A Day in The making (Alyssa)

[Santiago]

"Hope it get warmer later on in the day, shits cold as fuck right now."

Santiago felt a bitting cold nip at his bones as he jogged down another street, listening to music he was able to zone out and run past un-expecting civilians lost in their morning commute and their sleep deprived haziness. Looking around himself, he weaves in and out of the bustling crowd and manages to find an empty street where he can jog peacefully and maybe catch a quick smoke break. As he came to a halt he looked around for a alley-way he could walk into and thankfully he found one across the street, dashing into it, he walked down a few feet and reached into his pocket, finding a re-rolled cigarette he grabs his lighter and inhales as the flame lights the tip of the cigarette. Pulling calmly on his cigarette, he took a hard hit and began to cough, catching his breath he took another hit and exhaled smoothly, while he smoked his Zune went quiet making a transition to another song, hearing some light steps he turned his head to his right and saw two men came around the corner, catching Santiago off guard the first man grabbed the hand that had the cigarette and the other grabbed the free hand and held a knife to his neck, plucking his earphones off the men said...

"Give us the rest of your stuff and all your money and we'll let you go."

Santiago thought for a second, (I can do without the rest of my shit, but i need my dough, so fuck this i'm gonna catch some quick wreck right now.)

"Guys....never underestimate your opponent."

With that said Santiago stomped his foot down on the shin of the man holding the knife, as that man released his hand he sent an elbow to the right temple of the other man, making contact the man collapsed and Santiago was free and with that he sent a fast left jab to the head of the man with the knife, knocking him to the floor he shot a fast snap kick to the man's face and knocked him unconscious, turning to the other man whom was regaining his composure Santiago reached in his pocket and pulled out two other cigarettes and threw them at the man and said....

"Next time ask, instead of getting your ass handed to you man."

With that he was off again, feeling the effect from the cigarette, he jogged with his eyes narrowed but still alert as ever, listening to his music he began to zone even more, before long he was in another world, he jogged down street after street lost in his music and thoughts. After an hour he re-emerged into reality and found himself back at his apartment, looking around he saw a a moving van and some luggage on the street, but no one was around to claim it. Still a little zooted he thought quickly (maybe a pretty girl moved in, hopefully i'm right. Guess i'll find out later on.)

Running into his building he got to the elevator as it was closing, he managed to catch a glimpse of a pretty face, but the door closed before he could make her out, so he just shrugged and ran up the stairs to his floor. Getting to his door he heard the elevator open but he was inside his apartment, so closing the door behind him he got undressed quickly, throwing his under-armor on his couch he walked into his bathroom and took a refreshing shower. Walking into his room he grabbed random cloths and threw them on, going to his fridge he grabbed some orange juice and drank it down quickly. Going back to his room he grabbed his Zune and a few books along with his car keys and a few more cigarettes, placing them in a case he shoved it in his pocket and he headed out his door, looking pretty fresh with a white beater under a white button-up half open, with some baggy black jeans and a pair of all white Air-force ones, he felt refreshed and ready for a fun day.

Getting to the elevator he managed to catch it while the door was closing and got in, there was a couple swapping spit within, all he could do was make like he didn't see them till the elevator got to the lobby, walking out quickly he made his way out of the building, walking down his stoop his eyes came upon a slender figure, (Could it be that girl that I saw on the elevator...let's see.) Walking down the stoop slowly he looked to his left and met eyes with the girl and gave her a smile, talking one last step his feet touched the pavement, still looking at the girl smoking a cigarette, he thought (It's her...Guess i was right before, a new girl did move in...And shes pretty to....Introduce yourself man.)

"Welcome to San-Fransisco....Name is Santiago Castrillon, Nice to meet you."

Extending his hand to her, he kept his eyes on hers' to see what she would do.

[Alyssa]

Thirteen hours cramped on a plane as it crossed the North Atlantic Ocean wasn't Alyssa's idea of comfort, even if daddy had booked her in first class with three times as much leg room as the other standard class travellers, and a bed to boot. So naturally, she'd spent the first few hours of the flight excited about moving to San Francisco of all places, I mean who would've thought it? But soon, 'Aeon Flux' was finished, and she was selecting a new movie to watch, the second of the flight. A tasty Keanu Reeves would do, in 'Constantine' especially after watching two hours of a very sexy Charlize Theron quite literally 'strut her stuff.' Leaning back in her chair, her eyes only managed to stare at the screen for an hour through the next film, before her lids fell heavy, drowning her out in a light nap to the droning buzz of the airplane.

That was all exactly thirteen and a half hours ago though. As Alyssa looked down at her leather strapped, Gucci digital watch, it was telling her the time was 16:12 GMT London timing, when it was infact only 08:12 PDT. That explained the rather busy San Francisco airport, along with the weird sensation of stepping back in time eight hours. This was really going to mess with her body-clock. She had a schedule to follow though, and the journey had been timed prescisely so that jet-lag wouldn't hit her for another ten hours at most; more than enough time to settle in and unpack. So she'd been met by associates hired by 'daddy Pearce' to escort the rich man's daughter by chauffeured Aston Martin, to her new 'home.' And she thought a limosine would attract too much attention. The hell was her dad thinking hiring out a damn sports car!? Way to go dad! Perfect way to introduce your daughter into a new neighbourhood!

It was an issue that was easilly pushed to one side however. As the car finally turned into the drive-way of a set of bunched up apartment buildings, the only way she knew she'd arrive was the sight of the large removals van which her boxed stuff was being unloaded from. Timing was exact. Her stuff had been shipped weeks before her planned flight, to be kept in storage until the day she arrived; today. Then they were to be delivered at the apartment at around 8:45 to 9am sharp. Flashing a bit of cash really did work wonders sometimes. The only issue that really concerned Alyssa, was the fact the removal men were stupidly leaving her boxed possessions completely unguarded in the middle of the street. Amateurs. The fact they had lifting to do from all the decor shopping her mother had done for her, was no excuse. As if Mrs.Pearce would let her daughter use old, dirty sofas and beds. No. Everything had to be brand new, regardless of the fact the family psychiatrist begged her to let her daughter experience a taste of real life. The kind of life ordinary people appreciated and worked hard for. Fat chance of that ever happening.

The car door swung open, high-wedged black 'Jimmy Choo's' stepping out first from underneath skin-tight, lowrise, drainpipe jeans, stonewashed to a grey-black denim. The style was to convey too much length, to the material wrinkled slightly at the bottom, complimenting the designer shoes which, despite their height, were actually quite comfortable. Her pale midriff on display today, and a shiny pearcing adoring her belly-button; she did want to make a good impression afterall. The whole neigbourhood would know a new girl had just moved in, by the time the day was over. A plain silver vest-top with a high neck rested above her midriff, but the short-sleeves were covered by a denim mini-jacket that matched her jeans entirely. Only, the sleeves were only three-quarter length, and the hemline ended below her modest bust. Clasping a bag to match her shoes, chocolate-brown eyes hidden beneath a combination of dark sunglasses and a thick dark-brown fringe, eyes the apartment block her stuff was being carried through into. Time to see what monsterous decor her mother had chosen.

