Raphael, Human or Not I Still Love You! Ch.2

It has been a month since the subway incident where that mysterious man saved her life. After he asked her to stay safe she went on and bought a taser gun and feminine brass knuckles that never left her purse. From there she took some basic boxing courses and defensive courses as well. She is saving money for a car as well so that she never has to ask for a ride or take the subway. The last change she made was change her work policy, she no longer would do house visits after six. Most have an eight to five shift; she figured six would give her enough time to get home before dark. Even though she changed her daily activities to be sure she was safe there was one thing, or should we say one person she could not shake; that man that saved her from that night. Was it destiny that put her in the subway that night on her eighteenth birthday or was it just a coincidence? Who was he, where was he and why did he want to stay a mystery. For weeks she had been drawing his photos, some with no face and other with what she thought he would look like based of those muscles of his and that New York accent, that wonderful accent that made her tingle just thinking of it. The only thing she had to go on was the voice and the matching hat and trench coat. It looked older so it would be difficult to find out where he may have bought it. Knowing where he got it could give her an idea of his taste and scope similar places. There was one last thing she remembered, it was the smell of some food, but she could not put her finger on exactly what it was. Suddenly it hit her, "I seriously need to get out more often. I feel like I am on the edge of being considered a stalker. All that is missing is the action of following the person. I know; I will go to Pops this weekend because they have dollar drinks on Saturdays and karaoke. That will give me a show because I love watching the drunken men get up there and slur the words to the sound and be on the edge of passing out on stage.

It has been a couple months since Roshanda had been to Pops bar, "I wonder if they have done any renovations on the place. Last I knew there was talk about making it an integration of alien life forms, inspired by the Men in Black films. Or it could be peace treaties for that incident a few years back when Earth was being overrun by some rhinoceros looking alien clan and some other unique looking creatures. Of course, I have no problem with others that are different, even Pops is different. He looks like a giant dog with long floppy ears and when your scratch them, he is putty in your hands". Suddenly Roshanda realizes she is talking to herself again, "Wow, I do need to get out. Maybe a walk around the complex will help".

The next day Roshanda decided to keep busy so to stay distracted until it was the weekend where she could really get stuff off her mind. She would take any job she could accept without staying out after dark. Most of the jobs she took required her to go to the house take measurements of the room and analyze the personality of the child so to make suggestion that he or she could choose from so she could make the design in the comfort of her own home. On Friday evening Roshanda had an interesting candidate visit her studio. The woman was very tall, had aquatic skin and was pushing a baby carriage. Roshanda quickly straightened her blouse to go welcome the woman and asked how she could be of service. The woman looked down at Roshanda shyly, even for such a tall and confident looking woman. The woman quickly looked around and back down at Roshanda, "I was told by my neighbor that this was the best place to find someone to redesign my baby's nursery. We are new to the neighborhood and the room design that is there now is not appealing. It caused my baby discomfort to such an extent that we have to have him in the room with us at all times. Roshanda has never hear of a room causing discomfort, rooms that were not to someone's liking, but never any kind of painful experience. Roshanda gave a sincere smile and asked if the woman was willing to describe the way the room looked at this point in time. The woman begins describing the room, "Well that part I love is that it is extremely colorful, but in the middle of the room is this strange looking creature painted on the wall. With red hair, large round disfigured red nose, lips as red as a red rose and it is baring its teeth at us. The eyes are painted in such a manner that no matter where you move in the room it is like it is staring directly at you. As if you are next to be consumed. Oh and it has shoes on like humans, but its feet are of abnormal size because these shoes are extremely long compared to any human I have ever encountered". The entire time the woman was describing the creature Roshanda was trying to stay composed and not laugh because the creature that was just described to her was a clown. Once the lady finished, Roshanda informed the lady that the creature on the wall is known as a clown. The woman asked if clowns were pets to humans. Being sure not to laugh Roshanda calmly answered, "No they are humans dressed in silly costumes because they are meant to make people smile or laugh. So to feel the joys of life". The woman looks away and then back and Roshanda, "Well it is not making my son feel the joys of life, more so the horrors to come". Roshanda apologized for the discomfort this painting is causing and looks at the baby carriage proceeding to ask if she can see the baby. The woman gave a concerned look, as if she was scared for anyone to see what the baby looked like. Roshanda realized the look and began to explain why, "I ask because if I can observe his reactions, maybe even make a connection with him even with just eye contact it can help me understand what designs would work best for him and with him being so young I need to see how he acts and how he interacts with you compared to a complete stranger". The woman nodded her head in understanding and lifted the blanket that was covering the baby. Roshanda could not help herself, she lost her composure and began tickling the child's gin looking into the large black eyes of his and telling the mother sorry about losing it, but that her son is to cute and she could not help it. The mother replies, "That is quite alright. I was afraid you would be scared of my son since he has not yet grown into his humanoid form". Roshanda looks up and responds, "How could someone be afraid of such a cute little, umm octopus"? The mother corrected Roshanda by answering squid. Roshanda apologized for the mistake and asked if she could hold the little guy. The mother was surprise because this was the first human that ever desired to hold her son so for a moment did not answer. After recovering from the shock she told Roshanda yes. Holding the little squid Roshanda began speaking to him, "You are just so adorable, yes you are. How could anyone be afraid of you with such amazingly cute eyes such as yours"? The mother smiles and blushes at all the compliments from the human before her giving such compliments to her son. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside and she suddenly realized, "I believe that the room should give my son this warm fuzzy feeling. That way every time he is in the room he will remember you and what a wonderful person you are". Pausing, Roshanda looks up from the baby and says, "I would be honored to design your son's room, I just need to come by and take measurements and make notes of the layout so I can come back to my studio to make a few design choices for you and I will give you a discount on some of my personalized designer cribs". The woman thanked Roshanda, gave her information and made the appointment for next week for Roshanda to stop by.

