On the road to recovery (Marree)

[*]

Kalina left Tyler that evening. Her mind only on the image that she was left with. Tyler standing in front of his place, staring after her as she walked away. She took her sweet time getting home, partly because the grin wouldn't leave her face. The way she encircled her hands around his neck yet refused to give him a kiss plagued her. She felt like it wasn't the time for that. 'Until next time...', she had left him with. Until next time, the hug would have to keep him thinking. Keep him wondering what was going on in her head. In her movements around him. She bit on her bottom lips when she remembered how he had came to her side when she was sitting on the couch. How his arm had went around her shoulders, and she molded herself against him, leaning her head over on him. She wanted that moment to last longer, but what was it about them that was keeping them from staying together for more than just mere seconds? What was it that kept her from speaking to him. SHe had no trouble voiceing her opinions and stuff before, but the longer she was around him, she couldn't.

She sighed and looked to the trees out in the forests surrounding her walk home. How much she wanted to just go and sit by one. She wanted to lean back against the trunk. Daydream about her moments withTyler, but the bag was pulling on her arm, its weight telling her that she has somewhere else to be. That she had responsibilities that she needed to do that she was already shirking because of her want to be with Tyler.

The night came and went for Kalina, her dreams filled with images of his face and his voice. The coy smiles that she loved to study. The morning came all too fast, waking just before first light. She dressed quickly, A light blue shortsleeve top with jeans, her thick soled shoes and she pulled her hair back into a plait down the length of her back. She left before her father got up, but caught her mother in the kitchen before she left for work as well.

"Kalina? Why are you up so early?" Her mother tended to the food on the stove. A heavy scent of cinnamon and sugar wafted around her. "Want some toast?"

Kalina nodded to her, leaning on the counter by the stove. The bread sizzled on the pan, a cinnamon sprinkled topping soaking into the wheat with the butter. She grinned. "Sure... I gotta get going, though. Wanna get done early today."

Kalina took the toast and left. The hours turned slowly for Kalina. Just an hour into mid-day Kalina made it into town, her form walking slowly toward her mother's workplace. Her forearm wrapped with a bandage and she looked like she was in daze-like state. The only thing that made her seem upbeat was the grin that played on her face. That smile that only Tyler had been able to give her after his arm was around her or his words that reached her ears. She stopped in town, in front of that cafe that they had ran into the other day when the rain was so feirce. She found a bench, and sat.

[Jack Lexington]

for a while I slowly walk down one street after another. My mind's not there though. I'm not seeing the people walking past me, nor the ones who greet me or the shops I'm passing. My mind's at work and what I can do to go back there and proof that I'm no different than before. Still a devoted, strong worker.
I'm tempted to just go home and cut off that darn cast and go back right away because I have a real problem with being told that I'm not good enough for anything. My ego doesn't handle that too well.

Angrily and desperate I walk and walk until I find that I've reached the last houses of our small town and before me lies only a dirt road that leads through the fields towards the forest and the lumber yard.
For a moment I stand there and let my eyes wander over the green hills topped with colorful flowers under golden sunrays. It's not a bad day...not unless you're me.
Scolding myself for letting seomthing get to me so easily I continue my path down the road but soon have to stop at a bench because my palms are starting to hurt, so do my armspits that are not used to the unusual use of the crutches. I'm pretty sure I'll have some blisters when I look at my red palms.
Lifting my leg up on the bench I decide to make an effort to see things a little more positive.

In a beautiful setting like this I automatically think about Kalina and what she might be doing. My best guess is that she's probably climbing some of these trees. I imagine how she's up there in a crown cutting down some of the branches. She must be pretty strong to do that.
Unfortunately I don't know where she works or lives so I can visit her. If she never showed up at my home again I wouldn't be able to see her so I make a mental note to ask for her address.

The rest of the day goes by pretty somber because I can't stop being upset about not having a job. How am I supposed to pay my bills and buy food?
it all gets topped up by me not seeing the girl I'm so taken with. What a day!


The next morning I wake up with a groan because my arms are sore and my leg hurts. Maybe I should have listened to the doctors and stay put if I ever want to heal and go back to work. "You idiot." I tell myself before I even get out of bed.

