Caution: Cancer Hazard

[Christopher Blake]

Chris paced his small room, going through drawers and opening his closest. He hated having to choose what to wear. It was always so difficult and trying. It wasn’t overly warm out. It was a bit chilly actually. Finally he pulled down a pair of tightly fitting light coloured jeans. Pulled those on (after changing his undergarments) he took of his yellow night shirt. Shifting through the closet he pulled out a white dress shirt that he buttoned up quickly, throwing on a green wide necked long sleeved sweater that fit snuggly. He looked himself in the mirror and smiled hugging himself. He loved this jumper. It was one of his favourite pieces of clothing that he owned. And it made him feel secure. Running a hand through his hair, Chris stepped out of his room, grabbing a basket that was filled to the top with clothes, sitting in another plastic basket.

“I’ll see you in a couple hours Adrian,” he called over his shoulder as he exited the old apartment backwards. And now to his destination. The Laundromat in downtown Faer. Cool air hit Chris as he stepped out from the apartment building, feeling warm sun on his face at the same time. The feeling sent a shiver down his back. He glanced at a man standing by the doors of the building who was looking at him questioningly before heading in his desired direction.

------

Chris glanced over the top of the book he was reading to look at the machines that were working away not too far from him. About an hour or so ago he’d deposited half of his clothes into a free washer, then moved it into a dryer loading the other unclean clothes back into the same washer. He’d already folded the dry clean clothes and it sat quite nicely in the basket he’d brought it in. He’d brought along his current book, one that was most interesting and keeping him occupied for the time being. He was sitting in the plastic chairs provided which were slightly uncomfortable, but he had managed to make them comfortable by sitting across them, legs up on the next seat drawn up as close as he could get them to his body.

There was a strange musty smell that had been there for as long as Chris had been coming to the Laundromat. He had yet to discover what the smell was exactly, but he had a feeling he didn’t want to know. Of course, along with the strange smell were all the regulars. An elderly woman whom he regularly talked to was not too far away from where he sat. She was frail and her hands shook so much it was saddening watching her try to put her coins in the machine. Chris of course, helped her whenever he was there, folding her clothes for her and keeping her company. He’d come to learn her name as well. She was a sweet lady and he truly enjoyed talking with her and listening to her latest story of the good ol’ days. He could see her now, trying to help a girl (Chris presumed it was the woman’s granddaughter) fold the clothes. The girl snapped at her and told her to go sit down quite rudely. All Chris could do was shake his head and feel sorry for poor old Susan. Might that girl be the same that Susan had praised every time he’d spoken with her?

Apart from this woman was another, much younger lady whose hair seemed to have a mind of its own. It reminded him of Medusa. She was brisk and seemed to think herself more important than everyone else in the Laundromat. Chris had never spoken to her, nor did he intend on ever speaking to her. He was quite fine just keeping company with his book and Susan.

There were many other Chris saw often, but he knew nothing of their lives or whom they were. Today though, there was a new man. He seemed to be having difficulty with his laundry. Sorting out the whites and colour and when to use bleach and how much detergent to use. Chris couldn’t help but smile. He had had to learn how to do the laundry on his own. Back when he lived with his father, he’d had to do the cleaning and washing if he didn’t want to live in a pigsty. And so after numerous experiments with amounts of detergent, Chris had finally managed to learn how to do the laundry properly.

A buzzing snapped Chris from his thoughts and he looked up to see that his clothes were done their washing. He stretched his arms out over his head before standing and taking out his clothes, dumping them into the dryer. He inserted the proper amount of change (also his last bit of change since Adrian had given him exactly the amount he needed for two loads) and pushed the slot.

Who’s Adrian, you ask? Only Chris’ savior. She was his roommate and closest thing to a family. They were an odd pair. Adrian was much more independent than Chris was. She was a strong woman who could, if she put her mind to it, accomplish great. Unfortunately, she was a hard drinker and was also stuck in the same world Chris was. Being Adrian’s roommate was difficult at first, their personalities clashing horribly. Though they became close quickly and both grew to depend on the other. Chris kept the place in order, and Adrian, well, she kept the boy sane. She was harshly blunt and didn’t care at all what others said. About her that is. To Chris she had become a sort of protective mother or sister. She also handled their money, giving Chris only the amount he needed, and making sure they had enough for rent and other such things. Some nights were horrible living with the woman however. Coming home drunk and sick to her stomach Chris would be there to help her through the night, sitting by her on the bathroom floor. Despite all the little bad parts, Adrian was an amazing person, someone Chris had grown to love.

Oh and there was the oh so familiar clinking sound. Chris turned the dials on the machine making sure they were set properly for what he wanted, he hit start. There was a rumbling that came from the dryer, but it didn’t start. He pushed the slot once more, getting no results. He frowned and began pushing the slot numerous times now getting frustrated with the darn thing. It had worked minutes ago for his last load, so why not now? Finally, he kicked the dryer in a last attempt, but only heard a sort of dying fizz. So, he was stuck with a load of wet laundry and no change to dry it in another dryer. Great. Simply superb.

