New story time! This time its a human AU! I really was excited to start this story and it was all help from a friend who actually RP'd the story with me to help me out. So i hope you guys still enjoy it and i am happy to bring this story to light!
Disclaimer: Hazbin Hotel characters do not belong to me. They belong to Vivziepop. My oc, Heart, belongs to me and other friends oc's belong to their rightful owners.
Ch 1: New City, New Life
New Orleans, it was a city of dreams and maybe other things in between. The city is world-renowned for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. For someone though, it was a new beginning. A start over in life. Someplace to bring out dreams.
After her parents died while she was in college, she started to look around for jobs. Eventually she found a job opportunity, but not in her home state of Tennessee. She was going south.
More than she ever has.
Louisiana.
She honestly has always wanted to go and visit New Orleans but now she was having the chance to live there, she jumped onto that opportunity. With the money her parents had left, which wasn't too much, but it was enough for her to make a payment on a small house down there. As well as enough left over to make sure she would be ok for a little while. At least her parents helped her with something. The woman went right to packing up her things and leaving her old life behind. Selling her parents home and moving on.
This was her new start.
And her new beginning.
Unknown to her, that sometimes there were the dark sides of New Orleans that she didn't know about, but she was going to learn fast.
A young woman stepped off the train in the new town. New smells, new sounds, new people. She had long black hair that went past her shoulders a bit, dark brown eyes that reminded people of chocolate and a cute but comfortable black dress on.
Ashlyn Wolfe was ready to face the world and be off to new adventures. She headed out of the train station and looked around the city in aw.
She remembered she had to take the train car to her new home. New city. A bigger city than what she ever grew up in. She had a bag with her that was for the train ride there. Hopefully she could remember the way to her new home, her stuff should already be there thanks to the movers. The house she got was for a good deal, plus they left almost everything in the home, so she didn't have to worry about buying much. It worked out well.
Ashlyn gathered herself. Took a deep breath and walked out of the train station. She walked out to see more of the city before her and she was in awe at the sight. It was amazing. She saw a train car stop nearby and walked over, making sure to grab money out of her purse. She waited at the area and when the train car stopped, she jumped on and headed on her way.
The ride on the car was enjoyable, she was able to look out the window at all the things that went by. She enjoyed the views. The beautiful buildings that went by. The interesting people that walked the streets. She had a smile on her face the whole time.
Soon enough the train car got to the street her home was on, she got off the car and looked around the small neighborhood that was just on the outside of the city. Her new home wasn't far from the stop. She looked down at the paper with the address on it and walked down the cobblestone street.
Soon enough she came upon a cute little bage house. It had a hard wooden front porch that was just along the front. The door was white and the windows of the house had light brown shutters. She looked at the address on her paper and then went back to the house.
"This is it." She says with a happy sigh and looks at the house again. "Let's head inside and start unpacking."
The woman pulled a key out from her bag. She looked down at the key a moment, smiling. This was her new start and she was excited to be starting off her new life this way. She walked up the small walkway to the house and onto the porch. The keys unlocked the door and she headed inside.
The house was small but homey. The door opened up into a small foyer. A set of steps led upstairs just to the right. To the left was a living area and behind that a kitchen. There was a hallway that ran in front of her and down the hall was some storage under the stairs and a bathroom.
Ashlyn walked around the bottom floor and was happy with everything in the home. Some rearranging needed done but that's about it. Boxes were everywhere from the movers. There was a couch and chair in the living room arranged in front of the fireplace. A fridge and table in the kitchen with a built-in oven as well.
She decided to head upstairs. When she got to the top, there was a small hallway. All that was up there was the master bedroom with an attached bathroom and a guest bedroom. In the master bedroom was a king sized bed, with a mattress left behind. She might get it replaced though because you never know. As well as some bedside tables and a dresser where there. The guest room had a queen sized bed and a dresser.
She noticed there was a decent sized radio on the floor of the bedroom, she turned it on and started to play with it until music came on. It was an uppity dance song so she started to dance along.
"This is honestly really nice. I'm in love with it already." Ashlyn says as she dances in the room.
She decided to start unpacking a little bit in this room since she had the radio going and kept it on.
