White. That was the color of my door. White. Kill me now, god, before I attack the planner of this kitschy place. It was like artist hell. Just as I moved my hand to touch the handle on my atrociously tiresome door I heard a scream from behind me. Spinning around, I watched as a girl, of maybe 14, stomped out of her apartment.

“I want to wear black!” she screamed into the open room. A man stumbled out after her, his boring gray suit disheveled.

“Nicky, try it! You might like another color. How about a red! Red sends a message...” I rolled my eyes. He didn’t get it. And the only message red sends in large amounts is Po the teletubbie.

“Dad…….WHAT I WANT IS ANOTHER FUCKING SCHOOL! WHERE I CAN WEAR WHATEVER THE FUCK I WANT!” the girl screamed, crossing her arms against her chest. The man sighed. Guess this was not a new conversation.

“Nicky, do not use that language.” He muttered, looking tired. I looked over at door boy, watching as an arrogant smirk spread across his face. What was with this idiot?

“Child trouble, Jesse?” he spoke, clucking his tongue. The man looked over at us, startled; as if he had just realized we where there. He immediately arranged his face and fed my bag puller a fake smile; full of artificial cheer and rational repulsion.

“Oh, hi, Martin…I didn’t see you there.” I looked at bag boy, seeing he was about to start on his ‘I am superior to all beings’ rant so I decided to help. The poor man looked as though he could use a break.

“Aww look, bag boy… he knows your name. That’s more than most would know about an employee in their building.” I stated, stressing his ‘lower’ status. Martin blushed, frowning.

“Is that all?” he hissed, looking more than ready to leave. As if I would want him to stay. I nodded, smiling happily. He stomped away, muttering under his breath. I turned to look at the girl and her assumed father. They both looked startled. Then the girl started to laugh.

“That was awesome! I always hated the stuck-up tart!” she cracked a smile my way. I laughed along, liking her honesty.

“Seriously, I respect the person that works hard, and don’t judge people by what the do but that prick had it coming.” I said, grinning. She stepped forward, her hand out towards me.

“Hi, I’m Nicky, Nicky Antwone.” She said as I grasped her hand in mine. She raised an eyebrow at me.

“I’m Vanessa Ferris, but call me Vani.” I answered, letting her hand go. Her mouth went wide.

“The Artist! No freakin’ way! I love your work. The eye, the one with the baby dying of thirst in it was amazing! Awesome texture and meaning.” She squealed, the eyes practically bulging out of their sockets.

“Are you an Artist?” I asked her. Maybe I would be able to talk to one of my neighbors. She shrugged.

“I try.” She answered, her eyes regaining their natural size. Ah, modesty.

“Hey, why don’t you come over…,” I looked over at my suitcase, “in ….. three hours. We can create together.” I offered. Her eyes shined.

“I’d love too!” she screamed, practically jumping in anticipation. Her father finally seemed to come out of his daze. He cleared his throat. His daughter sighed.

“Nicky. I don’t even know this woman. I am sure not going to let you go to her house.” I blinked. Ouch. Did I look like someone that would hurt a kid?

“You can come watch us if you want.” I said, trying to compromise. He shook his head.

“I have to go to work. So I’m afraid that wont be possible.” How did such a cookie cutter get that kind of daughter? What a mold.

“Let me guess, investment banker?” I muttered under my breath. Nicky laughed.

“He actually is.” She giggled, throwing her dad a dirty look. With that she wandered back through her open door, waving to me.

“Bye, Vani. Maybe we can do this another time.” I looked at her father evaluating him. He was the kind of guy my fried Dana would say had hidden potential. He was kinda good looking under his stuffy suit and humdrum tie. Hard, well formed muscles formed bumps along the arm of his suits and I suspected that more hid under the fabric of his white dress shirt. He was overflowing with potential. I decided the silence between us had gone on long enough.

“So… investment banker huh.” I spoke, trying to keep the deep humor out of my voice. Boy, could I read um. Her frowned for a second. Guess I hadn’t succeeded with the humor thing. Then he looked at his watch.

“Yes, but if I don’t leave now, I might no longer be.” Then he lifted his face back to mine.

“Nice to meet you.” He said, spinning to walk down the hallway. I watched him walk away then turned back to my lifeless door. Hmmm….

Okay, chapter 2!! Please review!! I have enabled anonymous review, so please give me some input!!