Amber

Good morning, sunshine! Good morning, Mr. Sun! The truth is, I didn't wake up feeling too bad today. Sure, yesterday was a bit hectic, but today I'm starting a new beginning.

It's exciting, really, a new life, in this strange town, at such a prestigious university, with a job in the mornings... A job in the mornings? HOLY SHIT, A JOB IN THE MORNINGS!

It was already 1 p.m., and I was supposed to be going to work at 10 a.m. My first day on the job, and I was already late! What a disaster. Actually, I wasn't going to start university until next week, but the job starts today.

This week they were going to train me as a waitress in the mornings so that the next week I could switch to the afternoon shift so I could go to university and still work. Or something like that, my uncle told me yesterday... In fact, he was supposed to wake me up to take me to work. What could have happened?

I decided to grab my phone to call Miguel while I changed out of my pajamas and into something more comfortable: an oversized blouse and bell-bottom jeans.

__: "Please, Miguel. Answer!!"

The phone rang once, twice, three times... And after what felt like an eternity, he finally answered.

Miguel: "What's up?" he said, half-yawning.

__: "WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP FOR WORK?! I'M GOING TO BE LATE AND IT'S MY FIRST DAY!! ARE YOU EVEN READY??"

Miguel: "Wow... Calm down, babes, I got it wrong about your morning schedule. Turns out you work nights, from 5 to 9 pm... Oh yeah, and you only work weekends, so chill out!"

__: "But... THEN WHY THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING I'M GOING TO WORK ALL WEEK IF I'M ONLY GOING TO WORK WEEKENDS!? HOW COULD YOU BE WRONG ABOUT THAT!?"

Miguel: "Oh, come on... Relax. Look, I'll see you downtown in a bit, okay? You sound like you need something to eat."

__: "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO JUST- AH..."

The son of a... He was right about one thing, I hadn't eaten anything in a while. I sighed heavily and, feeling a bit annoyed, headed for the front door to meet Miguel where we'd agreed to meet.

Yes, I was annoyed with him, but I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity for a free breakfast, you know? I was thinking of taking a taxi downtown, but I didn't have any change with me, so I decided to walk instead. It wasn't that far anyway, and the exercise would do me some good.

I put on my headphones and took out my phone to write a new chapter of the fanfic I was writing. I guess I haven't mentioned it, right? I'm the author of a Star Trek fanfic! Yes... It's not that great, but I love the Spock and Kirk ship (WE ARE CHARLIE KIRK WE CARRY THE FLAME 🗣️‼️)

Anyway... I was writing a smut chapter 7w7 about this delicious ship, walking slowly towards the city center, with my music blasting, when suddenly the same grumpy guy from yesterday appeared in my path, causing me to trip and fall backward, along with his group of friends.

Bill: "What's wrong with you, you stupid woman?! Watch what you're doing, will you?"

Jerry: "Wow, Bill... Calm down, she didn-"

Bill: "Shut up, Jerry! Or what, are you going to defend every girl who shows up now?!"

Pete: "Okay, Bill. Leave him alone... You know what that wimp is like."

While they were arguing like idiots, I got up from the ground, brushing off the dirt and realizing I didn't have my phone handy. That's when I noticed the guy in the gray jacket had picked it up... And he was staring at it really intently... Oh no... He's probably reading what I've written... No!! I hadn't even gotten to the good part yet!!!

Josh: "Here, you dropped it."

__: "Oh... Thanks."

Josh: "By the way. Spock wouldn't say that to Kirk."

__: "Wha-... Thanks?"

Bill: "JOSH, YOU FATASS! HURRY UP!"

Josh? Huh... Well, this Josh guy walked quickly after the other guys, but I was actually interested in what he said... Maybe he was a Star Trek fan too? he was really pretty, actually... Ugh, what am I thinking?! He wasn't pretty! He's like his friend said, a stupid fat idiot! I shook my head, trying to forget what had happened, and continued on my way.

I was kind of desperate to find my uncle and get something to eat. When I got to the center, I found Miguel sitting on a bench eating ice cream.