He stood in front of the machine, doing the only thing that was left in his power. Scrunching up his face, Chris glaring at the machine and thought horrible unfortunate things upon the dryer. Throwing in some inventive curses as he did so. His arms were folded across his chest as he tried to make himself look threatening and mean. That dryer was probably shaking in its socks. If it had feet for socks to be on.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

It always ended like this. Sophie didn't even know why she bothered trying any more. It always ended the same! It was as if he could read her mind. Could he really see through her eyes and get inside her head to know that he next move was obviously going to be scissors. Or maybe it was because she always used scissors. Either way, Julio always won at the classic game of rock, paper, scissors! Thus, leaving her to do the laundry.

She carried two large shopping bags. One with her clothing in it and the other with her brothers'. She stopped at the door, looking at it curiously. The handle read 'PULL'. It always read pull. That was just the way it was. It had to be like that, just to annoy her.

She fumbled with the bags, shifting the one into her right hand, so that she had a free hand to open the door. Sophie pulled open the door, placing her foot next to it so that it didn't close on her when she tried to step inside.

Her shoulders bent over from exhaustion for a moment while she breathed. Standing back up straight she walked over to the washing machines and started unloading the clothing into them. She took up three washers.

After she had finally finished throwing in the required amounts of soaps she walked over to the chairs and sat down. She saw a guy not far off having difficulties with the dryer.

She looked him over a few times, for he seemed familiar. But where had she seen him before. Surely she'd seen him just the other day. Or maybe even this morning. She smiled to herself, of course she'd seen him this morning. Here she was right near him.

She stood up and took a few steps so that she was next to him.
"Hello, " she greeted with a friendly smile, looking up at him. A picture of a light bulb flashed in her head. Of course! He was her neighbor! That's how she knew him! How could she have forgotten, "Christopher, right?" she questioned, "Having troubles? I always did with this one too. Sometimes it just wants to give up and quit on you." she looked at the knobs on the machine, "But frowning at it won't make it better. You'll just hurt it's feelings," she warned him, "Here, if you just knock lightly on the top and then turn this dial slightly past where you want it to go..like this...then it should work." she said, doing the actions as she spoke. No sooner had she said 'it should work' then the machine began humming and the clothes tumbling around in the dryer.
"There we go!" she chirped, "Easy peasy!"

[Christopher Blake]

Chris stared in awe at the girl before her, swiftly explaining how to properly work the evil dryer. She seemed so at ease, and friendly. Talking to him like she’d known him for years. His arms soon un crossed from the position they were in and hung by his side. He nervously fingered the hem of his sweater and self consciously found himself tucking a strand of his hair behind his ear.

"But frowning at it won't make it better. You'll just hurt it's feelings. Here, if you just knock lightly on the top and then turn this dial slightly past where you want it to go..like this...then it should work. There we go! Easy peasy!"

It was like the machine had never died. It was running smoothly, the clothes tumbling merrily inside. Chris’ eyes shifted from the dryer to the girl and then back again until they once more landed on the girl. All uncertainty gone, he smiled brightly.

“You don’t know how grateful I am! How did you do that! I mean, I know you explained it but I wasn’t really listening because, you know, normally people I don’t know don’t walk up to me and start talking to me unless they want…well…anyway,” he said shaking his head. “Yes my name is Christopher. But please just call me Chris, uh, wait I know you’re name…just…wait a sec, I know I know it. You’re my neighbor, and I see you all the time. It starts with a T, no wait, an R. No, no, no it’s an S! Sssandra! No…Samantha! Ugh no, that’s not right. I’m sorry. I’m a horrible person. Here you come being all nice to me and helping me and you know my name and I can’t even remember your name and I’m probably ruining any chance at getting a friend because I don’t pay enough attention! And now I’m probably freaking you out! Ugh!”

With a frustrated sigh Chris sat down in the plastic orange chair, looking up at the girl whose name he just couldn’t remember with a defeated look. “I’m sorry. I really am. I mean I know who you are sort of, I see you almost everyday. Not that I watch you or anything, I mean, I’m not a stalker, I don’t even like girls, I mean I like them just not like like them, not that you needed or wanted to know that. But I mean, thank you for your help even if I’m a lousy horrible stupid person that doesn’t even know their neighbor’s name.”

God Chris, just shut-up. You’re better off just not talking. You’re just digging yourself into a bigger hole, came the words of his conscious. Ah, he’s right, he thought with an inwards sigh. Why even bother talking to other people. I mean sure, the elderly were easy to talk to because they did most of the talking, and it was usually about the good ol’ days, but anyone remotely around his age, well, he just couldn’t find a way to socialize with them. He tried, really he did, but he always got odd looks and whispers. He tripped over his words and couldn’t find a way to start some sort of decent conversation.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

<sup>“You don’t know how grateful I am! How did you do that! I mean, I know you explained it but I wasn’t really listening because, you know, normally people I don’t know don’t walk up to me and start talking to me unless they want…well…anyway,” he said shaking his head. “Yes my name is Christopher. But please just call me Chris, uh, wait I know you’re name…just…wait a sec, I know I know it. You’re my neighbor, and I see you all the time. It starts with a T, no wait, an R. No, no, no it’s an S! Sssandra! No…Samantha! Ugh no, that’s not right. I’m sorry. I’m a horrible person. Here you come being all nice to me and helping me and you know my name and I can’t even remember your name and I’m probably ruining any chance at getting a friend because I don’t pay enough attention! And now I’m probably freaking you out! Ugh!”
Sophie laughed, a soft, cheerful giggle coming from her vocal chords. She covered her mouth with her hand, she didn’t want to be making fun of him, but some people were just too funny when deep in thought, or angry about something. She just couldn’t help but laugh. She lowered her head, trying to regain her soberness.

