Slipping into the unknown

Darkness

After jiggling the keys for what seemed like 10 minutes, the lock decided to unlock. Shoving against the door, I grew embarrassed. Both Frank and Brete's doors didn't do that. They didn't have any troubles opening and closing them.

Opening the door all the way, I walked inside and held the door open for him. He looked amused at me and my attempt to get into my apartment, wearing a smirk that never seemed to leave.

Duke,now realizing he was home, started scrambling around in Franks arms.
When Frank set him down not wanting to be scratched, he immediately took off trotting down the small hallway to the right of the apartment.

Having stepped in the doorway all the way and closed the door, Frank could survey the apartment. Knowing I didn't have a boat load of money or nice expensive, huge grey couches; I felt uneasy.

In my apartment I had a small stand in the corner of the living room holding one of my prized possessions. My dads old '64 Beatles turn table. I wasn't sure how much it was worth now, nor would I want to unless it was life or death, but 20 years ago it was worth $10,000 according to my dad. Me being 24, I knew it had to be worth a lot more now.

Turntable aside, there was a pile beside the stand holding old records from both of my parents. The artist's ranging from Journey, to Metallica, to Iron Maiden. Other than that corner, there was a

Fearing he was judging me, I quickly offered him a drink to possibly distract him. "Would you like anything to drink? Maybe water, tea, or coffee? You could sit down while I get it for you.". Once I spoke he looked over to me, looking like he was shaken out of a quick gaze.

"Oh, no thank you. I like your apartment." I scoffed under my breath. No one likes this apartment, I don't even.

Walking over to the couch, he sat down. Probably trying not to look like he was disgusted by the shabbiness of my apartment. Joining him on the couch, I kept looking down at my hands and knees.

As if on cue, Duke trotted in with of course, his favorite toy. He loved his squeaky, green, snake toy. Whenever he had the chance to, he'd take it with him. He jumped on the couch and dropped his toy onto Frank's lap, while snuggling into mine seconds afterwards.

I swear Duke is psychic though. Every time I'm in a nervous, agitated, or sad mood, he immediately comes up to me almost as if I called for him. I think it's fascinating on how he can just sense the feelings I have and try to stop them by cuddling with me.

Most likely sensing I was thinking about him, he nudged my hand; trying to get me to pet him. Frank, still watching all of this going on, chuckled at that.

"Do you want to play 20 questions?". He smirked at me; basically saying I dare you.
"Ok. I can get down with that. So, how long have you lived here for Frank?". I smirked back at him. Hearing my phrase, he chuckled and soon cringed, probably having flashbacks from the past. I would say when the phrase was popular, but it never was considered popular.

"Oh my gosh stop. I'd say that saying is dead but it was never alive! Anyways, Gee and I moved here a year ago. We've been super close since we were kids, but it feels like forever.". He smiled when mentioning Gee. I'd try to pinpoint the fluttering in my stomach and compare it to jealousy, but that couldn't be it.

I just met this guy, that's almost impossible to develop small feelings for someone. Although, it feels like the odd yet comforting moment when you're so close to someone and you don't need to talk to them to feel like you're speaking to the other.

Him speaking immediately broke me out of my thoughts. "Ok, my turn. What would poses a person to move all the way into such a small town as Munising, MI?"
"I could ask you the same question. Why would you?". I smirked at him, thinking I'd won this small battle.

"Act as cool as you want, but you just asked a question technically. You just lost a turn to get in a snarky remark. We moved here because we wanted a break from large cities. To clarify a little more, we previously lived in NJ, very close to NYC. So, how is your boyfriend?"

Pulling Duke closer to my chest, I replied, "He's doing great. Aren't you Duke?" Being as sophisticated as he is, he panted while looking up at me.

"Haha real funny. I meant Mr. possessive that lives across the hall." When saying this, I could tell he was getting riled up, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Bren? Oh no, I think he has a girlfriend. But either way we're just friends." Sensing the awkward tension in the air, I started smiling nervously. He looked relieved once hearing that and visibly relaxed by slouching a little bit more.

Staring at each other was somehow relaxing. It felt as if it were only the two of us, but my mind wandered back to before. Why would he think Bren was my friend? And why would he want to know or care? Feeling Duke move on my legs to re-position himself brought me back into reality.

"So, how's your girlfriend or boyfriend?"
His eyes widened and he giggled like a maniac. "Pffft I'm not dating anyone. Why would you think that?"

I immediately felt stupid for asking. I continued to pet Duke more frequently, trying to relieve some of the nervous tension. Duke must've realized because he started licking my thigh. Ignoring how ticklish I felt, I accepted the simple yet proficient act.
GOD! how could I have been so stupid! It's probably Gerard that's dating someone. Oh no, what if it wasn't Gee but Frank and he doesn't date?!? He could have casual hook ups for all I know and isn't fit for a proper relationship.

Of course Frank and his all knowing self, he reached his hand out and put in on my knee, rubbing it soothingly. "Hey, it's ok to be nervous, but there's nothing to be nervous about. Time will tell you after time what this all means." He spoke softly to me, managing to calm me down despite what he said.

What this all means?  I don't even know what him saying that is supposed to mean. All I know is that this is now pathetic to have a guy that feels like a stranger but closest friend ever, and my dog comforting me due to my stupid nerves and anxiety.

Getting so wrapped up in my thoughts, I opened my mouth to ask what he meant at all, but felt my eyes start to close. The feeling you get right before you fall asleep, spread throughout my body, as I fell into darkness.

<Hey few people reading this, thank you for reading this and pleas e comment and leave your thoughts below.> If you're here from my latest upload on 'prince of car rides' this should make since of why I'm typing this write now.