Edited: 5.31.15-6.21.15

Original: 1936 words

Edited: 4064 words

Oh Boy Double Trouble

Chapter One

"Tell me you aren't serious. Why would you move all the way out there? There's nothing there for you!" demands the brunette woman standing in front of me.

Sighing, I grab my last few bags, the rest of my things already packed away. Slowly, I turn around and look at her. "I am serious. Why would I tell you and leave if I wasn't."

She looks at me furious, her mind clearly trying to figure out how to get me to stay. "Why there? You have no family or friends there? Everyone you know is here. This is where you belong."

Where I belong? Now that is a new one. "You're right, I don't' know anyone there but you know what, that's fine by me. By the way, I don't belong here. There's nothing to do here like there is in California. I never talk to my family and friends here anyway so why does it matter. As for belonging here, maybe you belong here but I don't. I want something exciting, a new scene and California sounds like the best place to go for that."

The woman in front of me stands there at a loss what to say. Her chocolate hair falls down her shoulders in soft curly waves like a waterfall. Her tan skin tightens as her body tenses with the sudden stress of me leaving. But her eyes, hazel eyes are filled with hurt and anger as well as confusion.

We've been best friends since middle school having met on a band trip even though we were in band and several other classes together. It was only then that we finally noticed each other. From then, we were inseparable. Heck, we even went to the same college and majored in the same field together.

However, on graduation day when I graduated with two majors instead of one like her, she was just as furious as she is now. I remember after graduating, she waited until we returned to our dorms and chewed me out stating it was stupid for me to double major when I was only going to be using one. Then she went on about how I should have told her and how apparently I can't trust her or anything.

Eventually she calmed down and peace was restored. When we left college, the two of us got an apartment together where we split everything even. We both scored a job working for a business company as accountants together. I still don't understand how that happened but hey, whatever works.

"Fine, but why the hell didn't you tell me? I could have at least gone with you!"

Walking toward the door, I stop before turning to look at her one last time. I stare at her, tired of her going on about how she could have packed and be leaving with me now had I told her before. Doesn't she know at some point in our lives we are going have to separate and go our own ways? Now seems like the perfect opportunity to do so.

"Do me a favor and stop trying to control my life. I'm sick and tired of it-"

She snaps, yelling at me now. "I'm not trying to control your life! I'm trying to get you to see the logic in this! There's nothing out there for you! What happens if you get raped or even killed? What happens if there's an earthquake?"

I think my eyebrow is twitching. Is it twitching because it sure feels like it?

Growling in frustration, I tell her, "I can't worry about any of that! If I get raped or killed, then that's it. It could happen to me even here so why does it matter if it happens out there? As for earthquakes and any other natural disasters, those are everywhere and out of our control. We can't pretend that it won't happen to us because one day it will and when it happens, there's nothing we can do to stop it. But I will tell you what I do have out there. I have the opportunity to see new things and meet new people. I have a life waiting out there for me without you and your controlling ways. I can't live a life where you are controlling everything even if it's the little things or how you question me until I do as you want. You see, it's my life not yours. I can do what I want and I will. I hate to leave like this but I am so goodbye."

And just like that, I walk out of the house with what strength I can muster up. I could have said screw it, I'll stay just to please her and suffer at my end. However, I know the stress of living there would eventually drive me to the point of death somehow.

Swallowing hard, I take the stairs down to the ground level and walk toward my car. I hate leaving like this. I hate how I lied a few weeks ago about my mother and me just taking a week vacation out to California when in reality I was going out there for an interview. Had I told my roommate that, she would have done everything she could to stop me or come with to make sure she got a job there too.

Opening the trunk of my car, I place the last heavy bags in it and slam the top down. I look up at the apartment to find the door shut. What am I doing? Oh that's right; I'm doing something for myself for once.

On that note, I get behind the wheel and start up the engine. Leaving the parking space, I head toward the sunset and leave. It's ironic that I'm driving into the sunset but then again, I'll still at least have a few hours left and I did wait until my friend got back from work so I could say goodbye even though it turned out badly but it was better than leaving a note saying goodbye, I'm off to start my life over again.

~3 Years Later~

Numbers. Numbers. More numbers. All I'm seeing are numbers. When will they end?

"Arisa?"