As the woman began to unpack the music ended and then a gentleman's voice followed. He sounded very smooth and silky with a very handsome transatlantic accent, "I hope all my listeners enjoyed that little number quite the bees knees if I say myself! Haha! For those tuning in just now I'm your radio host Alastor the one and only to bring you the news on New Orleans number one radio frequency."
Stopping from her unpacking to listen to the man on the radio. She kind of felt something in her chest flutter at just his voice. He sounded handsome and you could tell his voice was made for the radio.
"I might like it here after all." She said with a big smile and went back to unpacking her things. She went to her books. These ones were special and she kept them on display mostly because they were rare and she was proud of them. "I might put these downstairs." She said and put the books down on a dresser and opened another box.
The man continued to speak as she unpacked, "Now, I thought you dear listeners, would be interested in some news. This just in there was another report of a victim found that perished at the hands of the serial killer that's been running rampant for months now. There are still no leads or connections baffling the authorities. My words to you is be safe and do not linger in the streets after dark…" He mentions.
At the sound of the news she looked at the radio for a moment. "A serial killer huh?" That is just what she needed. A new life in a new city and she is already hearing bad news. Although, it was more excitement than back home. "I guess I'll have to be careful. At least this guy makes the news sound interesting." She whispered as she turned away from the radio when the host started talking again.
"There's no need for Alarm though ladies and gentleman, this terror doesn't seem to be after the innocent rather... those that have committed quite loathe some sins." The radio host added. "This new connection was made by the authorities this afternoon when comparing the data. Unless you're filthy scum there's no need to fret. In other news on the more pleasant side of things, there's going to be a shindig at our local library to celebrate our new librarian moving to our quaint little old New Orleans town!"
There was a small sigh of relief that left her as they talked about the killer only killing those who deserved it. That at least was the good part of that.
When he talked about the library, she blushed. "Really?" She laughed and shook her head. "I told Kristin I didn't need anything fancy when I got into town. Now everyone is going to know." She sighed in defeat. "Oh well. Although it would be nice if this Alastor guy was there. Doesn't sound half bad to meet." She says.
Once she got the box done, she went up to the radio. "I guess I should head into town and look at the library anyway. Check it all out and finally get to meet my old pen pal after all these years." She laughed and then turned the radio off.
Ashlyn goes back downstairs, made sure she had her key to the house, her purse, plus straightened out her outfit and headed out back into the city. She was pretty sure she knew where the library was, so hopefully it won't take too long. She got back onto the streetcar and went back to where she thought the library was. Lucky one of the stops was the library and as she stepped out she looked up at the old building and gave a huge smile at the sight of it
She walked up the stairs of the library and just smiled wide at it before walking in. She knew she was probably ruining the surprise but she had to see it. She had to get use to the place. As soon as she walked into the door she was amazed at the sight and her mouth hung agape in awe.
Ashlyn's pen pal Kristen and her now assistant was at the front desk getting things ready for tomorrow to welcome her dear friend to town. The girl had brown hair that went to her shoulders and brown eyes. "Oh, I'm such a flutter she's finally here! I hope she's been settling in alright. I know she said nothing special but that just isn't the New Orleans way." She heard the woman say, getting some balloons and putting them up on the desk.
The black-haired woman slowly made her way over to the front desk, not even paying much attention. As she looked at all the books and shelves that lined almost every wall. She almost thought she was in heaven.
She was so busy that she then ran into someone. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry." She quickly apologized.
"Woah!" The girl yelped a little and lost her balance slightly when she felt a bump. "Oh no worries sugar how can I help you-" The woman paused as she then saw who was standing before her as she turned around. A big smile then spread across her face. "Ashlyn!? Ashlyn is that you!?"
The woman was confused for a moment but then smiled wide when she saw the other girl, "Kristen?" She wondered as she straightened out her dress. "Hey, it's finally nice to meet you after all these years." She smiled. "And please, we're friends here. You can still call me Heart. I know it will be a little harder in person than on paper."
"Oh, my stars! It is so wonderful to meet you finally, Heart." The brunet giggled with excitement finally meeting her pal, "Oh sugar we are more than friends I'm your assistant! Here to help with anything you'd need, we'll be workin' together and have the whole library to ourselves!" She beamed holding her friend's hands.
