~*~
Memphis
Avery let out a groan as she rolled over in bed, glancing at the clock. It was 8am. It was summer and she usually slept in until at least 11. She shook out the two braids she'd folded her hair into the night before and looked around the room. She smiled as she noticed a plain yellow post-it stuck to the lampshade next to the bed.
In even, though not elegant, script it said, "Gone to work. Kip." In smaller writing an address, phone number, and directions followed. Avery smiled; he really was a nice guy, needed to use less hair gel.
Avery shook her head. She wouldn't know him long enough to have any sort of influence over his hairstyle. She'd be moving into a hotel room tonight, hiding out there until Channel comes home. Then she'd be on her way home. She'd probably never see him again after today.
She frowned; pushing those thoughts to the back of her head she assessed the room some more. It was comfortable here, peaceful.
Warm yellow sunshine streamed through the two bedroom windows, opposite the door and hall, though most definitely needed cleaning. She stepped out of the surprisingly comfortable twin bed. Snatching up the towels and her clothes she padded across the tan carpet. It was littered with oil and grease stains, even in the hall.
She shrugged. "It could be worse," she mumbled to herself. Switching on the shower it sputtered to life a few seconds later.
She moved her hand back and forth through the chilly water a few minutes before depositing the Metallica T and hopping in.
Twenty-five minutes later she was out, dressed and her tresses were tightly wrapped in the towel on top of her head.
Avery folded Metallica and made the bed. "Strangest vacation ever." She muttered to herself again. It was a habit.
Moving to the kitchen she flipped open the phonebook and started dialing every hotel that seemed half decent. Her cell was keeping pretty decent charge; she'd turned it off last night after realizing she had no charger and it could run out.
She made a face at the thought of being without her cell.
"Hello? Is this the Day's Inn?" Avery spoke into her phone hopefully, "Ok perfect, I was wondering if I could get a room for…"
"All booked up." The voice said before abruptly clicking off.
"Right," Avery sighed, trying the next number.
Fourteen hotels later Avery was put on hold. It was her last shot before trying some of the more inventive lodging numbers in the area. She poured out a bowl of cereal, after a very effective search mission for cereal and milk.
These boys needed groceries, bad.
She hopped up on the counter. Chewing patiently.
"Miss?" The voice on the other line sounded stressed.
"Yea?" Avery swallowed quick and asked, "So can I get a room?"
"Well," The woman sounded almost apologetic…almost, "We have one reservation that probably isn't coming. We have to hold it as courtesy until 11am. But we can put your name down and then if they don't show up we'll give the room to you."
"Okay," Avery agreed, it was her best shot, "Thanks."
They clicked off and Avery took another bite of cereal.
"Who are you?" A deep male voice asked.
Avery spun on her heels, "Oh."
It took her a moment to recognize the face from the picture. He'd gotten older.
"You're Memphis!" She exclaimed, sticking out her hand, "I'm Avery."
"Hi," He answered a little apprehensively, "I'm Randal."
The girl looked slightly puzzled, moving her dish to the sink and rinsing it, "Kip's older brother right?"
A small smirk hinted at the corner of Randal's lips, "Yea…you're Kip's friend?"
Avery shrugged. Moving through the apartment and down the hall.
"Uh…where is he?" Randal asked, following after her.
"Oh, at work," She answered; unfurling the towel she ran a hand through her damp hair. It was starting to curl. She hung the towel over the railing and, snatching up her purse from Kip's room, moved back to the mirror in the bathroom to apply mascara and lip-gloss.
Avery internally sighed; she didn't have her makeup bag and this would have to do. Randal was still watching her. A full smirk played across his lips now.
"I'm headed there now actually," she offered, grabbing the post it note from the lampshade.
"I can drive you," Randal said, more of an instruction then an offer.
Avery just shrugged, it'd be better then trying to figure out public transport, "Okay…. thanks."