She walked with self-confidence and pride, tapping the 'call' button several times before the damn doors finally opened. A brow arched at the remarks scribbled in black pen and spraycan on the steel walls. It was like stepping into one of those American Gangster films about teenager tearaways. Sighing, not impressed by the state of the building already, she turned to press the button for floor #5, the topfloor of this particular block and therefore, kinda like a penthouse suite. Only as the doors closed did she catch a glimpse of someone walking through the main doors, probably some boy who lived there; irrelevant.

As she arrived at her floor, there were only two single appartments, one on the left and hers on the right. The front door was wide-open, the sounds of male struggle from within, as two of the four removal men struggled to position her new sofa right. It was lavender and leather, a disgusting colour, but too late to change. Obviously her mother had gone for the overall 'feminine' design, as Alyssa turned her nose at the large Greek inspired vade of fake violets and lillies. What a mess. Yet the flat itself she found, was satisfactory. The view from the windows gave a nice skyline of the neighbourhood, while there were the relevant things a student needed; lounge and kitchen, bathroom, storage closet, and bedroom. A little customisation here and there, and it would be perfect.

Eventually satisfied that things were going according to plan, Alyssa ventured back down the elevator, lighting a slimline cigarette before she even stepped out the main doors of the building. The first long drag, was heaven, especially after over fifteen hours of no nicotine. She couldn't smoke at home, and Gatwick airport was definately ruled out since her mother had been crying over losing her daughter. Ironic considering the facts of their past. What a push-over. So now she savoured the cancer-stick, wandering out into the 'front-yard' of the building, and breathing in a mixture of alien air mixed with smoke. It was only after a few drags, that she turned, to see someone was actually approaching her. A male, and offering a smile which, she didn't return. She watched him with a lack of interest, eyeing him up and down to examine his clothign style, before he came to stand infront of her. She simply took another drag, her eyes only returning to stare at the hand he presented as he introduced himself. At least people on the other side of the pond, had some kind of manners.

"You snooping for a smoke or something?" Her tone quite dull, though her well-spoke British accent more than clear. Infact she wasn't quite sure if she wanted to converse with anyone yet. Thirteen hours on a plane, regardless of the copious amounts of sleep she'd taken, left her feeling quite...overly-relaxed, to the point of feeling extremely lazy. Sure. Why not indulge in some light conversation?

"Alyssa," she returned, hands fumbling for the bulge in her jeans back pocket; a pack of 'Marlboro Lights' she'd brought over from England. It was a full pack, minus two, but she decided afterall, to offer him one. Finding a smoker was a good conversation starter she figured, especially if she ever needed a light or even a free nicotine stick. But then it struck her; how'd he figure already that she was new? Was he one of those nosey types who made everything in the neighbourhood his business or something? Ah-ha...something to pick at.

"What makes you think I'm new here?"

[Santiago]

"Well your accent says so, plus your rich girl attitude gives it away sweet heart."

He smiled playfully and chuckled under his breath as he spoke to the girl. Shaking her hand gently he let go and shook his head when she offered him a cigarette....

"Don't smoke fags, bad for you, i prefer the more natural approach."

Raising an eyebrow Santiago thought for a second (She seems pretty ritzy....hmmmm interesting, not many rich people live around here, let's see how she holds up in Hircine...) Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his Zune and turned it off to be able to better converse with Alyssa. Looking her up and down Santiago realized that his rich girl comment was right on mark. She wore nothing but name brand cloths and had the designer bag to match, so Santiago thought (Whoa, this chick has got rich-snob written all over her, but there's something about her that says otherwise, What is it....Her manner of carrying herself is what gives off the snobby vibe, but she also seems as if she has some kind of genuine caring, then again i could be wrong...Who knows....I'm just gonna have to get to know her and find out.)

Looking around Santiago seemed distracted by foreign apparitions, but it was just something he did when he spoke to people, keeping constant eye contact was tiring, but soon enough he returned his eyes to Alyssa and said.....

"How do you like it here so far? Whats your impression of San-Fransisco?"

Waiting for her to respond he thought of another question to ask her, her accent was clearly British, but from where, there are many other areas in England aside from London and Oxford, she could be from Cambridge or maybe another part of England, it was just a matter of asking her. Looking back at the movers huffing and puffing and struggling with the large amounts of furniture and accessories for a new apartment, grinning a bit still feeling the effect of his cigarette break in the alley-way he looked back at the girl and asked her another question.....

"I noticed your accent. Where in England are you from, not everyone who comes from there is from London or major cities like that, then again you might be, just asking out of curiosity....Never been there but I've seen pictures, but i can imagine they do it no justice."

Santiago's eyes continued fixated on Alyssa, she indeed was a sight to behold, a beautiful English rose, pale soft skin, rosy chicks and a slim figure, no doubt she was pretty, but her attitude begged to differ, she seemed like a cold ice queen, but then again who wasn't cold now-a-days, even Santiago himself knew what it was to be cold-blooded especially when he lived in Colombia.

Awaiting her response he maintained eye contact with her, he might've been scaring her with all his undivided attention, but that was his thing, he was never scared to look someone in the eye for a long time, sometimes throughout the entire conversation he wouldn't look away from the person. Standing there he wanted to bring out another one of his cigarettes, but he wasn't sure if the smell or the act would bug her.

[Alyssa]

[Important Note: More obvious reference to drugs from this post on. If you don't agree then don't read. Thanks]

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Rich girl attitude? Sweet heart?
Medium-brown eyes narrowed, her glare seeming to stare him down like he was a foot shorter than her, while he chuckled and acted like he was enjoying this far more than he should be. The natural approach? What, did he think she was born in sixteenth century or something? So he liked to 'get high,' big deal. What teenagers with nothing to do didn't think smoking a cheap joint behind the garden shed, wasn't a productive activity? Frying brain cells seemed to be a popular sport. Society was indeed messed up; didn't take a brain surgeon to work that one out. There was a silent pause though, as Santiago seemed to stare at her with a raised brow. Maybe she'd indulge him in his fantasies for a little while longer, as she simply stood there and enjoyed the nicotine rush. God it tasted so good. Never, ever again would she go so long without one. That was just bad for her health. Ironic much? Soon enough he would ask her another question though, and Alyssa fought the urge to simply roll her eyes at his odd curiousity.