Heart giggled with excitement. "That's fantastic! It will be a ball working with you for sure." She smiled. "It's wonderful to hear you as well. Who knew you could be so adorable in person." She says with a small wink.
Kristen blushed at Heart's little gesture and words, "Oh, well I don't know about adorable sweet pea but..uh hehe! You're just so kind I knew you'd be the bees knees." She exclaims "I know you said you don't want a big hoopla to celebrate your arrival but that just isn't the New Orleans way. You'd be missing out on so much fun and getting' to know everyone! Especially Mr. Alastor." She winks
Heart just chuckled at her enthusiasm. It was true that she didn't want much when she came to the city but there wasn't much she could do now at this point. "I don't know if a new Liberian is a big thing to get excited about but even so i do appreciate the welcome." Then when she said the name Alastor it made her mind work, she had just heard that name but where?
Her friend saw her gears working, "Oh I'm sure you've been listening to the radio already since you got here sugar. Mr. Alastor is the one and only radio host who brings us the best news for our quaint little New Orleans town.
"Oh yea!" The light bulb finally went off in Heart's head. "I was listening to him today. I was putting some things away and checking out the house. He has a very lovely voice." She says in an almost dreamy way.
Kristen has a feeling just now about how Heart said that sentence. "Oooh sugarplum are you falling head over heels for Mr. Alastor all because of his smooth vocals hm?" She teased
Heart blushed. "No I am not!" She exclaimed softly. "I haven't even been here for a whole 24 hours." She then started to laugh.
"Mhm whatever you say dumplin. We'll see tomorrow when he comes to the celebration to document all the news. Don't worry he's just as handsome as his voice says" Kristen giggled.
"H-He's coming here?" The darker haired woman asked with a stutter and her eyes wide.
"You bet your sweet beignets he will be! He is very highly respected and the best coverage of the news we have after all. Your arrival has him excited too, a fresh new wonderful face in town! Besides when he's not on the radio he comes here quite frequently to indulge in his readings. He has his own little designated spot in the back he likes to retreat to."
"He knows about me?" Heart questioned with a blush. "Oh my." She whispered. She cleared her throat. "Is that so? Maybe I'll get to talk to him a little more than i thought then." She smiled
"Well yes! It's all my doing sweet pea. I told him all about you of course. Alastor and I are close friends so ever since I started writing to you, I've told him what I know, that is appropriate of course." She added giving her friend a small little playful nudge.
Heart felt her whole face was now red. A well-known man of the town knows all about her and she was meeting him tomorrow. Good gracious. "I guess I'll make sure to look my best for my first day then." She says with a smile.
"That's the spirit hun! Now how about I take you out to dinner tonight? Heaven knows you probably haven't even begun to unpack the kitchen let alone go to the market. " she said taking hearts hands into hers again looking at her with a glint of excitement in her eyes
The woman gave a nervous chuckle. "No, I haven't even looked at those boxes in the kitchen. Thanks doll. I appreciate it." She says smiling. "I'm going to try and get that unpacked more."
"How about after dinner I can help you a bit? I can at least help take everything out of the boxes so you can put it where you'd like" The brunet offered.
"That would be wonderful. I'd love some help honestly." She admitted to her
Kristen squealed and bounced on her heels "Then it's a date! I couldn't be more excited! Shall we go get some fixins' then?" she asked her.
"I think that sounds wonderful." Heart says and then her stomach growls. "There's a big answer."
"Wonderful then! There's a lovely little establishment at the next train car stop! I think it's near your house too!" She says, taking Heart's arm into hers leading them out to the library steps.
"Lead the way!" Heart says as she was dragged away and it made her chuckle. "I will trust your judgment. I'm sure it will be amazing for sure." She says as they walk down the steps.
The pair made it to the stop for the train car that was by the library. When the next one comes by, they hop aboard. Again, Heart looked out the window, still talking to Kristen as they went. When they got off at the stop by Heart's house, they walked a little way and spotted the restaurant not far away. When they got closer, the smell was wonderful wafting in the air practically luring them in.
Once Heart smelled the wonderful aroma of the place already, she was starving now for sure.
"Wow, this place smells wonderful already. Making my mouth water. I'm always interested in finding new places to chew." Heart says as they head towards the place.
