2011 Submissions:
Skyscraper
by Mychaela
Chapter Two: Breathe
New York City: 10 a.m.
The cold city air seemed to get chillier every few hours, as Skylar wrapped her scarf around herself tighter. She swore that when it would get this cold again, she'd move to South America. Every Friday she would catch the early city bus to help open the flower and garden shop that was owned by her elderly next door neighbor Miss Iris. She was a very sweet lady.
When Sky had first moved in with Jasmine 6 months ago, she had expected to meet friendly people, but not as friendly as her. Jasmine introduced them, and they instantly hit it off. Knowing she needed the extra cash for the subway every day, Skylar offered her services when she learned about her being a florist. Seeing her stop coming up, Sky pulled the brake on her side, signalling for the driver to let her off. As soon as she stepped inside, she let the beauty of it all take over. She loved going there every day, seeing all the different kinds of beautiful flowers, and plants.
"Skylar!"
Sky turned around. There stood a woman with curly white hair, and a floral print outfit.
"Miss Iris!" she smiled. The elderly lady held her arms out.
"Oh for heaven's sake, child! Come give me a hug!"
Skylar grinned as she quickly gave Miss Iris a quick squeeze. "How are you, Miss Iris?"
Miss Iris begun to frown a little. "Oh, I'd be just wonderful, if that damn pension check would come through!"
Skylar's face turned into deep worry. "Your check still hasn't arrived yet? Oh Miss Iris..."
The elderly lady waved her off. "Now Skylar, don't you go worrying about me too...I already got my son over my head. I think I just need a person to stop me from going insane".
Sky chuckled. "You're not crazy, Miss Iris. And hey, if you want, you can stay with us-"
"Sky-"
"If things get too hectic". Sky finished.
Miss Iris took a hold of Sky's hand. "Skylar, I promise you, things for me will go just fine! Now come on, let's get the day started, shall we?"
Sky managed a small smile, but something was telling her things were not going to be just fine...
Later that night, Sky saw a brown truck outside the front of her apartment. Reconizing the vehicle right away as Lamar's, Sky smirked to herself. Every other night when Sky would usually work late nights, Lamar would come over to spend some 'alone time' with Jasmine. Every time on what Sky would ask about what they did. Jasmine would smirk and say casually, "Nothing much, just...things". And Sky would then know what 'nothing much' meant.
As she drew nearer to the apartment, Sky's thoughts drifted to Miss Iris' financial problems. Granted, she said she was 'just fine', but Sky knew what 'just fine' meant.
Something was wrong...terribly wrong.
But as soon, as she opened the front door, all thoughts of Miss Iris flew out of Sky's head, when her hands flew up on her eyes. "Ohmigod!" she shrieked.
There stood in the buff, was Lamar. And beside him in her bra and undies, was Jasmine.
Jasmine's face grew scarlett. "Shit, Skylar!"
Lamar's face was of equal color. "Umm, hi Sky..."
"Don't you 'Hi Sky' me, boy! Go put some pants on!
Lamar grabbed his boxers, and slipped them on. He grinned. "Skylar, you can open your eyes, now"
.
"Thank you!" Skylar groaned. "You know, you could at least be in the bedroom!"
Jasmine crossed her arms. "Uh, hello? You were supposed to work late tonight! You should know by now-"
Skylar put up her hand. "Don't bother. I get it".
Lamar chuckled. "Aww Sky! What's wrong? Nothing you have seen before?"
A deep blush ran ovr her cheeks. "No! And...ew! I'm going into the other room now to change, when I'm in there, you better not be getting jiggy with it, if you know what I mean".
Hearing their giggling, Sky rolled her eyes.
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