Curiosity is a dangerous thing

Chapter 3

   Let me tell you something. I hate mornings. Always had, always will. Especially in the winter months. The weather always affected my mood, and my sleeping schedule. When it's sunny, I feel somehow happy. When it rains, I feel moody. But today is the first morning in my new apartment, that I feel refreshed. I'm angry, at the sun, though. I mean stop trying to fucking blind me, Jesus. But I'm joyful, too. Deep down.

I get up to search for breakfast. It's 9 am, a first for me, but I want to go for a walk to discover my new neighbourhood. It's an overall peaceful place in the city. Close enough to the Historical center, but far enough to enjoy a peaceful life without the untamed crowds of tourists. Pretty picturesque, as well.
I open the door and head to the living room. Mom is watching a morning show on TV.

"Goodmorning" I said with a smile.
"Goodmorning darling! Do you want me to make you something?" she says getting up from the coach.
"No, sit, I'll make something quick and go for a walk."

It's been a long time since I've lived this scene. I am so happy that she can get up in the morning and enjoy the day. It gives me strength seeing her like this.

I make a toast and head back to my room to get ready.
As I head out, I kiss my mom goodbye and open the door.
I'm walking down the stairs, when I hear a voice.

"Fuck" says a girl holding a box, which probably weights double her weight.
"Do you want some help with that?" I say.
"Well, I'd love to. Otherwise I see me falling down the stairs." she says laughing and her green eyes brighten up. I smile and carry the box with her. We let it down in the middle of the living room, judging by the sofa near the left wall.
"Thank you so much! I'm Kate. And you are?"
"Anna. Nice to meet you."
"You live above me?"
"Well, yes."
"Mind if we drink a coffee?"

I nod to that. Being an introvert, never helped my social life, so I'm trying to seem more friendly. Trying,  not necessarily successfully, though.

I like Kate, she seems so bright. As she makes the coffee, I get the chance to observe her. She is a thin girl with gorgeous long hair. Her green eyes are in perfect harmony with the rest of her face.

We drink our coffee and have a little chitchat. She is my age and moved out so she can be independent. She studies art, and more specifically Fine Arts. She broke up a month ago and now she's doing a fresh start, while working at a small cafè near by.

"If you want a part-time job, I can talk to my boss" she says happily.
"I don't think it's a bad idea. It'd be good if I could make some money for myself." She smiles satisfied with my answer.
"I'm so happy we are neighbours. I was afraid I was going to stay next to a really old man, who gets annoyed even to the sound of shower" she says with a disgusted face. I start laughing and she does too.

She is so easy to talk with and she brings me out of my comfort zone. I could say that I really envy her will for life.

"I was about to go for a walk to see the neighbourhood. Do you want to come with me?" I say as I finish my coffee.
"Of course, I can show you around!" she answers politely.

   The park is lovely, as expected from the view of my room. The summer breeze brings an instant relief as the sun is getting hotter as we walk through the trees.

"I'm sure you'll love it here. The market is so good and there are a lot of great bars around" Kate says as she waves at a little dog.
"I'm not a big fan of going out or drinking" I say laughing, but deep down I'm a little uncomfortable.
"Well, you haven't met the right people, dude" she whispers and then winks at me.

   Her opinion about literature is a bit of a cliche. Of course she thought we are nerds or boring.

"I find you interesting, though."
"Me?" I ask surprised.
"Yes. You have a special aura. Mysterious I would say."

"I, honestly, don't thing there's anything interesting or mysterious about me" I say looking down to hide my sad smile.
" I think there is. All this time I've told you everything about me. What about you?"
"Well, I moved here with my mom. My parents got divorced last year. I don't have a boyfriend, because I broke up almost 2 years ago with my ex. I think that's all." I say as I look straight ahead. I didn't say any details,  but I'm afraid that my eyes will betray me.

"What!?" She says shocked. I look at her worried.
"You haven't had a boyfriend in two years?"
"Em yes. The circumstances weren't that good and I concentrated on college.", I try to defend myself.
"I mean it's not a bad thing, but it surprises me. You see, I can't really stay away from boys." she says and laughs playfully.

We finished our little tour and head back to our apartments, saying our goodbyes and agreeing on talking on the phone tomorrow about the job.

"I'm home !" I shout as I close the door.
"Come to the kitchen, I made lunch" I hear her shout back. I enter the kitchen, feeling hungry af.
"Mom, I met a girl today, she lives underneath us and she is really nice."  I say with a mouth full of lasagna. "She asked me if I want to get a part-time job at the cafè she's working. Is that okay?"
"If you can manage college and work, of course it's perfectly fine with me!"
I back-hug her, satisfied.

After lunch, I go to my room and lay down on my bed thinking about the things that happened today. I close my eyes and a smile forms on my lips. A nap in the afternoon is by far the best thing in a day.