After such a rewarding week it was finally Saturday. Roshanda figured she would do her normal routine before going to the bar. Her first errand required her to go to the market to pick up fruit, vegetables and some meat. After that she would stop by the local art supply store which was on the way home. She needed to go to the art store because she needed some supplies shipped to her place by Monday morning. Once she finished placing her order she would head back to her studio/home. Not many people knew about Roshandas studio being her home, not in as she lives at work, but as in she lives above her studio. The street view only showed a nice little office building that looked as if it were two stories. Once you walk in though, the interior shows a large layout and there were previous stations that illustrated work she had done in the past. Hidden away in the back of the building was an elevator that led to the second floor where she resided. Originally when Roshanda bought the play the second level was not to her liking so she redesigned it to fit her taste and by doing so it looked bigger than what it really was. What Roshanda loved the most were her one sided glass panels. The glass allowed light to sign through, she could still see outside, but no one could ever see her. It was like having her own interrogation environment. After running her errands, Roshanda went home to drop off her groceries and change clothes for her self-defense class that was from three to four. From four to five she and some of the guys stuck around discussing the new techniques they learned that day. Roshanda was able to get a ride home from one of the guy which meant she got home fifteen minutes earlier than walking back. She showered and was ready by 5:45. She decided to take the park because it was a shortcut to the bar. She grabbed her purse that held her brass knuckles, pepper spray and taser gun and left the loft. Arriving there exactly at six, Roshanda was thankful no one tried to jump her on the way. While walking down the steps to the underground bar known as Pops she could already smell the food cooking. Taking in the smell took her down memory lane which reminded her that not many humans knew of this place so she would not have a lot of drama tonight. She thought it was sad that the aliens respected this planet more so than the humans that were here first ever have.