"S'ok," came her casual response. "Place is a bit of a dump though." It was left open for him to determine if she meant the whole city, the neighbourhood, or just this building. But not long after she'd answered that question, he seemed briefly distracted by the removalmen. That didn't last long, and her brows arched as yet again, words were quickly spilling off his tongue. What the hell? What was this, the third degree? It wasn't like this question was simple either, because he seemed to ramble on and on. Talk about a case of...hyperactivity. Maybe there was something interesting about this boy afterall? Maybe he was actually worthy of her attention. A smirk crept on her face, with a hidden mocking laughter. The cigarette butt was dropped; it hadn't taken her long to smoke it at all, and despite the expense of her shoes, she snubbed out the light with the shifting motion of her heel. With nothing to occupy her hands though now, she adopted a more casual stance, sliding both hands into the back pockets of her jeans.

"Buckinghamshire," she decided to humour him. Yes, a place like this did actually exist, but it wasn't were she was from. Oxford was more likely. Actually, Alyssa wondered if he actually did know of any other cities in England, besides from the famous capital city of London. Surely he knew the Queen lived at Buckingham Palace? "Not far from the Queen actually. We had afternoon tea on numerous occasions."

Was he staring at her face!? She could almost feel herself scowling, until he sought eye contact again. That didn't intimidate her, she infact loved eye contact, thrived off it since so many people found it hard to look people in the eye for too long. She'd mastered it to an artform. She could lie so blatantly, but still keep the most perfect eye contact. Really, she deserved a noble prize or a BAFTA for it. Despite this, Santiago's eye contact, was it just her or did he seem distracted? It was about time she just stated the obvious. Afterall, it would explain his jittery, happy conversation and sudden distractions. The only non-tell-tale sign was the fact that, he didn't stink of the stuff. She'd go with her hunch though.

"Alright, enough of the crap." A brief pause, as she eyed him suspiciously. "Are you high?"

Though the real question was, just how much of the 'natural' stuff had he been smoking so far? Afterall, it was only early morning. Was this a one off smoke or an addiction that would require a 'refresh' during regular intervals of the day? Looks like she'd found herself a potential dealer resource, if he answered yes. Or maybe she was just being paranoid based on racial/social stereotypes. Maybe he wasn't the Columbian/American/Mexican/Whatever drug-pusher she suspected him to be. He certainly fit the bill of a street-gangster though, judging on appearances alone, naturally.

"Oh don't mind me. Go ahead and light up."

[Santiago]

"Ehh it's not so bad, plenty of places to hangout and lots of parties, love it here this place reminds me of home."

Thoughts of home flashed in Santiago's mind as he listened to Alyssa's talk about where she was from, the name of the location she mentioned sound badly made-up, something straight out of a parody of a fairytale, but despite the name Santiago had heard of it before, it was a fairly small city with a diverse population, but it was to small for this girl to be from there, she seemed like those 5th ave upper east side girls from New York, Tycoon daughters or daughters of wealthy lawyers and doctors. So her being from a place like Buckinghamshire didn't sound to right, but it was possible she could be, but it didn't seem to likely she was.

Santiago hadn't moved his eyes from hers' it seemed she didn't mind the attention, she hadn't looked away either, he loved it when people were able to maintain direct eye contact without looking away, showed more character and attentiveness. Santiago had mastered it at a young age because of his former business, it showed you weren't afraid and that you knew exactly what you were saying instead of bullshitting your way through, he always payed attention to anything big or small just to learn about it. Returning his thoughts to the current conversation he was engaging in, Santiago thought for a second about her response and said....

"Buckinghamshire sounds so made up, but sounds like the place the Queen lives, minus the shire part. But I don't believe your from there, I know about the place, not enough city for you....But you don't need to tell me if you don't wanna. As for you having tea with the Queen, I can believe, sort of."

Santiago could see this chick wasn't a fool, she could lie her ass off, but he wasn't an idiot either, he could always tell when someone was lying even if they did know how to maintain eye contact. He felt his eyes begin to narrow a bit, the high was making a comeback, but he didn't mind, he just opened his eyes again. Watching Alyssa he knew she could tell her was high, it was pretty obvious, his eyes weren't bloodshot, but his attitude was that of a stoner. He didn't really care he felt good and thats all that mattered, then when she asked if he was high, he chuckled at the way she and said....

"Took you long enough to ask, Yes I am. I knew you could tell, c'mon how hard did I have to broadcast it, though if it bothers you i'll leave you B, I know some people who can't stand being next to high people."

Santiago thought for a second (Hmmmm, well if she could tell how a zooted person acts.....Wonder if she partakes? maybe, maybe not.) Pausing he tried to phrase the question so she wouldn't get offended....

"Do you partake or are you against it? Either way it's all good."

Hearing her give him the OK to blaze away he denied the opportunity to do so, he shook his head and said.....

"Nah it's all good i'm still good for my last one, plus i hate doing it by myself, it's boring, always better if you have a person with you to enjoy laughs and stupid things, beside I don't like to draw to much attention to myself so I do it in my house or in the alleyways incase cops pass by and decided to search me...Oh by the way if your thinking I sell, I don't but if you need some I'll hook it up, thats if you smoke of course."

Still staring into her eyes Santiago wondered if she had a street side to her at all, if she knew what i was to just hang-out and bum on the corner or on the stoop, maybe she did, maybe the rich girls in England acted differently to the U.S. rich girls, he would have to find out.

[Alyssa]

Alyssa perked only when Santiago mentioned the places to hangout and parties that the block offered. An neatly plucked brow arching at the possibilities this information could lead to. Though she was certain that parties in America as a whole were a lot different to those back home, especially since the legal drinking age was three years older. While he stated that he was reminded of home, she concurred that she was very far from her roots, not just in the mile distance sense either. Did he buy the whole 'Buckinghamshire' jest? Apparently not. What was he, a geography major? She found herself rolling her eyes again, leaning back against the electricity-post behind her.

As he rambled on suggesting she was a city girl, her eyes finally wandered over to the removal guys. They were just finishing up, carrying through the last of her boxed up stuff. She'd be lucky if nothing was broken, the way they were handling things. But it wasn't like the job would take them long anyway. They probably arrived half an hour before her, giving them enough time to move the new bed and sofas, along with the heavier boxes that contained a new television and all the other electrical equipment. The only things not new to the appartment, were probably the kitchen and bathroom appliances. And as for being a city girl, well maybe she'd educate him about that another time. Her only priority was asking him to state the obvious, and finally, he answered truthfully. Cue more rambling, but at least now she knew how to deal with him. Apparently though, he wasn't about to light up and zone out in the middle of the street. Chicken. At least he had her full attention again though, briefly. When he asked if she smoked too, she actually took a little offence.

"No thanks." Her answer surprisingly polite, but it did the job in answering all of the questions and assumptions he'd made. "Frying brain cells doesn't really appeal to me much, but I appreciate the offer. Now, aside from that. Perhaps you could help me out here?" She had to wrap it up fast though, since the removers were closing up their van, and one of them was walking over briskly. "The idea of unpacking and finding half my things in pieces, doesn't appeal to me either right now. Maybe you could walk me around the area? Besides, I need to do a food shop, unless I plan to starve myself."

