Plan B

49

Kelsie was so worked up about about working at The Starks Alley as if she resented it.

"Hey, at least we are in this together," I tried to cheer her up.

"Meet me at Crammer West in an hour. I need to take care of a few things," with that she got into her car and drove off.

I was hoping that she would help me transport everything to Crammer West but I guess there goes my ride. I decided to call Dale which was awkward since we had not talked since we argued. He arrived after some time.

"Thanks for coming," I said getting into the car.

"How did you find The Starks Alley?" He asked.

"It's a nice place."

"I looked it up. That place is overflowing with cash!"

"The internet told you that?"

"No. But I saw people who worked for the company like Chris Pratt! You must be expecting millions."

"Let's not jump into seven figure salaries yet."

"I bet your new house has a backyard with an Olympic sized swimming pool."

"You can come over on the weekends and we could have a pool party for two!" I chuckled.

"I'd really like that," Dale said, placing his arm on my thigh, "I'm sorry about yelling at you the other day. It was so petty and I don't like arguing with you. I hate hating you." By this time, we were outside my old house.

"I totally understand. Hey let's go get my stuff from the house then we can head to Crammer West." I gave him a kiss and smiled at him. I was happy that things between us were okay.

We packed the last of everything I owned. The house was empty and cold; the opposite of what it used to be. Kelsie had sent me the directions and it was actually not far away.

Dale drove the car as we talked about our future plans, hopes and desires. There was a poster that read, "WELCOME TO CRAMMER WEST" but I realized that the environment became a bit dull and filthy.

"Are you sure that this is the place?" Dale asked driving slowly.

"According to Kelsie's directions, yeah." We almost turned back but then I saw Kelsie waving at us.

I got out of the car and walked towards her.

"This is the place Kent was talking about?" I asked her half disappointed and half angry. It was an old block or apartments and the building looked like it was going to fall the next minute.

"Kristie, I know this isn't what you expected but I too couldn't believe it. I actually tried to open your lock with this key and it opened up."

"She can't live in this dump!" Dale yelled.

"Don't you think I know that!" Kelsie shouted, "Why are you even here?"

"The last thing I need right now is for you two to start arguing. I chose to stay at all costs and this is one of them," I said taking the keys from Kelsie, "Which floor am I going to?"

"The uh... seventh floor." Seven floors, great!!

"I'll come with you," Dale said escorting me.

It was not easy getting to the seventh floor. I opened the door to a room full of darkness. I switched on the lights after spotting the switch.

"Eeek!!" I shrieked, "I could have sworn that I saw the world's biggest cockroach in there!"

"Hey," Dale said, rubbing my shoulders, "Calm down, babe."

"Let me go get my bags," I said. I wasn't ready to go into the apartment just yet.

"No. Let me get your bags for you from the car. I don't want you to get hurt carrying heavy luggage. I'll be right back."

"I peeped inside to the small room that I guessed was the living room because it had a small TV. The sofa was big enough for two people. I really wanted to sit on it but it was too dusty. The kitchen was smaller than my previous bathroom and it had this icky stench. It reeked of sadness.

"It's a long way up," he said panting.

"I know. I hate this place already," I said, looking outside the window, " I can't even get any view from here; there's a wall!" I pushed the curtains to show Dale the wall that was right outside the window. The dust from those curtains made me cough.

"I have to leave," Dale said, looking at his phone, "I'll come by some time." He gave me hug then he left.