"It's the absolute best place to get a good meal that serves the best New Orleans cuisine from gumbo, to crawfish to jambalaya and everythin' in between and not to worry suga this meal is on me! To celebrate your arrival and us finally meetin'!" Kristen squealed, twirling Heart around a little.
Heart laughed as they twirled around for a moment. She then pulled the woman in for a hug and let her go soon after. "You're just a dish." Heart says with a giggle. "I'm very excited to try some New Orleans food since you talk about it so much. Now come on before I waste away here." She joked and grabbed her friend's hand to head inside.
"You don't have to tell me twice dumplin! Let's go!" She giggled back following Heart.
The two friends walked in and the smell from outside was even better on the inside. The restaurant had a sea type theme. The walls were made of woods and lots of blue paint on some walls to look like water. There were even some nick knacks on the wall related to the sea and fishing. Kristen walked up to the host at the door, saying they would like a table for two. Soon the ladies were seated and were debating on what to order.
"What sounds good to you?" The girl asked.
Heart looked at the menu and there was so much to choose from. She didn't know what to have. "If I had a bit enough gut, I'd eat it all but sadly I do not." She looked up from the menu. "What do you recommend, doll?"
"I recommend the crawfish!" She answered right away. "They are absolutely mouthwatering to eat and the jambalaya of course! They have other wonderful things too such as sandwiches for those not used to the New Orleans spice "
Heart hummed in thought at the options her friend was suggesting to her. "I think i'll just go simple for now. I might try the jambalaya."
"Wonderful! Now remember I am taking care of the bill, we are ordering some amazing beignets for dessert" Kristen replied with a wink.
Heart smiled wide, "You've said in your letters how good they are. Now I get to judge them myself." She says with a smirk. "Although I do love sweets, so I might like them."
"Fair enough doll, I can't wait to see the look on your little face!" She beams then calls the waiter over.
The girls place their drinks and food order then chat amongst themselves while waiting. They were unaware of not one but two pairs of eyes on them amongst the shadows in the back of the restaurant.
There sat a tall gentleman with reddish brown hair, and burnt brown, red eyes hiding behind a pair of cheaters resting on the bridge of his nose. He wore an ear-to-ear pearly white smile with his sharp canines showing. He was dressed in a red vest with a white undershirt sporting a black bow tie. His look was completed with black slacks and handsome shiny dress shoes.
"So you're the new librarian Dear Kristen has told us about...quite ravishing if I do say so my old friend..." The man said to himself as his shadow moved and grew two blue eyes and a jagged smile. The man then laughed. "This is going to be very entertaining."
Heart was already having a wonderful time. To talk and soon to work with an old pen pal was the best that she could ask for. Not even in New Orleans for a whole day and she was already loving it. She couldn't ask for anything better to happen on her first day here.
While the two women talked, Heart then felt a sense of something watching her. Hair on the back of her neck stood up. She paused mid laugh and lifted her head to look around the room a moment but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"That's odd." She whispered to herself.
Kristen was laughing along with her but then paused seeing her friend stop suddenly and change her mood "What's wrong hun? Are you alright?" She asked, concerned as she gently grabbed the woman's hands.
Heart shook her head and just looked back at her friend smiling, holding onto her friend's hands tightly. "It's nothing. Just a hint of the Heebie-Jeebies that's all." She reassured her with a movement of her hand, brushing it away. "I hear that this city can be pretty haunted and stuff. Maybe I'm just feeling a little goofy I guess."
"Hmm well you are right about that sugarplum, we do have quite the spirits around here, especially voodoo related occurrences. It's nothin' to worry about, you seem like a swell person and I'm sure the supernatural folks around here just feel drawn to a lovely gal as you." Kristen smiled.
The woman gave a laugh. "Yeah right. I'm sure some egg wouldn't be drawn to a Dumb Dora like myself. I ain't no pretty kitten." She says and tries to keep her smile.
Heart always had a problem with her self-esteem. Never found herself very keen compared to other Jane's. Even back in school the other boys didn't find her to be the bee's knees. Always picked last for everything. Never got asked to a dance. She didn't get to experience love, or at least the love of someone loving her back.