Turning, Alyssa took the keys off the removal guy, who much to her displeasure, faintly stunk of musky perspiration. He'd go on to say everything was put where they'd been informed to leave it, and that he'd be contacting her father for payment, as planned. Once he added that they'd locked up for her already, she'd thank him curtly and politely, and then he'd move on.

"So," mischievious eyes turned back to the stoner. This was an opportunity she'd grasp rather than let slip away. "Fancy being my tour guide?"

[Santiago]

Seeing that his offer had disturbed her he knew that she didn't partake, also hearing her say she didn't smoke weed confirmed his assumption, he shrugged and continued to keep his eye contact with her, but he noticed that she seemed a bit distracted herself, then again she did have to worry about the moving of her stuff and judging by how the movers were handling her stuff I didn't blame her for being worried about her belongings, though she could probably buy herself a whole new house if she wanted to. Feeling his phone Vibrate he reached into his left pocket and pulled out his En-V, seeing he had a text from a friend he disregarded it for now since he was still technically engaged in conversation, so to not seem rude he turned his phone off and returned his eyes back to hers' Thinking briefly (I can't believe i'm still blazed from one little joint, this shit is good as hell....I wonder if that house party I was told about is still going to happen, if not then I'll throw one, gotta see how these people do it in San-Fransisco.)

Hearing her go on about frying brain cells and what not Santiago grinned at the mis-information she was speaking, but then again most people saw it that way, and he couldn't do much about it but educate people who were willing to listen. But as for her he didn't want to bore her with discussion such as that. Then hearing her suggest a tour around the neighborhood Santiago elated at the mention because thats exactly what he had in mind for the young lady, she was new therefore exploration was in-order, though maybe her method of getting to know a neighborhood differed from his, they were after all from completely different sides of the tracks, but why not show here how the underground works in San-Fransisco, Santiago had gotten to know the block pretty well so it would be pretty easy for him to show her around.

Grinning at the girl he thought quickly (Hope she likes to walk because i'm thinking about plenty of places to show her....I'm let her know right now then.) Pausing a second he watched the movers pack up and get ready to leave, so he had to answer her before they were interrupted....

"I'd be honored to show you around the neighborhood. But I have to tell you one thing, our views on getting to know a place might differ greatly, I'm gonna show a lot of run-down 'looking' places which are the center of a lot of the action here in San-Fran. So I hope you like to walk because it's gonna be a while..."

Chuckling a bit under his breath he smiled at the girl and continued with what he was saying....

"...I do know a few good clubs and restaurants and all that other shit, but the nasty shitty looking places have more going on then you think."

Hearing her say she needed to go food shopping, the thought of food came to his mind, realizing he hadn't eaten anything the whole time he had been awake his stomach made a loud growling noise, grinning he rubbed his stomach. Noticing her gaze became mischievous, he knew this girl was planning something, so he would have to go along with this girl's game if he wanted to see what she really had in mind, so he spoke to Alyssa saying.....

"Well if your looking for the supermarket it's a couple of blocks down, if your looking for something to eat, I know this great place a few blocks away, as you can see my stomach is doing my thinking, but I can put it on hold to show you around."

He looked to his left quickly and realized his park was parked right next to them, but a walk for Santiago was a way better form of traveling then in a car, it let the individual appreciate the sights more. Looking back at Alyssa he extended his elbow to her for her to grab if she wanted and he said.....

"Shall we be off?"

[Alyssa]

Once the removal van was gone, Alyssa was able to concentrate on Santiago again, and try to sort through the many words that had exploded out of him while she was trying to deal with business. Seems he was going to take her to the dumps that people thought were 'cool.' Okay whatever. Where her peers chose to hang out was her only concern, not why. Generall, unless she was invited, she wasn't exactly miss.socialbutterfly2008. She could be, if she really wanted to, but smiling too much made her jaw ache. In the end, it wasn't worth all that pain, especially when there were a bunch of socialites always competing for the limelight like it was the only thing they were born to do. They were beyond pity.

Once the sweaty removal guy left, the stoner continued, though the pause in conversation seemed to have given him enough time to breathe and pace his words better. A little. He was like the source of all information right now, and she'd be sure to make good use out of him before the day was out.

"I'm not hungry," she rather coldly and selfishly said. Well, she'd had enough meals and snacks on the plane, including a full American-style breakfast to 'break-in' the passengers to a culture of new cuisine. Wasn't all the different to a full English breakfast though, just another name and a larger portion. Alyssa couldn't care less if he was hungry or had the munchies. He should've thought about that before he smoked a joint for breakfast. "Unless you're going to drop dead or...something."

Though as the dry comment slipped, she thought again. Maybe it was best not to let her tone drop too low or sarcastic. He was afterall, cancelling whatever it was he'd been planning on doing, just to show her around. In theory, he was doing her a favour. Best not to make it seem like she was the one actually going out of her way here. Socialite mode: On.

"You could always get a take-out to eat while you walk me around? But trust me, after thirteen hours stuck on a plane, I really, really don't want to be sitting down, again." There, she could be polite and cosiderate just like the next blonde bimbo. She even threw in a little giggle, what the hell why not. But when he extended her arm for her to hold? Eh...She kept her hands stuffed in her pockets, taking one look at the elbow, before lifting her eyes back to his. Nuh-uh, that was a little too far, even for her.

"So where to first? And I expect you to give me detailed history like a real tourguide." Sure why not humour him a little. In whatever direction he walked though, she'd be following alongside him.

[Santiago]

Santiago had his full attention on her as she dealt with the movers accordingly and since she wasn't hungry it saved him the trouble of showing her any restaurant, as he was about to speak he heard what she muttered and he decided to blow up her spot.....

"Thats some shit to say to someone who's doing you a favor, guess your colder then I thought Alyssa, I hope you not talking to me. unless you don't want me to leave you here by yourself. Just messing with you, what else do I have to do."

Hearing his stomach growl again he thought about going to the corner store and buying a quick granola bar to calm his stomach. Hearing her suggest take out he disregarded the idea, he preferred to sit down and enjoy his meal then eat a full meal while walking. With his eyes still on Alyssa, he thought about what he had said to her, (Truth is bittersweet, but why lie to someone's face to keep them happy.) he kept a friendly expression on his face, he didn't want to offend her with his statement, but he was always that direct, why hold back on people? To spare mere feelings, screw that. If a person is an adult they can handle criticism from who ever.

Since she didn't grab his elbow, he just began to walk ahead expecting her to follow him, Santiago thought for a second (This chick knows how to front hard body, more armor then a tank but as transparent as glass. I bet she thinks I'm a fuckin peon that's her bitch for the day, we'll see how this day goes along and how she acts, though she'd probably hid that fact.....Eh Screw it, got nothing better to do, though I was gonna hit Krystal off, but whatever I'm getting tired of these honeys that got nothing to offer me but ass....Maybe I can get with this chick, doubtful though seems to self-absorbed not to mention her heart is colder then an ice-box, for some reason I like that though...Whatever.)