At the sound of my name, I look up from my bookwork. You might be wondering what I am doing with numbers and bookwork. Well I'll tell you one thing, it's not schoolwork for sure. I've been an accountant for quite some time now and all I ever see are numbers which is usual for someone in the accounting field.

The woman standing there looks down at me considering the fact I'm sitting. "Girly, you need to go home. You've done more than enough work and it's already dark out.

True to her words, I look outside to find the sun has already set. I wonder when that happened; usually I'm out of here at sunset. But darn, I wanted to be home before dark, a good reason why I always left at sunset.

There's something about the dark that frightens me. Now don't get me wrong, I love my room being pitch dark when I'm asleep because I know what's there, plus a nightlight would keep me up all night. But when I'm out at night by myself, it shakes me to the core. Not knowing what's out there or what could happen to me easily without warning is scary.

"Do you want a ride home girly?" asks my boss Angelica.

Angelica is about twenty five years older than me if not older. She's a really beautiful woman with coal black hair and the perfect tan. She has this cool look with her hair up high wearing a loose white dress shirt tucked black pants that gives her this sophisticated look that makes everyone jealous. But I do know she has two full grown children who are in college, one who is engaged the other married.

Smiling at her offer, I begin collecting my papers and books. Turning around in my chair, I roll over to the filing cabinet behind me and put them there before standing. Stretching my muscles from sitting too long, I finally push the office chair in.

"Thanks Angelica, but I should be fine walking home. It's not that far."

The black haired woman smiles at me sweetly, "Alright girly. You take care of yourself you hear me. You're my best and only accountant I have."

Grabbing my jacket and purse off the coat rack, I slip the black jacket on. Pulling my keys out, Angelica and I exit my office so I can lock it up. Once that's done, I turn around to her, "I understand. I'll text you as soon as I get home."

The older woman smiles warmly at me, something I am very familiar with and feel appreciated. She makes me feel like I'm part of her family. Well she does consider me her daughter by another mother but you get the point.

Outside the store, the older woman watches as people pass by us. "I'll be waiting for that text. And Arisa, make sure to grab something to eat on your way home."

As if on cue, my stomach makes a grumbling noise. Embarrassed, I run a hand through my red locks feeling my face begin to burn up with what I can only assume as blushing. "That might be a good idea. I'll stop at the library-shoot! I meant store! The library wouldn't even be open at this time and they don't have food. Then again I probably could eat a book. Ah peanut butter, you know what I'm saying."

The woman looks amused. I tend to ramble and say things backwards or in opposites but she always understands what I'm trying to say. She shoos me away. A few feet away, I stop and turn around to stare at the store while she finishes locking up.

Smiling, I am so happy I made the decision to move here three years ago. I've been so happy since then. Apparently Angelica had just fired her last accountant for stealing money from the business and I was looking for a job. Apparently my mother and Angelica were good friends and still are thus why my mother brought me out here for an interview under the disguise of a mother daughter vacation. And since then, I've been working here at Angelica's clothing store, a place I have considered home.

Now this clothing store isn't like any other store that one might find in a mall. Everything here is designer made thus very expensive. Although it is expensive and designer made, the material is better made and sturdier. And let me tell you something, the material is some of the best stuff. Since I work there, I basically get a huge discount on anything. When I mean discount, I'm talking about my boss letting me pick out something once in a while when they get an overstock of an order in. Or there's the times when she has me dress up in one of the new styles. She'd have me outside walking around bringing in customers. And the plus side is I get to keep the outfits she has me walking around in.

Smiling, I turn around and begin walking down the street remembering I need to stop at the grocery store. If I'm correct, I don't have anything to really eat unless you count a rotten banana in the freezer and half a can of Pringles.

As I walk on the streets, I become aware of my surroundings. One thing I hate about living in the city is the dark alleys between the towering buildings. They always put me on edge, especially when night falls. They're scary due to the fact that anyone can be hiding there thus another reason why the dark frightens me.

Coming up to a crosswalk, I sigh in relief seeing the store across the street. I wait patiently for the light to change and for the sign to inform me when to make my way across quickly. It's part of living in a city. It takes a lot of getting used to but after a while, one can find it quite enjoyable especially when you can walk everywhere and spend less money on gas.

Crossing the street, I push open the doors to my favorite corner grocery store. It has everything I would ever need food wise. Next door is a "Bath, Body, and Beyond" store. I love shopping there; so many nice smelling soaps and perfumes. Maybe I'll stop there just to look around when I'm done here.

