Unexpected Love (Unexpected Series)

by Charlene Martin

  “Let me check our inventory,” clicking away at the keys, he informs, “Yes, I have one in stock, would you like it?”

  “Yes we will take it, as well as all the rest of the furniture in the room.”

  Moving on to living room furniture, dad spots this leather sofa set he insists, “Honey this would look great in the apartment and the guys would love it.”

  Chuckling, “Well then I will have to buy a big screen TV to go with it. I might as well go big or go home right?”

  Dad smirks, “That can be arranged.”

  Dad tells the salesman we will take that whole set up, which included two leather sofas, a black and silver coffee table set, two black and silver lamps with white shades, and a black designer rug. We pick out a 55” big screen TV too. I am so spoiled.

  I am so excited about my purchases. We have to load up the U-Haul and take everything to the apartment.

  After we lug everything inside dad groaned, “We need to return the truck and when we can come back we can put everything together.”

  Following dad to the U-Haul dealer in my car, I think about the space and how I want to place all the new stuff. I am so thrilled! I watch as dad goes in to return the truck and wait patiently for his return. When I notice a Chinese restaurant sign just down the road. That would be great for dinner. My stomach growls in anticipation. I hear the car door open and dad climbs in.

  “Hey Dad, how about we order Chinese for dinner?”

  “I reckon that will be okay. If that is what you want sweetheart.”

  “That is exactly what I want. I can taste it already. It has been such a long day and we have to go back to the apartment and put all this stuff together before we can even have somewhere to sleep.”

  We drive right over to the Chinese place and we order our food to go. I get orange chicken and pork fried rice, dad ordered, chicken and broccoli. Back home we shuffle the furniture around to make a spot to eat. I am so starved I devour mine before dad can finish his.

  I am stuffed and it is making me tired, but now we have to put all this stuff together so we have somewhere to sleep tonight.

  I clear up the takeaway containers, putting them in the bag it came in. Meanwhile, dad heads off to my room to get the furniture set up. I decide to start rearranging the sofas and putting the tables together in the living room. Admiring my work, I think it’s starting to look like a home then I hear, “Arissa honey, can you come help me?”

  I make my way through the chaos and walk into my room. The dresser is together and the armoire is in the middle of the wall facing where my bed will go. The bed is most of the way put together we just have to slide the rails into place and put the slats in. I help dad lift the rails into place and then screw in the slats. We put on the new mattress set. This bed is huge and it looks like it is fit for a queen.

  I gasp, “I love it Dad and it looks beautiful.”

  Dad replies, in a perpetually tired voice, “I am pleased you like it sweetie.”

  We decide we are done for the night. I find the box with my blankets and pillows in it. I toss dad a set and I take the other one and head for the couch. Leaving the bed to him he has been driving the last few days and he has to fly home tomorrow it’s only fair.

  In a non-committal way dad asks, “Are you sure you don’t want the bed?”

  I smile gratefully at my dad and tell him, “No daddy you can have it, you have had a long day and you deserve it.”

  Dad declares, “I love you baby girl, good night.”

  “Good night Daddy, I love you too.”

  We awake early, dad gets right to setting up the TV, and I run out to see what I can find for breakfast. I spot a Dunkin Donuts just about a mile up the road. I order two coffees and a half dozen donuts. I like Bavarian cream and dad likes glazed.

  I get home, hand dad the coffee, and look around. “You know this place is starting to look really good, I have a lot of shopping left to do though.”

  Dad agrees, “I can’t wait to see what it looks like when I come back in a few weeks with your mother.”

  Dad is flying home in just a few hours. I am sad to see him go, but excited to be on my own.

  “Hey Dad, we need to get going. You know it takes forever to get checked in since 9/11.”

  Dad gets his suitcase from the bedroom and I grab my keys. Typing in the address into my GPS I follow the directions to the airport. The airport is about twenty minutes away. I help dad get his stuff together and then follow him in. I can’t go very far because of the security rules. Therefore, we say goodbye just outside the terminal gate.