__: "Hey... I'm here... Sorry about the call, I was a little anxious and I..."

Miguel: "Nah- don't worry about it! I understand... So, what do you want to eat?"

__: "Oh... Um... I don't know, maybe something like a crepe? Well, it's more like lunch than breakfast..."

Miguel: "well, what time is it?"

__: "It's 2:30..."

Miguel: "DAMN! It's late, huh? Well... Let's get some pizza, okay? If you want, I'll buy you some mini cinnamon rolls!"

__: "Heh... Okay, sounds good! How about a monster too?"

Miguel: "No. Not a monster, because you'll have a heart attack!"

__: "Ugh..."

My uncle and I kept talking on the way to the pizzeria. We weren't really talking about anything specific. Just random stuff, like debating whether Star Wars was better than Star Trek and which ship was better, Style or Kyman.

Yeah, I know. It's weird arguing about that with a guy who's almost 40! But he's my uncle, I guess it's okay that we share tastes. Right? We got the pizza, bought some frappes, and went to Joe's comic book store since it seems to be the only place Miguel wants to be.

When we got to the store, my uncle went straight to talk to Joe and eat pizza with him. I stayed by the counter next to them, eating too, when I realized the store wasn't as empty as it seemed. Those damn weirdos again?! I could hear them arguing in one of the comic book aisles.

Bill: "For the tenth time, Pete... Emma Frost is simply superior!"

Pete: "Hmm... I don't know, I feel like Catwoman beats her."

Bill: "HOW THE HELL IS CATWOMAN GOING TO BEAT HER?!"

Ugh... So simps, really. But whatever, the good thing is that apparently they hadn't recognized me and I could rest there for a while.

__: "Hey, Joe. Do you mind if I look at your merchandise?"

Joe: "As long as you don't ruin anything, it's all good."

__: "Sure..."

I finished my slice of pizza and walked away from the counter to look at the action figures, carefully picking up a Princess Leia and examining it.

__: "Hm... I haven't seen this one."

I spoke to myself while carefully turning the figure over; I didn't want that stupid Joe to charge me for it just because I touched it. After a few seconds, I put them back and walked slightly closer to the hallway where the guys from before were still arguing.

Jerry: "Bee-dee Bee-dee Bee-dee! Hubba hubba buck!"

Josh: "But she's exclusive, so be very careful with her."

Pete: "Ayy... Put her in a jar (🫙)"

Bill: "Stupid perverts! That's no way to treat a beautiful, busty woman."

What the hell? What were these virgins talking about now? I was really curious to see what Josh was talking about. Was it an exclusive comic? A figure? A poster? Well... I wasn't just curious about Josh! He's just the only one whose name I remember... Hehe... Right? It's not like I've been thinking about him all this time, nah! Not at all.

He's as disgusting as Joe! Why would I even think about him?... I discreetly approached the hallway where they were, trying to hide behind some bookshelves to spy-... Uh- I mean... Calm my curiosity! So I could see what they were talking about. Josh seemed to have an anime figure in his hands. The others were surrounding him, and at first, I couldn't really see what was so special about the figure.

When I tried to get closer, I accidentally leaned too far behind where I was hiding, causing a box of comics to fall and make a loud THUMP as it hit the ground.

__: "S-shit... Um... Joe, please don't say anything, please don't say anything..."

I mumbled, dropping to my knees to quickly gather everything up, not noticing that the group of guys had approached me from behind, curious about the commotion.

Bill: "And who are you?"

__: "MH!"

I ignored the guy, who sounded really annoyed, and continued gathering the comics to put the box back in its place.

Pete: "Hey... Isn't that the guy who bumped into you this morning, Bill?"

SHIT! Wait, guy?! I'm a girl!

Bill: "Huh... Now that you mention it... Hey, you! You sissy! Watch your step, will you?! First you bumped into me this morning, and now you come into our store and knock over our merchandise?!"

__: "(In a fake voice) O-of course..."

IPete: "You don't sound like a man..."

