FanFiction story! Chapter 1

Hypothesis:
College will help me move toward the future.
Reality:
My past is catching up to me.1

Chapter 1. Home Smelly Home
Portland was different from any place I’ve been. The air was the thing that set it apart, as strange as that sounds. It was cold, and in a way fresher than the air back home. It had a welcoming feel to it. Portland wasn’t what I expected, but I hadn’t really thought about it. Now, it’s my home. Home, Portland, I need to get use to that.2

The cab driver was funny and was like a “WELCOME TO PORTLAND” greeter. He was similar to one of my friends from the previous summer. Actually so similar that I nearly hugged him when I first saw him. That would have been awkward. It wasn’t the personality that was alike, but only the looks. The cab driver’s personality was outgoing, talkative and fun. My friend’s was shy and so confused.3

I didn’t catch the cab driver’s name, though I wish I had. But now I have a reason to use a cab again, besides the reason to get somewhere fast. He was one of the few guys I made an attempt to flirt with. On the bright side, I drew a picture of him. It’s not the best, but it’s something.4

He dropped me off at an old building that seemed to be falling apart. Some of the windows were broken, and there was a huge hole in the bricks near the door. I think that use to be a window. The door itself was gone, and it smelled like someone urinated there. Home, Home, Home. This was my home. 5

I wasn’t sure whether I should see the landlord first and get my key, or whether my roommate was there already. But if my roommate was there, would they have gotten my key. Well, I have a dilemma.6

I decided to go to the landlord first. The lord of the land, the almighty dude that takes your money and never actually takes care of this place. I never liked landlords since I saw this one show and the guy let roaches and rats run wild around the place. 7

I headed to the back where he said he stayed during day hours. It was even more nauseating the deeper I went in. Thank god I had air freshener for my apartment. The father I went in I could hear babies cry, people yell, and things break. Okay, now I need to get earplugs. I felt weird, I could hear peoples conversations perfectly. They were yelling and screaming at each other, so I couldn’t help but listen. 8

I finally reached a door labeled “Landlord”. I hope this guy wasn’t as gross and rude as all the other landlords people complain about. But with the looks of this place, I couldn’t expect much. I knocked on the door. Nothing after a few seconds. I knock again, only louder. I hear someone behind the door, it sounds like they are moving through a bunch of stuff. Finally the door opens.9

“Hello,” They guy was a 180 from what I thought. He was pretty well built, with long black hair. He seemed friendly and he smelled good. Plus behind him it all looked clean. “Can I help you?”10

I probably was just standing there with my mouth opened drooling before I realized he was talking to me. “Oh, I’m Nicola, I’m the new tenant.” He smiled at me, and I felt like an idiot, but I don’t know why. “You are the landlord, right?”11

He nodded but he still laughed. I felt really embarrassed, I don’t handle being laughed at all to well. “Um, did I do something funny?” Yeah, asking stupid questions. I would have hit myself in the head, but I think the dude would laugh even more.12

“No, no,” He said finally calming down. “I just knew a clown named Nicola.” A clown, I remind him of a clown, nice.13

“Well, that’s good to know,” I said with lack of any better words. I still feel stupid.14

The guy looked guilty in a way now. “Oh, I so didn’t mean to offend you, it’s just that the clown was hilarious.” He stopped before he could make things worse. I know my name was weird, but I didn’t know it was so weird a clown would use it.15

“Your key!” The guy said as if hit by an epiphany. He went back to his room and out of sight. I could hear the jingle of keys and his footsteps from here to there.“So, you staying with your boyfriend?”16

He said it loud enough for the entire first floor to hear it, but it was muffled out by the baby’s crying. “Not exactly, he’s only my friend,” I said just loud enough for him to here.17

He came back to the door holding up a single key. “Here you go,” He handed me the key, which had something sticky on it. “I’m Alex, the landlord, I just got this place from my uncle. I still need to fix it up, so don’t judge it yet. But the top floor, where your apartment is, is looking good.”18

“That’s cool, is my roommate up there yet?”I said in hope I wouldn’t have to wait there by myself.19

“The hot guy in the eye-liner, yeah, he came an hour ago.” Alex looked at his watch and then at me. “Yo, I got to go. Your roomie will explain the rules.” Without waiting for a response, Alex locked his door shut and headed toward the front. 20

I guess the only place for myself to go was up. I dragged my two suitcases up the stairs until I reached the 3rd floor. It was better than the rest of the building, but I was too anxious to take full notice. I could tell which apartment was mine. The door was being held open by a box. I walked toward the room and knocked. To nervous to do anything else I said “Hello?”21