With a frustrated sigh Chris sat down in the plastic orange chair, looking up her. “I’m sorry. I really am. I mean I know who you are sort of, I see you almost everyday. Not that I watch you or anything, I mean, I’m not a stalker, I don’t even like girls, I mean I like them just not like like them, not that you needed or wanted to know that. But I mean, thank you for your help even if I’m a lousy horrible stupid person that doesn’t even know their neighbor’s name.”

Sophie frowned, crossing her arms. She was utterly appalled that he would say such low words about himself. She took a few steps towards him and stood there gazing down furiously at him.
“I would punch you in the face right now, but I’m in too good a mood to be doing that.” She began, taking a seat beside him, “Don’t say such bad things about yourself. You’re not a lousy horrible stupid person that doesn’t even know his neighbor’s name,” she told him, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s not your fault. I’m just anti-social. I spend all my time with my brother, because I have no life. I never socialize with any of my neighbors. I only know your name cause I heard somebody yell it once, and then you went running down the hall after the voice.” Her eyes hazed over as if she were seeing the scene play out again in her head, “It was very odd. Anyways…”

“I’m Sophie Mackerainien!” she said, holding out her hand with a toothy smile.</sup>

[/sup]

[Christopher Blake]

“I would punch you in the face right now, but I’m in too good a mood to be doing that. Don’t say such bad things about yourself. You’re not a lousy horrible stupid person that doesn’t even know his neighbor’s name. It’s not your fault. I’m just anti-social. I spend all my time with my brother, because I have no life. I never socialize with any of my neighbors. I only know your name cause I heard somebody yell it once, and then you went running down the hall after the voice. It was very odd. Anyways…I’m Sophie Mackerainien!” The girl said, hand extended.

Hesitantly, Chris took a hold of the girl’s hand and shook it, returning her big smile with a small one of his own. “Thanks, Sophie,” he said warmly. She was being so…nice. Acting so normal. “Well, you don’t seem anti-social to me. And if you didn’t have a life then you wouldn’t be talking to me know, fixing the dryer for me, and giving me shit,” he said ticking each word off on his fingers. “You seem very social to me. Are you sure you spend all your time with your brother only? Maybe that’s why you’re talking to me. Maybe you’re bored and tired of only having one person to talk to. Though, I really don’t believe that you don’t talk to other people. And I’m glad you didn’t punch me. Or will. Because punches in the face hurt, and that’s really no way to make friends,” he said pointedly looking up at her.

“You know, you look really tall from down here. I’m kind of worried that you’ll stomp on me actually,” he said with a grin. Chris patted the chair next to him, motioning for her to take a seat. Looking at her now, Chris recalled bits and pieces of information he’d gather over the years about all his neighbors. For example, he knew that Sophie lived with her brother. He’d never seen any form of parents and so assumed they had none or had moved out for their own reasons. He also knew for a fact that Sophie was younger than he, which to most people wouldn’t seem that way. He was about eth same height as she was, a whooping 5’5. How old exactly though, he wasn’t sure. And her brother, well, he had definitely not talked to him. The guy just seemed so…intimidating. Well, truthfully, most people seemed intimidating to him.

“So do you come often to the humbled Laundromat?” he asked watching as eth clothes before him spun in the machines. It was an odd sense of calm watching eth clothes spin, and listening to the sounds of the machinery. It was rhythmic, steady. Hypnotizing almost.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

<sup>Hesitantly, Chris took a hold of the girl’s hand and shook it with a small smile. “Thanks, Sophie,” he said warmly, “Well, you don’t seem anti-social to me. And if you didn’t have a life then you wouldn’t be talking to me now, fixing the dryer for me, and giving me shit,” he said ticking each word off on his fingers. “You seem very social to me. Are you sure you spend all your time with your brother only? Maybe that’s why you’re talking to me. Maybe you’re bored and tired of only having one person to talk to. Though, I really don’t believe that you don’t talk to other people. And I’m glad you didn’t punch me. Or will. Because punches in the face hurt, and that’s really no way to make friends,” he said pointedly looking up at her.

“You know, you look really tall from down here. I’m kind of worried that you’ll stomp on me actually,” he said with a grin. Chris patted the chair next to him, motioning for her to take a seat. She laughed at the nonsense that came out of his mouth. Did she seem that mean? Did he really think that she would stomp on him? She was only kidding about the whole punching him in the face thing.
Sophie patted him lightly on the shoulder as she took a seat beside him, “You don’t think I’d actually punch you, do you? Besides, I’m usually in a good mood. I’m a pretty happy person, though anti-social I may not truthfully be, I don’t really have friends. Not real friends. Not friends I can count on anyway. I guess there’s some I talk to in class, and others I wave to in the hall. But other than that, no friends.” She grinned, shrugging her shoulders and holding her hands up. But this was no smiling matter. Having no friends was not something she should be proud of.

