchen counter.

"I'm parched. Would you go back to Usnavi's store and get a coke and snickers for me, a water for Alex, and somethin' for you?" She asks, handing me a twenty.

"Sure." I say. "Want me to take Alex?" I ask.

Her eyes go wide. "Yes please." She begs, obviously wanting alone time to adjust.

"Alright. See ya later, sis." I say.
"ALEX! LETS GO SEE USNAVI!" I yell.
Tiny footsteps potter patter through the house.

"COMIN!" He yells. He turns the corner, almost falling, and adorably grabs my hand.
"Less go." He says confidently.

I turn to Nai and smirk at the three year old's behavior.
She grins back, chuckling and shaking her head.

I open the door and head for the bodega.