Enough of this rambling coming from my mouth! Well thought process that is. I'm here on a mission and the mission is food! Yes food! It's that delicious substance that can be cooked to make so many fabulous dishes that we consume so we may continue to live our lives to the fullest.

With a simple grocery basket hanging from the crook of my arm, I begin walking around the store tossing items into the basket. No, I'm not literally throwing random cans or boxes of food into the basket. I'm actually selecting things, debating whether I really need it now or later.

Turns out I don't get much of anything. I have a box of cereal, a carton of milk, some fresh cheese since my last little bit turned blue and grew fuzz. Then I have some fixings to make BLT sandwiches or even hamburgers. Mmmm, I can't wait till I get home to cook dinner.

Having everything I need for a few meals, I head on up to the front desk. However, as I am turning a corner, I run smack dab into someone, someone's chest that is.

"Sorry," says a man at the same time as I do.

The man in front of me is just over six feet tall thus why I must crane my neck back to look up at him. He has blonde hair like those surfer guys have because they're outside surfing in the sun so much it turned blonde. Man, he looks like he could be a model with his perfect skin and looks. I wonder if he is. That would be totally cool!

The guy walks away as if he's searching for something which he probably is. I stand there watching him walk down an aisle taking in his looks. Hey, don't judge me. It's not my fault that the guy is good looking. After a minute or so, I finish my walk up to the front to check out.

As the cashier scans my items, a strange figure walks in. He's wearing all black and baggy clothing. To me he seems weird. Usually those are the type of guys who are nothing but trouble but I also know there are a few guys like that who aren't trouble. You see people and categorize them just like I did now without truly meeting they thus don't judge a book by its cover.

"That will be $45.73 miss." Snapping out of my thoughts, I turn around and smile at the man. Pulling out a debit card, I swipe it and enter the information needed. Tucking it away, I grab my bags and accept the receipt from the older man. I hate seeing elders working when they should be home enjoying retirement but they don't have enough money so they have to work.

As I take a step forward, the echoes of a gun going off reaches our ears. The old man registers the sound before I can react and tugs me behind his cash register. I stand there ducking with the man wondering what is going on. Out of all this time I've been here, I've never once experienced a robbery or any type of shooting.

"Miss, do you have a phone?" I nod my head. "Good, call 911?"

Digging around in my purse I pull out my smart phone and fumble with it for a bit. Soon I have 911 dialed and the phone held up to my ear.

"911, what is your emergency?"

Peeking around the cash register, I find the man I dubbed weird earlier walking down an aisle. He's yelling at people to literally shut up and stay down.

Not wanting to be caught or even shot, I tell the woman, "I'm at Greg's Grocery store in San Francisco. There's a man shooting in the store. I don't have details about someone being hurt or not."

"Hold on ma'am, help is on the way."

With quick quiet thanks, I hang up not caring whether or not she wanted me to keep her posted. I heard what I needed to know; help is on the way. Heck, even though help is on the way, I'm not going to stay here giving the woman playback by playback.

Putting my phone back in my purse, I leave my groceries with the man, I slowly inch my way around so I am positioned at the corner of an aisle. Peeking around it, I see a familiar patch of bleach blonde hair; it's the surfer model guy! Wait a moment; what is he doing? Why in the world is he walking toward the guy holding the gun?

The guy I've dubbed "weird guy" because I can't figure out what else to call him, shakily holds his gun up so it's aimed at the model surfer guy. Man I really need to come up with better nicknames for people, I'm so terrible at it. And there I go again off topic.

"S-stop right there or-r I'll s-shoot-t!"

Surfer guy continues to walk toward the weird guy with a gun. Has he lost his mind! Now that I actually look at him, the surfer model guy does look pretty sane and has this determined look on his face. And now he's stopped directly in front of the weird man about twenty feet away, give or take.

In a stern cold voice, the surfer model dude, (yes I said dude), tells the man, "Put the gun down." And there he goes again, taking a daring step forward toward an armed man. I wonder if he's secretly an officer with a bullet proof vest on underneath his shirt but then again, that is highly unlikely.

The weird guy gets defensive, his entire body still shaking but not so much anymore. No, he's more determined now, angry that Mr. Surfer Model Dude will not listen to him. "I said stop walking!" And as the sound of sirens coming closer, the weird guy's hands begin to tremble worse than before.

