Where The Lines Overlap

Chapter 1.

I can't seem to figure out where the time has gone as I finish rinsing off paint brushes. The day seemed to burn out like a stale cigarette, I suppose that's what happens when you have a job you actually enjoying doing. My co-workers had all gone home by now, I was usually the last one here to clean up and close the shop.

The little works of art from today were burning in the oven as I put away the supplies, wiped down each table, and organized the paint bottles. I had to remind myself to take them out before I left. I sighed, walking over to the un-colored ceramics, making sure they were all in their proper places. Without the color each one looked so dull and like it was lacking something special.

It was one of the reasons I loved being employed here, it gave people the opportunity to be creative and take something blank and turn into a unique creation. When business was slow I'd like to pick out something simple like a plate or a cup to draw on. Needless to say, the cabinets in my apartment were full of more ceramic dishes than I knew what to do with.

The evening was slowly uprising but outside it still looked like it was in the afternoon, a perk of living by the bay during the summer. After taking my time closing, I headed towards my apartment complex a few blocks away. With my headphones in place, my footsteps began to sync with the beat of the song filling my ears. I looked down at my feet as I continued to walk, I notice my hands have paint stained on them, shades of blue on my left and purple on my right. I didn't mind it, creativity requires getting your hands dirty.

I walked up the few steps leading to the front doors of my building and took the keys from my bag until I found the right one. Walking into find a rather busy lobby, but I was in no mood to confront the other tenants or be neighborly, even though I've known these people for years.

The building wasn't necessarily nice but it was in my price range and close to my job so that was an advantage. People were always moving in and out so it was hard to make friends in the complex. I'd met a few nice people but none that I would really call my friend.

With my head down to avoid eye contact, I make my way towards the elevator which was conveniently not in use at the moment.

I pressed the up button and the doors immediately opened to the empty elevator. I walked in, hoping nobody else would join me. My eyes were still fixed on the floor but I looked up to see the doors slowly closing, praying they would go faster.

Before I could rejoice, a hand stopped the door, pushing it open again. I slightly groan, low enough so they wouldn't hear. As the doors re- open I met a pair of unfamiliar blue eyes. He looks straight at me without speaking or even smiling, just walking into the elevator, standing right beside me, letting the doors finally close. When he looked at me I couldn't help but notice the black ring that pierced through his bottom lip, it contrasted against his slightly pale skin.

As he stood next to me, I took note to the height difference between us, I could feel him hovering over me. His eyes practically scanning me up and down. I wanted to make a snappy comment about starring but it felt nice to receive this kind of attention and I wasn't in the mood to be bitchy. He was probably starring at the unusual colors on my skin like most people did.

"What're you listening to?" I heard a voice that could only be his over the sound of my music that I'd forgotten was still on.

I pulled out one ear bud and hummed as if to say 'what?' even though I'd already heard him.

He looked me up and down once more, his tongue moistening his lips before asking me again.

"What're you listening to?"

His voice was deeper than I expected.

I took my phone out of my back pocket and pressed the home button, reading the song name scrolled across the screen, "Where Is My Mind" by The Pixies.

I looked back at him, meeting his eyes once more.

"The Pixies" I stated, proudly.

He smiled and nodded, breaking our stare.

"Yeah, I love them." He said

I was surprised by what he said, I hadn't met many people that liked The Pixies or any of my favorite bands for that matter.

"Really?"

The pitch in my voice was high as I was both happy and shocked.

He nodded, still holding his smile.

By now I realized I had a smile on my face as well. He began to sing the lyrics I was just listening to and the smile grew wider. I stared at him as his lips moved in the form of my favorite words.

Before I knew it the elevators doors opened, and the boy walked out continuing to sing as he left me there speechless.

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A/N: I hope you guys like the new story and be sure to check out 'The Embers Beneath Us' my co-owner Katelyn is writing, she so talented and it's gonna be awesome:)

-jess