I wake up early the next day and open the door to my room. Vern's door is closed, so I assume he never went to work, but when I see the clean state of the kitchen, I know neat-freak Vern has cleaned before leaving for work.
I sit down on one of the bar stools and look down at my hands, and at the charm bracelet I always have with me. I twirl a charm between my fingers before I collapse my head into my arms.
"Cry!" I urge myself, even practicing a pout. When it doesn't work, I stand up and begin to make myself coffee. I am a self-professed coffaholic, and Vern knows this so he stacked up on coffee.
After a long while, with my prepared coffee in my hands, I sigh and walk over to the couch and sit on it.
"Jules Emma, what are you going to do with your life?" I groan and lean my head back, shutting my eyes.
I quickly drink my coffee and change into a casual outfit, deciding on none other than gym. I hope the apartment has one as I exit it and lock it with the key Vern gave me.
Upon walking, I stop and look up at the vent that I saw the eyes in, but it's still. Lifeless.
I shake my head, cursing myself for being paranoid, before walking towards the elevator. When the elevator opens, I step in and wait for it to close.
Just as its about to fully close, someone screams: "Hold the elevator!"
I lurch quickly and clasp my hand around the elevator door, pushing it back.
"Thanks." the girl says breathlessly. She looks like she ran a marathon.
"No problem." I say, smiling a tiny smile. The mirrors make it possible for me to examine her features. She has creamy skin, dirty blonde hair and deep, deep dimples. She makes me feel as if I am a 4 and a half on the hotness scale.
"I'm Gin." she introduces herself. I instantly note that she's friendly. "Gin as in the drink, but also short for Ginnifer."
"Nice to meet you, Gin as in the drink." I smile, taking an instant liking to the girl. "I'm Jules." I say, then elaborate as she did, "Jules as in the gem, but also short for Juliet."
She looks impressed, and she nods her head with a deep, dimpled smile on her face.
"Gin and Jules. Sounds like Gin and Juice, which is always promising." Gin raises her brow jokingly. I can see that Gin is older than me, she looks to be about Vern's age.
"You think we inspired Selena Gomez?" I ask, faking being in thought.
"Defs." Gin laughs as the elevator doors open. We step out together and she gives me a side smile.
"Apartment?"
"6C." I respond quickly. "I live with my brother, Vern." I say and we both seem to be walking in the same direction.
"I'm in 6A. Vern Fetwick?" Gin asks and we turn into the gym.
I nod yes and enter. Gin follows me and we make our way to the treadmills.
"He works at the news show right?" Gin asks as the treadmill starts.
"Yup." I respond. The blush on Gin's cheeks tell me a story. "You like Vern, don't you?" I ask, and she looks away from me. "You totally do." I walk on the treadmill.
"Okay, just a little. It's a tiny crush." she responds. It amazes me how comfortable the two of us are around each other. It feels like we are childhood friends, and not recently acquainted.
"You know, I don't think he's seeing anybody." I play matchmaker. "And the two of us are going through a tough time, him more than me," acting strange, making coffee in the middle of the night, opening the fire escape window, "We could use some company tonight."
