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The sun was beginning to set in Goodneighbor, and the Christmas lights came to life as it disappeared behind a building. It was the middle of summer, but Hancock said they livened the place up, as if Goodneighbor weren't lively enough as it were. I walked down an alley, my hands in my pockets and a quick glance over my shoulder.
I looked to an old door, the handle rusted. I grabbed it, but the door must have been locked. I sighed, sitting down on the steps. I got out a small wooden soldier from my pocket. A friend gave me this before sending me off with a vial to give their son, making me promise to return it. I wasn't even sure if I was at the right door. Regardless, no one answered when I knocked.
I leaned my back against the door and slid to sit on the steps, humming a song I'd heard in the Wasteland. It was always on the radio, and it had been stuck in my head for days on end. I looked to the battered wooden soldier in my hands, and sung the tune softly, humming in places where I'd forgotten the words. The little soldier had a sharp piece of wood sticking from it's back, and for a slight moment, it reminded me of an old friend from the Brotherhood. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back against the door, not realizing that I continued to softly sing.
The sound of heels on stone made my jaw clench, and I was immediately alert. I looked up to see a woman in a red dress. She frowned a little, "Oh honey, what are you doing, sitting out here all alone?"
I held up the small piece of wood, "I'm supposed to return this to a friend."
"Oh, that must be MacCready's! He sits in the back of the bar. Real quiet type."
"Yeah, uh... do you know where he stays?"
She thought for a moment as I got to my feet, "I do. Are you from around here?"
I chuckled, looking to the ground, "No, actually. I'd say this is maybe my third time in Goodneighbor. Still don't know where everything is and who people are."
She held out a manicured hand, "Oh, well I'm Magnolia, dear. I heard you singing. Someone with a voice like yours oughta stop by Charlie's and take up the mic sometime. I'd love to sing with you."
I coughed, "Oh, no, I don't like preforming in front of people."
"Well, then, it could be a private duet, if you'd like." I felt my face heat up, and she chuckled, "It's dark out, honey. You oughta find somewhere to go down for the night. You could stay with me."
I stammered, "Oh, uh... I think I'll just get this back to MacCready and stay at the hotel in town... which is..."
She pointed a finger, "That way. The old woman in there charges too damn much. You're the traveling type, I assume?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Well then, you can get that thing to your friend, sleep at my home tonight, and I'll make you a nice breakfast for you before you head out again."
"Seriously?"
"Something the matter?"
"No, I just... Goodneighbor and it's residents don't have too much of a reputation. Didn't think you'd be so hospitable."
She stepped by me, unlocking her door and inviting me inside. She set her handbag on the table, and sighed, "My throat is killing me, hon. I might stop by Hotel Rexford and grab a drink, since Charlie's place is closed. I believe Rexford is where your friend is staying, too." She loops her arm through mine, "Now let's kill two birds with one stone, honey. And don't think I've forgotten about that duet."
