Rayne

The short girl decided to buy herself a vanilla cappuccino before she headed to the skate-park to meet Ocean. She was sitting at the bustling coffee shop when Alliyah walked in and right up to her:

“Hey, there. How are you?” She smiled that remarkable smile.

“Good afternoon. I’m good… Thanks.”

Alliyah allowed herself to sit across the table, with no care for asking for approval to join her.

“I saw you yesterday… Was that your… Grandma?”

Rayne deliberated whether to lie or not as she sipped her beverage. But as she looked into her eyes, the truth slipped out of her lips:

“…No.”

“So, who was she?”

“Are you always so intrusive?”

“Yes, I am.”

Rayne rolled her eyes as she allowed the beverage to keep her hands warm.

“If you must know, she was showing me her… House.”

“Oh… So, she’s your lover…”

Rayne nearly choked on her cappuccino:

“No! I have to find a new place. My landlord is kicking me out.”

“Why?” Alliyah raised her thick eyebrows.

“The contract says no pets… And I have 3 cats.”

“Why- Why did you get pets if you knew you couldn’t?” She cocked her head.

“I simply did not foresee that I would be getting caught.”

Alliyah smiled despite herself.

“Well, I know my landlord has a couple of apartments for rent. I can hook you up if you want.”

“It’s alright, I will manage.”

“But… You don’t have to ‘manage’. I can help you.”

“I- I have to go. Sorry, bye.”

Rayne could feel Alliyah’s stunned hazel eyes on her as she hurried out the shop.