Juniper

I

The morning sun gave a sense of home. The warm feeling upon my skin, gives me the reassurance that there is still some light in this dull life. It shines through the window whilst birds sing their songs, and wait for a delicate response.

The wonder of if I had been a bird in some past life sends a small chill down my spine. I wonder if I had ever flew around in the bright blue sky, flying to the never ending horizon. Instead of soaring to the horizon that never seems to end and living an adventurous free life, much like the birds just on the other side of that window. I live this meek life, always worrying if there will be enough money in my account for me to afford this tiny place. 

That is mainly where majority of my worries come from.

 Money. 

I seek that sense of life's thrill. But, for now I have to put off the desire for that beautiful feeling. 

The sunlight streaming from the window is enough for me to get off the stiff mattress. My footsteps make the sound of light pitter-patter. Rubbing my eyes, I continue to make my way down the hall until I reach the small open space, that makes up my living room and kitchen. The sunlight continues to stream in from the main window. The source of light allows for me to see the small frames littered on the walls. All containing old photos of family, and friends. 

I glance to one in particular, the frame contains an old photo of my best friend and I. It was a photo taking in the moment, a simple candid. We were both young and wild teens, living a semi-reckless life at the time. Of course now that we're  older, that perception of 'living life like it's our last', is no longer. Now, we both own this small apartment, and just manage to get by each month. 

Taking a few steps forward, I reach one of the small windows in the kitchen. I open it slightly, taking a deep breath. Letting the crisp morning air fill my senses. I make my way back down the hall hoping to see Lila, my best friend, emerge from her room. But she hasn't, the light sound of my footsteps on the hard wood floor wouldn't be enough to wake her. Doubting that she even knows I'm awake. Once reaching her room, I open the door slightly. Peeking through the small opening, I see her and someone else sleeping on her bed. 

Leave it to Lila to always have someone over. I seem to rarely have enough time as it is, to spend nights socializing . Yet, Lila is the exact opposite. I wonder who the person was, but there is always time for her to explain to me what happened last night. 

I quickly make my way to my own room. No one else seems to be getting up anytime soon, and I am positively sure that both of them would like breakfast for when they do.

Changing into a pair of light coloured jeans and a simple white baby doll tank top. I grab my small, over the shoulder leather bag and make my way to the entrance of the apartment. Sliding on a pair of sneakers, I grab my keys and head to out the door. 

I exit the apartment the same time my neighbor, Jay, does. Sending him a smile, I continue down the hall to the elevator. Just as the door closes, a hand shoots into the elevator, stopping the doors from closing. None other than Jay, he shoots me a gorgeous grin and steps into the compact space. 

"Top of the morning to ya." Jay says with a hint of a smile gracing his lips. His voice claiming a terrible British accent. Hearing the sound of it triggers a chuckle to escape past my lips. 

"Same to you, kind Sir." I also claim a horrendous attempt at a British accent. Causing him to let out a loud laugh. As well as send me another beautiful grin of his. 

The elevator ride quickly came to an end. I guess those are the benefits of only living on the second floor of the apartment complex. I leave the small space first, muttering a goodbye and quickly shooting a smile over my shoulder.

As I exit the building the warmth of the sun hits my face. I take a breath and plug in my headphones to my cellphone, before rushing down the concrete steps. The upbeat song fills my ear as make my down the sidewalk. Smiling at children as they play and rush by me, one manages to knock into my legs. Sending them flying down to the hard pavement. 

I quickly squat down to the little girls level. Taking off the headphones, I look to make sure she's alright. 

"You took quite a fall there." I say with a smile, to the girl as her blonde pigtails sway in the wind. Her big blue eyes look up to me.

"I'm sorry miss." She mutters with a adorable small grin, and takes my hand once I have offered it. Pulling her up, I smile and tell her to be more careful of where she's going. 

The child shoots me a large grin and runs back to her friends, who had been waiting for her. I let out a small chuckle at the sight of her hair bouncing around. I put the headphones back on, and let the sound of music fill my ears once again. 

I continue to walk to the coffee shop around the corner, the busy streets filled with people remind me that weekend shoppers are just starting to appear. The sight of so many people in their own world brings a small smile to my lips. Everyone seems to acknowledge what is around them, but at the same time have no care in the world of what is around them. All of them just focusing on the little things that are important to them, and not bothering others. 

I loose track of time as I finally reach the door to the coffee shop. Opening the glass door, I take off the headphones and leave my world of music behind. Not paying attention I walk right into someone who was trying to exit.

"Excuse me." The stranger said to me, their deep voice seemed to have a touch of roughness to it. If that at all makes sense. 

I look up and prepare to say an apology with a smile. Yet, I'm at a loss for words when a pair of electric blue eyes meet mine.