When I first arrived in San Francisco, Mike was the first person I met. I had just gotten off the bus and was strolling the streets. I'd recently relocated from Sydney, Australia. I looked around and spotted a man leaning against the lamp post. Since he was the only guy not rushing to go wherever everyone else seemed to be going. I decided to approach him. I dragged my bag on the concrete as I walked.
"Hi. I apologise for bothering you, but I was hoping you could assist me.”
"Of course, how can I assist?" He turned towards me and inquired cheerfully. He was about six feet tall, with sandy brown hair and brown eyes, and he didn't appear to be older than my 22 years. He was wearing blue jeans and a white tee.
"I've been hunting for this location, but it appears that I'm going around in circles." It was awkward for me to show him my phone's GPS. How stupid can you be if you can't follow a simple GPS?
"Oh! You see that small street over there? Simply follow it. The board would be directly in front of you." He gave a warm smile.
"Thank you, mate!" I remarked this as I dragged my bag behind me. I had just taken a few feet when my foot collided with something hard, and I crashed to the ground. "Ouch!" I sat on the sidewalk, cradling my ankle in my hand.
The man I had just requested for assistance arrived at my side almost instantly.
"Hey, are you all, right?" Kneeling next to me, he said.
"I slipped and fell, and I believe I twisted my ankle in the process." I muttered through clenched teeth.
"OK. Let's see whether you can get up on your own." He inquired softly. I tried, but the pain was unbearable. Crap!
He screwed his forehead and looked down at my ankle.
"Which leg hurts?"
"The left one."
"Let's give it a shot. I'll grasp your arm and force you to sit on that bench; don't put any weight on your damaged foot."
I nodded and did what he instructed.
"You may now be able to gain some traction. Check to see if you can now sit up. We'll take it easy and slow."
He assisted me in sitting up without inflicting too much agony on my ankle. "I'm going to grab you and lift you right now." He aggressively placed his arms over my body.
"Are you all set? Then we're at number three. One, two, and three are the numbers one, two, and three, respectively."
He raised me, spun me around, and then lowered me again. "How about you sit on the bench here?" he said as he pushed me onto the bench.
I let go of the breath I'd been holding.
He said, "I'll give you a few minutes."
"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, unsure of what to do next.
"Great. That wasn't that horrible, was it? "He stated "Do you want me to examine that leg for you? I'm not a doctor, but I've dealt with injuries before."
I gave a nod.
"Where does it seem to hurt the most?" he asked.
"It's the ankle," I said. He took my lower leg in his hands and carefully elevated it so he could get a good look at it. Around the ankle, there was a small swelling. "Could you please try moving it back and forth?"
I shifted my ankle up and down.
"How about side to side?" says the narrator.
I gave it a shot and tweaked it a little.
"I'm going to move my weight about a bit. I'll take it easy, but if it hurts, tell me and I'll stop." I gave a nod. "It's most likely a minor sprain. A small ice pack might suffice. Let's get you to a doctor as soon as possible." He stated.
"Oh! That will not be necessary; I will simply take a taxi to my hostel."
For a brief period, he pondered.
"By the way, my name is Mike Scott. And I doubt you'll be able to handle things on your own. Please allow me to accompany you to the doctor."
"I'm Sydney Rosbak, and thanks for saving me." I responded. He was a decent guy.
"I don't believe I saved you, Sydney, but you're welcome."
He summoned a taxi and drove me to a physician he knew.
"This will be wrapped around your ankle to provide support and compression. The idea is to wrap it tightly but not so tightly that circulation is cut off," the doctor explained. My ankle was then wrapped by the doctor.
"Apply cold packs to the affected area. It will be easier to heal if you keep it cooled and elevated. And, for the time being, don't put any pressure on it, OK?"
I gave a nod.
"It's already starting to feel better."
He also gave me some pain relievers, and we were good to go.
"Are you visiting San Francisco for the first time?" As we walked out of the clinic, Mike inquired, and I shuffled along.
"Yes," I said.
"For business or fun?" Mike asked a few additional questions.
"Neither. I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. My profession is that of a digital artist. I've come here to take a digital art course. I don't have anyone left in my hometown, so I figured I'd try my luck in America."
"Is there anything wrong?" I asked hastily as I noticed his brow furrow.
"No, I was under the impression you were a model or something." He said, his face flushed with embarrassment.
I burst out laughing.
"Back in Melbourne, I did some modelling and acting, specifically stage acting. However, I didn't pursue it any further. “I laughed and replied.
