𝐝𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ✰

lost keys || dylan

i walk through the unexpected downpour to my small apartment in LA.

the streets are heavy with traffic, as always, but even more now that there's heavy rain. the sidewalks are covered in splotches of deep puddles that soon soak my feet inside my heels. i try to block out the constant beeping of the road and walk across the street, headlights blinding me as i make my way home. my apartment has only one entrance, and it had to be outside.

i fiddle with the object in my purse, slowly moving my fingers; feeling for my keys. i feel a pack of tissues that must be 3 months old, my phone which is now sopping, my wallet so full it takes up about half of my purse, a crumbled package of gum, but still dont find the keys. as i reach my front door, trickles of rain falling down my back, i place my purse on the ground to search deeper for my keys.

i soon realize, of course, i put my purse in a slight but still wet puddle of rain water. i try to ignore it as best as i can and aim to find my keys as fast as possible. i dig and dig and dig until i hit the bottom of my purse. my fingers are so numb from the ice cold rain that they start to shake, the tips soon turning red. but i dont give up.

i decide to open my purse to its fullest extent and move stuff to one side of the bag. another stray piece of gum, a mint, a couple pens, but no keys. tears begin to slide down my face as i repeat the process, finding no extra luck. at this point my whole body aches, from my job of being on your feet all day, to the dreadful walk there and back because i have no money for a ride, and being soaked to the core, i'd give anything to be on that small but yet comfortable couch inside. and i was quickly getting emotional.

i soon gave up on trying to hold back the tears, sobbing outside as my hopes got worse; the rain got even heavier. i try to look more, but grow impatient. i spring up and twist the knob of my door hard enough to send a burning up my hand and wrist. i knew it wouldnt work anyway. i bang on the door, knowing no one would answer. my face was wet before, but now twice considering the tears streaming down my cheeks and tickling my neck. i leaned my forehead on my door and let out a bunch of sobs, not caring who heard or who saw. i gulped. i'd probably be here all night.

"um, miss? are you alright?" a voice said behind me, male and soft but loud enough to over-power the rain.

i just close my eyes tighter, someone saw. i guess i did care.

"i'm, i'm..." my jaw was tight from clenching, my chest shook and i inhaled, "i'm okay." i whispered it, he probably didnt even hear.

"would you like some help?"

i finally gained the strength to turn around. slowly, i twisted my head around and looked at the man. i felt my wet hair fall off my chest and drip down to the ground. i must look like a mess.

the man was about my age, young 20s, and had black hair that stuck to his head and a little down his forehead. he had dark, hazelnut eyes and pink lips. he wasnt so bad looking. his eyes furrowed down in worry and his mouth slightly opened as i turned around.

'n-no thats okay." i tried to stop my tears, but failed as my voice trembled in the air as the rain continued to pour down on us, i could just keep my self from sobbing in front of this man i didnt know, "i just lost my keys, a-ah, n-nothing you could help with..." my voice went out at the end, my throat giving up.

"oh u-uh, well, i know i dont know you, but u-uh," his voice trembled too, but his body didnt shake from the cold either, although his skinny rain jacket did stick to his slim torso, and his long jeans were darker blue from being soaked, "you could come over to my place." the slightest bit of a questioned tone snuck out of his mouth, i flicked my eyes back up at his, shocked by his words.

"uh, no i wouldnt want to cause any-"

"no. no." he interrupted me, seeming to get a new sense of confidence, "you cant stay out here all night, come on." he waved his arm motioning me to come over to him, i grabbed my purse and walked over shyly. what was i doing? he offered his arm, soon draping in over my shoulders. he slightly rubbed my arm, allowing little warmth but still soothing.

"t-thank you." i mumbled, soon gaining nerves knowing a cute guy was taking me to his place.

"no problem." he said, guiding me to his door, and opening it up with his key. he slid down his arm to hold my hand and pulled me into his apartment. the front room was filled with a couch, and coffee table the same length of the couch, and a tv on a table fit for it. it wasnt much, but it was comfortable also.

i stepped in and dabbed at my eyes with my wet sleeves, hoping he didnt see much of the sobbing part of my night.

"so whats your name?" he asked, sounding pretty curious for just meeting me out on the street.

"y/n." i say, trying my best for my voice not to tremble, slightly fail.

"oh, nice..." he smiles to himself, "dylan." he says quick, like he forgot to mention his own.

i nod, again try to smile.

i shiver. then see he, dylan, noticed, and immediately feel self-conscious.

"would you like to use my shower?" he says, slightly tilting his head, furrowed his brows. in my head i thought he was just like a puppy.

even through my insecurity, i realized a hot shower would be nice.

"yes, please." i nodded, and he guided me to his shower.

"you can use my shampoo and soap, and ill put clothes on the counter for you." he said, never stopped smiling.

i nodded and closed the door. i quickly undressed and got in the shower. the hot water soothed my tense, cold body and the shampoo was refreshing. i washed myself and hopped out. a soft blue towel and an outfit was laid out for me on the counter. i never even heard him come in, the shower was too relaxing i guess.

i unfolded a white tee that was definitely to big for me, and a gray pair of joggers. i tried to dry my underwear as much as i could with my towel and slide on the comfy clothes.

i opened the door and the scent of warm tea filled my nostrils. i sighed.

over in the kitchen dylan stood at the breakfast bar and pulled out a stool for me. i sat down and touched the warm liquid to my lips.

"so you lost your keys?" he asked as he took another sip.

"i-i guess so. i have no clue where they went." i slightly chuckled.

"thats alright, my queen bed is to big for me anyways." he giggled. adorable.

"thanks for all this." i crack a smile.

he does too, but a big one, beaming actually, "no problem."

a half an hour later i followed him to his bed. we shared a nice conversation on little things like work and the small apartments we had. it was nice. i soon realized i dont have much friends, so this was a treat for me.

i glided into his soft sheets and felt rest come as my head landed on the memory foam pillow. how could this get any better?

"good night."

i slide around in bed to see a messy haired dylan beside me, smiling into my eyes.

"good night." i smiled big for the first time.

i rolled over and smiled again to myself.

---