Jerry: "Didn't the guy from this morning have a nice pair of-"

Josh: "SHUT UP, YOU IDIOT! What if he is a man?!"

Jerry: "That would make me gay?"

Pete: "You already are!"

Jerry: "I'm not gay!"

Bill: "Why don't you show your face, you sissy?"

I stood up carefully, putting the box of comics back in its place. I was about to turn around and face them when Miguel called me.

Miguel: "HEY! Sissy~ HAHA Come on, Joe's almost finished with the pizza."

Son of a bitch. If he heard all this, why the hell didn't he help me?!

__: "Yeah... Um... I'm not a sissy, I'm divine~"

I got away from the guys as fast as I could and reached the counter with Miguel and Joe.

Joe: "So you've already met the Eltingville club... They're a disaster."

Miguel: "Disaster doesn't even begin to cover it! They're always causing trouble! They even came to my office once, supposedly to sue the movie theater for kicking them out!"

Bill: "You said that would be confidential!"

Joe: "Oh... And what do they want now? Don't you have any comics to browse before buying them?"

I had my back to those guys again when I suddenly felt a sweaty hand on my shoulder.

Pete: "Come on, we just want to see how effeminate you are. Faggot."

__: "Uh... Miguel? A little help?"

Miguel: "Sorry, kiddo... I can't get involved in this."

__: "Uh..."

Jerry: "What's all the fuss about? We just want to confirm our suspicions that it was a ga-"

Josh: "Jerry, shut up! You're going to make it worse."

I don't understand why they're so interested in knowing if I'm a woman or not, but I wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of making me feel inferior because of my gender! So I turned around to face them and forcefully pushed the hand of the guy in the red cap away.

__: "What the hell is wrong with you guys? Are you so obsessed with female contact that you harass anyone who's even slightly feminine?! Get a life or something! And yes, I am a woman."

Bill: "Ugh... I told you! It's not worth it, she must be on her period."

__: "ON HER PERIOD?! What a stupid excuse to avoid dealing with the consequences of your actions! Bunch of idiots!"

Miguel: "Wow—calm down, kiddo. It's not a good ide—"

__: "You're all pathetic losers!"

I pushed the group of guys out of my way and stormed out of the comic book store. Miguel was going to follow me, but Joe finally convinced him that I just needed my space. Yeah, right. As if that damn son of a bitch knew anything about women. What a headache! But... That Josh guy, he wasn't that... NO! NO. He's an idiot! He's just like the rest! They're all the same! I was shaking with rage; I didn't even know why I was so angry! But I just couldn't control that anger.

I decided to go home and sleep for the rest of the day, because again, sleep is the only way I can switch off from reality and just rest. The next day, I woke up earlier than usual to the sound of someone ringing the doorbell.

__: "Ugh... Who the hell is it?"

I slowly approached the door, then opened it to find a very embarrassed boy standing there.

Jerry: "H-hello... I've come to apologize."

__: "Huh... You're one of those guys from... What's that? The Virgin Club?"

I snapped. I knew this boy had come to apologize, but I was still angry about what had happened.

Jerry: "No! It's the Eltingville club... But I don't think you care. Look, I've just come to apologize for how my friends behaved yesterday. I don't want any problems with your... friend? What is Miguel to you?"

__: "He's my uncle... And why the hell are you asking?"

Jerry: "A-AH! Well... I've had problems with him before, and honestly, I'd rather there weren't so many conflicts between your family and my friends..."

__: "Hm... It's obvious you're the only sane one left in that group. Look, I forgive you. It's very kind of you to apologize even after how I acted. I'd like to apologize too..."

Jerry: "Meh... We've heard worse."

__: "Heh... Well..."

Jerry: "I guess-"

__: "Your friend Josh... Is he single?"

Jerry: "What?"

__: "What?"

Jerry: "Why are you asking that?"

__: "IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK! REALLY! I was just... just curious!"

Jerry: "Uh... Sure... Well, as far as I know, he's single. That fat, greasy guy doesn't even get a fly!"