The burnet squinted her eyes, "Now that just ain't true, you're one of the prettiest Shebas to live here any fella would say that I bet!" She lectured her
"Only time will tell then." Heart says with a small laugh. "Don't worry. Let's get back to the chin. No more bumping gums about me." She suggested so that she could change the subject back to what they were talking about before.
"Mm alright then but you can't weasel your way out of the subject later when we continue" Kristen gave her a playful nudge and wink.
Heart laughed and shook her head. She gave the room a once around again but still saw nothing. She just tried to push the feeling she had down for now. It probably was just nothing. They talked until their food arrived. They thanked the waiter and then Heart looked at her food and it smelled wonderful. You could smell the spices in it and it almost made her feel at home. She took her utensil and then took a bite of the jambalaya. As soon as it hit her tongue it was really hot. She had to let it cool over first.
"Oh man that's hot." She said before blowing on it and then taking the bite. She hummed in delight at the taste and her eyes went wide. She swallowed the bite after savoring it. "This is amazing!"
Kristen giggled after taking a bite of some crawfish, "Haha what kind of hot darlin spice or heat?" She giggled.
"Heat." She said embarrassed. "I didn't let it cool down before putting it in my mouth. Although i can tell there is a bit of spicy kick to this as well."
"Aha there it is the New Orleans spice to welcome you, same with the hotness. If it ain't hot it ain't fresh!" She chirped, eating more of her crawfish.
Heart gave a laugh at that. "I know you said you guys like it hot down here, now I can feel why. Even so, it does give it a nice kick and good flavor." She says as she takes another bite.
"Glad to hear it sweet pea! I'm glad you're likin' the cuisine! We got normal things around here but this is always the bee's knees! So tell me dumplin what do you look forward to in your new life down here?" The girl asked her friend as she dipped her meat in the sauce provided for her.
The black-haired woman looked down at her food for a moment. Lost in thought. Trying to think of what to say. "I guess the new people I'll meet. Even though i can be a little shy at first." She chuckled. "Although, I am excited to see the new sights and stuff as well. Who knows, maybe i'll find my future husband down here." She then laughed. "Wouldn't that be somthin'?"
"Findin' your future beau is never silly or outta the question doll, New Orleans can be quite romantic. I've seen quite a number of folks findin their soulmates here. Maybe I can help ya out and hook you up with a handsome fella." Her friend winked, eating some of the last of the crawfish.
"I'll let nature run its course." Heart answered with a shake of her head. "As long as i don't love no Trouble boys I'll be fine." She joked with a laugh.
"Mm but they are the most attractive ones." She teased finishing her crawfish. "Oh, and you're going to love the festivals and parties we host, just the whole New Orleans lifestyle in general. It is never dull here I can tell you that!" "
"I love going to festivals." Heart says excited. "When is that one you mentioned to me. Mardi Gras? When does that take place? I feel it would be fun to see that." The black-haired woman says with a bit of excitement.
"Mardi Gras is the biggest festival of them all! I think it happens anywhere at the end of February. Oooh you came just in time for ya first Mardi Gras!" Kristen squealed.
"Oh really? That makes it even more exciting. I can't wait!" Heart says with a big smile.
"Mm perhaps your beau will show up by then and be your festival date?" The brunet teased.
Heart chuckled. "I don't know about that, but it's always worth a shot. Get a date for the party."
"I will make it my mission hun now how bout we try some of those beignets I still am DYIN to see the look on your little face when you take a bite of em!" She commented then called the waiter over to place the order.
Heart laughed and covered her mouth at that comment. "Ok ok. I will say though, I'm very interested in how they taste." When the waiter took the order and left she asked, "So what are beignets anyway?"
Kristen's eyes lit up at that question. "Oh they are a cloud of sugary goodness straight from heaven! Delicious fluffy pastries that sometimes have fillin in em. But classic ones, which I ordered, are plain with powdered sugar and come with a delicious chocolate sauce to dip in "
Heart's eyes went wide. "Oh my goodness, just the sound of that has my mouth watering." She said to her. "Now I'm very interested in trying them."
"Aha! You haven't even tasted them. And you already have such big eyes I love it! You're so adorable, sweet pea" Kristen mused taking a sip of her coke.