The day isn't as nice so no sunlight is greeting me and I have a real hard time actually getting out of bed.
Still I have a meager breakfast of what's left of the potatoes and take a shower just to face the same problem of not having any adequat clothes that fit and are warm enough. The day can only be shitty!

[*]

Kalina sat across from the cafe for a while before heading home that day. She never went to see her mom at her workplace and instead went back to the trees on her way home. To a spot where the sun would shine down just enough to keep her warm, yet shaded to keep her from being burnt. She brought her knees up into her and she fell into a light slumber awaking after darkness had set in. She stumbled around in the dark for an hour, before she had made it home to a very worried Lotus and her angry parents. She took a lecture for her actions and went to her bedroom that night, Lotus snuggling up with her. Kalina told her stories until the child fell asleep, then carried her to her bed opposite of hers. It only took moments after Kalina's head hit the pillows, but she rose the next morning wondering about Tyler. Curious as to how he was doing. She'd not seen him just the day before, so making a trip over to his place to see him was definately something she was considering.

"Tyler... what is it about you that keeps my mind busy? What is it that makes me want to be with you...." She whispered to herself. Her eyes gaze out the window, and instantly think about his window. How she loved to look out of it the other day. How the room smelled with him cooking the potatoes. She closed her eyes and saw his. His mouth. His body. His sultry voice. Lotus woke up with the sound of Kalina rummaging through her closet.

"What are you doing, Kallie?" She asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes. Kalina looked back at her sister, smiling.

"I"m going to go see Tyler again. Go back to sleep, alright?" She told her and she laid back down and closed her eyes. Before Kalina left the room, she heard a chanting song about love. She turned back into the room before pipping out. "Go to sleep, you little booger!"

The sun was already higher than it was at dawn. Her mind carried her through the woods, through the path to town that she was used to without even thinking about it. She came to a stop near the road to his apartment. "Am I being too rash by coming here again? He never asked me over... but should I? Would he be there? Would want to see me?" Her voice came out to herself. The thought of her remark 'Until next time...' told her that he'd be expecting her again. Hopefully.

She came upon his house shortly after, and upon entering the door, she glanced to the man's apartment, in which she knocked upon. She halted her breath as she passed, thinking if he had super hearing, her breath would alert him. Not but a few steps past his door, a loud bang occured making Kalina jump and she rushed up the stairs. At the landing of the second floor, she laughed at herself. Laughed at the fact that she let him scare her. She took one breath and let all the anxiety out as she knocked on Tyler's door.

[Jack Lexington]

"What the hell?" I say angrily , loud enough for my stupid neighbor to hear it through the closed door because he has the audacity to come knocking on my door again. I drop the selection of clothes that won't fit on my bed and hobble to the door in my towel. I don't care. I can yell at him butt naked if he comes here in the morning to bug me again.

Instead of the frowning, old face of my neighbor, I come face to face with Kalina when I tear the door open. For a moment I'm so surprised that I don't even manage to wipe the scowl of my face or invite her in. All I say is. "You?"
Then a small smile spreads on my lips because she's actually come to see me again.
"Hey!" I greet her and then remember to step out of the way so she can get inside.
"C'mon in."
A second later it occurs to me that my attire is highly unsuitable for a young girl, who is rather on the shy side, so I hold up my hand and tell her. "Just a moment. Let me go and get dressed."
With that I'm gone leaving the door wide open.

Her sudden appearance makes me giddy and nervous and happy all at once. Quickly I rummage through the pile of clothes on my bed. A shirt is easily found. Black long sleeve but the pants pose the same old problem so i find myself swearing at the pile of pants. I'm already getting goose bumps because the air is so cold today but still I have to put on shorts again.

Two minutes later I'm back in the living room quickly celaning off the table just to sit on the sofa and put my leg up, that seems to protest against every movement after yesterdays hike.
"What brings you here?" I ask even though it seems silly. I do, I guess.
"It's good to see you, really good."

Kalina looks nice today but there's a bandage that she's trying to hide with the sleeve of her jacket.
"What did you do?"

OOC: Is her arm badaged?