__: "Ah... Ha... Well... I guess you have to go now, right?"

Jerry: "Ah! Yes, you're right! Anyway, I'm already late for today's D&D session! Well, bye!"

__: "Yeah, bye..." D&D? Wow... I must admit they have good taste.

｡⁠*⁠♡⁠✧⁠*⁠-⁠☆｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+⁠*⁠.⁠✧.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡⁠✧⁠*⁠-⁠☆｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+⁠*⁠.⁠✧

(Commissioned artwork for a fanfic cover, credit to the original artist!)

"Like in a fanfic"

(This is a fanfic written by me, still on work and done just for fun! It's a Josh Levy X F!Reader/Oc fanfic, so I hope someone enjoys it like I do!)

Chapter 1) Moving out.

It was a chaotic day. Well... to be honest, my whole life has been chaotic. For as long as I can remember. For as long as I can understand. For as long as I realized the universe is clearly playing The Sims with me.

Oh! Right. I'm getting ahead of myself. My name is __. I'm 19 years old. And I'm officially unemployed 💀

Well, technically newly unemployed. I just got fired from my glorious, respectable, and extremely glamorous job as a Domino's delivery driver. A whole year driving through streets that looked like levels from Silent Hill, surviving customers who opened the door in bathrobes and socks with sandals, and now... fired.

My mom had told me, "Get a job while you get accepted into college." The problem is, no college would accept me... Until today. TODAY. The glorious, powerful, unparalleled University of "SuckMyBalls" (100% real name, no joke) had accepted me. (Ignore the bad Joke, it's funnier in Spanish 😔)

It wasn't my dream university, but it had the programs I wanted to study, so technically it was a win. I wasn't going to study medicine. I wasn't going to save lives. I wasn't going to be the pride of my family.

But I was going to study:

- A Bachelor's degree in Acting.

- A Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Literature.

Because theater is my passion, writing is my obsession, and since I was 11 I've been reading fanfiction at 3 a.m. as if it were sacred texts, and since I was 13 I've been in theater workshops pretending I don't have stage fright.

I was determined to make a living doing what I love. Even if I ended up poor. But happy. But poor... The point is... I got home ready to tell my mom: "I got fired." But before I could even open my mouth, she'd already filled my arms with boxes. Boxes. Lots of boxes. Too many boxes. And some keys.

__: "Mom... what's all this?"

Mom: "I HEARD YOU GOT ACCEPTED TO UNIVERSITY! So I found an apartment nearby and I've already packed your things."

My brain went blue.

__: "What, WHAT, WHAT?"

Mom: "You're moving to Eltingville. It's not very well-known... it's kind of weird... but your uncle lives there and he agreed to lend you his small apartment. It's close to the university. Oh, and we also got you a job at a local coffee shop? Bar? Strip club? I don't know... We got you a job."

...

Job? Moving? Apartment? ELTINGVILLE?

__: "MOM, WHAT THE HELL? YOU CAN'T DO ALL THIS WITHOUT TELLING ME!" Dramatic pause. I breathed.

__: "But thanks... I really appreciate it, Mom. I love you."

My mom smiled at me as if I were the pride of the family. As if I weren't her unemployed daughter with a star complex.

Mom: "Hurry up, the moving truck's here. You'll have a blast."

Maybe I'm not the pride of the family... but I'm my mom's favorite failure, and that's worth something. Between her and my brother from another mother (aka my best friend Adonai), we loaded all my things onto the truck. My room was empty, and honestly, it scared me.

I'd never lived alone, much less moved so far from my hometown. It would be the first time I'd been without the constant noise of home. But my best friend promised to call me every day. And that eased the emptiness in my chest a little.

Since I still don't know how to drive (yes, I'm 19, I don't know how to drive, don't judge me!), I took the bus. I sat by the window. I put on my headphones. And I fell asleep. Because I'm the kind of person who, when I don't want to process emotions, just shuts down.

When I woke up... we were already arriving. And Eltingville didn't look like I'd imagined. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't ugly. It was... weird. The houses looked like they were from the '90s and had never been updated. There were shops with old signs, quiet streets, and an odd atmosphere. Like the town was permanently stuck in some geek convention that no one ever canceled.

