Chapter 3

Harley

"Open your arms for me, honey," I could hear the voice close, a warm breath next to my earlobe as I remained immovable. My chest rhythmed up and down finding it hard to keep up with the intrusion of the ringing sound.

"Excuse me…"

"Excuse me! Madam?" I felt a hand shaking my shoulder, when my eyes blinked open.

I took in the sight of where I was. A crowd of teenage kids sat right across me. The Old woman from third lane was still standing next to me, trying to get her way through. Fuck. We were already there… How long had I been sleeping?

"Oh, I am sorry. I had no clue…" I said, apologising on a whim, standing up as I made space for her to walk out. As I stood up, my back bummed against someone. I turned around to murmur another apology when the words ended in my throat.

I arched my back to get a better view of what it exactly was. The person wore a navy blue hood, and had a mask covering their mug. This hood sewed itself into matching robes that fall all the way down, only to reveal a pair of brown leather boots. Weird. The eyes were an intense shade of blue, and for some reason I felt this irresistible urge to run away from there. Perhaps, it was my paranoia speaking. Needless to say the dreams I was having these days were all driving me bonkers.

When the woman was gone, I shifted back to my seat, hoping I don't make it awkward for any of us by staring at them longer. I sighed, and a second later, I felt someone shift in the seat next to me. A sense of discomfort washed over me. What the hell's my deal? I wondered.

I turned my head to the window, taking the excuse of being busy in the view outside. But that would be an easy bluff to call out. What does Seattle has to offer during this time of the day? Bustling streets with people, food, screens and cars. Lots and lots of them, almost as if it was on a loop. Streetlights lit up as we transcended into the fifth block. My eyes tracing every every mundane detail to not feel any more stressed about the company beside me.

By the time the bus had halted at my stop, sixth block… The sun had become a cresent on the horizon behind thick orange clouds. I inhaled sharply, reaching for my bag.

"I go here…" I said, waiting for the person to give me some space to move out.

For three long seconds, he remained immovable and then shifted to a side. Feeling a little giddy, I scooted out. My legs made their way out. I climbed down, watching the orange sky spread above me. What a strange day!

I started walking from the bus stop. Twenty steps to the right on the cobblestoned pavement, I would take a stop at Baker's. I made a mental note. When I walked closer to the lane, the smell of freshly baked lemon bread hit me like a brick. Taking in the zesty smell of it, I reached for the wallet.

"One loaf of Lemon Bread, please." I chimed in at the window, waiting for the familiar kind smile of Robert. Robert Asaka, or your plain Old Robert ran his bakery for about as long as I was around. He and his wife made the choicest of bakery conossieurs and offered them at an affordable price. Needless to say I had a soft spot for all things wrinkles. A part of which can be attributed to my Abuela.

"Harley! Dear! Where were you last week?" Robert inquired with a smile that touched his eyes.

"I was busy working extra shifts. Work's crazy." I said, smiling back to match his enthusiasm. If only…

"Here… One loaf of Lemon Bread." Rosa showed up behind the window counter. Her petite, pale face and almond eyes were as adorable as always. She smiled briefly before handing me the paper wrapped packet and I offered her a two dollar bill.

"How's your Abuela doing?" She asked, her hands running over her hair before she bundled them up into a bun.

"She's good." Well mostly. That's not entirely a lie.

"Ah…"

"Mrs. Robert, I will get going. I am running late for dinner as such. Gotta cook some beef!" Well. That's two lie in thirty seconds.

I tucked the packet close, and made my way to the apartment right next to the shop. Maisel's.

"Abuela, I am here!" I cried, hiking up the stairs, as I reached the first floor. My eyes rooted to the mailbox as I reached for it. Most of them were bills and taxes. The month has already begun…

"Harley, don't shout. What have I taught you?" The shrill and sweet voice came from the door, as the knob twisted and opened. That's the thing with Maisel's. Paper thin walls, and even creaky doors. But then that's what you get for a couple dollars on this side of the town.

"I am sorry, Abuela…" I said, dumping my bag on the couch as I hand her the package and pulled her into a hug.

"Woman, you stink! Go get a bath!" She said, hugging me back as her voice croaked with jolly mockery.

Woof woof.

From about ten steps ahead, a cute little furbaby walked to me. His shiny golden coat always mesmerised me. As I pulled out from the hug and crouched down on my knees, I was greeted with a warm hug and licks on my face.

Woof. Woof.

I hugged my beloved Captain Sean back. He was the only family I had after Abuela. I kissed his head and patted his back. My hands rubbing his coat as he woofed and held onto me.

"Captain Sean. I missed you too…" I whispered in his ear.

To this, Captain Sean licked my ear and his woofs breathed close to my ear.

"Yes, baby. I love you too." I said, kissing his snout as I held onto him.

"Come on, Harley. Go get changed. You gotta take him for a walk too!" Abuela chimed, as she walked into the kitchen.

"Fine. Fine. Let a lady love her dog in silence please!" I whined.

"Silence? I am sure the neighbours have heard you blabber in your sleep…" From what I know, Abuela must be rolling her eyes in the kitchen. That's the thing about her. She's too cool for her own good.

"Jeez. You don't have to do me like that!" I scoffed.

"Come on, Captain Sean. Let momma get changed and we will go out. Eh?" I raised my hand, as he positioned himself onto his hind legs and raised a paw to meet my palm.

"The sunshine to my grey." I smiled, amused. Maybe, this is all I need.