PARKER | Dark H.S. AU

xlv. no shit, langley

Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2014

Dainty fingers clip on to the piece of paper tightly, scared that it might get swept away by the occasional gusts of wind blowing through her blonde hair. Nina studies the address scribbled on the small note, then looks up at the building to check if she got the correct location.

Bushwyn Bldg., she confirms by reading the words engraved on to the bronze plate that's welded on to the brick wall.

Nodding to herself while letting go of a nervous sigh, the blonde takes several steps towards the main entrance and she smiles at the stout man behind the counter though he simply ignores her even as she makes a beeline to the rusty elevator.

Her brows scrunch up upon the sudden thought of the current building's dingy state. Bushwyn building used to be an expensive apartment complex -- what with all the high-rise quality of materials used to construct it, their opulent facilities, furnished floors, and satisfying service. Owning one of their flats was always worth every penny. And now, seeing the poor service and its shoddy appearance compared to before, it almost breaks her heart being there herself. She doesn't know what really happened, except the fact that they eventually lost their marks on customers' tastes. And it's obvious the owner just gave up on trying to revive his business.

She hesitates about pressing the button, looking back at the address in her hand and gulps as she finally decides to press 4. She keeps the piece of paper inside the small pocket of her sling bag, adjusting the strap further up her shoulder. Eying the changing red numbers above her, her index finger absent-mindedly taps on the shoulder strap she's been holding -- to give her something to do while waiting for the lift to carry her on the intended floor.

Her mind wanders to many possible scenarios regarding her impromptu visit. Would Harry be mad for her barging in without any prior notice, or would he welcome her despite it? The previous has a greater probability. Regardless, Harry wouldn't have had remembered her if she notified him beforehand, right? The ding sound that's followed by the door opening cuts her continuous thoughts, the strange stale smell from the air vent that immediately engulfs her almost make her gag right then and there. Her sight gravitates to the floor outside the metal box, taking one slow step at a time to reach it as if the small gap between the metal and tiled floor is the finish line. She exhales, letting go of a breath she doesn't realizes she'd been holding until then. Silent clank makes her jump on her feet once she's out and she turns around to see that the elevator has already closed its door on her.

She rubs her forehead, her muscles tensing.

There's no turning back now, she thinks to herself before advancing forward in search of apartment number 21.

Upon finding the door with the number plastered on it, she stops in her tracks and takes another deep breath while momentarily closes her eyes. She hurriedly straightens her shirt and the knots on her blonde hair using her fingers. She doesn't know why she did that, but she did it anyway.

After that, she pads two or three steps forward before curling her fingers into a fist, knocking on the door. She swallows hard, waiting for someone to answer the door but none comes after a few seconds. So she knocks once again, which proves to be futile since nobody still answers.

She narrows the distance between her and the door, inching her face closer so that she could press her ear against the hardwood. Her brows pull together and she purses her lips in concentration, as if the gesture would aid her hearing of what's happening behind the closed door. She presses the side of her face even closer which takes her by surprise when the door is suddenly shoved inward, sending her wobbling on the floor.