A warm summer breeze blew through the streets, disturbing discarded papers and garbage and sending the unwanted peices of litter skittering along the asphault. There was a distinct thickness in the air, one that usually precedes a storm, and the air was alive with electricity. There was a bright flash of light, followed by a loud clap of thunder, and droplets of rain began to fall in an erratic pattern upon the sidewalk. Everyone who had been unlucky enough to be caught in the downpour scattered, holding jackets or umbrellas over their heads, looking for shelter from the storm or trying to catch a taxi.
But there was one who couldnt care less about the people around her, or the storm itself.
The rain struck her mercilessly, each drop either soaking through her shirt or pants, or rolling off of her jacket and face. She was holding a newspaper, clenched tightly in her hand and curled in on itself, and she glanced down at it as if to reassure herself. She looked back up at the number on the door infront of her. 221B.
She took a deep breath and tucked the paper under her arm for a moment so she could pull her dark curls into a pony tail. She reached up and rapped on the door with her knuckles.
She waited for a moment and went to knock again, but then the door swung open to reveal a really nice looking lady. She offered a small smile, her green eyes reflecting it sincerely, before speaking.
"Would you happen to be Ms. Hudson?"
She looked quite surprised upon hearing her name, but she nodded just the same. "Why yes, dear. And who would you be?"
The young woman let out a small breath of relief, her nerves beginning to dissapear. "My name is Baila Cole. Im here about the flat advertisement in the paper." She unrolled the damp newspaper and pointed to the ad.
"Oh! Come in!" Ms. Hudson stepped aside, allowing the dripping girl entrance. Upon realizing that Baila had just stepped in from the storm, the older woman began fussing over her. "Oh my, let me grab you a towel so you can dry off a bit!"
"Ms. Hudson, you don't have to do that. I'm fine, really."
"No no, I'm afraid I must insist. You don't want to catch a cold do you?"
"No, but-"
"Not to mention the lake that's growing on my floor. " Baila looked down and immediately began apologizing profusely. Ms. Hudson chuckled lightly. "Don't worry about it, dear." She rested a hand gently on her arm and led her into her flat. "Now, for that towel... A cup of tea would do you some good too."
Baila laughed lightly. She knew this was one battle she would not be winning. "That sounds great, Ms. Hudson."
A few minutes later, Baila was sitting comfortably, hair wrapped in a towel and sipping on a nice, hot, cup of chai. Her clothes were still abit damp, but she didnt notice. Her conversation with Ms. Hudson was capturing most of her attention.
"Do you allow pets?" Baila asked politely, blowing the steam from her cup.
"It depends in what kind. I can't stand those little yippy pups that keep at it at all hours of the night." Ms. Hudson shook her head. Baila laughed.
"Oh, you won't have to worry about that. How anyone can stand them is beyond me." She sat her cup down and unwrapped her hair, running her fingers through her curls to untangle them. "What would you like me to do with this?" She nodded to the towel in her lap.
"Oh, just leave it there, I'll deal with it later." Ms. Hudson smiled lightly. "What kind of pet do you have?"
"A Newfoundland. They're huge dogs, but Appa is just a big ol' teddy bear. He doesnt ever bark unless there's a reason." She finished her tea off and sat the cup down gingerly.
"Would you like to see the flat now?" Baila noticed the topic change, but didnt bring it up. She was taking it as a good sign that Ms. Hudson hadn't thrown her out yet. She nodded, a small smile sneaking onto her face.
"Sounds like a plan."
Ms. Hudson led her out to the flat door that wasn't too far from her own. She pulled out some keys and unlocked the door. "I'll have to get another key made, this is the only one I have at the moment."
"Not a lot of takers, I'm guessing?"
"It's a bit damp..." Ms. Hudson sighed, opening the door. Baila smiled reassuringly.
"That can be fixed rather easily. "
They made their way down the small flight of stairs and into a cozy room with a stone fireplace. Upon further inspection Baila saw that here were three other rooms. A nice kitchen, an empty bedroom, and a bathroom with a deep tub. She couldn't help but grin. It was perfect. She started making mental notes, planning out how to decorate.
"A nice rug here, my couch and TV here..." she thought aloud, "Ms. Hudson, might I be able to paint?" She touched the walls. "I'd run the colors and designs past you first."
"I don't see any problem with that. So, what do you think?"
"I absolutely love it." Baila grinned happily. "Appa will too."
Ms. Hudson smiled and clapped her hands together. "Great! I'll have the paperwork and the key ready for you when you move in!"
"Sounds great!" Baila waited until Ms. Hudson wasn't looking to do a small victory dance, before following her out of the flat.
A/N: I apologize for the short, somewhat boring chapter but I promise that chapter two will be way more interesting. I wanted to set up and introduce my character properly this chapter, and I feel like I did so successfully. Im really happy with this chapter, and with the fact that my writer's block has lifted its reign of tyranny. Also, I apologize to any readers with small dogs... No offense was intended with the yippy pup scene. Also, just so you know, Baila is American. Just thought I should put that out there- she doesnt use the same slang. Next chapter: Baila is introduced to John and Sherlock. :3 Please shoot me a review or a PM telling me what you think, good or bad. Talk to you guys later! :D