“So do you come often to the humbled Laundromat?” he asked his eyes watching the spinning clothes in front of him, “Unfortunately, yes. I’ve used every single one of these washing machines at least a dozen times,” she laughed, “You see, my brother and I play rock paper scissors to decide who does our laundry. The loser, being the one who does the laundry, and the winner who..does…nothing. But, I lose ninety-nine point ninety-nine percent of the time. I’m the Laundry Queen of our house…er apartment…room, thing.” Her eyes drifted towards the ceiling, where there was a small piece of pink stuck to it. She chuckled to herself, for she remembered chewing the original hubba bubba gum on one fine summer day. Nobody else was in the Laundromat at the time. She was all along to climb around on the dryers and washing machines and mumble randomness to herself. But, hubba bubba gum, although it is mighty tasty, the flavour tends to lose itself after about three minutes of chewing. So she spat it out into her hand and threw it up to the ceiling.
It’s been there ever since.

“So how about you? You come to the wonderful, spectacularness of the Laundromat?” she inquired.</sup>

[/sup]

[Christopher Blake]

“You don’t think I’d actually punch you, do you? Besides, I’m usually in a good mood. I’m a pretty happy person, though anti-social I may not truthfully be, I don’t really have friends. Not real friends. Not friends I can count on anyway. I guess there’s some I talk to in class, and others I wave to in the hall. But other than that, no friends.”

A small sad smile crossed Chris' face before it was immediately replaced by another.

“Unfortunately, yes. I’ve used every single one of these washing machines at least a dozen times,” she laughed, “You see, my brother and I play rock paper scissors to decide who does our laundry. The loser, being the one who does the laundry, and the winner who..does…nothing. But, I lose ninety-nine point ninety-nine percent of the time. I’m the Laundry Queen of our house…er apartment…room, thing.”

"Well, you never really know with some people," he explained, "They could be your best friend one second, saying all sorts of wonderful things and then the next thing you know you've got bruises flowering. But that's besides the point. And I really don't think you would have punched me. You don't seem like that kind of person. But I am glad that you're in a good mood. If not, I well, I really rather not know what your reaction may be when in a bad mood," he said teasingly. "Then you may just rip my head off."

Chris brought his legs up, holding onto his knees with his hands, resting his chin atop them. His head was tilted so he was facing Sophie, his hair falling over the back.

"That's sad," he said simply. "That you don't have any real friends. That you don't have someone you can trust or depend on. But I guess you have your brother, right? So that should count for something. But...it is difficult to find someone you can campletely trust like that. I mean, you never really know what people's true inentions are, whether they're just using you or not."

That bit was unfortunately very true. He had learned the hard way not to trust people or believe what they were saying was sincere or not. It was a fact of life and although he had learned this, Chris found himself bing used over and over again, giving into people, trusting them, getting his hopes up only to be let down once again. But in a sense this cycle was comforting. He knew what to expect, when to expect it, and how to expect it. It was almost like he waited for these things to happen, because, it seemed that they would happen any way and resisting them or trying to push them away only made things ten times worse.

"Hmm let's see, because my roommate is as lazy as they come I'm dutifly in charge of laundry if I want clean clothes. Not that doing the laundry bothers me. I actually enjoy it," he said with a grin. "Its peacful here, well most of the time, and no one ever bothers you. Now as for the machines themselves, I've really only used a few. I tend to use the same ones over again, but today..." he said tariling off. Today he had had the genius idea of using a new dryer and lo and behold what had heppened.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

<sup>"Well, you never really know with some people," he explained, "They could be your best friend one second, saying all sorts of wonderful things and then the next thing you know you've got bruises flowering. But that's beside the point. And I really don't think you would have punched me. You don't seem like that kind of person. But I am glad that you're in a good mood. If not, I well, I really rather not know what your reaction may be when in a bad mood," he said teasingly. "Then you may just rip my head off."

Chris brought his legs up, holding onto his knees with his hands, resting his chin atop them. His head was tilted so he was facing her.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Though, the bruises flowering all over doesn’t really count for me. Unless you call them emotional bruises, perhaps. Yes, that could work.”

"That's sad," he said simply. "That you don't have any real friends. That you don't have someone you can trust or depend on. But I guess you have your brother, right? So that should count for something. But...it is difficult to find someone you can completely trust like that. I mean, you never really know what people's true intentions are, whether they're just using you or not." Sophie nodded slowly. It was true. All she really had was her brother. That was it. She didn’t even have parents anymore. But that mattered not. The blasted drug addicts they were.

"Hmm let's see, because my roommate is as lazy as they come I'm dutifly in charge of laundry if I want clean clothes. Not that doing the laundry bothers me. I actually enjoy it," he said with a grin and Sophie grinned, what type of person enjoyed doing laundry? "Its peacful here, well most of the time, and no one ever bothers you. Now as for the machines themselves, I've really only used a few. I tend to use the same ones over again, but today..." he said trailing off.