"I'm a member of a theatre troupe. In addition, I work in a steakhouse. So, where are you going to set up?" He inquired in a casual manner.
"I guess I'll start by staying at a B&B. I need to find a place to rent. It's impossible to stay in a B&B for so long. I am not wealthy in any way."
He fixed his gaze on me. "Hey, if you don't mind, you're welcome to stay at my apartment. It's a two-bedroom flat, not a high-end one. I share it with my sister. However, I will be leaving soon. She's also on the lookout for a roommate. So, you're free to live with her."
I couldn't believe my luck, running across someone so helpful. Even still, I was sceptical. After all, I'd only just met him. I had only known him for maybe an hour. Could I put my faith in him?
Mike took out two business cards, as if he sensed my dissatisfaction.
"Hey, I know how you're feeling. We don't know each other very well. This is my business card, and my agent's. You should have a look at him first. Since you're new, I figured you'd need some assistance. You could perhaps pay a visit to the steakhouse where I work." He muttered hastily in an attempt to reassure me.
I felt a little ashamed because this guy had just gone out of his way to help me. I didn't want to treat him suspiciously.
"Well......" he started to say.
A lovely brunette with freckles on her nose jumped up to him and hugged him before he could complete his sentence.
"You start flirting with the first skirt you see after I left you alone for a few minutes. So, who are we dealing with here?" Mike rolled his eyebrows skyward as the cute brunette pouted prettily and flashed me a charming grin.
"I'm not flirting with anyone. By the way, Sydney, please meet my little pain in the neck, sister. Leah.” Mike introduced her then yelled "Wow!" "Ouch! You witch, don't pinch me!"
I smiled at their banter.
"You get what you deserve for calling me a pain in the neck!" Leah retorted.
"I was ready to tell Sydney that she could put up with us sharing your room till I move out. That is, if you don't mind, and Sydney is willing to put up with a jerk like you!"
Leah gave him a playful shoulder punch. "You're the domineering big brother, not me, the snotty roommate! And I'm not opposed to Sydney staying with me. We can put a cot in my room for her till you depart. It has enough room for two people. I hope you don't mind if I snore." She gave me a giddy grin.
I smiled back at her.
"How did you guys meet?" she said, her eyes twinkling.
"Stop being so nosy!" Mike said, rolling his eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly impose on you..." I began to object.
"It won't be a problem. In any case, I'm seeking a roommate. Let's get this party started." Leah added with a grin.
"So, you're an Aussie? I was able to tell because of the accent. Sydney from Sydney." Leah burst out laughing.
"I'm from Balino actually, but my parents met in Sydney, so they named me after the city," I explained as we approached their home.
SydneyI could not believe my good fortune of running into a pair of good Samaritan siblings the moment I stepped into San Francisco. I couldn't turn them down. A few hours later Mike was hauling up my luggage while Leah chattered away, linking her arm along with mine. She talked to me as if we were old chums and led me to the parking lot where a battered old Honda stood waiting.The apartment was nice, it had a medium-sized living room, with an open kitchen. A passage on the side led to 2 bedrooms. It wasn't shabby or rundown. It even had a balcony with a nice view of a garden. I liked it."Welcome to our castle," Leah said with a flourish.She led me to her bedroom. It was just tidy enough to show that she cared about the space and just messy enough to show that she was able to let her creativity roam free. It was her goldilocks zone, perfect for how she was."Wow! It's lovely here,” I said.Mike brought in
Sydney While driving in Mike's tattered old Honda, I continued to praise my stars. I was awestruck by the kindness and opportunities that had sprung out of nowhere. We had left Leah behind. Mike then took a detour and went to the hypermarket. "All the best," he said, "it's just across the street." "Thank you," I said and walked towards the store. **************** Aiden It was a Monday morning, and I was on my way to work. The traffic was a nightmare. I cursed as the signal went red. The gods wanted me to be late on purpose. As the pedestrians crossed from one side to the other, I sighed. I'm not sure why she drew my attention. Was it because she was dressed in a bright colour that made her stan
Sydney After a week, Mark moved to a different floor in the same apartment building, and I was given her own room. Mike and Leah had become close friends. The three of us would occasionally go shopping at the local market. Meet up for late-night supper at Mike's steakhouse, where we received a 50% discount since the eatery used to clear out its old stock. My art school was doing well, and I hoped to find work as a designer after my studies were through. My favourite pleasures were walking around art galleries, theatres, and museums, which never failed to fascinate me. I got a call from Leah on a Thursday afternoon. "Hey! Do you want to go dancing tonight?" She made a chirping sound. "That sounds fantastic," I remarked as I shut my laptop.
