Playing with Fire

Chapter 10

Lillian

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Lucas brought me home from the bar and it was nice to not have to look around as I walked through the streets. I knew we weren't far from my apartment building but I can't say that I can walk through this city and not feel a little nervous as I walk through. I watched the streets pass by looking out the windows, it took a few minutes longer to get to the building because of the one way streets. I know we had a decent conversation at the bar and I did get t o know him a little but I still didn't know him and I didn't expect to know him anytime soon it would take months to really know him. 

"My building is the next block over." He pulled over to the side of the street and put the car into park.

"This is one of the renovated buildings that they have been doing work on."

"Yea it is one of the reasons why I choose this place. It was one of the nicest looking places in this city and everything seemed to be updated which was nice."

"Yea the city is working on building itself back up. It is nice to see people come and want to move here to create a living."

"This city was nice to offer myself a fresh start in a new place." I knew I couldn't take me eyes of the prize. I was here to get my Masters and to get away from things back home. I knew at some point that I would need to face what I left but I wanted to get settled here more before I bring the past back into my life. 

"This place can give a fresh start as long as you are open to new things."

"I am always open to new things." 

"That is always a good thing to be able to do." 

"Thank you again for the ride. I'm still not always confident about walking through the streets yet." I opened the door to the car and moved to get out.

"If you ever need a ride and I'm not on shift just let me know. I know how walking through the streets can be dangerous sometimes."

"Thank you. I will think about it if I ever need you to help me." 

I smiled as I stood on the sidewalk looking into the car. I gave him a little wave as I shut the door and turned to walk towards the building. I made it to the door when I heard Lucas pull away from the curb and make his way back to his place. I  knew it was a nice offer for him to give me the ability to feel safe walking home. I am sure I will take him up on the offer some nights when I have to walk home from Empire by myself late at night. I wasn't far from work but closing and not getting home until midnight or later you could live in the safest place in the world and you could still feel anxious walking home alone. 

I got into my apartment and locked the door and threw my items onto the counter. I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. I turned on the tv to put on a nice movie to just relax and calm down after this evening. With the movie playing in the background I moved into my room to change into sweats and a t-shirt. I wanted to be as comfy as I could to wind down after this evening out. Watching the hallmark movie marathon I could feel myself drifting off and having it harder to keep my eyes opened. Eventually I gave up on the fight of staying awake. 

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I woke up to the sun streaming through the windows of my living room. I gave a little stretch and then moved the blanket to the arm of the couch. I knew I didn't need to rush to get anywhere today with not having to work. I was debating if I would go to the campus to just walk around and get an understanding of where buildings were. I didn't want to be walking around looking lost in a couple months and I wasn't sure how the rest of my summer would go. 

I walked into the bathroom and just splashed some water on my face. I was brushing my teeth when I thought I heard a knock on the door. I knew that it couldn't be a knock because no one really knew where I lived and my parents were in Vermont miles away and would have let me know if they were coming to visit. I figured it must be one of my neighbors getting a visitor and that I could just hear the knock on the door. I went back to finishing up brushing my teeth when I heard the knock again. I finished brushing and made my way to the living room where another knock happened and I could tell it was on my door. I walked over to the door and opened it up to find the one person I didn't think I would see. 

"You are the last person I thought would be at my door step."

"I know but you left this in my vehicle last night." Lucas was standing in front of her with her purse in his hands. 

"I could have sworn I had everything last night."

"You did get out of my car quick and it was sitting in between the seat and the door. I found it this morning when I was getting ready to head into work." 

"Do you want to come in?" I felt rude having him stand in the hallway.

"I wish I could but I have to get into the firehouse. My shift starts in a few minutes." I took the purse from him and gave him a small smile. Now that I was actually looking at him I could see him in his uniform. 

"I am sorry for making you late to work then. Thank you for bring this back to me today." He gave me a smile.

"It's no problem. I wasn't sure if you would need it or not and didn't want you to worry."

"Well thank you again for bring this to me Lucas." It was an awkward feeling that was now in the air and I didn't know what to do. 

"Lilly I hope we see each other soon." He gave me a smirk and turned and walked away. I shut my door and just stood there not sure what I should do because this guy still  was able to get into my head and confuse me even though I tried to keep him out.