She shook her head, “I can see the peaceful part of doing laundry. But I can’t say I enjoy it. I think it’s a waste of time. It takes way too long. Though, if there’s nobody in the room it’s really nice to just sit down and listen to the hums of the machines. It’s soothing…” she looked to the ground and smiled, “I’d say I’m pretty well acquainted with all of these machines. I don’t usually have too many difficulties with them, though I know which ones to avoid.” She said looking up at the machine Chris was using for his laundry.</sup>

[/sup]

[Christopher Blake]

“I can see the peaceful part of doing laundry. But I can’t say I enjoy it. I think it’s a waste of time. It takes way too long. Though, if there’s nobody in the room it’s really nice to just sit down and listen to the hums of the machines. It’s soothing…” she looked to the ground and smiled, “I’d say I’m pretty well acquainted with all of these machines. I don’t usually have too many difficulties with them, though I know which ones to avoid.”

At that Chris chuckled lightly. She did seem like a pro when it came to laundry. Maybe it was a good idea to try new things out, learn how to work several things instead of just one. But change…it could sometimes be scary. And sometimes worse than the already daily routines.

“Unlike me,” he said with a grin. “I’m so incompetent when it comes to machinery or fixing things. I think it’s because I’m a quitter. If I can’t do something I just give up and let it overcome me. I’ve never been very assertive,” he admitted truthfully.

Looking over at Sophie he couldn’t help but smile. She was young, yes, but she seemed so mature. For all anyone else knew she could be older than he. She seemed so sad, had gone through so much already. Hardships and distressing scenarios all too son. Someone so innocent as she (or at least that’s how he saw her) shouldn’t have to go through that. It made him sad. Made him want to fix it. Somehow. Even if it was small.

With that thought in mind, Chris promptly stood from his sitting position, his hands hitting his thighs as he did so. He stood before the girl, a wide grin plastered on his face. Although it was cheery it had a sense of…mischievousness to it..

“Well, washing clothes takes a while, so what say we get out of jeer and grab something to eat? Maybe some ice cream? I just need to stop by the apartment quick and we can go get something delicious. What do ya say to that? I mean if you want to go of course. And if you don’t, well, I’m dragging you with me anyway. Can’t waste a beautiful like this indoors in some smelly Laundromat, right?” He took Sophie’s hands and promptly began o pull her up, urging her to agree to his offer. Besides, he was lonely for some company too, so it would all work out perfectly.

“Suuuusan,” he called over his shoulder still tugging on Sophie, “Could you pretty please wash our loads while we’re gone? I would really appreciate it,” he said smiling gratefully, knowing too well that she would gladly agree.

At first this whole thing was so this girl, Sophie would have a pleasant day, but now he was truly craving for ice cream and could already taste the amazing flavors. That was the one thing he hated about the cold dessert. Actually having to choose which flavor he would have. It didn’t help that there were so many to choose from! Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint, cookie dough, they were all so good! Now he was itching to get out of the Laundromat and to the apartment to get himself some money so as to buy the delicious treat. Now if only Sophie would agree that was. He couldn’t really drag her out. He really didn’t have the strength to do that sort of thing. He was a weakling, as Adrian said often. Heck, he couldn’t even get the lid off of some jars. And don’t even get me started with the can opener. It was always a war with that thing.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

<sup>“Unlike me,” he said with a grin. “I’m so incompetent when it comes to machinery or fixing things. I think it’s because I’m a quitter. If I can’t do something I just give up and let it overcome me. I’ve never been very assertive,” he admitted and it sounded like the truth. Or was he perhaps just trying to make her pity him? Somebody wouldn’t actually do that. Would they? What a silly thing to do. Lying was bad for you. It never ended well. Always ended in heartache and other sorts of pain.

Sophie smiled, “I’m usually pretty assertive. If I can’t do something I’ll get really frustrated and work even harder to get it done. Which is kind of silly, but oh well. I can’t help it. It’s like having a tick, where….you have to do it or else you’ll go crazy.”

The boy stood up beside her, his hands hitting his thighs as he did this. Then he was standing before her, a wide grin plastered on his face. Oh dear, she thought, Should I be afraid? She gave him a worried look, widening her eyes and raising a brow.

“Well, washing clothes takes a while, so what say we get out of jeer and grab something to eat? Maybe some ice cream? I just need to stop by the apartment quick and we can go get something delicious. What do ya say to that? I mean if you want to go of course. And if you don’t, well, I’m dragging you with me anyway. Can’t waste a beautiful day like this indoors in some smelly Laundromat, right?” He took Sophie’s hands and promptly began to pull her up. The suggestion took her by surprise, for she had never been asked by anyone to get something to eat. Her and Julio would go grocery shopping together, but that could hardly be called ‘getting something to eat’. That was more of a ‘Let’s go buy food so we don’t die.’ Trip. She allowed him to pull her up and she smiled lightly, “That sounds great Christopher! Hey, we should bring Julio along. I’m sure you’d love him. Well, he takes awhile to warm up to people sometimes. But he’s a real nice guy! I think he works himself to hard,” she said shaking her head, “Ever since we moved out on our own he’s been working a lot more than he used to. He needs to get out more.”

