Annabeth
Again, I wished I had driven my car. While at the store, I found more things than I came for. I had four bags when I expected one and my ankle was a mess. The store was only six blocks from my building, but I was struggling to get out the door.
"Would you like some help getting those to your car, Miss?" One of the store clerks reached for their jacket.
"No, really," I waved, not wanting him to know I was stupid enough to walk. "I've got it." He gave me a confused look then returned to his work. I readjusted the groceries and limped out the door.
After the reaching the end of the sidewalk, my ankle was throbbing and the bags were getting heavier with each step.
"You're Alisha, right?" I turned around to see Maya Richman, one of the girls from my apartment building.
"Annabeth, actually," I shot her a pained smile. "Math question?" I shifted off my ankle and almost dropped my bags.
"Actually," Maya grabbed half the bags and put her arm around me. "I'm here to help you. I have somewhere to be, but I'll walk you a couple blocks."
"Maya, that's so sweet," I pulled myself up higher and we started walking. "Thanks. I owe you one."
"Don't worry about it," Maya smiled. I was glad to have someone to help me, and maybe a new friend.
Maya walked me five blocks and even stopped to take a rest at a coffee shop. I bought us each a hot cocoa. It was the least I could do after she helped me. I even got a good 20 minutes to ice my ankle. By the time Maya had to leave, my ankle was feeling stronger and I got to know her better. We planned to work on our English project together instead of alone and to get together for breakfast Saturday. When she finally left, I felt better about the last part of the walk home. I reached the lobby and pressed the up arrow with my elbow. Exhausted, I leaned back against the wall.
A tall kid in a hoodie came skateboarding into the lobby. Even in my tired state, I made sure people followed the rules.
"Hey!" I called out. "There's no skating in the lobby." My call must have startled him because he stumbled off his board.
"I remember you!" I shook off his hood, revealing the face of the boy who ran me over earlier. "You're Annabeth!" He grabbed his board and walked over to me. "Here, let me help you." He took three of the bags from me and hopped into the elevator.
"Going up?" I asked, pressing the 11.
"Up's the only way," he joked. "How's your ankle?" He tightened the grip on his board and shifted around the bags.
"Okay," I said, shocked. I didn't expect him to remember me at all. The elevator doors opened and I stepped out. "I can take those now." I reached forward and lost my balance.
"No you can't," He grabbed my arm and helped me to my room. "At least let me bring them in." He looked at me with his beautiful eyes. How could I say no?