Sighing to himself he muttered

"....Women."

Looking to his right he saw her keeping up with his pace, so he decided to slow down a bit and enjoy the cool breeze, he looked down at his half-unbuttoned shirt and button down the bottom half which were unfastened. Reaching the corner of the block he looked at the entrance of the deli and entered it with Alyssa behind him. walking to the counter he looked down and saw there were cookies, so he grabbed a bag and put a dollar on the counter, flashing a peace sign with two fingers he left the store without a word and stood on the corner eating his cookies.

Thinking about where they could begin their venture he chewed quickly feeling the cookies going down his esophagus he finished the last one and threw the bag in a trash can nearby, reaching into his back pocket he took out his orange juice and took a swig before putting back in his pocket. Looking Alyssa in her eyes he said....

"Let's start with this place..." He said pointing at the deli. "This is Kim's deli, the guy who owns it is funny as hell and if your a good customer he'll give you free shit, like cold cuts, milk and so on. Don't tell anyone though, only his loyal customers get hook-ups."

He sounded stupid saying it like that but it was true, how else could it be said. Looking ahead he remembered there were a few good underground clubs and venues around, plus a couple of buildings where they had parties every weekend. Looking back at Alyssa he said.....

"Let's being the tour."

[Alyssa]

ooc: um, could you pelase react more to what's being said by the character rather than reading third person commentary and character thoughts? If Alyssa is as transparent as you make her out to be, then I'm not rping her correctly >.< She is a bitch yes, but when you compare what she said to how your character reacted, it's very out of sync. Would he really get angry with the fact she stated she'd had a tiresome 13hour journey sitting on a plane? I think not...unless your character is overly paranoid and easilly annoyed with the smallest of comments, in which case, good job! She was being very polite and considerate though, and even giggled and smiled. I dunno...I've struggled with how to react to your last post. This is where I disagree with reading bios, because I can tell you've read her bio and are rping with that knowledge. Forget what you read, and react accordingly to what she is saying and how she is acting, to this stranger who randomly approached her. Anyway... just a note.

---------------------------------------------------

Pretty much ignoring the male's jibe regarding 'women' and his rather, strange outburst, Alyssa simply shrugged his behaviour to one side as she followed into step alongside him. Why shouldn't she be cold? Afterall, he was a stranger, and he was high. It was simply her being cautious, developing a profile of him and taking advantage of the situation infront of her. She could get a free tour of the neighbourhood, while giving the poor soul something useful to do. If he didn't want to do that then whatever, she'd easilly find someone else. Now either she was a little rusty with the socialite attitude, or he was just...paranoid? Still, the comments he made during the outburst, created a long moment of silence. Perhaps it was awkward for him, but not for her. She was in deep-thought, though on the outside she appeared to just be walking, eyes fixed ahead of her. The Santiago fellow wasn't really walking at a very brisk pace, and considering his last outburst, she was slightly amazed that he wanted to still continue the tour. The thought made her grin as they walked, eyes glazing over with a sense of self-satisfaction and delight. She'd seen the movies; this guy was obviously making his mark on the new girl of the block. That told her he was the sociable type who probably knew pretty much everyone in the neighbourhood, or at least knew of them. More and more the whole, 'socialite' approach seemed more fitting to use around him.

At the corner of the block there seemed to be a small little deli, which Alyssa found herself following Santiago into. He picked out an interesting snack; cookies. She guessed he had the munchies, common after-effect of smoking pot. What interested her more though, was the relationship he seemed to have with the store clerk, as if either they knew each other, or he was simply a regular customer. Her suspicions became facts when, after scoffing the cookies in a most un-polite manner, Santiago finally broke the silence that had lasted a long time between them. Sometimes though, silence was golden.

"Sounds, nice?" She simply said, the question rhetorical, and her tone holding no sarcasm. There were little corner shops in the nearby village back home, little places tucked in nooks and crannys that had regular customers everyday. She liked the whole, nostalgic feel, as opposed to the city-attitude in the big cities. Often she felt like a old granny; preferring to go to the same shop everyday for years, rather than alternating to other places. Loyal? Sure she could do that, in a sense.

"You know," she started whilst falling into step alongside her tourguide again. "Cookies aren't exactly a substantial snack. You'll be hungry again in fifteen minutes, complete with growling stomach." Or maybe he'd just light up? "Besides that, do you have any idea how much fat goes into cookies? They hardly qualify as your 'five a day' either. Eight out of ten for the orange juice though...was it fairtrade?"

Alyssa looked over with a small smirk; it was fun to pick at and tease people about small things, and maybe she wanted to see how far his temper went with such trivial conversational topics. And she could be very, very random, with smalltalk like this.

[Santiago]

"You have a point, not to substantial but they'll do until we find a good place to eat and your hungry, why would I sit with a pretty young lady and only eat myself. Besides I don't get munchies as hard as other people do, my body is strange like that. By the way, i hope you have free time today because hanging with me, we might end up at a party or something along those lines, just giving you a heads up."

Smiling at Alyssa, they kept walking. He began to look around at his surroundings to see if anything interesting and worth talking about was around, fortunately for him he managed to find a couple of building that had some interesting history behind them. Looking at Alyssa he stopped dead in his tracks and pointed his index finger to a large brick building about five stories high, pausing for a moment he thought about what he was going to say and to make sure that he had the right building and wasn't making shit up as he went along. Then taking a breath he began to speak about the building.....

"This building right here is fairly interesting, it was owned by a former slumlord, who's acquaintance I made at a club a few blocks down, he told me that about twelve people have been murdered in that building, so decided to condemn the place and since then I has become somewhat of a Rave/Satanist spot. When they have raves its fun, but when the other crowd is there its very annoying. The funny thing about that building is that it is in perfect shape aside from a few broken pipes due to the raves when they get crazy, but the guy just wanted to get that tainted property off his hands....."

Pausing a second he thought (Hmmm maybe I can buy that place and fix it up, maybe turn it into a club or a small bar, something along those lines, though I don't wanna bumps heads with the head of Legion just yet, so maybe the bar idea is out of the question....mehh I'll think this over later.) Without taking his eyes off Alyssa he continued to finish what he was saying....

"So he just left it there and moved on. Let's take a hint and keep walking."

Continuing on their way they came across another building a block away from the previous one, it was a duplex, brown and wooden, but the basement was made of brick. This building had been the site of a few gang meetings and a few house parties, Santiago knew the people that lived there so he knew about the place because of the stories people told him.....