“Suuuusan,” he called over his shoulder still tugging on Sophie, “Could you pretty please wash our loads while we’re gone? I would really appreciate it,” he said smiling gratefully. Sophie looked around Chris’ shoulder to see a lady, who was supposedly named Susan, smiling. Wow, such nice people lived around here. How kind of her to do his laundry! I wish Julio was like that.</sup>

[/sup]

[Christopher Blake]

ARRIVE AT APARTMENTS::..
2:30PM
DUN DUN DUUUUUN!

The walk home had been interesting to say the least. The conversation between he and Sophie had ranged from several different things such as fruits to horse sex. Don’t ask, really, just…don’t. It was amazing what sorts of things could be brought up. Amazingly though, the whole time, Chris had…enjoyed it. He was having fun, laughing and smiling and joking around. It was almost too god to be true, but it was! Maybe he really was making a friend. Or at least a mutual friend.

And then they were at the apartment. It really wasn’t very amazing. If anything is was probably one of the worst kept apartments in the city. But, it wasn’t completely horrible. It had its good sides. Like, for example, the balconies were pretty nice. A little sketchy, but nice. The fire escapes were great too. Lots of fun to be had on those things. Great way to get out of the building too when one wanted to be alone.

The carpet was soft under Chris’ feet and made a sort of squeak sound every now and then. Doors were on either side of the pair, each having a large metal number on the front, as well as a peep hole. As he walked, Chris ran his hand across the wall on his left-hand side. He wasn’t sure why, but he always did this when going to his own apartment. It seemed like a sort of ritual now.

“Ah, there I am!” He said happily, now picking up his pace and beginning to trot towards his door. He stopped in front of a the door numbered nine, reaching out to turn the knob. It was unlocked, as was expected, revealing his home.

“Yoohoo, Adriaaaan,” he called peeking his head in. When he got no response, however, he frowned slightly, moving out of the doorway so he was looking at Sophie.

“I’ll only be a minute or so,” he promised before heading in. The apartment seemed empty, quiet. But, Adrian had to be here somewhere. It wasn’t like her to leave. Standing in the center of the apartment, Chris’ eyes landed on the door leading to the bathroom. Of course.

“Aaaaaadriaaaaan,” he called now pounding on the door. This, he knew would not make her happy. On the contrary, it would make her royally ticked. He leaned against the door, arms crossed, eyes still scanning the room, looking to see if Adrian had done any work, which, as it turned out, she hadn’t. Surprise, surprise.

“The Hell do you want now Chris,” came her annoyed voice. A small smile played on his lips as he recalled that all too familiar tone of voice. Though before he could even get a word out for a plausible excuse, Adrian was speaking once more. “If you need more money it’s in the drawer with the lamp on it. On the left hand side under the map booklet. Now leave me alone so I can shit in piece,” she huffed rudely from within the bathroom.

“Thank you love,” he called sweetly as he made his way to the hazard area known as Adrian’s room. Following her instructions, Chris found a few bills and coins. He took as much as he thought he would need on this expedition, (twelve dollars) and quickly pocketed it. Patting the pocket in which the money was put, Chris left the room, shutting the door behind him. “I’ll see you tonight Adrian,” he called leaving the apartment before she could reply with any of her snarky remarks.

The door shut lightly behind him with a slight squeak from the rusty hinges. Hmm, Sophie wasn’t back yet from getting her brother. Oh yes, her brother. This would be…interesting. Suddenly he felt himself get nervous, worried about how things would turn out. Would they get along? He hoped so. What if Sophie’s brother was as mean as he looked? What if he hated him? He stood there, nervously playing with a strand of his hair and tucking it behind his ear. And now he was pacing. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad…or maybe it would be excruciatingly horrible. He groaned inwardly cursing himself for thinking of the worse case possible. On the bright side he would be getting ice cream.

[Sophie Sade Mackerainien]

Christopher was such an energetic, down to Earth guy. He was so easy to talk to. They’d had a marvelous walk back to the apartments, talking about the most random things. Some of these things Sophie dared not speak of in front of the people at school. They were all too mature for it. But than again, wasn’t everybody always saying she was too mature for her age. Though sometimes maturity can be thrown at you be life’s struggles. Sometimes life expects too much from you and it forces you to ‘grow up’.

“Ah, there I am!” Chris said happily, now picking up his pace and beginning to trot towards his door. He stopped in front of the door numbered nine, reaching out to turn the knob. It was unlocked.

“Yoohoo, Adriaaaan,” he called peeking his head in. When he got no response, however, he frowned slightly, moving out of the doorway so he was looking at Sophie.

“I’ll only be a minute or so,” he promised before heading in. Sophie nodded her head. This would give her a bit of time to retrieve her brother. Luckily it wasn’t a far walk from Christopher’s ‘house’ to hers. His room number was nine, while hers was ten.

She walked over to the door and opened it up, closing it behind her. Julio wasn’t in the main area so she walked around to his bedroom, “Lio!” she called, knocking on his bedroom door, “Ya there?”

There was a light tap on her shoulder that made her jump out of her socks.
“I’m right here.” Came an amused older brother, “What’d ya want?” he question, brushing some of the hair away from his eyes.

“I was going to get some ice-cream with our neighbor and wondered if-“
“And wondered if you could borrow some money?” he said, cutting her off. Sophie frowned, crossing her arms, “No I was going to invite you to come along with us.”