[*]

Kalina stood outside his door, waiting, but the moment that she had knocked on his door he yelled out a phrase that made her wonder if he was expecting company he didn't want. She was shocked when the door was jerked open. She froze momentarily to see the anger radiating from him. To see the scowl on his face and his his comment of You? Had she really made a bad decision to come bake to see him? Her heart dropped momentarily. She was just a fair weather type of person to him, wasn't she? WHen he was in need, he used her? Before she could go any further with the accusations in her head, his demeanor changed suddenly just enough to then produce a smile and a welcoming word. She still felt her heart want to cling to the thought that he didn't want her there, but she passed it off now when he welcomed her in.

"Hi. Sorry, I hope I didn't come at a bad time? I didn't think that you would mind a visitor." She told him, as she saw he moved out of the doorway for her to enter. She took two steps in and realized his dress attire. Something similar to what she'd seen in the hospital and she had to advert her eyes momentarily, a grin spreading over her face. "I seem to have caught you at the most inopportune time once again." She laughed while he excused himself to go get something more appropriate on. Not that she minded. He was good looking and could pull off the look better than most men, but she was still shy when it came to looking at his body. In the hospital, it seemed a bit more okay, seeing as how all you were given was that of a hospital gown, but in his own apartment... She blushed when he left.

Kalina turned and shut the door and waited for him to change, all the while going to the window she remembered she enjoyed looking out of. SHe wore clothes a bit more warmer than last time. Pants and a shirt instead of a dress, and a light jacket that barely went half way down her forearm. The bandage clearly showing and she tried to hide it with the sleeve, but it wasn't doing that good of a job concealing her injured arm. He returned suddenly, asking questions and making a comment.

"Bored. Woke up early and all. DIdn't know if you'd be up for company being stuck here or whatever with no one to talk to except your lovely neighbor downstairs. I hope he didn't give you any trouble after I left the other day?" She asked him and then saw him looking at her arm, she was trying to pull her sleeve down over and the question that followed.

"Oh, just a little work related accident. No biggie. It was my own fault." She tells him and finally settles to quit trying to hide it. She saw as he sat on the couch putting his leg up willingly. She followed suit, taking a seat beside of him, a little distance seperating the two. "How is your leg feeling? Your not as active as you were the other day on it." She questioned him, noticing how he didn't move around like he did the other day. Then asked yet another question on top of that. "So, did you ever get to go shopping like you said the other day?"

[Jack Lexington]

"Yeah, you have a talent to catch me half naked." I grin while I hurry away to get dressed. It is slightly embarassing but only slightly since I've never been on the shy side. I used to open the door butt naked for a while and didn't care. If anybody wants to see me they have to put up with me. In this case it's different though. I care about Kalina so I don't want to scare her off.

I listen to her talk about her day while she's trying to hide the white fabric that's wrapped around her wrist. Hopefully it's nothing serious. The fact that's hurt, too, seems almost ironical though.
"I'm always up for YOUR company." I stress. "Anybody else I don't really care to see. It's true. Not after yesterday.
"No, I didn't talk to him after you left. I was afraid I might rip his head off if I do. Didn't particularily fancy going to the dc because of the old fart, so nope..."
I motione for her arm and ask with a smirk. "Are you desperately trying for partner look or are you just clumsy?" I love teasing Kalina because she knows how to take it.
"Nothing serious I hope." Maybe a little concern would be appreciated.

She wants to know how my leg is feeling so I shoot a look at the cast, that is starting to bother me and shrug. "I took a really long walk yesterday, which wasn't the best idea, I guess. It's pretty sore." Of course the girl will scold me for that so I let an explanation follow.
"I went to the construction site and talked to my boss but he wouldn't let me return, not like this." I motion for my leg. My gaze darkens with every word I say and my mood soon returns to what it was like before Kalina showed up at my door.
"He said he can't use me unless I can do everything. The guy brought in a new foreman to replace me, who seems to be doing a good job. Bad for me, eh? So, no work, no food!"
It's a simple as that.
"The damn hospital has cost me every bit of money I had saved up and I'm already living on what a friend lend me. I rely on my ability to work in order to make a living."
My throat tightens as I tell somebody the truth about how serious my state actually is. I'm usually always upbeat about things but now I can't help it. If I can't work I'll become just like the guy downstairs. "Bitter and unemployed."