Aiden A touch on the back greeted me. "Are you all, right?" As he approached my side, Matt remarked. I reassured my pal, "I'll be alright." I tried to breathe normally while closing my eyes. Those two had a habit of infuriating me. "Apart from his physicians, nurse, and bodyguards, I don't want any visits for Grandpa. No one should be permitted to enter his room. Those two, in particular." I murmured, nodding at Fiona and Will as they walked away. "Done! Do you want to stay the night?" Matt inquired. I gave a nod. "I'll arrange for an extra bed for you. Please contact Wendy if you require any other assistance. She works as a nurse. She's
Aiden "Wait, what?" she inquired. She shook her head, noticing my deplorable condition, and said, "Please accept my apologies. Are you all, right?" She seemed to be truly concerned. I grumbled, "You damaged my favourite shirt." Her smile became shaky. "You were blocking my path. I didn't intend to run into you." She stubbornly crossed her arms over her breasts and glared at me. Feisty. I loved feisty. "I said sorry," she said. I blocked her again as she made a move. I told her, "Sorry, it isn't enough." Her lips were stunning. Just a whiff of those cherry lips was enough to drive a man insane. I said, "It's not fair, I lost a shirt, and you lost your coffee." "So, you'd like me to go out and purchase you a shirt?" Her gorgeous eyes enlarged as she was taken aback. "No, I'll buy you a cup of coffee." I made an offer. She locked her gaze on me for another minute before tilting her head to one side, revealing her neck to me. I wanted to kiss it. "I'm OK; I don't want any coffee
Sydney - My hand was still in pain. I'd slapped the jerk in the face with all my power. I kept running till I arrived at the art school and slumped on a bench. What was the matter with me? And what was the matter with him? Even if I tried to ignore it, the man was a walking dreamboat. He was much taller than my 5'8" height. Probably 6”4. His stunning appearance, tanned skin, and dark hair were enough to make any sensible woman want to hurl herself at him. However, if only he had not been such a jerk. He was unlike any other man. At the thought of that lengthy drawn-out kiss, a flush crept up my cheeks. The way his lips brushed against me. I could still detect his scent. I felt a tremble run up and down my spine just thinking about it. I said to myself, 'No.' 'Why am I thinking this way?' I shouldn't be doing this. He kissed me without my permission. Instead of thinking about those deep blue eyes and muscled arms, I should be pressing charges. He had not followed me; I was sure of t
Sydney- Mike wished me luck for my interview as he dropped me off near Reiner towers. "Thank you," I said, my gaze fixed on the enormous structure. "Don't be worried; you'll do fine." Mike patted the top of my head. The Reiner tower resembled the standard metal and glass high-rise tower. I crossed the road and entered a huge foyer. It was crowded with people coming and going. The brown granite floor reflected them like a mirror. I approached the reception desk, where a nicely dressed woman handed me a visitor permit and directed me to the 30th floor. I took the elevator to the 30th floor. It opened into a stylishly decorated foyer with a plush green carpet that gave it a grassy impression and an entire glass wall on the right side. I could see the entire city's skyline. "How may I assist you?" My reverie was broken when a lady at the smaller reception asked. I replied, "I'm here for the interview, for the intern positions." "Please provide me with your name and photo ID. Mr. Ra
"Come on, Sydney, open the door!" For the past half-hour, Leah had been beating on her door. Sydney screamed from inside her room, "I don't want to talk Leah, just leave me alone!" Her eyes were red and puffy when she returned. She had obviously been crying. She then locked herself in her room and refused to eat her meal. Leah had given her a couple of hours' time alone, but she was suddenly concerned. "This is it, I'm calling Mike," Leah declared emphatically before dialling Mike's number. He was on his way downstairs in no time. **************** Sydney ************* Mike's calming voice asked me to open the door when I heard a knock. "Leave me alone," I yelled back. "I'd leave, but who would prepare the dinner? You know Leah is a terrible chef, and I'm starving." Mike yelled out loud. "Hey! I'm not a terrible cook!" Leah shut him down. "Oh, no! Yes, you are; you can't even make good mac & cheese." He retorted with a snide remark. I couldn't keep a smile from appearing on m