The woman gave a chuckle. "Well, you made them sound amazing! So now my curiosity is like the cat's meow!" She says and then the waiter came back with the dessert and now her eyes looked at the sweet treat like it was a crush.
Heart picked up one of them and eyed it a moment before taking a bite by itself first and then she gave a hum in utter delight. "Oh my god." She moaned slightly.
Kristen watched her friend take one, eye it and bite into it. Heart's reaction was worth one in a million. "I take it you like it? Based on your reaction of course" She teased.
"This is the cats pajamas!" She exclaimed, of course staying quiet so as not to cause a scene.
"Heheh I'm glad you love them suga." The girl replied, taking one off the plate and dipping it in the chocolate sauce. She takes a bite and gums with delight too. "I can never have enough of these beignets, they are indeed the cat's pajamas!"
Heart finished off the one she had and was already grabbing another then went and dipped it into the chocolate. If there was anything she loved most, it was chocolate. She took a bite and her eyes rolled up a little as she hummed again.
"Good golly, these are like heaven. The chocolate is amazing." Heart hummed again in delight.
"Mhm it's the creamiest and perfectly sweetened kind around! Pairs perfectly with the beignets not over sweetening a thing about it!" Kristen explained putting more chocolate in her beignet with a spoon before taking another mouthful.
Heart finished off the other beignets and looked at her friend with a smile "Thanks for taking me out tonight. I've had a splendid time."
"Anytime we are friends after all and co-workers now! I'm goin to love being your assistant much more fun and sweeter than our other librarian. He was a real asshole... mysteriously ... he turned up dead in the bayou one day..." The brunet said cutting the third beignet in half giving one to Heart and the other she kept.
Heart took half of the treat with wide eyes. "Really? That's...odd and a little scary." She got some chocolate on her beignet. "Was he killed by that serial killer i heard about on the radio?" She asked as she took a bite
"Hmm it looked to be the case, the pattern was the same. He had organs and parts of him missing, mangled and mutilated. Authorities came to find out that he was actually a pedophile and after his death was announced several victims came forward now that he couldn't hurt them anymore." Kristen says intriguingly.
Heart swallowed her bite. "That's really awful, but at the same time, he got what he deserved if that was the case. I'm glad his victims don't have to live in the dark anymore." Then her thought went a little serious. "Well, I already know I'm way better of a Liberian than him."
"Mhm! Absolutely you are sugar! Especially if you already caught Mr. Alastor's eye. He's been inquiring about you as time passed and your arrival was nearing. I can't wait for you both to meet tomorrow at the celebration! It's goin to be the bees knees!"
"He's asking about me? My goodness woman how much did you tell him?" Heart wandered with a huge blush.
Just thinking about the man made her excited though, she couldn't wait to meet him in person. He sounded like a great guy from what her friend had told her. Heart wasn't sure what to expect though. He could be something she wasn't expecting. Even so, her heart seemed to speed up at the thought. My goodness she could be weak in the knees already for a guy she hasn't met?
"I did tell you we are good friends dumplin, how could I not brag about you! It's not every day a belle like yourself just moves to New Orleans and has quite the interesting tastes!" Her friend told her.
"Well I guess you have a point." Heart laughed nervously with a blush. "Well I'll be excited to meet him tomorrow." She says and then the waiter comes back with their bill. Her friend paid the tab and thanked the waiter as he left with her money to go and get change. When he left she asked her friend. "You still want to come over to the house today?"
"Oh only if you are up to me and my jittery self all hyper on that beignet sugar." She giggled.
Heart giggled as well. "Might come in handy if you want to help me unpack." She tells her with a smile
The waiter returned with the change from the bill. "Thank you hun, you've been wonderful! "She says, giving him a ten dollar tip. The waiter generously thanked her and cleared the dishes away as the pair stood up to take their leave, "Thank you suga! Come on sweet pea off we go!" She says taking heart's arm in hers
Heart smiled and walked out of the restaurant arm in arm with the girl. They walked down the street to her house that was about a 5 minute walk at most. They got to the house and she unlocked it and they headed inside.
"Well, here we are. Home sweet home." Heart says as she turns on the light in the small foyer.
