Aspen Archer

It was Benji’s day off from work and he had most certainly taken any advantage of that last night. It wasn’t that often that he actually had quite a few drinks, knowing how otherwise he’d need to put in quite an effort to convince his friends - and himself - that he wasn’t going to end up like his father. But after stumbling into a bar that showed a football match yesterday evening, he simply hadn’t been able to help himself. Although he knew that it probably shouldn’t bother him that much after all those years. And on most days it didn’t or at least that’s what he tried to tell himself. Yesterday had been different though. And now he was paying for it with an annoying headache.  The fact that it was almost midday and he was sitting inside the diner with his sunglasses on, still picking at the rest of his breakfast, probably should have made it obvious that he wasn’t that keen on having company but when someone still stopped next to his table, he only let out a sigh and glanced up without bothering to remove his sunglasses. Having lived in a small town like this his entire life, there were simply too many people who knew you. “What….?”

As she walked into the diner, she took note of the regulars, the townies, and some unfamiliar faces. She’d lived in the town for ten years and yet she never truly ventured out. Glancing once more she noticed a few people dining alone. Something the woman would never do. She simply enjoyed her take-out and hulu too much. Besides, what was the point of eating out if you have no one to converse with. Moments later, a waitress arrived and handed Aspen the order. A kind thank you was given then she made her way out the door. 

Not even five minutes later, she made her return back inside the diner. She had seen one of the mechanics inside and slowly made her way to him. The con to living in town was that everyone knew everyone, or at least about them. “I’m sorry to bother you,” if she could have helped it, Aspen wouldn’t have approached him, but it was a drive back to her place and she desperately needed her bed. The sigh was understandable, but still rubbed her the wrong way. Afterall, he hadn’t even seen who was by. “my car- I know you’re obviously not working and enjoying your... breakfast,” noting with her eyebrows the interesting food choice he had made, it was nearly the afternoon. “It wont start, the screen says the battery is dead and I was curious if you could help? I’d pay you for your time obviously.” Aspen smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “I would do it, but my nails,” holding out her hand and wiggling her fingers trying to at least make him laugh since she was interrupting his brooding session.  “and it’s a german car so not as easy to change the battery as my old wrangler.”

    Dark eyes widened at the site before her, eager feet finally finding their destination and coming to halt before the empty store front. A hand extended to the glass as her mind began to wonder. This space was perfect, in the heart of town and with a sign up that it was for sale. While she wasn’t ready for this yet. She was ready to dream about it. It was until she pulled her hand back that she realized someone was also peering at this empty space. Her eyes shifted back to the building, debating if she should break the silence or leave them to their thoughts, but it has been months of living her and she has hardly gotten out or spoken to anyone. She was going to change that.. she had to. It was getting entirely too lonely in her apartment and only being able to FaceTime her cousin for company. It was nice and she loves her dearly, but it wasn’t like having some actual company.. “ Also daydreaming about a business to fill this place? “ The corner of her lips turned up slow into a smirk.

where: Outside, up the street from Riptide Gym

Jen looked down at her ringing phone and groaned before answering. She’d barely said ‘hello’ before the collector on the other end began reminding her exactly how overdue her electric was and that she only had another week to get it cleared up. It was a song and dance she was familiar with. “I’m putting the check in the mail as we speak. It’ll get to you day after tomorrow.” she said, and for the most part she was telling the truth. There were checks inside the envelopes she was shoving into the mailbox, however she had put the electric in the one addressed to the gas company, while the gas bill would go to the electric company. Usually, the fact that they received a check at all, even if it was wrong, was enough good faith to buy her another week or two. When she finally got the person on the other end to hang up, she braced herself against the nearest wall outside of some shop up the road from the gym and just sank down to take a few deep breaths. Fucking bills. Sometimes she thought she preferred deployment. Hearing someone approach, Jen didn’t bother looking up before she started talking. “If you’re here to rob me, you can fuck off.”