"This Duplex right here is owned by an old couple, sweet people, they live in the suburbs, though they occasionally drop by here to do maintenance and pick up rent, also to visit their daughter whom lives on the top floor. This place right here has been the site of more then a few house parties and a less then a few brawls, and more then a few gang meetings, the place has seen its fair share of ruckus and ravaging, but after the damage was done the people always gave back to the couple whether it was money, labor help or just some food for the people working on it. Many memories here, but I won't get to deep into it, don't wanna bore you with reminiscing, so let's move on"

Starting on their way Santiago was thinking of more interesting places to show her, when it hit him (The park....People there and they always know where shit is popping around here, but that'll be for a little bit later.) As they walked on, they passed a few blocks where there were good spot for cheap eats, Santiago explained to Alyssa who was cool out of the staff in each place, also what foods they offered and what the average price was for a good meal.

[Alyssa]

A party? Alyssa resisted the urge to groan out loud. What part of 'thirteen hour flight' hadn't he understood? She'd most likely just about manage to get her grocery shopping back to the apartment before collapsing on the sofa. Unpacking wasn't exactly something she wanted to do, especially since she dreaded to think what state her things would be in, and what horrid extra things her mother had packed as going away gifts. But a party? That didn't sound too appealing either. Sure she was dressed okay right now to just mix in with a social gathering, it wasn't that which bothered her. It was the whole socialising and having to explain over and over again where she was from, what her name was, all that boring small talk shit. The only positive, appealing aspect of a party, was the whole 'getting to know the neighbourhood' part. It was a tough call but, she couldn't tell yet if she'd have the energy to go or not.

"Yeah, we'll see. Later on." She simply answered in a casual, nonchalent sense. Soon though, the local boy stopped in his tracks, forcing her in turn to cease movement, and follow the direction in which his finger pointed. A large, five-storey high building...wouldn't exactly win the architecture of the year. Though he had warned her of taking her to run-down areas, but as he explained the history behind the building, her intrigue perked. Ravers and Satanists? She wasn't sure how popular they were here yet, though back home in her countryside village, they hardly existed. One had to venture out into bigger cities, mostly London or Birmingham, to find the teen cult communities.

"Interesting," she'd comment quite simply, though she really was being honest this time. The fact people had been murdered there hardly phased her, though it gave her the heads up to keep her nose out of whatever out of hours business went on over there. Yes, it was best to move on, but she didn't walk far before Santiago was stopping again. This time, her eyes fell on the wooden and brick duplex, a hand lifting to shield her eyes from the sun as she looked higher to the top window. The blinks tightly shut; it seemed like no one lived here either. Another site for parties? She found herself frowning. Teenagers...such silly people. Why did the lives of her peers revolve around getting wasted and hanging around buildings like these? It seemed this Santiago was another victim of such activities.

"I take it you go to that Hircine High school?" Alyssa asked as they walked once more. She'd only seen the standard school webpage that hosted information about the place and a few snapshots of the interior and exterior. But it seemed like the photos had been taken on the summer holidays, since there were no students in the pictures, only empty hallways and classrooms that looked immaculate. Alyssa wasn't an idiot. She knew no school was that clean, unless it was Oxford or Cambridge University. But she figured even if, for some reason or other, he didn't go to that school, he'd at least know something about it, surely.

"I'll be starting there myself actually. So tell me, what's it really like?"

[Santiago]

(OOC: Sorry for slacking so much....Back now.)

IC: Santiago was zoning a bit as they walked down the same street they've been on for the past half hour, not really seeing anything very interesting to mention, he tried to think of any worth while places to visit. Looking at the street signs he saw they were on 60th street and 38th avenue, thinking for a second he remembered that there were a couple of good clubs in the vicinity, plus a nice cafe where they held open mics, Santiago had been to them a few times, reminiscing a bit of the crowd moving he had done last time he was there at the place....

"I think it was called 'Poet's Post'..." he said thinking out-loud, catching himself he looked at Alyssa thinking that he had weirded her out by talking to himself, shrugging he thought (Corny name but it's a nice place, might as well show her what this avenue has to offer. Plus some of the stores here are pretty good and Main street isn't to far, so thats our next stop.)

"I take it you go to that Hircine High school?" he heard her say, turning to her he smiled and responded....

"Yes I do, don't know how proud I can be of that but I do."

Hearing her ask about how the school actually was, Santiago looked at her as if he was telling someone that their dog had just died, he didn't look or feel melancholy but there was a bit of uncertainty in his voice as he began to tell her about Hircine....

"Well What can I say about Hircine....Hmmm. Well for starters the student hierarchy keeps it under wraps, though shit has gotten somewhat drastic as of late. Fights are constant in the school, they break out literally anywhere, a few gangs roll through the school and press, rob and beat kids. I've had to help out people numerous times because of the gangs aggressiveness. A lot of kids hang out in the courtyard in-front of the school, and also on the roof, but be careful in the courtyard, gang members and thugs a like stalk victims around in the early morning, most are dealt with accordingly but others manage to get away with stuff.....What else can I say, not much else to be said. By the way let me be the first to Welcome you to Hircine high, enjoy it and make sure to keep your guard up while walking through the halls."

Taking a right onto 38th avenue, Santiago scanned the block for the cafe and the clubs, spotting the cafe he walked slowly alongside Alyssa, wondering if she was into writing or anything of the poetic sort, he didn't really know and to ask her might bug her, but he needed to know so he could judge whether or not it would interest her....

"Well Alyssa, if you don't mind me asking. Are you into poetry or creative writing, ya know, stuff along those lines?"

He paused a moment to gauge reaction and then he made the mention of the cafe to her....

"Cause there is this cafe a little bit further that is basically a lunge for poets, writers, emcees and all that crowd, most of the people are fairly nice as well, plus the place has a nice vibe about it, comfortable also. But if it doesn't interest you let me know."

[Alyssa]

((ooc: hehe no problem, I've been slacking myself. But essays are finally out the way so can get back to more regular posting.))

Was it normal for this guy to talk to himself? Or was it the drugs? Alyssa side-glanced his way nonchalently, merely wondering what place he was going to take her to next. So far, Santiago was proving to be a decent tourguide, but when he answered a yes to her question regarding Hircine High, he gained a greater degree of her attention. Finally, an answer to the question she really wanted to solve. But he stated that he wasn't proud to be a student there...she could only ponder why this was since, to be frank, she couldn't wait to dive into the school community. His physicality and expression changed, proving to her even more that he wasn't exactly content with the school. She couldn't help but frown, acting concerned but actually, she was extremely intrigued. Not only by what he had to say, but what she labelled as a weakness that he was revealing to her. It was interesting to say the least, as was what he had to say about the hierarchy. She'd heard something similar back in England, from the very person who first mentioned the school to her. Back then though, it had almost been an urban legend, until she'd done her reserch and found the school really did exist. What Santiago said about gangs though, made her rethink her approach. The stereotypes from popular Hollywood films playing on her mind; did he mean gangs as in the teen street gangs, or the more hardcore variety? Seemed quite serious from the mentioning of beatings and theft, but she was sure she could handle herself. It just meant acting in the appropiate manner, like knowing when to shut your mouth or when to move aside. Besides, violence in her eyes, is a male primitive activity from those individuals who lack brainpower. Such brawn could be easy to manipulate, but she'd need to conduct major surveillance first.