  Dad teases, “Now make sure you use the GPS so you don’t get lost in this big city.”

  I laugh, “I will Dad and you know I have to because I don’t have anyone to call for help.”

  I stand on my tiptoes and throw my arms around his neck hugging him tight I whimper in a small panicky voice, “I’m not sure I can do this on my own Daddy.”

  Dad comforts me, “You can do it baby, I have faith in you. Just be strong and remember everything we have ever taught you and you will do fine”

  I cry out, “I love you Daddy, I am going to miss you so much.”

  I peer up into my dad’s eyes and for the first time in a long time I see tears welling up in his eyes, “I love you too baby girl, please be safe and call home often.”

  I give dad a kiss on the cheek and weep, “I will, bye Daddy.”

  Dad gives one last tight squeeze and then chocks out, “Goodbye baby.”

  I watched as my dad left with tears streaming down my face. I was all alone in this new town. This was my choice, but was it the right choice? Will I be ok?

  Shaking it off, I get in the car and program in home in the GPS. I drive home, I feel the warm airflow through my windows, and the radio is blaring. I feel free, not a care in the world, this feeling invigorating me, it is a fresh start.

  The cable guy shows up a few hours later as I am making a list of things I need to buy. I have to say, I am a little nervous being here alone with him. I wish I had scheduled it when dad was here. Maybe I should buy a watchdog, that might be a deterrent. The apartment is equipped with an alarm system but it’s not very comforting being all alone with some strange guy.

  The cable guy was efficient and hooked everything up in a timely manner. I didn’t even have to use the panic button. He was actually somewhat hot. He showed me how to use everything, as I stood close to smell his manly scent. I asked questions to prolong his stay. He was very patient with my questions. I was hoping he would ask me out before he left, but he didn’t, he was very professional. It actually irritated me a little that he didn’t seem at all interested.

  Finishing my list, I search the GPS for the nearest Wal-Mart. I find one about ten minutes up the road.

  I can’t find anything, this Wal-Mart is set up completely different from the Wal-Mart back home. I amble down the aisles and throw things in the cart that I may need. I find a fluffy lavender bath towel and a really pretty, floral shower curtain. It is covered in beautiful little lavender flowers and sage green stems. It also has colorful butterflies floating everywhere. I find the matching soap dish, toothbrush holder and bath mat.

  Roaming around the aisles, I spot the bedding section. I have to buy new sheets because I bought a king size bed. I spot this lavender comforter set that matches the bathroom set. I don’t know why but I have always loved butterflies. I am so envious of them being able to soar through the earth’s atmosphere. I immediately toss it in the cart.

  I finish up in the bedroom section and move to the kitchen supplies. I need everything silverware, pots and pans, oven mitts, cooking utensils, a toaster and a coffee pot. I found these dishes with a fat chef on them and matching oven mitts. They are so cute with their big bellies. I decide that I am going to make the kitchen in an Italian theme, with grapes, wine, and the fat chef guy.

  Realizing that my cart is full I decide to go check out so I can take these things back to home and come back to get
the rest. I have a small car so it is packed full of all my new purchases.

  As I carry some of the bags up to the door, I fumble with the key to open the door. Finally, I get it open and toss the stuff on the couch. When I make my way back to the car I see this guy walking back towards the apartments. He has dark hair, he is dressed in lose fitting jeans and a quicksilver tee shirt. He appears young maybe twenty. He nods his head to me and questions, “Would you like some help?”

  Unsure of what to do, I hesitate for a minute, “Um, sure that would be great.” I watch as he loads up several bags in his hands. Man I see his muscles flex under the weight of the bags and I get a little excited by the sight. I wonder what he looks like with his shirt off. I reach for the last few bags and walk to the apartment. I set the bags with the others on the couch and he follows my lead and does the same.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself. I am Arissa, I just moved here.”

