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Chapter 5
Lexi
After checking out a few apartments and hating them all, Tee and I hit the grocery store to stock up Ryder’s house. We bought enough food to feed an army. I get some steaks, potatoes and salad to make a nice dinner tonight. Tee doesn’t cook, much to her mother’s dismay, but I’m not too bad in the kitchen.
I’m used to looking after myself. My mother was a nurse, and whenever she’d work the graveyard shift, I’d make my own dinner. We had a trusty neighbour that would check in on me, but still, I spent a lot of time alone.
Tee and I rented out a car as soon as we landed in Perth, it’s just easier that way. I suppose I should buy a car since the plan is to settle down for a while. I make a mental note to go look at some cars for sale.
We carry all the bags into Ryder’s apartment, and it takes us three trips to get them all in. We put everything away, and Tee pulls out two popsicles for each of us as we sit down on Ryder’s comfy couch.
What a tiring day.
“I’m pretty sure that last place had rats,” Tee says for the third time. I’m pretty sure it did, too. I shudder, thinking about the sound of them scattering around.
“Doesn’t matter, there are lots more places for us to check out,” I assure her with false enthusiasm. She just huffs in response.
I hate apartment hunting as much as she does, it sucks almost as much as moving. Tee and I don’t have any belongings other than what’s in our suitcase, so we're pretty much starting from scratch. Tee could always go home and pick up her stuff, but she’s avoiding going back to her parents' house which is a few hours south from here.
As for me, I pretty much gave away everything to charity before I started travelling. I still own my mother’s house, but it's currently being leased and the lease isn’t up for another year. I’d feel bad making the tenants move out last minute. So, I figured we can get an apartment for a year and then I can move into my house, and if Tee wants to, as well, she is most welcome to.
Later that evening I get dressed up and we head to Layla’s house. I wear my favourite pair of skinny jeans and a snug red V-neck top. I put on my black wedges, and pick up my black skull handbag.
“Ready, Lexi?” Tee calls out. She's dressed up in jeans as well, faded and worn, boots and a black off the shoulder top. Her long blonde hair is loose and flowing down her back.
“Yep. Let’s go.”
The car ride is typical, Tee and I singing along to awesome songs like ‘Blister in the Sun,’ by Violent Femmes and ‘Shoop’ by Salt n Pepper. We pull up to a classy looking apartment building. Tee hums her approval. We go up the elevator and knock on the door.
“Coming!” I hear a woman call out, assuming it must be Layla.
A beautiful woman with olive skin and big brown eyes opens the door. “Oh my god!” she screams out, jumping into Tee’s arms. Layla is absolutely stunning. I can see a few similarities between her and Tee, but there are lots of differences, too. Layla is wearing a long flowy red dress and no shoes. Her long hair cascades behind her, giving her an ethereal appearance.
“I can’t believe you’re here! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“And miss this reception? I think not. I wanted to surprise you, baby sis,” Tee tells her with a grin. “Look at you; I can’t believe you’re a mummy! You don’t even look like you’ve had a kid!”
Layla rolls her eyes. “My ass is bigger, trust me.”
“Layla, this is my bestie, Lexi. Lexi, my baby sister, Layla.” Surprisingly, Layla gives me a warm hug.
“Lexi, of course. I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, both of you, I’m so rude making you stand in the door,” Layla says.
For some reason I don’t think she could ever be rude. She has a wholesome appearance about her.
“So? Where’s your man? You know, the father of my nephew,” Tee says as she sees the adorable baby boy in the bassinette. She instantly runs over to pick him up, kissing him on his soft cheek. “He’s so perfect, Layla!” she says in awe.
“I know,” Layla says proudly, before adding, with a scheming grin, “And I’m going to love him so much, no other woman is ever going to be good enough for him.”
“You are so beautiful! Yes you are! I’m going to spoil you like crazy,” Tee coos to the infant. He has a thick head of inky jet black hair and Layla’s deep brown eyes framed by the longest lashes I have ever seen. His tanned, olive complexion gives him an exotic look. He’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen in my life, hands down.
“He'll be back from work soon. Can I get you something to drink, Lexi?” she offers kindly.
“No, thank you,” I decline, taking a seat on a soft blue couch. Tee puts the baby back down in his bassinette.
“Seriously, Layla, he’s incredible, and so lucky to have you as a mother,” Tee tells her sister softly.
“Tee,” Layla says fondly.
“Just don’t turn into a nag like mum,” Tee jokes, lightening the mood.
Layla bursts out laughing, and I can’t help it when my own lips curve into a smile.
“I’m gonna give Chase the old ‘what are your intentions with my sister’ lecture,” Tee says gleefully, taking a seat next to me and propping up her boots on the coffee table, making herself completely at home.
“Bit late for that,” Layla giggles. Ain’t that the truth.