Santiago took a right, and therefore, so did Alyssa. She was quiet, her mind mulling over the advice her 'tourguide' had given her. Perhaps he'd assume she was frightened or anxious, but really she quite looking forward to the challenge. There really wasn't anything else she could say on the matter, apart from maybe showing a little appreciation.

"Thanks for the heads up." Her slight smile aimed quite cheerfully at Santiago, she slowed down to match his pace, eyes darting around in an attempt to pre-empt what the next building might be. Another dilapidated structure perhaps? No, this block seemed a little more together. It would infact be Santiago's question that surprised her more though. Her feet came to a natural halt as he asked his question, her own eyes quite questioning as if, accusing him of something. Her head tilted to the side slightly, possibly looking curious but, in a cautious manner. Only when he was done explaining the cafe, did she abruptly accuse him.

"Were you...did you fucking look through my stuff!?" Yet intent eyes seemed to quickly soften upon his reaction though, while she shook her head as if to erase those paranoid thoughts. Of course not...he couldn't have. It was, just some, lucky guess. She even rolled her eyes at her own sillyness, and then half-laughed and half-sighed, trying to be modest as she recognised and admitted her own fault.

"...No, of course not. Never mind. I didn't mean to...I suppose I'm quite, 'creative' as they say. Back home we used to hang out in Waterstone's Costas..." She drifted off, re-asserting her self-control by slotting her hands in her backpockets, and resuming the walk down the street. Alyssa didn't like to give too much information about herself, especially to someone she'd just met and therefore, wouldn't trust until she could judge his character better. So she shrugged as she walked, acting quite nonchalent about the subject. "I'll check it out but, I can make coffee at home..." Still...curiousity remained. "Do they hold evening gigs and recitals? Like...one of those basement comedy clubs? I must confess, I do love all that retro stuff."

[Santiago]

Hearing her speak a bit harshly and halt her steps, Santiago's expression became stoic as she accused him of going through her belongings, so from the he assumed that she was interested in the mention of the lounge. He was going to retort to the accusation nonchalantly and assure Alyssa he hadn't laid a finger on her things, but she beat him to the punch by retracting her previous statement quickly, Santiago smiled at her heartily and chuckled a bit at her paranoia (Guess I made a good guess. So she can write can she? Hmm...I wonder what she writes? I wonder if she can sing? I'll some questions slip it in while we talk, let's see what I can get from her.) Santiago heard her ask about open mics or performances in the evening, Santiago nodded as she finished and he responded....

"Yeah they do actually. If i'm not mistaken I think its a daily thing, they always have open mics and gigs here. I guess my assumption was on point, do you write poetry or do you write songs?....

He was about to barrage her with questions once again, but before he did he caught himself and stopped himself from giving her the third degree, she barely knew him, why would she want to tell him about herself. Santiago continued his sentence saying...

"...Just curious seeing as how you took interest in the cafe."

He resumed his leisurely pace and continued on with the 'tour' as they walked down the street Santiago looked to his left hand side and saw a club called 'Vertigo' he turned to Alyssa and stopped walking, as he pointed at the club he spoke....

"See that place right there, it's called Vertigo, its pretty good but its full of coke-heads and snobby rich kids who bitch about how hard their glamorous life is, pisses me off every time I step in there. It is a fun place though, so take note."

Looking further down the block he saw another club called 'Illuciones' he had been there a few times, it was mainly a Hispanic club, but they also played Techno, Trance, hip-hop and other stuff. He decided not to mention another club cause he knew Alyssa was to Jet-lagged to hear about another club. Pausing for a moment he remembered that their were a few designer stores around where he had bought a few shirts and pants.....

"Also there is a 'Gucci' store up the block on this side of the street and a 'Chanel' store next to it. Oh and across the street a few stores up there is a 'Prada' and a few stores from that is a 'Fendi' store. Thought you would like to know that, but in-between the Prada and Fendi is a store called 'Prime Exclusives' it's a sneaker store and a barber shop, if your into sneakers they have a lot of exclusive kicks and collectibles, also the regular pairs and all that, but all the sneakers are at a reduced price, reasonable to not an arm and a leg, but they are all real. And you can negotiate the prices as well."

Santiago began walking slowly again looking at Alyssa, not trying to stare to hard, though he was a bit lost in-space, thinking (I wonder what shes thinking about me doing all this? I'm surprised she hasn't crashed at all, she must be immune to jet-lag or some shit. I wonder what she thinks about me so far...She probably thinks i'm a irresponsible, care-free space case that lets his life go by. Whatever, it doesn't matter. We'll see as we go along....I'm type bored though. What can we do, that doesn't require to much energy....Right the tour.)

Santiago came back to reality as quickly as he had left, he looked at her and asked.....

"What else interest you aside from writing obviously?"

[Alyssa]

"Yeah, something like that."

Alyssa continued to look ahead as she resumed her stroll alongside Santiago. Despite appearances, she was actually rather interested in what he'd said about the performance cafe. So much so, that her mind was now elsewhere, distracted by her curiousity. Eyes ventured to the club he called 'Vertigo' but from the description alone, she doubted she'd be hanging out there. Little rich daddy's girls flaunting their pocket money while pretending to like each other, didn't really appeal to her as a nice way to relax. Maybe if she ever wanted to be entertained or cause a scene, she might show her face there, but other than that, she merely looked away from the establishment. For once, she could relate to her tour guides opinion.

"Glamour isn't everything," she noted quite casually, her tone well balanced to avoid acting like she was lecturing him. "If anything you should be laughing at them rather that getting pissed off or irritated. What's an expensive car without personality? Nothing. People lose interest sooner or later." She should know, because it was that exact appearance she chose to give when she didn't want to company of certain people. The snobbish attitude really worked a treat sometimes.

Her mind still on the poetry cafe, Alyssa was only momentarilly distracted by the mention of Gucci and the oh so deliciously sophisticate Chanel. But she also almost laughed outright; was he assuming she liked to shop just because she was female? Or, had he actually noticed the designer labels of her current attire? He certainly was observant if that was the case, enough to suddenly start staring at her as he walked. Not only could she see this from the corner of her eye, but she could feel the gaze on her, and wasn't entirely comfortable with the close observation at the slow walking pace. Neither did she really want to walk for another block either, so now seemed the perfect opportunity perhaps to thanks him and pay him back for the tour. She stopped as he posed his question, offering a light smile, possibly genuine this time, who knows for sure.