The air felt different. Thicker. Quieter. More... uncomfortable. I got off the bus with my suitcase and a strange feeling in my stomach. Maybe it was nerves. Maybe it was tiredness. Maybe it was that I was starting a new chapter in my life.

Or maybe it was that, without knowing it, I was about to meet the most intense, dramatic, and chaotic people this town had to offer. And honestly... I wasn't ready. But I was going to do it anyway. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that chaos follows me. And me, being the protagonist I am, I always end up running straight to the chaos.

My uncle met me in Eltingville along with one of his... friends? I don't know. The vibe was weird. More than a friend, he seemed like a partner or accomplice or witness to something. The guy had a face like he wasn't very friendly. A face like he judges you for existing. A face like he collects boxed figurines and hates humanity.

Uncle: "__! Sweetie! How are you? How was the trip? Look at you! You're so tall now! I remember when you were a little flea!"

He squashed me in a hug that smelled of expensive cologne and nostalgia.

__: "Hehe... Hi Uncle... Well, I'm fine, and you? Has the truck arrived with my things yet?"

Uncle: "Oh, girl! You're always so eager to get things done... Don't worry about it, you have all week to get settled. Besides, I'll make sure your apartment is fixed up. It's the least I can do for my favorite niece."

He stepped aside with theatrical flair.

Uncle: "Oh yeah, let me introduce you to my friend Joe." The guy took a half step forward like he was the final boss of a video game.

Joe: "What's up, girl? That's how kids greet each other."

...

Ok. Y este random?

__: "Oh... hi, sir..."

Uncle: "SIR? HAHAHA OH YOU. ALWAYS SO FUNNY."

__: "But I didn't say anything-"

Uncle: "Don't call poor Joe 'sir'! He may be old, but he's not a sir. Call him Uncle Joe!"

Awkward silence.

__: "Uncle... Joe... how do you know each other...?"

My uncle smiled as if he were about to tell a legendary story.

Uncle: "Oh! Well, I met him at the convention last year, remember? When I cosplayed as Iron Man and you and your mom called me Cardboard Man."

I had proof of that. He really did look good, actually.

Uncle: "Well, at that convention I found a limited edition Batman comic, and surprise, surprise, Joe wanted it too. It was a wild moment, we almost came to blows, but we became really good friends after that. In fact, Joe owns a comic book store!"

Oh. Right. That explains a lot.

__: "Wow... another social outcast..."

Joe: "What's wrong with you, you rude brat?"

Uncle: "Oh, kid... leave her alone, Joe. She's a woman."

Was that in self-defense or a passive-aggressive attack? My head was already throbbing, and I'd only been in Eltingville for ten minutes. After an awkward conversation and standing around at the station like NPCs waiting for someone to activate the main quest, my uncle decided the best thing to do was take us to a mall to buy hamburgers.

Because apparently every important decision in life starts with junk food. We ate. Joe chewed like he'd never been taught basic manners. My uncle talked about university as if I were going to graduate with honors tomorrow. And all I could do was feign emotional stability.

Then we went to Joe's famous comic book store. The place wasn't too bad. It smelled like old paper and plastic. It had superhero posters, figurines in display cases, shelves stacked to the ceiling. I pretend it disgusts me and all, but I love being with my uncle.

He helped me a lot with things from my past. When my dad died, he was one of the few who knew how to stay quiet with me without trying to fix me. And yes, I ended up being a social outcast like him. But at least I'm a functional social outcast. I think. The problem is his friend.

He's a son of a bitch. While we were at the store, I tried to buy a comic. A beautiful limited edition that glowed. It was calling to me. It was my destiny.

__: "Sell me this limited edition."

Joe: "I don't sell to women."

__: "Well, you don't sell to women, but sell it to me."

Joe: "I don't sell to women."

His voice had that absurd certainty of a guy who thinks he's right just because he's got a penis.