A look of stupor smothered Julio’s face as he stood there in wonder at his sister.
“I- Sure that’d be great! Who’s your friend?”
“Our neighbor. Do you know Christopher Blake by chance? He’s a real nice guy! I’d seen him around before but never actually talked to him. BUT, today he was at the Laundromat and was having difficulties with the one washer. You know the one..that doesn’t work so great…no…I guess you wouldn’t know,” she laughed, “Geez, I hate rock paper scissors.”

Julio laughed making his way to the door, he opened it, allowing his sister to head out first. They began walking down the hallway.
“That’s because you always use the same thing, over and over and every time it’s the same! You gotta switch it up a bit. You make it way too easy for me to win.”

Sophie lowered her eyes, thinking real hard about her past games with Lio, “Yeah, I guess I do use the same thing. Oh man, well nobody said I had to be smart.” She shrugged.

Christopher was standing in front of his door, a worried look sprawled across his face. But no wait, he was pacing. Whatever for?

“Hey you!” she chirped, waving a hand in front of his face, to rid the lost expression on his face, “Ready for some ice-cream?”

[Julio Mackerainian]

<sub>So he had willingly let himself be taken with his sister to get ice-cream with a neighbor. That was all fine and dandy. But who exactly was this neighbor that she spoke so fondly of? Some Christopher guy. He’d never seen him or even heard of him before. But either way, ice-cream sounded absolutely delightful!

After locking the door behind them he could see a boy with dark hair. He looked worried. So worried that he was actually pacing, and had tucked his hair behind his ear. A tic perhaps? What would he be worried about? Was the dear Christopher worried that Julio would be mean? The big older brother going on an outing with his sister and a friend. Was this intended to be more then a casual outing for ice-cream and had Julio just ruined it? Was that how it was?

“Hey you,” came the cheerful tone of his younger sibling. She waved a hand in front of Christopher’s face, “Ready for some ice-cream?”

Julio smiled. Sophie’s enthusiasm always made him chuckle. It was like a disease. Somebody smiles and you just have to smile too. You can’t help it. But what he didn’t understand was how she could always be so happy around others and be suffering so greatly inside. It was true, they hadn’t had the most fortunate upbringing and she hadn’t much chance to be a child when she was a child. It was as if, now, she were making up for it. But even with that childlike nature, she was so mature. It scared him sometimes. She could be more mature about things than he. He was supposed to be the older more responsible brother. One she could look up to. But he hardly felt worthy of being this.

Julio looked over at the boy, “Hey Christopher,” he grinned, holding out a friendly hand, “I’m Sophie’s brother Julio.” He frowned inwardly. That didn’t sound right at all. Hey complete stranger, I’m your friends older brother. Fear me! Rawr! He hadn’t meant for it to be like that at all. He had only figured that Sophie had referred to him as ‘My brother’, thus the ridiculous fraise that popped out of his mouth.

“Heh...Can’t say I’ve ever seen you around before....” Oh great, now the awkwardness came. The silences. Oh the horror of them all. Why must it all end this way? WHY? He looked around, rocking back on his heels. A soft noise came from above. A machine. Most likely a vacuum. Huummmmmmmmmm. Hummmmmmm. If machines could meditate..... No, maybe they do meditate. This is what they are doing all the time. It must help them to be able to undergo such torture us humans throw at it. “ If I were a machine, I would meditate even if I was unplugged.”He thought out loud, not even realizing he’d spoken it.</sub>

[Christopher Blake]

“Hey you,” came the cheerful tone of Sophie. She waved a hand in front of Christopher’s face, “Ready for some ice-cream?”

Chris hadn’t really been expecting Sophie at that point and time, so the excited greeting from Sophie had caught him by surprise. He found himself recoiling instinctively from her hand, not knowing it belonged to his new friend who had already declared that she wouldn’t hurt him. Yet, he did so anyway, though quickly recovered with a bright smile.

“Of course I am! When is anyone not ready for ice cream?” He asked with a light chuckle. His worries of meeting Sophie’s older brother had immediately evaporated from his train of thoughts. He really was going o get ice cream with friends! Well, acquaintances really, but it was nice to think of them as friends. And Adrian would be proud of him for going out with other people just for the fun of it.

His bright smile was replaced by a slightly nervous one as his eyes rested on the boy a few feet away. He didn’t look too scary this close. He even looked friendly. Maybe things would go good. Yes, they definitely would. He hoped. There was a bit of a silence in that span before Sophie’s brother spoke. You see, Chris couldn’t speak first, for he didn’t know the boy’s name. How could he not know her brother’s name? Had she told him it earlier? Probably. Curse you, short memory and lack of attention span!

“Hey Christopher. I’m Sophie’s brother Julio.”

