Boy Meets Girl (Alex, Will)

Alex strolled down the sidewalk, taking in the sights and activities of the busy neighborhood. She new that this was just one little corner of a much bigger town, she had seen this first hand from up on the mountain. She was baffled at how so many diverse cultures could exist in one area.

She almost didn’t notice the angry voices in the side ally because she was so engrossed in her own thoughts. Stopping at the corner just outside of the darkened ally, Alex eavesdropped on the conversation.

“I’m a tellin’ ya now, kid, you best be handin’ over me money by weeks end or you and your mum can find a new place to be livin’. And it wont be in this neighborhood.” Alex recognized the heavy accent as that of Officer Riddle.

“I’m working as hard as I can but Mum’s sick and I had to use the money to buy her medicine.” The voice was strong and masculine and had a hint of an English accent.

“I don’t want to hear no sob story, I just want me money. I’ll be back on Friday. Sell your furniture for all I care but have the money.”

Alex quickly darted into a doorway not wanting to be seen by the dirty cop. After the man had passed she hurried to the ally entrance, colliding with the owner of the other voice.

“I’m so sorry, mister.” She backed up a bit so that she wasn’t standing right on top of the poor man. Glancing up she was startled to see a rather handsome young face looking at her with an amused look on his face.

“Are you alright, miss?” He placed a firm hand upon her shoulder looking her over for injuries. Alex blushed at his close scrutiny.

“I’m fine, thanks.” She forced a smile despite her embarrassment. “Should have been looking where I was going.” She started to step away wanting to put some distance between her and the fine looking fellow.

“Did you hear anything?” he inquired looking at her rather sheepishly with his big brown eyes.

Alex didn’t know why, but she couldn’t lie to the stranger. “Were you the one exchanging words with Officer Riddle?” The boy nodded timidly. “What’s your name?”

“William Paris but most people call me Will. And you are?”

Glancing around to make sure that nobody was within hearing range she quietly answered, “Alex Milds.”

“So you’re the infamous Alex.” He said with a smile that made his entire face light up. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Are you really going to try and protect this neighborhood?” Alex nodded, feeling awkward with all the attention she had been receiving. “I don’t think Officer Riddle’s heard yet but I’m sure he’ll be looking for you once the people stop paying him.”

Alex stared at her new boots, thankful to have them. Noticing the awkward silence she realized that the fellow was looking at her expectantly. “Is there something I can do for you, sir?”

“How would you like to tag along with me today while I make my deliveries?” he asked with a sincere smile on his face.

“I don’t know. I really should be getting back to Nelly, she’ll be wondering where I’m at.” She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt suddenly aware of the appearance of her clothes.

“No problem, we can use the phone at the store. Come on I know you’re new in town so this will give you a chance to see the sights and make a friend.” He gave her a mischievous smile, eyes sparkling.

“How can I say no to that” she wondered silently.

The two of them began walking in the direction that Alex had just came from. “I work at the produce stand on Elm Street. It’s just the next block over. I make the deliveries.” The young man talked nonstop, telling Alex all about the shops and their owners and filling her in on all the gossip. She discovered that her ‘tagging along’ was proving quite beneficial.

After a pleasant walk they finally arrived at the produce stand. It was a small shop with a lovely display of vegetable and fruits on hand. A faded wooden sign hanging at the side of the door revealed that the name of the place was simply called Trumper’s. A line of customers stood at the counter hands full of their colorful purchases.

“There you are, Will. I was getting worried about you.” A mature man with gray hair at his temples greeted them from behind the counter. “Who’s the lovely lady you’ve got with you today?”

“This here’s Alex Milds.” All movement stopped as the gentleman and his patrons ceased their activity to take a better look at the girl. Alex inched a little behind Will trying to hide from their prying eyes. “I’m gonna take her with me on my deliveries today so she can learn the town. If that’s alright with you, Mr. Trumper.” The young man seemed unaware of Alex’s discomfort, walking closer to the counter with her following close behind.

“I suppose that would be fine.” Replied Mr. Trumper still eyeing the curious girl. “The list is in the back, go ahead and get to work.”

Will took Alex by the hand and led her to the back of the store where they began putting together the orders and loading them into the back of a van. The produce market quickly sprang back into action now that she had departed from their sight.

“Don’t worry about them,” Will remarked as if he knew her thoughts. “Once people get used to seeing you and feel confident that you can do the job, they’ll leave you alone.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “This is the last of it, let’s get out of here.”

He climbed into the driver’s seat of the van and started the engine up. He was just about to pull out when he noticed that his passenger wasn’t with him. Hopping out he came over to the right side of the vehicle and saw a rather frightened girl looking apprehensively at the door of the van. “You alright?”

She looked at him her cheeks going pink, “I’ve never ridden’ in one of these,” she gestured at the idling vehicle.

“It’s just like riding in a car only it’s roomier.”

“I’ve never been in one of those either,” she admitted quietly.

Will walked over to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I wouldn’t put you in it if I didn’t think it was safe.” Opening the door he gestured for her to get in, “come on, you might even like it.”

Looking into his face she knew without a doubt that she could trust him. She climbed into the contraption somewhat awkwardly but she was in all the same. Shutting the door behind her, Will quickly hopped back into the driver’s seat. “Let’s go!” working the petals effortlessly they pulled out of the ally and onto the street.