__: "Well... then give my uncle five limited editions."

Joe looked at him confused, but gave them to him. I looked him in the eye, challenging him.

__: "I'm not paying you for them, no way."

My uncle slapped me so hard I felt like I was on the receiving end of a brain crash. He dragged me out of the store amidst scolding and nervous laughter while Joe yelled something about "youth without values."

One of the toughest experiences of my life, dude. XD

After that glorious moment of poorly executed activism, my uncle finally took me back to the apartment. And... It wasn't bad at all, actually. I forgot to mention that my uncle is a wealthy man. And since he's single, childless, and apparently adopted me emotionally when I was a little girl, he spoils me rotten. He says I'm his little daughter. And even though I make fun of him, I appreciate him a lot. Without him, I don't know if I would have gotten over my father's death.

But anyway. Getting back to the point. The "little house-apartment" had two bedrooms. One with its own bathroom, a shared bathroom, a kitchen-dining area, a living room, and a small patio with a weeping willow tree. A weeping willow tree. As if the universe wanted to say, "Yes, here's where you'll get some character development." I didn't know much about architecture, but it felt cozy.

It wasn't huge, but it wasn't a cardboard box either, like I'd imagined when my mom gave me the keys.

Uncle: "Well, honey... I hope you settle in. You know where to find me if you need anything. And sorry for today's chaotic and awkward introduction."

__: "Hehe, don't worry... I understand you were excited and nervous. I am too."

Uncle: "Good luck, honey. I have to go now. Don't kill yourself, okay?"

__: "Hehe, okay... I won't." I watched him leave. My uncle, the divorce lawyer. Because yes, my family is full of lawyers, doctors, and CEOs. And me. I want to be a theater actress. A writer. A professional drama queen. Maybe I should have chosen a "real" job. But there's no going back now.

Although, to be honest... My family is also full of artists. My grandmother was a ballet teacher. My mother is a dance teacher and an incredible artist. My father was an amazing cartoonist. My uncle was even a comic book writer before becoming a lawyer. I guess everyone's a nerd in their own way. Maybe I just decided to live as a nerd forever. And as I watched the weeping willow sway in the gentle breeze of Eltingville, I felt something strange. Not fear. Not excitement. Something in between. Like this town held stories I didn't yet know were going to pull me in.

It doesn't matter. I have to get down to business. Because I start work tomorrow. And who knows what other social specimens live in this strange place.

...

Although if my uncle's friend is the epitome of Eltingville's male beauty, I think I need to prepare myself psychologically. I started unpacking everything. Clothes. Collectibles. Hard-to-find comics (my precious ones). Posters. Drawings. Books underlined to the point of looking like a satanic ritual. Stuffed animals that I swear are only for aesthetic decoration and not for emotional attachment.

I arranged everything little by little, trying to make the place feel like mine. To avoid it looking like a permanent Airbnb. I hung my posters crooked because I clearly don't know how to use a level. I arranged my figurines in emotional order, not chronological. I put my desk in front of the window to pretend I'm a profound writer gazing at the horizon while pondering existence.

It wasn't bad at all. It felt like me. Chaotic. A little nerdy. Slightly messy but with artistic intent (that's what I tell myself to keep from crying). After I finished unpacking, I threw myself onto my bed, face up, staring at the ceiling.

__: "Ah... finally. I can rest for a while without anyone bothering me-"

*Ring Ring! RING RING!*

My uncle, ugh! I'm tired of calling him "my uncle"! From now on, we're going to call him by his name. Miguel was calling me, damn it! They don't even give me five minutes to rest. I answered.

__: "What's up!?"

Miguel: "Hey... babes? Sorry, I know you might be busy, but I need to ask you a favor."

Sure. Obviously! They weren't going to give me five minutes of peace in this city.

__: "Nah, it's fine... what do you need?"

Miguel: "I ordered some collectible figures from Joe for my Star Wars collection. Could you pick them up? Some clients just arrived at my office."

I took a deep breath. Joe. That misogynistic son of a bitch again.

