This is late and I know I promised for Friday. Don't judge me. I'm gonna start working on chapter four tonight. Thank you for being so patient though. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome. Let me know what you think. Also, if anyone notices the major hints on who Ricky is inspired by, you are awesome because that means we have something in common.
Anya woke the next morning to the smell of coffee wafting in from the kitchen. As she blinked open her eyes, she saw that it was 9:30 AM in bright burning red letter on her clock. The coffee scent pushed deeper into her nose, making her stomach growl. After the events of last night, she hadn't eaten and was now forcing herself out of bed to calm her stomach. 'Did last night really happen?' she asked herself as she walked through the hallway. The apartment seemed empty until she made her way into the kitchen. Sitting at the kitchen's island bar was Ricky. With his hair tucked behind both ears and the sound of his fingers tapping the table let her knew that he was craving a cigarette. Ricky had promised to lessen how many cigarettes he smoked so he could go to Japan but it was really taking a toll on his psyche. Anya made a mental note to go out with him to get a pack.
"Morning Ricky" she greeted, giving him a sleepy grin while combing her hair out with her fingers. The tangle dark cherry tangles were starting to piss her off.
"Morning, Anya. You're up earlier than usual for on a Saturday." He greeted with a smile. Oh goodness, that smile would kill her one day.
"Blame yourself. That damn coffee got to me" He handed her his dark purple mug. She took a large gulp, not caring about the way it seared her tongue. "Where are the others?"
"They went up to the temples that we passed on our way into Osaka; the really big one in the countryside close to the mountains." He started, swiping his cup away from Anya. "You almost drank all of it!" He received an innocent shrug and sighed muttering something under his breath as he stood up to refill his mug.
"What was that?" Anya asked groggily as she followed him into the small kitchen. It was spotless letting Anya know that Layla must have cleaned it before she left. The strong fragrance of lemon scented disinfectant. The southern belle suffered from a terrifying case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder when it came to keeping things clean.
"Nothing. Jake had a research paper. Jess had a few sketches she needed to start, and Layla needed to go for her photography." Ricky explained before going back to his seat at the bar.
"What about you? She asked.
"I've got a creative writing essay. I don't know what to do it on though. The temples don't inspire me." He raked his fingers through his hair. The stress was radiating off of him in waves. He really needed to take his morning drag. Anya knew she shouldn't bring up last night, but she had to. Ricky was the only who could even try to understand her. She stirred her coffee.
"About last night" she threw the spoon into the sink, causing a loud metallic clang, startling her friend. "Sorry, that was an accident." She quickly apologized, trying not to laugh at the horror on his face. 'Ricky Horror. That has a nice ring to it' she thought. "Just forget about last night. I'm sorry for making you worry. I just got carried away. It wasn't even important. Maybe I slipped in the mud and hit my head or something like that." Anya let out a forced chuckle as she realized she was beginning to ramble.
"Listen-", Ricky was cut off.
"Come with me." It wasn't even a suggestion. She needed him to go with her; to believe her. There was silence that followed that made Anya regret her statement.
"Go with you where?" Ricky asked, already dreading her answer.
"To the orphanage."
"We should get our work done."
"It'll make you believe me."
"You just said you might've hit your head."
"I was lying. I promised them I'd go back."
"You didn't say you'd bring other people, did you?
"No, but I know you'll worry about me if I go alone!"
"I can call you."
"You and I both know there is no reception out there."
Ricky went silent. He didn't have any other arguments that Anya wouldn't be able to rebuttal. The girl he'd known for so long was as stubborn as a bull as well as extremely determined when she actually wanted to be. Anya took hold of his hands as she stared into his eyes. Her fingers looked childlike compared to his slender hands.
"Please Ricky. I'm not crazy. Just go with me. If nothing happens, you still may find inspiration while we are out there. You know how nature always looks its best after the rain." She was pleading. Once again, Ricky sighed.
"Okay, let me just pack a few things. We'll leave in an hour so go get ready." He caved but tried to sound more authoritative than he felt. It was getting harder to say no that girl, especially when she comes into a room only wearing a thin black V-neck sweater that was three sizes too big. He'd gotten it for her as a Christmas present when they were in high school but completely forgotten about it. Ricky watched her run back to her room, excitement evident in every move she made. As she ran, he caught a glimpse of her black panties. 'When did she start wearing lace?' he thought to himself but nearly choked on his coffee, expelling the thought as soon as it came. She was only a childhood friend. Nothing more, nothing less. He had a girlfriend and was happy. He couldn't have feelings for Anya like that. Could he? Ricky left his empty cup in the sink and walked to his room. Slamming the door behind him, he leaned his back against the cool wood.
"I need a fucking cigarette" he admitted.
