Watch, Wait, Take

Chapter 11. Chad

As My clothes where washing in the laundrette I had 30 minutes to start my internet café searches before I have to go back and throw my clothes in the dryer.

I went in to the stationary store and picked up a note pad and pen, leaver arch folder, plastic wallets and dividers. I then walked to the Internet café, where I paid for a 30-minute session on the computer.

Scribbling meticulous notes from my searches and cramming as much as I could on one page. I moved quickly knowing my 30 minutes would soon be up and I needed to obtain lots of information so when my clothes where drying I could come back and do a much more focused search for the next hour.

After my 30minutes of focused research in the Internet café, I close up the computer I was using and put my notebook and things into my bag and rush to the Laundrette just up the street.

When I reach the Laundrette, I push open the door, cross quickly to the machine I used to wash my clothes, without looking around at the other people in there, by time I reach my machine, I can feel all eyes on me. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I don’t look back at the others until I have my clothes out of the washing machine, I turn to face them all and look at each one steadily and in turn, he spotted me first.

“Hey! Emma! It’s me Chad, from the Taxi the other night, do you remember”

“Uh-hi, yes I remember, how are you?” I didn’t smile, I was more embarrassed that he was there and remembered me.

“I’m great! How are things with you? I see you found the Laundrette” He beamed; he was very upbeat and happy.

“Yeah, the staff at the hotel you took me too last night, she told me it was here, I’ve been in the internet café a few doors down and the stationary store next door, so I’m finding my way, slowly.” I smiled this time, thinking this would be the end of our convocation; I headed for one of the dryers not in use and began loading my clothes into the drum.

“Well that’s great! I’m glad you’re finding your way. Liking it so far? Are you still at the same hotel?”

“I haven’t done much yet, this is my first trip out, and it’s to do laundry, but it’s not too bad, I’m going to look for a place to live tomorrow, I’ve been applying to jobs in the internet café, while I waited for my clothes to finish washing. So hopefully, things start to fall into place for me. How’s things with you, been busy?” trying to turn the convocation away from me, I slot the money into the machine and my clothes cycle begins to spin, a loud whoosh from the hot air entering the machine begins and my clothes begin to dry. I have an hour to finish what I started in the Internet café, an hour to put my plan together. I needed to get rid of him.

“That’s great! I hope you find somewhere. Today’s my day off, and the laundry room in my apartment building is out of order so I came here. Any jobs look good?” He asked with hands on his hips and a crooked smile.

“Thank you, there was a few I’ve mainly applied to waitressing jobs, in bars, restaurants and cafes at the moment, I just need something that would cover my rent then I can find a better job, I’m a qualified beauty therapist.”

“Well that’s great, you just need somewhere to start and then you will be off” He smiled kindly, showing his perfect white teeth.

“Thanks, we’ll I better get back to the Internet café, keep applying for jobs. It was nice to see you again. Bye, Chad.” I turn on my heal and walk swiftly to the door.

As the door to the Laundrette slams shut loudly behind me, the noise makes me wince. I stride arms folded in front of me, head down and shoulders hunched to the Internet café.

“Hey!....Hey, Emma!” Comes a loud should from behind me.

Oh no, what now! I turn to see Chad jogging up to me with something in his hand, a folded white piece of paper.

“hey” he says breathlessly. “I know you’re a little busy at the moment settling in, finding a place to live and a job as well as finding your way around. But if ever you feel like meeting me for a drink sometime, call me. Here’s my personal cell number”

“Oh! Thanks, but I wouldn’t like to keep you waiting and I really don’t know when I will be able to meet you, I’m just so busy.” I need to keep detached; I want no ties to this place. I can’t afford it.

“I know, but I don’t mind waiting, just call me sometime day or night, if you feel like hanging out. I can show you some of the bars” He handed me the folder paper containing his number and gave me his crooked smile. I sighed and took the paper from him; he gave me a wink and turned to leave.

“Hey!” I shouted after him. “Chad!” He turns back expectantly. “How’d you know I was single?”

He smiled wider now. “ You arrived on your own, you didn’t have too much luggage and you are staying at the Red Roof Inn. Arriving at the time you did, I just took a stab in the dark you where single, I saw no ring on your finger and You appear to be only washing your own clothes from the small bundle you had. I haven’t seen you with anyone else either. You are single?”

“Yes, well that is some straight up detective work!” I laughed “You ever thing about becoming a detective, you’d be real good at it”

“Nope, never, don’t like the hours” he smiled at me gave me a wink and turned back towards the Laundrette. 

I was still staring after him as the Laundrette door slammed shut, snapping me out of my trance; I turned with wrinkled brow back towards the Internet café and continued down the street. I was still a little confused when I settled myself in front of the computer; I opted for the same one I had used before, I’d ordered a coffee and the barista brought it over for me with a large chocolate chip cookie, a cheese and ham sandwich and a packet of chips for lunch, placed it by my side and left me alone. I was to only one in the café at this time. I’d paid for an hour and didn’t have time to stop and think about Chad, but that’s all I was thinking about. Chad.

I don’t have time for this; I can’t get attached and let my feelings get involved. It’s too dangerous. Maybe, if things. I looked down at my hand, still holding the piece of paper from Chad; I screwed it up and threw it in the bottom of my bag. 

Time to focus. Maybe, in another life, things could have been different.