Fatal Flaws

After running by my dorm to grab some clothes, I decided to go to the apartment. Hopefully, he's there and I won't be alone in an unfamiliar area. I hoped he would pick me up from the library, but he didn't. Instead, I had to walk in the cold. I got a little packing done while waiting for the cab I ordered. So it wasn't a complete waste of a trip.

It's dark when we arrive at the apartment. Not a single light on. I remained petty, ignoring his text, so we haven't spoken. I figured he'd already be here, but I guess not.

Thankfully, I had a better cabby than last time. Rather than some pervert, I got a sweet older man. Darker complected with silver speckled hair and gorgeous honey-colored eyes. He kept me laughing the entire ride, telling me stories and old dad jokes. He reminded me a lot of my father in that way. And it was a pleasant change of pace compared to previous rides I've had since coming here.

Digging through my wallet, I hand him a twenty. He seems surprised when I inform him to keep the change. The ride from my dorm was only six dollars, but he deserved it. I drag my suitcases from the cab, allowing them to slam against the pavement. I'm happy there's a street lamp out front, lighting the way, or it would be pitch black. Struggling, I lug my bags up the front few steps, hitting each one.

Looking around nervously, I fumble with the key he'd given me, unlocking the door. It's eerily dark and quiet walking in, leaning my luggage against the nearby wall. Giving up on finding the light switch, I use my phone's flashlight, shining it around. Finally finding it, light floods the room as I switch it on. Now to find the thermostat. Walking through the empty house, it hits me how vulnerable I am. I don't know anyone around here. Who would I call if something happened?

I find the dial for the heat in the hallway near the kitchen. It's only thirty-nine degrees in here. No wonder I'm so cold. I haven't seen one of these old-school circular ones in a long time. Most of them are digital now. I switch the tiny button to the on position before spinning the dial to sixty-six. A loud metal clanking sound signifies the furnace kicking on. The intense smell of heated dust causes me to believe the last tenants hadn't used it recently. The scent reminds me of dirty air and dust catching fire.

Peeking into the kitchen, several full grocery sacks are on the small circular table. A Post-it note is stuck to the nearest one. I can tell it's from Hayden by his sloppy chicken scratch. Reading it, it says "Went by the store and grabbed a few things. You can put it away if you want, or I can when I get back. I got some errands to run, but I'll be back soon. Hayden"

Glancing at them, he bought a variety of things. A stack of plates and bowls, along with silverware and cups, and a few other random kitchen items, are in the first bag. The next one contains bathroom items. Such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toilet paper. Having nothing else to do, I find places for everything. Pulling the last bag over to me, it's full of snacks like chips, Little Debbie's, and other things.

Walking to the fridge, he's begun stocking it. There's a dozen eggs, some milk, and other items already on the shelves. Opening the freezer, it too has food in it. Not much, but enough to get by for now. After putting everything away, I grab my suitcases, hauling them to the bedroom.

He's been busy hanging some of his belongings. Several pairs of shoes line the bottom of the closet. The bed also has a new bed set. Black with blue and white checkered squares. Matching pillows cover the top portion of the bed. The comforter's pulled down, revealing a set of matching blue satin sheets. A giant silver gift box wrapped with red ribbon, tied into a neat bow, sits in the middle of it. The note attached reads "Don't open until I get home," written in bold black letters.

A small grin creeps across my lips. He did this for me, for us. No one has ever done anything like this before, not even Johnny. Yes, he bought me flowers, which I adored. And Zane made me a macaroni necklace in third grade, which I ended up eating. But this goes beyond any of that.