home is wherever i'm with you

“How come you didn’t want to complain to the manager? Actually, I’m surprised nobody said a thing because I think it’s kind of rude to have your baby disturb everybody else’s day.”

“Because it wasn’t really their fault, you know? I mean, I guess they could’ve been like ‘hey, you’re disrupting our other patrons,’ but that might have caused a scene, and I really didn’t wanna cause any trouble in that restaurant because it’s my favorite. But yeah, I just felt like it was pretty rude because I was having lunch with a coworker and we couldn’t hear each other over the baby.”

“Yeah, I get that, but you’re right, you gotta do that kinda parenting at home, because in my experience, if there’s more than one baby in the area, then one screaming typically triggers another one, and then it gets really bad.”

Eeeyup. I poured a can of soda in his backpack and ended up ruining all of his textbooks and his homework. I was really vindictive about it. 

No, I’m not, and no, they don’t. Which is precisely why I haven’t said anything to the parent in question, but if I’m not mistaken, being an American gives me the freedom to voice my opinion; the same freedom it gives you, as a matter of fact.

River’s expression brightened when she heard the jingling of keys and Alex’s heavy footsteps. The heavy tension twisting her stomach suddenly released, leaving her feeling much lighter. Part of it was being alone in the house, but she also knew Alex’s tendency to speed all over town. Seeing her safe at home made her feel infinitely better. She crossed the kitchen quickly, greeting Alex with a kiss to her lips before she took the offered package.

Alex loved watching River rush to her, and she held her arms open, taking the woman into them. As always, she smelled amazing; like home, and the kiss was returned, along with another. All the stress from the day melted away like wax, leaving her feeling refreshed. There was no ailment it seemed River couldn't cure.

Safety and Home || River & Alex

Alex was racing home, trying to beat ever traffic light that threatened her with a yellow signal. Alex always raced home. When River got home before she did, she always tried to make sure she could get home shortly afterwards. Of course, there were days like today, when she had to stay later, or when River didn't work at all, and she hated those. Alex knew her girlfriend disliked being alone, and Alex was especially wary considering this was still a new place for her. Granted, they hadn't had any problems. Even the real estate agent had been kind enough to them as they went through the negotiations. But one couldn't be too certain.

Lulu was blown away about how easy that was. The application the man was holding was the first one that she filled out the night before. She though because she was drunk pieces would have been left out. “I think I can manage the phones and a few notes,” Lulu said with a smile. She took a sip of her coffee and then pushed her papers to the side. 

Alex loved it when something they could do made someone else happy. It was even more beneficial when they didn’t have to do much to achieve it. Alex retrieved a pen from the inner workings of their blazer and scribbled a few notes on the documents they’d been presented with before turning them over. “Good. Pay starts out at eleven fifty an for the first month, and satisfactory work bumps it up to fourteen.” Pausing, Alex shifted through the papers again before pulling out an information sheet, detailing the workings of the company they worked for, as well as directions and all that. “Orientation is on Monday, at eleven AM.”

Maybe next time. Though, I’m not sure why I was rooting for this kid to rub his snot in someone’s hair, considering some kid blew his nose in mine when I was eleven. Worst school day of my life.

Where do you get cookable lizards?

... You know what, I don’t know. I honestly just assumed she hunted for them out of her garden. 

Lulu laughed at the thought of the man trying to battle it out for a good place in the sun. “I’m southern and a bit scrappy because of it. Just be thankful I took etiquette classes,” Lulu joked after the handshake. Then when her last name was read off a piece of paper her face took a new turn of kindness. “Yes it is. I guess you are one of the many people that got my resume and application today?”

“I think I might pay to see you take someone else on,” Alex quipped with a bit of a teasing tone and a flirty smile to match as they leaned back in the chair. “I feel like you’d take anyone out in no time.” Returning to the matter at hand, however, Alex peered over the page in their hand. “Yes, actually. My supervisor asked me to give you a call and schedule an interview, but as it would be, fate has dropped me right at your feet. It was meant to be, you and I.”

“What I need is a popcorn that cooks in the microwave properly. I know how to use a microwave, and I can make plenty of things in it correctly, except popcorn.”

Actually, I completely understand. It either won’t pop all the kernels, or it’ll burn if you leave it in two seconds longer than you have to. It’s honestly a hit and miss ordeal. You should try an air popper instead. Never worry about burnt popcorn again.

“as long as it won’t leave me laying on the couch thinking i’m dying, than it’s good enough for me,” tessa said with slight relief. “could you write out some directions? or even lead the way? i still get lost in these streets sometimes.

“Dying of happiness, maybe, but not of e. coli or anything.” Alex grinned brightly. “I could show you, if you want. I’ve only been here about three months now, but when it comes to finding good food, I’ve got a great nose for it. And I’ll never forget how to get to it. Again, probably the nose.”

Lulu looked up from her stack of papers and up at the person who was speaking to her. I took her a second to understand the question, everything about the person in front of her was new. In a small town like this Lulu was sure that she had been with everyone worth her time, but this new guy looked like he would be fun. “Oh yeah, Let me move my bag,” Lulu said reaching over to the other side on the table and grabbing it making room for the guy. 

This girl was pleasing to the eye, and Alex always reveled in the company of pretty people. So, they smiled brightly as the woman made way for them to sit, and Alex did so accordingly, setting their coffee down on the table top. "Thanks, I thought I was gonna have to fight someone for a chair. Not you, of course, I don't think I could handle you." Alex's smiled turned a bit crooked, their expression giving away the flirtatious undertones of the statement.

“Yes, that’s burnt popcorn that you smell; in case you didn’t already know, I’m a terrible cook. I have a law degree from Yale, yet I can’t make popcorn.”

“Haha, I’m sorry, that is pathetic. But also kinda cute, in a weird way. Do you need someone to teach you how to use a microwave?”

“Oh, you should try this place called Double Happiness. It’s delicious. Not fully authentic by any means, but still worth the price. I’ve only been here a few months and I’ve already been there several times.”