__: "Um... sure. I'll go get them. I'll drop them off at your place, okay? You owe me an ice cream, though."

Miguel: "Sure! Thanks a lot, babes, I'll bring you your ice cream later."

I hung up. I got out of bed with the energy of someone who clearly wanted to sleep but the script wouldn't allow it. I put on some oversized shorts and a Star Trek sweatshirt that was way too big for me. I was too lazy to wear a blouse underneath. Anyway, it was going to be quick. Any old sneakers. Backpack. Ready. Honestly, I looked a little masculine in those clothes. And then my brain said: What if I fake my voice? Hehe. Just to mess with that idiot Joe.

On the way to the store, I thought about how absurd my life is. I arrived today and I'm already doing favors, visiting toxic stores, and probably developing an unnecessary character arc. When I arrived, before going in, I heard shouting. Ugly shouting. Men shouting about something that clearly wasn't important. Just as I was about to open the door, it burst open and two really weird guys came running out.

Bill: "GIVE UP, BACON, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BEAT ME!"

Josh: "OH NO? THEN WE'LL SEE EACH OTHER IN HELL!"

They ran off like a woman was chasing them. Fucking virgins. I adjusted my sweatshirt and went inside. Joe recognized me immediately. Damn it. Two guys were standing by the counter. One was short, dark-skinned, wearing a blue jacket and a red cap. The other was tall, blond, wearing a green striped jacket. Both were covered in acne. They didn't look too bad... Ugh. That's not what you're here for. Just pick up the figures and get out! I went up to the counter.

__: (in a fake male voice) "Hey, Joe. I'm here for Miguel's figures."

Joe: "What the hell happened to your voice?"

__: "The flu. Now, do you have them or not?"

Joe: "God, you're desperate... let me go get them."

While Joe went to the back room, I overheard the other two talking.

Jerry: "Pete, it's obvious Boba Fett is dead. The sarlacc ate him in one gulp."

Pete: "Show me the body. No body, no death." ... That was strangely interesting. Maybe Boba Fett wasn't really dead. Wait... What the hell am I thinking?! He's obviously dead. This kid's crazy. Joe came back with the figures.

Joe: "Here. I don't have any bags so-"

__: "I don't need one. I'll take them in my backpack."

Joe: "Hm... not my problem. Your uncle already paid, so unless you're going to buy something, you can leave."

__: "With pleasure."

I carefully put the figures in my backpack. If they got damaged, Miguel would disinherit me. I headed for the exit. I had barely touched the door when- BOOM. The door burst open and the same idiots from before rushed in like they were fleeing the apocalypse. They shoved me. I fell on my back. The air left my lungs.

__: "Damn it! What's wrong with you guys?!"

Josh: "GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

Bill: "I CAN'T, JOSH, I'M STUCK IN YOUR FAT!"

The two of them were pushing each other, yelling, almost falling over the counter. I was still on the floor. And for a second... The guy in the gray jacket, Josh, I guess, looked at me. It was quick. A second. But long enough for his face to change from anger and kill everyone to "who the hell is this guy?"

And then he started yelling at his friend again. I got up as fast as I could. I wasn't going to stay and find out what the hell was going on. I left the store. I walked fast. Really fast. My heart was pounding, I don't know if it was from the fall or from the absurd adrenaline rush of that scene. I arrived at Miguel's house, left the figurines, and grabbed a bag of chips from his cupboard.

And when I finally returned to my little house, I closed the door, leaned against it, and sighed. Day one in Eltingville. I've already been knocked to the ground. I've already faced a misogynist. I've already witnessed a fight over Boba Fett. And tomorrow I start working.

Something tells me this city isn't going to be peaceful. And something tells me that idiot in the gray jacket is going to cross my path again. And I don't know why, but I feel like when that happens... my life is going to get even more chaotic. And honestly? I think a part of me is hoping it happens.

.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡⁠✧⁠*⁠-⁠☆｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+⁠*⁠.⁠✧.⁠｡⁠*⁠♡⁠✧⁠*⁠-⁠☆｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+⁠*⁠.⁠✧