"I don't really write much myself," half a lie, not that he'd know. "But, I do enjoy the works of Yates and Coleridge for example, and Shakespeare and well, the list could go on... Actually, I was wondering, are you still wanting a bite to eat? Because I'd actually like to take a closer look at that cafe you mentioned." She paused to half laugh at her own suggestion. "If you're willing to walk back there that is."

[Santiago]

As she mentioned some of her preferred authors Santiago nodded, recognizing some of the names, he arched his eyebrows in a bit of surprise, (Shes pretty well read, admirable. Guess I gotta get up on my reading a bit.) Seeing her stop walking, Santiago seized himself and listened as she asked him if he was still hungry, he did feel a bit famished and what she suggested wasn't a bad idea at all, since Santiago had to speak with the owner about doing a gig there, he had been planning for a little while, but he just needed to clear up some logistics with the owner. He smiled at her and nodded in agreement, saying to her....

"Not a bad idea at all Alyssa. I'd wouldn't mind walking back at all, me and the owner have some stuff to clear up. Plus I have a couple verses I want to bust on the MIC. If you have anything you want to share your more then welcome, the crowd loves new faces. Let's head back."

Turning around towards the end of the block they had just walked, they walked at their previous pace, lax more so then hasty, Santiago felt his stomach cringed a bit as hungry hit him a bit harder then he expected, putting his left hand over his stomach he looked at Alyssa and smirked at her, returning his sight back to what was in-front of him he saw the door of the Poet's Post, so he walked over to it quickly and held it open as Alyssa walked inside, Santiago walked in right behind her and looked around quickly, scanning to see if he saw any familiar faces, he noted a couple of familiar ones, but he decided to wait till later to greet them. Looking at Alyssa he laid his right hand on her right shoulder gently and spoke softly saying....

"Find yourself a seat and I'll join you in a bit, I need to find the owner real quick."

Smiling at her, he left her side and moved to the back of the moderately sized lounge. The place was completely constructed of bricks, so it gave it that underground club look. In the front of the lounge there was a small round stage about ten feet across, it was strictly for solo performances, on it were a sitting stool and a MIC stand. In-front of the stage were several small round coffee tables scattered throughout the front area of the building with velvet covered chairs at each one. The lighting in the building was dim, which gave it a relaxed atmosphere, the air smelled of fresh brewed coffee and cigarette. The back of the lounge where Santiago was had a bit less light over it, along the walls were small booth where people could sit together in groups and scattered around were wooden chairs near small tables covered in white table cloths, at the very back of the lounge was a longer stage that ran against half the back wall, for larger performances. Next to it was a blank door and next to that was a pair of doors that lead to the kitchen.

The back area wasn't to crowded, but he couldn't spot the owner at all, so he shrugged to himself and headed back to the front. Passing the small round stage he looked off to his right a saw Alyssa sitting near the corner, so Santiago approached and sat across from her, looking down at the card that was on the table, he saw it had food items listed on it, so he browsed through the names and saw one which struck him, (Thats what I'm getting. A B.L.T and a glass of orange juice.) A young girl with her dirty blond her up in a pony tail, approached the table, she was a pretty girl, modestly dressed and seemingly a bit stressed. She spoke quickly and precisely as she asked what she could get for them. Santiago smiled at her and ordered his food.....

Girl: "Hi. I'm Amy, I'll be your server today, what can I get for you guys?"

Santiago: "Hi Amy. Let me get a B.L.T and a glass of orange juice."

Amy:"Ok. And for the you Miss?"

Santiago looked at Alyssa and smiled, waiting for her to order, he said....

"If your hungry don't be afraid to show it. The food is pretty good here and people usual start reading their stuff around this time, so we might see a couple of people up there on that little stage....So what do you think about San-Fransisco so far?"

[Alyssa]

((exams finally over, woot woot! sorry for the huge delay ^^'))

---

A warm smile was presented in response to Santiago's agreement to Alyssa's idea. Mostly because she was pleased by the simple ease in which he did what she asked. Or so, that was how she saw it. The boy was definately in the smooth running of becoming a loyal pawn, and so, she walked with a slight skip in her step, still smiling in light of her own success. Besides that, her 'Jimmy Choo's' may be more comfortable than most ridiculously high shoes, but they weren't designed for this much walking at one time. She needed to stop to rest her feet, but before that, she would find herself walking back down the block. Though she was certain that she wouldn't be 'busting on the mic' anytime soon, she was sure that there may be one day or two, where she would exhibit her skills for the entertainment of others.

It was pleasing to find that, her personal tour guide possessed manners as he held the door open for her. Alyssa curtly nodded with a slight smile, before passing through the doorway to the Poets Post. Though, she wasn't exactly comfortable with him invading her personal space then through skin contact, Santiago would probably feel her shoulder tense in response to that light touch. She on the other hand, would shrug it aside, seeing as he'd been nothing but kind to her. Though she'd been asked to find a seat and wait for him, her eyes were too busy keenly examining the interior of the brick building. Naturally, she first saw the lounge stage, surrounded by coffee tables and plush armchairs. She felt like she'd just walked into a basement, but that suited her just fine, as did that wonderful, homely smell of coffee and unhealthy cigarette smoke. Swaying through the gaps between the low tables, she noticed how the early post-9am rush for coffee had worn off slightly, but there were still enough customers to occupy various areas of the lounge. Alyssa, controlled by her intrigue, wandered over towards the back where the larger stage was. This area was far less casual but held a jazz-club feel with all the white tablecloths and side booths. She sunk down in the corner near the middle of the lounge, quite in awe of the place, and assuredly glad that she'd allowed this stranger to take her on the tour.

Speaking of which, chocolate-brown eyes lifted to the young man, as he sat opposite her, and occupied himself with the table menu. Personally, Alyssa wasn't really hungry, but she was more content to probably sip a coffee and rest her feet while absorbing the whole ambience of the room. Light conversation never hurt. While Santiago ordered, Alyssa was busy removing her denim mini-jacket, leaving just the short-sleeved, high-neck silver-grey top underneath.

"Just a cafe mocha with extra cream please, oh and a dusting of cinnamon would be great thanks." Yes, she was particular about her beverages, and though 'Amy' stared a moment, she took down the orders anyway, and scuttled off. To Santiago, Alyssa carefully answered his questions section by section, starting with the last. "It's not what I expected to be honest, San Fransisco I mean. But I'm not sure what I expected. Either way, I'm pleasantly surprised. There's certainly enough to keep people, entertained." She rested her hands on the table, clasped together but very relaxed with her shoulders slumped. Yet a curious and slightly confused eyebrow rose. "They do daytime readings here? You're sure?"

It just seemed a little, strange, or perhaps she just wasn't familar with such things. Usually the poets came out at night for readings, not during the daytime, and especially not in the early hours of the morning.