For a moment I just sit and knock my knuckles against the cast. How I wish I'd heal faster.
"So I went for a walk because I just wanted to tear into somebody...long one. No no shopping."
Averting my gaze I suddenly feel ashamed because I'm opening up like this to her.
"I'm sorry. I'm pretty sure you didn't come here to listen to me whine. So, tell me how you got that arm banged up."

[*]

I"m always up for YOUR company. The words play into her mind when he stresses that it was her company that he liked and it couldn't be anything else other than the fact that he might like her. However, she knew he was a bit older than her. What was it that made that attraction for the difference in age? Age is just a number, right? When it comes to attraction and liking someone? She mentally sighed still thinking about his naked chest, hiding the pink in her cheeks when he returned clothed.

When he mentions her arm, she just passes it off as nothing and listens to him when he talks about going to the construction site. How he had walked on it all day and now it was bothering him. She wanted to say something to him about waiting a few more days, but since he had already gone she coudln't really say anything to him. She shook her head to hear that he had been replaced for the time being. She could understand the hardships that came with being unemployed. At any time, being unemployed is hard, but being the sole provider, it made it so much more dire.

Kalina moved closer to him, her leg turning so that she could face him, her hand going to his arm. "You will NOT be bitter. Believe me... I don't think you would have it in you. I couldn't see you as that man downstairs. He is the epitomy of bitter. You? Your too sweet. Even in your worst, I just can't imagine it, Tyler." She tells him, trying to get him in a better mood. "As for being unemployed, its just temporary. Until your leg is better. HAve you thought about going to look for work elsewhere? My mom's work place is a sit down job mainly. Logging the wood and stuff that comes in. It would be something to think about while your still recooperating. I mean, I know it's not idea and keeps you inside, but it's money. It's a job. As soon as your able, you can always go back to construction, you think?"

She removed her hand from his arm and sat with her back against the couch yet again, but this time she seemed to be a bit closer to him as she looked to her arm when he asked again how she got her arm hurt. "The harness snapped on me yesterday when I was climbing. I must have been daydreaming or something when I was checking my gear before I went up. I never saw the frayed part and just got straight to work. I got halfway up before it broke. Caught myself on the limb that was below barely, but it kinda got my arm pretty good. The bark is unforgiving on a tree." She massaged the bandage remembering how terrified she was hanging on to the tree. The panic in the men below that saw what happened. How someone had to come up to check on her and bring another harness so she could climb back down. "Just a few scratches. It'll heal. They sent me home early yesterday though."

Kalina looked over at him and smiled faintly. "So, perhaps, if you up for it, we can go grab something at the diner to eat? Have a late breakfast? If your up for it? Or something?" She glanced around his apartment for no reason. WAs she asking him out this time? Could it seem that way to him? "Then again... with you leg... I should see about getting you a wheelchair? I mean... At least you can be tearing up the town or I can drive." She laughed at him, remembering how she treated him in the hospital to the wheelchair ride.

[Jack Lexington]

From one moment to the next Kalina scoots closer to me and places her hand on my arm, which sends a nice shiver up my arm and makes the hair stand up. If only a touch can do this, what would a kiss on my lips do? Paralyze me? Energize me?
"You will NOT be bitter. Believe me... I don't think you would have it in you. I couldn't see you as that man downstairs. He is the epitomy of bitter."
That's very good to hear because I can already see myself being that old bum, scaring young girls and harassing the neighbors just because of nothing better to do. Instead she calls me sweet, which make me smile. "Sweet? Is that a good thing? I though guys were supposed to be...tough?"
Not when it comes to girls, I guess but my view on things is a little limited. I can only put myself in a girls shoes that far.

In regards to a different job I shake my head. "No, not really. I have no other skills, never was the best at school, you know." With interest I listen to what her mother does.
"Are they hiring right now? I mean does it make sense to apply?" Maybe there is a way to keep myself from starving until I can go back to the site.