  He apologizes, “I didn’t either, and my name is Tim. I live just below you in 105.”

  “Thank you for your help, I have just moved in and I have nothing, I am starting from scratch. I will be attending Princeton in the fall, I thought it would be better to get here and get established before I started college.”

  Tim confesses, “That’s a great idea; I wish I would have thought of that. My roommate Austin and I both attend Princeton too.”

  In a flirtatious way I babble, “Oh that is great, I will actually know someone there now.”

  Tim gives me a flirty smile, “I look forward to seeing more of you Arissa.”

  I smile politely, “Me too! However, for now I have to get back to the store and get the last of the supplies I need. It’s going to take me forever to put all this stuff away and get organized. Thank you again for your help.”

  He graciously accepts me kicking him out, “I understand and if you need help when you come back feel free to knock on 105 and I will come help you. We are just playing video games.”

  I walk him out and close the door behind us and beam, “Thanks again for your help, it was nice meeting you.”

  Agreeing he nods and wave’s goodbye. I so love my parents right now! They got me an apartment with the hottest guy I have ever seen and he lives right below me! This is going to be the best year of my life!

  I rush through the store this time, just throwing in some food and cleaning supplies. I make it through the store and back home in no time. I start to unload the car and I think about knocking on Tim’s door, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I end up unloading everything by myself. By the time I get it all up there, I have to sit and catch my breath. This day has been so long and exhausting.

  I somehow get most all of the food put away and then I start to get the bedroom put together. I put on the beautiful new bedding with the dark wood, and the light color comforter and vibrant colors on it from the butterflies; my bedroom really comes to life.

  Moving to the bathroom, I put the shower curtain up while looking at it. I think I just want a hot shower and my bed.

  I quickly put everything away and then pull out some towels. I climb in this giant shower; it is so spacious with multiple heads that massage your body in all the right places. The walls and floor are decorated in tan and green glass tiles. I moan a little as the jets massage my neck and back area. The warm water washes over my body and I am beginning to feel relaxed.

  I put on my favorite PJ’s and meander into the kitchen. I pop a hot pocket into the microwave. I look around at the mess I have left to organize and part of me wants to keep going, but then I think I am in no hurry, I don’t have any time constraints. I scarf down my hot pocket, realizing it is the only thing I have had to eat today, since the coffee and donuts, I bought for dad and I today.

  I snuggle into my big comfortable bed and grab my phone, then dial home.

  I hear mom shout, “Hey baby, how are you doing?”

  In a low tired voice I confess, “Not that great Mom, I miss you guys.”

  Mom comforts, “Oh baby its ok, you are going to be fine. You are a strong independent girl. Just get out there and meet some people, make friends and before long it will become home.”

  I begin to cry softly, “I know Mom, I have already met a guy who lives in the apartment under me. He seems nice enough. I am just so tired from shopping and trying to organize everything. I am lying here in bed and it’s so quiet. I am not used to things being so quiet.”

  Acknowledging my concerns, “I am happy to hear that you have met someone. As far as unpacking honey, take your time there is no rush and you can put on the TV in the other room to give you some noise it might make it easier to sleep for a little bit until you get used to it.”

  I whimper, “Thank you Mom, did Dad get home yet?”

  “He got in about an hour ago. He was just telling me about the apartment and what kind of furnishings you two bought.”

  I yawn, “That is good, I just wanted to make sure before I go to bed. Give Dad a kiss for me and I love you both, I can’t wait to see you soon.”

  “We love you too honey, make sure you set the alarm and call us if you need anything. Good night baby.”

  I reply, “I will Mom, Good night.”