As she pushed open the doors, the bar went silent while everyone just sat there staring at her, "Well so much for feeling at home. Suddenly the silence was broken by a very familiar voice and heavy footsteps, "Does my eye fool me or is this the young lass that dares eat my cooking and survives, desiring a second helping"? Roshanda smiles, "Hey Pops, long time no see. Oh no pun intended". Pops just laughed and asked her to take a seat at the bar so they could catch up. She did as Pops asked and when he added that the first plate was on the house, she really scurried along for some of his cooking. Pops asks where and what has Roshanda been up to. The last time he saw her she was not running her own business designing children rooms so she explains to him about her business and how it is going. She tells him about the mother that recently came in asking her to design her infant's room. They were really nice and made her day. After catching him up on her business she proceeds to tell Pops about her night a month ago where the guys tried to harm her, "What? Someone attacked you? The nerve of those punks. They better be glad I wasn't around; I would have taken them all down. It is nice that this mysterious stranger was there to help you, but sweetie; what were you thinking taking the subway in the middle of the night especially with your looks"? Roshanda smiled, "I know I was not thinking. I was trying to be considerate to my friend and I just had a sudden urge to take the subway for my first and last time. I guess at this point I can at least say I learned something from that night, but gained a mystery that will not leave me alone". Pops began cleaning a cup while saying, "Sounds more like you have a crush or you are obsessed". Roshanda takes offense to that remark, "I am not obsessed and how can you have a crush on someone you do not know. I am more fascinated than anything else. Call it curious. I mean come on Pops, who walks around in a trench coat and matching hat"? Pops tells her there are many people that do, but she replies by adding and old fashioned trench coat and matching hat that fits a character from one of those black and white movies. While listening to her description, Pops rubs his beard in wonder, "If I didn't know better you were talking about Ralphy boy". She looks at Pops in puzzlement. Pops continues, "He comes in around this time and he fits your description. He is very mysterious just as you said. He always has the same table every Saturday in the back where it is the darkest place ordering the same thing every night. Never ordering alcohol though, like a cop on duty or something". Roshanda gets excited in hope that this could be her mystery guy and asks Pops what time this guy comes in. Just as he is about to answer the doors swing open. Pops mumbles, "Always on the dot. Another cop thing". Roshanda looks toward the doors in excitement to find the exact trench coat and hat from her mystery hero. The same stance her mystery fellow hand and when he spoke it was that same voice that made her tingle. She watched as he walked past and went straight to his usual booth, ordering his same order like clockwork. Not wanting to miss this opportunity she asks Pops if she can deliver Ralphs food to him because that is her mystery guy. Pops answers, "I don't see why not. Just don't be causing any trouble. Wouldn't want to kick my favorite little human out now would I"? Roshanda looks at Pops, "Me? Trouble? No way, I am a little angel". She takes the tray and hears Pops say, "Yeah, a little angel with devil horns to hold up that halo". Roshanda turns, sticks her tongue out and blows kisses before turning to walk towards Ralph. After giving him his order and receiving a thank you she just stands there not knowing what to say. Ralph looks at her feet planted there and asks if she is waiting for a tip. She chuckles, "Hello my mystery hero, or should I call you Ralphy boy"? Ralph looks up at her, "You're that human from the subway. I am glad to see that you kept your promise to stay safe. At least now I do not have to worry about another pretty face appearing in the missing section of the paper. How have you been"? All Roshanda could say was good. He looks at her, smirks and asks, "Do you mind leaving now so I can eat my food without being watched. I hate being watched and I hate eating in front of someone that is not eating something themselves". Roshanda laughs and says, "I am the same way". Roshanda runs to the counter taking a fresh bowl of fries yelling she will pay for them. All that mattered was getting back before Ralph disappeared again. Ralph laughed at her reaction, "You are one strange gal. Speaking of, you know my name and yet you still have not told me yours. Let me guess, since you know mine, your name must be Ms. Stalker". Roshanda answers, "Why do you say that? Pops said something similar. It is called curiosity for a reason"; before she can continue on her rant Ralph stops her, "Hey, calm down it was just a joke. You know lol, ha-ha, just kidding and all that stuff". Roshanda blushes, "Oh, well I did not find it funny, but any way the name is Roshanda". Ralph smiles at the fact her name starts with an R as well, "The best names start with R's". After chatting for some time, Roshanda watch goes off. She gives him her number and asks him to call sometime. He asks what is with the beeper and she says it is to let her know that she needs to get going before it gets to the time where guys come out in the park since that is the path she takes home. Ralph offers to walk her home just to be on the safe side and she accepts the offer. Being that it was only fifteen minutes away, Roshanda walked as slowly as possible, prolonging their goodbye. When the finally did reach her place he was saying his goodbye and was about to leave. Roshanda grabbed him by the arm, "Not this time Ralph. This time I want to see your face since you deprived me last time and all of tonight". Ralph asks why seeing his face is so important. Roshanda tells him it is because he fascinates her, that she had drawn faceless photos and she needs a face for her portraits and last he should just indulge her curiosity or she would never let go of his arm. Taking a heavy sign, Ralph steps into the light taking off his hat. Roshanda saw a face she was not expecting, but then again how could she expect something that was not there; expect the unexpected type of deal. Ralph looks at her and says, "Well, now that you see me, is your curiosity satisfied"? All Roshanda can do to respond is to say, "You have such beautiful eyes".