Unfortunately she lets her tender fingers slip from my skin and sits back.
What follows is a story that has my jaw dropping. According to her description she got incredibly lucky. Much worse coudl have happened. "You could have broken that arm, or your back or worse, you have died!" I exclaim with a sudden outburst of fear for her. I've only known her for a brief while but I'd be really sad if something happened to the brunette.
"Don't do that to me, Kalina! You have to take better care of yourself! What would I do?"
I realize that I sound like a worried husband when I'm ONLY a friend so I try to add a joke. "...Buy my own food?"

Once I'm over my initial fear she asks about going out for breakfast but I have to decline which is empbarassing and makes me blush. "I hate to turn that offer down but I don't have any money left and I really think I should stay put today."
She brings up that wheelchair and makes me blush even more. "Don't even think about it, you crazy driver. Not in a million years am I getting in one of those again and let you push it."
If I turn down the 'date', I'm worried that she might just up and leave again so I scoot a little closer.
"I wouldn't mind if you stayed here a little longer though. Maybe run down to the market and we'll cook lunch together? The market's much cheaper than going out. I can afford that."
Hopefully she doesn't mind how broke I am. I've met a few girls who would ditch me just for that. Add being half crippled and nobody would stay. Kalina is definetly not only pretty but very special.
gently I take her hand and squeeze it to let her know, at least a little, how I feel.
"Please?"

[*]

Kalina gave him a playful glare. "Being sweet.. Hmmm, maybe I got that mixed up." She teased him but let her index finger move up and down on his arm before she moved her hand completely. His reaction to her being hurt surprised her. There was so much concern in it that she had never heard before from a friend. His voice coming across so protectively unlike her friends that joked with her about the situation and just patted her on the back for good measure. No. He was different then any of them. She could hear the concern but even when he made the dire situation into a joke about buying groceries.

"I know Tyler... I don't know why I didn't see it, but what's done is done. Lessons are learned the hard ways sometimes." She mentioned to him. "Besides, you'll find one way or another to buy food without me. It's just little ole me!" Her voice came out in an accent on the last sentence, one that envoked humor and a little sarcasm. Her eyes reached Tyler's eyes and she felt hopelessly lost in them. Then he suddenly turned down the invitation to go with her to a late breakfast. A sudden moment of heartbreak seemed to turn her down inside, but on the outside, she played it like it was nothing.

"Oh, no worries. I totally understand. It was inconsiderate of me to ask that of you. I mean, you need to stay off your leg after all." She tells him and then everything turned back to normal when he commented on the wheelchair. "I"m not that bad of a driver! I can't beleive you, Tyler! If it wasn't for my driving skills or my persuasion, you wouldn't have gotten out of that room! I think I deserve some credit now!"

At that moment, she had noticed that he had gotten closer to her, and she used that to make her point clear by gently shoving his arm for that last comment. Their arms were within a hair of each other and Kalina felt herself blushing being this close to him. Her senses going all over the place. How she could feel his temperature compared to hers just by how close they had gotten. Gravitating toward each other. His sultry words came out once again, but the atmostphere around them hung heavy.

I wouldn't mind if you stayed here a little longer though. She dropped her head listening to his voice. The sound of his words lingering in her ear. Playing with thoughts that he wanted her to stay. He wanted her to come back. Feeling a rising sensation in her for him especially when he gently took her hand and the word Please? had a feel of desperation, or was it a need, for her to come back? Her skin prickled with his touch. The very sensation of his hand squeezing her's took her to a new level with him. That maybe, just maybe, both of them might want something more than just friendship, but how to test the waters without drowning? How to check the depth? Just jump in? If it wasn't meant to happen, he would just politely ask her to leave, but the kiss, if only on the cheek, he gave the other day...

She looked at him full of hope as she quickly brought a hand up to his cheek, but she took a moment to study his face. That moment lasting a lifetime when heart was telling her to quit stalling. To get it over with and to kiss him. To see if this feeling was mutual, but fear pulling her away. "I'll come back..." Her words came out as she quickly and fluidly let her lips meet his for a mere moment before she pulled back. Her cheeks grew red as she realized what she had just done. Realizing that she must seem so embarrassed for doing what she just did. She pulled her hand out of his. "I"m sorry... I don't know where that came from... I should just.. um... the market right? To shop for food?" She was going to get up and leave, but something kept her grounded on the couch. What was she waiting on? For him to say something to her about this kiss? For him to put space between the two and act just as awkward about the kiss? She casually eyed him from the corner of her eye.