A hand came forward and Chris took it awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Chris. As you’ve already stated,” he said kicking himself mentally. Of course he already knew his name. He probably listened to Sophie when she spoke. Unlike him. Ugh, what a horrible beginning to a friendship! Wait! His name. It was Julio. Julio. Hmm, that was a nice name. A lot more interesting than Chris ever would be. “I’m Sophie’s friend,” he said afterwards, holding his arms by his side, not really knowing what to do now. “We met at the Laundromat today.” Wow, ok, that didn’t sound creepy. Not at all. Hi, I just met your sister an hour ago and now we’re going out for ice cream! Oh no, he probably hates me now. He’s probably protective of his sister, he should be, she was amazing, but he would never hurt her! Never! “I really like Sophie, so don’t worry,” he said voicing his reassurance, though that didn’t sound much better. “Not that you ever had to worry. I mean, I like her as a friend. Not as a girl. Not that being a girl Is bad. I just mean I would never…pursue her…in the…sexual way that other guys…would. Not that I’m saying that she isn’t attractive! She’s very pretty, and nice and a great girl, but I mean, she’s just a friend. I just want to be her friend. Who’s a guy.” Words were officially his worst enemy at this point. Shitcakes. “I’m sorry, that sounds…wrong. Let me start over,” Chris took in a breath, turned around from the two and them back again, taking Viggo’s hand. “Hi Viggo. Nice to meet you. I’m glad you could come along to get ice cream with us.” There. That sounded better.

“Heh...Can’t say I’ve ever seen you around before....”
Running a hand through his hair Chris smiled. “I usually sleep during the day and work at night, so that would probably be why. And I don’t go out a lot during the day. Unless it’s for groceries or laundry. So unless you walk around the halls at night, then it’s no surprise you haven’t seen me around.” Speaking of which, he was thrilled that he had the night off today. That meant he could actually sleep at night and maybe get some housework done the next day before heading out. Out. Where they were going now. To get ice cream. And here came the flavor dilemma again. What would he choose once they got there? He didn’t want to keep them waiting in line because he couldn’t decide. Maybe strawberry. Or chocolate with brownie bits. Mmm, brownie bits. Brownie bits were so good. And chewy.

“ If I were a machine, I would meditate even if I was unplugged.”

Chris found himself blinking at Viggo, wondering if what he had heard was right at all. It was a bit…random but it seemed to lift the air a bit. A smile began forming at Chris’ lips as he held back laughter. “Did you say that if ou were a machine, then you would…meditate even if you were unplugged?” He asked a little unsure, especially since the sentence sounded impossible.

[Julio Mackerainian]

“Hi, I’m Chris. As you’ve already stated,” Julio smirked, this kid was funny. Of course he knew he was Chris. He'd just said, 'hello Christopher.' Or maybe he said that because he prefered Chris.
"Uh, sorry, you prefer Chris then?"

“I’m Sophie’s friend,” he said afterwards, holding his arms by his side, “We met at the Laundromat today.” Julio nodded his head, "That's cool. She's met lots of interesting people at the laundromat...." his voice faded as he remembered the last friend Sophie had made in the laundromat. She called him 'Kuart.' He was very round and silver, and had a print of a deer or mousse or something. He hadn't had a good look at him. He was so small. But his life ended when Sophie lost him in the park and was carried away by a raccoon.

“I really like Sophie, so don’t worry,” he said voicing his reassurance, “Not that you ever had to worry. I mean, I like her as a friend. Not as a girl. Not that being a girl Is bad. I just mean I would never…pursue her…in the…sexual way that other guys…would. Not that I’m saying that she isn’t attractive! She’s very pretty, and nice and a great girl, but I mean, she’s just a friend. I just want to be her friend. Who’s a guy.” Julio frowned, what was this guy talking about? Did he think that he thought that because they just met today and were going to eat icecream that he was going to try and take advantage of his sister? even if he did, Sophie, though shy, was very loud spoken.

“I’m sorry, that sounds…wrong. Let me start over,” Chris took in a breath, turned around from the two and then back again, taking Julio's hand. “Hi Viggo. Nice to meet you. I’m glad you could come along to get ice cream with us.” Julio shook the boy's hand, utterly confused at this point. Who was Viggo? Was it supposed to be his nickname now? But that would be weird, because he had a roommate name Viggo. How weird. Unless...did he know Viggo?
"Uhm, do you know Viggo Slaughter? He's a pretty cool guy. But he's not here right now. He went for a walk earlier on this morning. He'll probably be gone most of the day. He took his guitar with him....that's the big hint right there."

Running a hand through his hair Chris smiled. “I usually sleep during the day and work at night, so that would probably be why. And I don’t go out a lot during the day. Unless it’s for groceries or laundry. So unless you walk around the halls at night, then it’s no surprise you haven’t seen me around.” Julio nodded, wondering just what kind of work such a young guy did at night. Did he not go to school? Or maybe he just looked young and was really out of school. Who knew. He didn't really feel inclined to ask. He wasn't sure why he even came to get icecream. Christopher was rather awkward. Maybe he'd leave them after a while. He had to get something in town anyways....

A smile began forming at Chris’ lips as he held back laughter. “Did you say that if you were a machine, then you would…meditate even if you were unplugged?” He asked a little unsure.

"That I did..." he said with a serious nod, "Oh..." he then smiled, realizing that he was thinking out loud again, "Well...uhm...haven't you ever noticed that machines hum...I was just thinking they sounded like meditators. Machines have to go through so much pain. That's why they hummm, to relax." he stated.

"Anyways...I think I'm going to leave now. I forgot that I had to get something in town." he said, holding up his hand to wave, "See ya later Sophie, Chris."