"Heart, it's absolutely splendid! Look at how quaint! Ooh I can't wait to help you get these boxes all empty. I wonder what fun things you have in them." Kristen squealed excitedly as she wandered into her friends new home, taking it all in.
"Thanks. I was happy it came with some stuff already too. I don't have to worry about buying much furniture." Heart says as she walks into the living room.
"Mm more money to spend on the festivals! I will educate you on mardi gras faster than you can say jambalaya!" That made both girls chuckle. "Now where should we start?" Kristen asked.
Heart just chuckled and rolled her eyes at her friend's silliness. "I say let's start in the kitchen. That way i can actually make something soon."
"I like that idea, how about I unpack and you put away since you know where you want things? Gettin them outta the box is half the battle." The brunet joked, starting to open a box once they entered the kitchen
"Sounds like a plan doll." Heart agreed. "Let's get started."
The two then got to work unpacking the kitchen. It honestly was easier for someone to take the item out of the boxes and the other to put away. They got a lot of it put away as they chatted. The coffee cups got put away. Some of the silverware was found and put away. The toaster got put out. It was all coming together.
"So sweet pea, what was it you did before movin here? I know you had quite a lot of jobs here and there so I'm terribly sorry if my mind is sour." Kristen says placing the plates out of the box on the table.
"Its all ok." Heart reassures her friend as she picks up the plates. "I wasn't doing much honestly. I worked at the small library in my hometown. I was only there now and then and put the books away for the old librarian there. I was also taking some college classes, but I managed to finish the last semester before coming here." She explained as she put the plates away in a cupboard.
"Look at you dumplin! Going from assistant to head librarian oh and you finished your schoolin! I'm so proud! I promise, as your assistant, I'll be the best ever. You just tell me what you need and I will keep those books in line." The girl said dramatically, grabbing a pot and putting it on her head like an army drill sergeant.
Heart laughed and saluted. "At ease, soldier." She says still chuckling. "I should thank you the most though. You're the one that told me about it and how I should apply for the job."
"Me? Well I knew it might be a stretch you did have to move down here if you got it and I didn't expect you to be so willin being with your folks and all." Kristen said, putting the pot back and unpacked more.
Heart paused for a moment and tried to think of a reply. "Well, actually, my parents died a few weeks ago. It was after i sent my last letter to you." She explained sadly. "That's how I got enough money to buy the house. I packed up everything i could from my old home. Put the other one up for sale and now I'm here." She said smiling.
Kristen was taken aback by her friend's words...she then turned and hugged heart immediately, "Oh sugarplum I-I am so sorry to hear that.. I'm so sorry I didn't know.."
Heart patted her friends back as she returned the hug. "It's ok, I never got around to telling you." She reassured her."They were...murdered. When I wasn't home."
The girl squeezed Heart tighter when she heard how they perished. "Sweet pea, I will be your family if you want, you've always been with me when we were writing. Helpin me through the toughest times I felt as though you were right here with me." She says looking wholeheartedly at her friend.
"That does sound nice honestly." Heart whispered as she hugged her friend back. "I'm glad I at least have you around. I don't know what i would do if i had to come alone."
"I like it too, we could even have slumber parties too until you feel comfortable if you like. Anything to help you feel at home suga!" Kristen told her smiling to reassure her friend.
"Thanks doll. That means a lot to me." Heart said as she smiled wide. "I think a girls night sounds wonderful to me."
"Consider it done then! Let's get to finishin these boxes so you can rest for tomorrow's big celebration" The brunet added, kicking it in high gear.
The girls finished unpacking Heart's new house, at least the kitchen for now. It was slowly starting to look and feel like home. Kristen had left for the evening after all was said and done, bidding her dear friend farewell for now. Heart asked for her to stay since it had gotten dark but the girl said she would be ok heading home. Once her friend left, it was quiet and Heart was alone again, but felt more secure knowing her friend was now also family.
Heart gave a yawn. She was tired from today. From the 18-hour train ride. To the house and then dinner. She was exhausted. She made her way up the stairs to the bedroom. She made the bed and soon got dressed in something for bedtime. She crawled into bed and was soon out like a light, even though her head was swimming with excitement for what tomorrow would bring.
Chapter 1 is done and over! How will tomorrow go?