[Jack Lexington]

When I look over I find her looking into my eyes like she could read my mind. For a moment I look into her deep brown orbs as well but I can't do it for long without feeling awkward. As If I'm staring at her.
"You're much more than a food provider. You keep my sanity."

We go back to joke about the wheel chair drive so I smile and shake my head. "Okay, you get the credit for getting me out of the room but it was still...a hell race!" I chuckle at the memory of her jumping at every flash of lightning. She was so frightened and I didn't even realize it that day. Only when we met again at the cafe did I figure out her fear of storms.

When I ask her to stay she gives me that long look again. I can feel her warm skin brush up against my arm. If only she'd take my hand or hug me. The tension becomes almost unbarable. This girl is messing with me, maybe she's not that great for my sanity after all. She's way too hot to sit so close to and not touch her.

Suddenly her hand is on my cheek, touching it gently, making my face turn into it. That touch!
But then she tells me that she'll come back. I'm convinced she'll drop her hand and walk away but instead her face comes closer and she lets her lips touch mine. To feel those full, soft lips on mine is electrifying, even if it just lasts a second. The feeling lingers on my lips as I watch her walk away in awe.
She kissed me. Kalina kissed me! I want to jump up and scream for joy because I've been waiting for this and hoping so much she'd do it.
Kalina seems shocked by her own action and apologizes, which makes me capture her hand again and shake my head. "No, no, don't be sorry!"
Without as much as a warning I pull her back, reach my arm around her and look deep into her eyes while the tiny bit of wetness is still fresh on my lips.
"May I?" I ask and then tilt my head to the side and come closer slowly so she has a chance to move away if she wishes.
Closing my eyes I softly press my lips against hers, taste them and then suck gently. There's no tongue involved, yet it's filled with passion and hope. Hope that she'll enjoy my kiss.

[*]

You keep my sanity. The words buzz through Kalina's mind over and over again. Even with the jokes about the wheelchair, his words are lost to her, still repeating what she heard moments ago. The butterflies in her stomach grew, with each passing moment she sat beside of him. She wanted to brush her arm up against him, but didn't.

Then Kalina did something out of the ordinary. Something she had never really experienced before with a man. Of course, there was schoolgirl crushes she felt and experienced. Girl talk with her friends in her younger years, but this was totally new territory. This all was a very new and real situation that she hoped her inexperience with wouldn't turn him away. She had reached for his face, her eyes lingered on him before she let her lips softly touch his if only for a moment. What a moment, though! Her heart fluttered out of control and as she pulled away, mumbling something about shopping, did a return effect happen.

No. No, don't be sorry!

She looked at him earnestly, her eyes desperately searching his for a the reasoning why he said that. Was it okay? Did she mess up? Was her actions premature in the thought that he would react opposite than she had hoped? He didn't. Instead, he reached for her hand again and this time, he used that leverage of her hand to pull her back into him, this time, his arm went around her. Goosebumps rose on her arms at the intimate touch and then his eyes again. His eyes! They seemed to devour her slowly. He asked to kiss her. She was stunned that this was happening and she gave off a smile before he tilted his head. She closed her eyes and accepted the fate of the two's intimate moment.

He initiated the contact this time, his lips touched against her and the movements that he suddenly gave off. She brought her hand up once again, brushing the side of his face. Instincts taking place for her when she never knew why. Her hand, exploring his face then moving to the back of his neck as the kiss never broke off. How long did she let it go on? HEr body exploded into new sensations with just this simple kiss between her and him. Her mind was flooding with thoughts of him and her. About their future. If they were to get together. If this was going to be the start of something amazing?

She pulled away, slowly, letting her lips linger for as long as she could before a smile crept onto her face. She stayed in his arms, finally getting that touch she had wanted from him. Getting the connection much bigger than just a comforting hug. This time, it was more than that. He felt the same way as her about the two of them. She let her forehead touch his, their noses brushing up against each other.

