The Dark Tower

Chapter 3

I decided to get out of the apartment for awhile. Since Tony got his big job I haven’t been working at all, he told me that he would handle everything even though it’s all in my name, which is nice, but I get so bored here. I grab my favorite wind breaker, it was green with white strips on the sleeves towards my wrists, I put on my converse, grab my keys, and head out the door. I make sure to lock my door and message Tony that I was going for a walk, thankfully he wouldn’t see it until lunch, but I still like to tell him right away, this side of town can be rough at times. I walk down the stairs staring down at the front door of the apartment, I hear all the neighbors living their own little lives. I hear cleaning and talking. Babies screaming and laughter. I’m gonna miss this place.

“Ashley where you going?” It’s my downstairs neighbor. He was an old man. Lonely and in his eighties, he was so sweet, always kept an eye on me. He reminded me of my grandpa always offering a chauffeur on walks.

“I’m going for a walk pops. You doing okay?” I look into his aged face and see sad eyes hidden behind a smile,

“Yes I’m fine. Do you want me to walk with you?” Ive let him go on several walks before. He always asked if it was a talking walk or a quiet one, he was so considerate and waited for me to communicate when I was ready.

“Not today, Tony’s still trying to get me to move and I just need a minute. I keep telling him I can’t leave this place, who’s going to take care of you!” I flash a smile.

“Oh bug. I’ll be fine, you need to see the world, he’s a good man. Let him take care of you.” He said with a smile and touched my arm. His hands were always so gentle and he smelled of old spice after shave. He called me bugs since the time I came down for help. I had a really bad infestation of carpet beetles and didn’t know what to do.

“I know, just makes me anxious. Anyways, I’m going for a walk I’ll stop by after, okay?”

“Okay.” He closed his door and I hear him shuffle off.

Okay Ashley. So let’s go over everything. I say to myself as I look around. People probably think I’m crazy, but it helps. If we do this, we are taking a step into something serious. Yes I’m ready for the commitment, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be out of complete independence. What if we get into a fight? What if we break up? I truly love him… I just don’t know. I’ve gone about 6 blocks now and stop at the coffee shop. I order my usual chai tea, the lady who took my order was beautiful. A natural beauty that could model.

“Ashley?!” I hear a family voice and turn around.