Reach for the Stars

Ch. 3 - Neighbor

Woody held his head low the rest of the time when heading out of the lobby towards the elevators. Sweat began forming profusely at the tips of his fingers as he clutched the handles of his suitcase. The awkward silence encircling him and the butler made the country boy clear his throat. "H-How much further is the place?"

Not bothering to answer Woody's question, Mr. Potato head kept silent while rolling his eyes in annoyance. The duo uncomfortably continued walking down the long and empty corridors until they reached the elevator. He wasn't planning on befriending this weirdo and most likely never will, even if his boss seems to have a slight interest in him.

With his fancy and expensive white-colored gloves made by Star Designers, he pressed the top silver button that would lead them to the 69th floor of the building. Barely anyone dared to go that high up due to countless rumors made by people who have experienced paranormal activities in their rooms.

While waiting patiently for an elevator to come, he watched the bright red numbers go down one by one until the golden doors finally opened. Woody had never been so fascinated by a simple thing before. The upper half of the elevator was a very reflective and clean mirror while the bottom half was plastered with a fancy patterned tile. The outer lining was covered in gold from every nook and cranny while the flooring area had smooth wooden tiles. It was unlike anything he had imagined before. The massive space inside the elevator was so spacious, Woody guessed that 15 people could fit inside it.

Woody smiled at the sight of the cute family and waved his hand towards the little girl who stumbled over her steps. However, the baby didn't notice him because the phone now grasped her hand playing COCOMELON.

The farmer boy could only stare at them from a distance as they slowly strolled down the hallway and went further till their figures disappeared. A loud cough from in front of him brought the man back to reality and quickly stepped into the elevator that the potato was in.

Again, with a light push of the button, the doors began to close as the numbers went up this time. The poor boy didn't know what was about to happen but it was too late, the elevator started going up. The sudden pull of the elevator from underneath his feet caused him to stumble and clutch onto the bars in fear. He tried not displaying how secretly terrified he was at the moment and glanced at the potato who was already staring back at him in disbelief.

"Hold on, are you actually scared right now, kid?" He stifled a laugh at the sight of the farmer boy desperately trying not to let go of the bar.

Woody scrunched his nose in disgust at the comment and shook his head. "Nawwwwwww, I'm perfectly fine."

Mr. Potato wanted to roll his eyes once again but contained himself when the sound of the elevator door rang through his ears. "Oh, that was quite quick." He sighed in relief and thanked the heavens for finally bringing the man to his apartment location.

Woody didn't think twice NOR thrice before stepping out of the elevator, the sound of his dirty suitcase rolling against the smooth tiles being loud. He curiously looked around the lavish-looking hallway and noticed a few similarities between modern and minimalist furniture choices.

It wasn't long before both adults now stood in front of a lengthy wooden door, a small peephole settled nicely in-between. It was funny how he already felt so intimidated just by the exterior of the door.

HERE GOES NOTHIN'.

The sound of keys fumbling against one another broke him out of his daze while intently watching the butler position one of the keys into the keyhole. As he turned it, the door clicked and Mr. Potato opened it in a swift motion.

And there it was, his new living space. It wasn't exactly how he imagined... truly, it was beyond his expectations. The nice set of furniture neatly placed in what he assumed would be the living room, which oddly connected to a kitchen. Oh shucks, both of these together were already the size of his home back on the farm.

As he explored the apartment, there was a massive bedroom, a luxurious bathroom, a walk-in closet, and even a BALCONY to look over the view of the entire city.

How on earth did SOMEONE LIKE HIM even end up here? Everything seemed like it would cost the same amount of rent over at his ol' little farm.

His fingers gently poked a shimmering lamp that was set beside his supposed bed, the light automatically switching on with a little touch. "Oh golly!" Did it break?! Why did it do that?? Fear began to crawl up his skin as he nervously glanced over at the butler who seemed unfazed.

Mr. Potato head arrogantly cleared his throat, "The lamp is motion censored, a country boy like you wouldn't understand such complex technology." A condescending smug appeared on his lips as he shaped his elegant mustache.

Woody felt yet another wave of heat flood over his face, the familiar shame of being only recognized as a mere "country boy" in the potato's eyes. However, as A CHILD, his ma has always told him to never let anyone put his pride down.

He's Woody PRIDE after all.

"Okay listen here you ol' feller.", He pointed his finger as he walked towards him. "Just because I was raised back at my pa's farm doesn't mean I am incapable of learning t..technico.... watcha ma call it?" He hesitantly muttered out the last word.

Mr. Potato head snickered at the horrible attempt of pronouncing 'technology', how pathetic. "For a boy who can't even say the word technology. I'm afraid my boss might be in grave danger." And with that, he STRUTTED away to begin the process of settling the farmer boy in.

The butler got his folder out of his luxurious coat and laid it on the table. "No need to read all the terms and conditions country zygote," All of these fancy words that the potato blurted out made Woody remain silent with pure confusion. What even is a zy.....goat?

"..well, let's get to it."

The past 3 hours have been pretty hectic between the butler and Woody. The country boy couldn't help but feel useless as he watched how the potato swiftly folded his clothes and stuffed them nicely inside the closet. The old man only grimaces in his mind here and there seeing that Woody's outfit was particularly the same.

"My my, is this all you would wear?" At least 10 pairs of dark blue jeans, orange and yellow musty-looking flannels, and leather boots.

The boots looked AT LEAST 5 or 6 years old, the once beautifully carved design now etched with mud stains and scratches. Could the family simply not afford a pair of sneakers?

They owned a pretty famous brand of cheese that he had read earlier into Woody's portfolio. It was called, "Ronald's cow."

If it were actually to be a well-paying job, why did this boy not own anything?

Woody asked, "Is there something wrong with my clothes?"

"I'm afraid so, but do not worry. I will inform our boss to bring you proper attire." He muttered while placing down the boot he was previously examining. "Well, I must be taking my leave. Just so you know, the boss is right next door."

The country boy only hummed in response until.... a certain phrase repeated in his head.

"The boss is right next door."

"W-WAIT" He's my neighbor?! 

Chapter Published: 06/26/21