Of course Mr. Dreamy over there is not going to listen. I sure hope he has a bullet proof vest on even though I know there's not much of a chance he does. And with that, he takes a few steps forward, "Put the gun down-"

"I said stop!"

The next thing I hear is the sound of a bullet flying through the air and hitting the man in the chest. Everything seems to go in slow motion as all I can hear is the ringing sound of a bullet. The surfer model guy merely looks down at where he was shot, touches it to find blood before he begins to fall backwards as gravity takes over.

As the surfer model guy kisses the ground, police officers storm through the front doors of the store and tackle the weird guy. He looked shocked and unsure what he just did even as the officers knock him to the ground and cuff him.

Seeing a safe opening, I take that chance and race over to the model guy. There's so much blood pooling around him! Oh my gosh! Knowing there's not much time; I rip my scarf off of my neck and press down on the wound praying it will slow down the bleeding. I'm not sure if it will help especially if the bullet went clean through but I have to do what I can as long as it saves his life.

An officer comes over to check on the guy but at the sight of so much blood, he pulls out a radio requesting an ambulance immediately. After that, things go by in a blur. An ambulance races toward the store followed by paramedics running toward us with a stretcher. I back away as they take over and putting Mr. Dreamy guy on the stretcher. Heck, I even walk outside and watch as they load him onto the back of the ambulance.

Deciding it's time for me to go since I basically just saved that guys life or I assume I did, I turn around and pick up my purse. However, someone comes running up to me.

"Ma'am!"

Turning around, I find one of the paramedics running toward me. He stops in front of me not even breathing hard as if he runs a marathon every day which he kind of does with his job by saving people. "We need you to come with us. The man clearly knows you so we're assuming you're his girlfriend."

Girlfriend? I don't even know this guy and I'm now his girlfriend. Oh boy. Not wanting to argue knowing they needed to rush him to the hospital, I nod my head before following the man and jumping into the ambulance. Once the door is locked, the other paramedic hits the sirens and flies us down the streets. All I can do is stare at the man now hooked to an IV with blood bleeding through the bandage that was wrapped over the bullet wound.

Soon the hospital comes into view. The paramedics rush the surfer model guy through the ER doors and hand him over to nurses and doctors. I watch as he is steered through another set of doors with one of the doctors exclaiming surgery needs to be done immediately. I guess all I can do is sit and wait even though it may be quite some time.

A soft voice breaks me from my line of thoughts. "Excuse me ma'am, but you just came with that ambulance that brought in the patient heading to surgery correct?"

I look over at the nurse to find her wearing pink scrubs and her dirty blonde hair up in a ponytail. She's a really pretty woman that kind of makes me ashamed of my appearance. Okay let's have none of that! I'm just as pretty too in my own unique awesome way!

"Um… yes…What do I do now?"

She smiles sweetly at me, "First off, it would be a good idea to change. You're scaring some of the kids waiting here."

At that, I look down at my clothes to find dry blood all over it as well as my hands. I wonder how I never noticed that. I have sensitive skin and usually able to detect when something is on my skin. Then I look up and spot a few children hiding behind their mother in the waiting room.

Biting my lip, I nod my head, "That might be a good idea."

"Do you want to borrow something or do you need someone to drive you home to change?" asks the kind nurse.

Not even giving it a second thought, I answer, "I'll borrow something for now. I can call someone to bring me something else to wear but for now I really don't want to scar those children any more than they already are."

And that's how I end up wearing a pair of hospital white scrubs while sitting in the waiting room. I've had a few nurses in the past hour already stop and ask why I'm not working only to apologize when they find out I'm not a nurse. Either way, the surfer model guy still hasn't come out of surgery or I just haven't been informed yet.

Sighing, I know I need to contact my boss if not soon. But the fact that I'm still here grounds me considering the fact that I don't know this guy. I'm not sure why I'm here even though I don't know him but I'm sitting here waiting for good news. Leaning back into my chair, I finally pull out my phone and make that call.

Sorry it took so long to edit this but dang, this was a challenge in itself. However, I am very proud of this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed the reedited chapter.

Please leave me a review of what you thought! I love hearing from ya'll! Oh dang, there goes my southern accent lol

~Kit~