"I think... I should go to the market now?" Her breath shallow. She was sure he could hear her beating heart.

[Jack Lexington]

Instead of pulling back Kalina enjoys the kiss, which probably lasts a little longer than she anticipated. I can't help it though. I've been hoping for this so much that I have to jump on the train once it comes by and oh my, does that train ever taste good.
Licking my lips once we part I smirk at her and let out foreheads and noses touch. It feels so great to be this close to her. I can feel her soft silky skin on mine, I could swear I can even hear her heartbeat and it's fast!

Kalina says something about going to the market but I just grin like a fool. The last thing i want her to do is go to the market now but what can I say? I'm a goner. Kalina can do whatever she wants with me and I'll still be grinning.
"You don't have to..." I state but have a feeling my kiss might have overwhelmed her so I let her go to straighten her head out.

Once she's out the door I raise both hands in the air cheering for my own victory. "Yes!" The girl is mine! It's not a victory over anybody else, just my own inhibitions and maybe hers as well. I was really hoping we'd take that step and she doesn't just see me as her charity case but since she kissed me I doubt that's the case.
I even get up to do a little awkward dance because I'm way to excited to sit still now.

From the window I look down to see her cross the street and walk away so I push it open and wave down. "Hurry up."
A gust of wind blows some leaves from the tree in front of my window and reminds me how cold it is outside. The summer is about to end and fall will blow all those leaves off the tree.
With it work will slow down until it's almost non existent in the winter time. Maybe it is a good idea to look for a different job for a while.

[*]

The kiss seemed to linger and with it, her joy. Even when they parted, his smirk made her a little self conscious. Her mind playing with scenarios's shes always heard. Was her kissing good? Did she do it right? Did her hand move the right way across his skin? As they stayed close those few moments, their noses touching and her questioning statement, he denies wanting her to leave.

You don't have to... He left it open, but Kalina knew if she didn't get her head cleared out, she would explode with joy and probably do something stupid. Her mind was racing along with her heart. Could he hear it? Feel it? They were so close to each other, there was no way he couldn't. His grin plays out so much for her, that she returns it with her own small cheeky grin. "If I don't... how will you have food to prepare for lunch?"

Her voice was ever soft, her hot breath lingering still from their kiss. She contemplated what it would feel like the second time, but as before, if she didn't leave, she wouldn't be able to think straight. She moved slowly away from him, breaking the skin to skin contact of their faces, then his arm as she stood up from the couch. Her eyes taking in his body before she caught herself. "I'll be back, Tyler."

She took a picture in her mind of him sitting there on the couch. Completely grinning like a fool after their first kiss and intimate encounter. She reached for the doorknob, turning it slowly and exited. She closed the door and walked briskly to the stairs, halting before reaching the second set and leaned against the wall. Her hand going to her mouth, to trace where his lips had been. Where he passionately kissed her and closed her eyes grinning. Then she floated down the next set of stairs and through the front door. She made it across the road before she heard a voice call out and she turned to see him staring after her through the window. Hurry up

She turned her head into her shoulder and kept walking, a smile plastered on her face that wouldn't break with the force of a wrecking ball. She walked into town, gathering a few items to take back with her to his place. What would happen next? What would happen this time when she went back. Would it feel awkward around him, knowing that they've already kissed? The brisk air around her made her glad she wore a light jacket this day. She pulled the sleeves down yet again, trying to cover up the bandage on her arm.

She collected a few vegitables and potatoes, along with a bottle of cream. Her plans to make him her creation of a creamy stew. She collected a few herbs and exchanged the money for the groceries. She thought about him sitting back at his apartment. How he used the words 'hurry' to make sure that she wouldn't be gone too long. Was it the need for a meal... or her company? She had to go with her second guess as she left to return to Tyler.

Entering the house, she closed the door behind her and when she turned back to head down the hallway, the grumpy man stood in his doorway. His leg propped up against the door frame. A scowl present on his face as Kalina held the bag in arms. She tightened her grip a bit, and put on a strong face as she kept her eyes straight ahead of her. He folded his arms up as she passed and just barely passed him, he spoke.

