What He Found in this Desert Town

1

4 Months Ago

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The end of August has always been my least favorite time. It was the time of overbearing heat in the day, making the body feel heavier than your actual weight. Skin cooking as it slicks up; an attempt to cool off with a repulsive odar if one's hygeine wasn't up to par. 

By evening is the polar opposite. Winds howl harshly at the peak of 7 p.m here. The light coat of sweat from the day's activities has now frozen into your pores as the chattering of bones becomes deafening in the ears.

People scattering to find shelter from the hateful weather. Most who were fortunate enough to find a warm asylum was basking in its privilege with a spouse or a friend. I, on the other hand, was not apart of the majority as of recently.

Friends weren't in the know of my current circumstances- since my phone always seems to die during dire times like this; not that I would let them get involved in my mess. And as for a spouse, never had one of those. Never really cared for one.

Most boys and girls, at least in my desert town, only wanted sex from me. And those that did want me as their companion never worked out. The fault was my alone, I never liked them in the first place. I was feeling guilty if I just flat out and said no, but that was over and done with.

So I stayed to myself, ignoring all the frugal attempts from seekers.

+

My hands tucked themselves deeper into the hoodie pockets as the wind picked up mercilessly. I shook my head at my own stupidity of being locked out from my house, walking into the nearest cafe'on the local Blvd. The jingle from the door drew the attention of a few that resided, and to no surprise, whispers erupted from those that continued to stare.

"W-welcome," I smiled softly at the Starbuck's barista, not bothering to look at the menu. "Can I get Black Mango Lemonade Ice Tea, sweetened if I can?"

"Of course you can. Who uhm do I make it-"

"Sorry to cut you off but can I have it with light ice?"

"No, my apologies. I should have asked hehe... So who do I make this out to?" My mind pondered over briefly, not sure if I should use my government or nickname. "Just make it out to Lala." His head shook a little too vigorously in understanding, writing it down on their logo cup. My hand reached into my back pocket to retrieve the cash.

"Oh oh, there's no need for that. A beautiful girl like yourself shouldn't have to spend your hard earn money."

My jaw clenched at his remark, though I kept my composure under seized. "Surely I shouldn't be the only one with that special treatment," I laughed dryly, hoping the flirty boy would get a hint. "Just let me pay you, please." 

His eyes twinkled with a  knowing mischief before he dismissed my regards. My patients with men and women alike with this aspect ran dry ages before this poor unfortunate soul even know what's about to happen. "How about a deal."

Fuck.

"You get to pay-"

My.

"-if I could get your number."

Life.

"Seems like a pretty fair-"

"Nevermind, you can just cancel my order, thanks." I wasn't particularly in the mood on getting hit on. Nor did I care enough to seek his reaction as I put my money back in its placement. Completely ignoring his pathetic attempts to make me out to be the bad guy.