  I awake the next morning feeling totally refreshed. My new bed is so comfortable I slept like a baby. Maybe it was because I was so exhausted, but I had a very restful sleep. I get up and start to unpack all my boxes. I gaze at the pictures and remember the times when they were taken. There is a picture with dad and me on my second birthday when we had my party at the zoo. He is holding me on his shoulders, I have pigtails in my hair, and I am pointing to the silly monkeys. Then our family picture when I was five. I am wearing this hideous dress with ruffles all over it, but both my parents are hugging me as we looking into the camera. You can see the joy on our faces. There is a picture of Elena and I at our senior prom. I place them around the house in various places making it feel like they are here with me. I guess in a way they are, you seem to carry a part of the people that touch your life most with you.

  I get tired of unpacking and I decided to hunt for a summer job. I need something to help me meet new people. I have never really had a job before. I have done some different jobs in community service so I am pretty well rounded. I have helped with paper work, I have helped with children at the children’s hospital, and I built a house for habitat this year. I think that I will start down town and see if any of the shops are hiring.

  As I am walking the strip, I see a sign outside a clothing store that says now hiring. It is a small shop with manikins in the window. I like the style of clothes and figured I could sell these. Heck, I would buy these. I check out the clothing racks and find that I really like what they are selling. It’s not teen stuff, but it’s not old lady clothes either, I chuckle to myself at that thought. I pick up this cute top, it’s peach in color and kind of see through, it pulls in just under the bust and appears tight around the waist. Just my kind of top, since I have curves, these tops seem to bring them out. I grab the shirt and take it to the cashier; she is a perky little thing.

  “Welcome to Style for Less, I am Sheena.”

  “I am Arissa, I saw the sign and was wondering if I could fill out an application. I am looking for a summer job. I just moved here yesterday and I am attending Princeton in the fall.”

  Excitedly she responds, “I have them right here, just fill that out and I need a copy of your ID and Social. While you are doing that I will ring up your top.”

  I fill out the application and hand over my driver’s license and Social. “Here you go, how long until I know something?”

  She hesitates, “Um, I will give it to the manager; it all depends on when she looks it over. Your shirt is 10.99, will that be cash or credit?”

  “Cash,” as I dig for my cash she make the copies. She hands me my info and my shirt.

  “Thank you,” I say as I wave goodbye.

  She happily blurts out, “You are welcome and I will put your applicati
on on top.”

  I cheerfully call, “That would be awesome, thank you.”

  I hit up a few small town stores and apply, but they are looking for more than just the summer. I don’t know if I can commit to more than a summer job. I explain that I am starting college in the fall and it’s a whole new experience. They all say they will call, but I am doubtful.

  As I am about to give up I see another small sign just inside a window of a bookstore. It’s a small quaint shop; it smells of old books and is kind of dark. It could use a colorful touch. I walk through the aisles until I find this little old woman bent down picking up books and placing them on the shelf.

  “Excuse me, I would like to fill out an application please.”

  This tiny old woman turns to me in a tired voice she cautions, “I need someone to run the store. I am getting too old to handle all this by myself; I love the store and I don’t want to sell. I just need someone who can open and close the store, order and stock inventory, and cashier. I will be here to help out, but it is just too much to do alone anymore.”

  Sympathetically I answer, “I would love to help you out. I am great with organizing and I am a very punctual person. However, I am only looking for a summer job; I am starting college in the fall, so I can’t commit that far ahead yet. If we can revisit that idea once I start I would be honored to help you out.”

  The woman abruptly declares, “You are hired, when can you start?”

  Excitedly I exclaim, “Now, right now!”

  She happily informs me, “My name is Mrs. Jones,” as she extends her hand.

  I introduce myself, “My name is Arissa,” as I shake her hand.

  I get a tour of the shop and it is very gloomy, it needs to be dusted and I just want to start cleaning and organizing it. The books are in alphabetic order, but not in categories. It’s very confusing for someone who is trying to buy a particular book. It is this one large room and the door is to the left side of the store. The cashier station is in the south end of the store. It’s this big wooden desk with an older than dirt cash register sitting in the middle. She shows me where the stock room is so I can see all the new books that need to be put out for display.