"Don't tell me I'm going to have to see your face around here, too. Little girls need to stay home. Not hanging out with cripples." His voice comes across with venom, but Kalina doesn't react. She just takes the stairs quickly until she gets up to Tyler's door and knocks on it. "Tyler, it's me. Kalina." She waited for the door to open, all the while she clutched at the bag, hoping it wouldn't fall. It wasn't bulky, but rather just a little heavy. The items she had gotten would last him a few days, she hoped. She thought it best not to say anything to Tyler about his neighbor. It wasn't the time. Right now, she wanted to see what the moments apart had in store for her and Tyler.

[Jack Lexington]

I'm on cloud number nine for the next while until Kalina returns. Why did I even bother about the last girl I was with? Why did I get in a fight over her ruining my knee maybe for good? I guess I liked her but it was also my damn pride. I simply didn't want to share. I would have if I had known Kalina back then. She's a real looker and she likes me back just as much as I like her I can tell. She comes around and makes sure I'm not going crazy while the other girl didn't come to see me once. Why am i even thinking about her? Kalina is so much better.
I muse about her dark eyes, the silky skin, brown wavy hair, her smile and that kiss!

By the time she comes back I'm practically drooling but when I open the door I can see that she's not all that happy. the reason is standing on the bottom of the stairs hollering something rude again.
"Shut up!" I holler back and step aside so she can enter. This time I'm not going to let him talk like that to her though, so I step outside and position myself on top of the stairs.
"If you don't behave the way you should around my girlfriend I'm going to put you in your place, old man!" The treat's out and with it the fact that I want her to be my girlfriend. Maybe I've gotten a little ahead of myself but I want her and him to know how important she is to me.
Instead of letting him come up to her again I slowly descend the stairs ready to defend our peace if I have to.

OOC: Sorry it's short

[*]

As much as Kalina had tried not to look upset because of Tyler's neighbor, she noticed his reaction to her facial expression and the insults flying back up the stairs. He moved out of the doorway for her to enter, while shouting for him to shut up. She flinched and took to the safety inside of his apartment. She went over to put the bag down on the table.

"Tyler... I have a feeling... " She turned around to see he was gone. Her heart dropped. Did he come up after all? Did his neighbor do something to him? Kalina rushed to the door, yelling out his name. "Tyler? Tyler!"

She spotted his body at the top of the stairs. She barely takes a step outside of the door when he yells back down something that caught her off guard more than the kiss. He called her, his girlfriend. So, what did that mean? That because of the kiss, that automatically meant they were an item? Could he just be saying that or did he honestly think that? Kalina's body froze for a moment, trying to collect the new information. Was he considering her to be his girlfriend in this manner, in sorts of asking her? Telling the world that she was special to him? The idea began to sink in now. Hoping that it wasn't just a ploy to toy with her heart. Did he really mean what he just said?

Before she knew what had happened, he began to make his way down the stairs. She followed quickly, taking the stairs with ease. She halted in front of Tyler, placing her hands on his chest, her arms flat against his stomach. She was close to him within a matter of inches. She had her back facing the neighbor man. She looked desperately into Tyler's eyes. "Please Tyler... it's okay. He is just a pain..." She said to him so that only he could hear. The old man chuckled and began to clap.

"Awww. Such a sweet little girl to the rescue. You better protect the cripple, little girl." Kalina turned around, shooting him an awful glare. One that had him turning a bright red. One that had him glaring at her with hatred. She had unknowingly waved a red flag in front of the bull. Kalina turned her gaze back to Tyler, pleading with him to go with her. She reached for his hand. She wasn't prepared to see his angry side, when she just got to see his intimate one. If only his neighbor man would have stayed out of it. Everything would have been perfect. They would be inside his apartment. She would be creating a soup for him to enjoy. They would be talking and perhaps another kiss would have occured.

Instead, She stood between the stairs that lead to the awful man and Tyler. The thougths of the word boyfriend playing in her mind. Would she be doing this for any guy? No. Wouldn't she just let them fight and stay out of it? No. She cared for Tyler. She didn't want to see him get hurt. So, she was showing her need for him to be safe. To remain, unharmed. Caring for someone she wanted dearly to be something more to her as well.