Go get some air in the city.

Exploring the City

"Maybe you're right, Uday," you say, "I think I'll go get some air."
"Now that's a good idea," he concurs.
You change into something a little less soiled and go out.

The town isn't as pristine as the campus that it encompasses, but it still has its charm. The architecture and dilapidated exteriors harken back to the early twentieth century, specifically the Great Depression. A closer look, however, reveals modern construction within those old walls. The city planners must have thought the "shantytown look" might be quaint.

It's 4:45, and rush hour is just getting into high gear. The boardwalks and pedestrian locales seem to follow suit as foot traffic waxes in the late light. Fall is coming, but the warm sun reminds you and everyone else that summer still reigns, and that means girls in short skirts, short shorts, and tight tops.

Two bikini-clad girls roll by on their in-line skates, their pert behinds coming into view as they pass. The sight is enough to shake you out of your post-drunken stupor, although you still look like crap, probably. Still, how lucky is it that you live in a beachside city?

Aside from the sights (girls), there are a lot of shops and services offered along the promenade. A quaint antique shop catches your eye, advertising 50% off all marked items, for a limited time only (buy now!). A little ways down is a tanning salon, and next to it-- sensibly-- a hair salon. You also spot a tatoo parlor down the other direction, as well as the usual convenience stores and shopping malls.

Suddenly, you're confronted by someone you don't want to see right now, and didn't want to see last night either.

"You jerk!" Diane comes in from nowhere, shoving you brutishly. You stumble, still feeling the effects of yesternight. In her eyes you see tiny flames bursting into being. She might be angry.

"You said you wanted to be friends! I <i>saw</i> you last night and I <i>know</i> you saw me, don't even lie! And then you <i>ran</i> you little piss-shit coward! Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"

Weak mumblings pry themselves from your lips as you contemplate some way out of this mess. You did make that promise one year ago, when you two had spent your last evening together on the hillock behind school. You were hurt, she was hurt; the only thing that kept your chin up was knowing that you'd stay friends. But it was a farce. It was just too painful.

"Just as I thought," she says, her arms folded across her chest, "nothing. Well goodbye. So much for friendship." With that she walks off, suddenly calm, cold and impassive.

You can feel eyes on you, having just been a part of an emotional spectacle. Perhaps you should get out of here before you suffer anymore embarassment. Or perhaps pursuing Diane would be the right thing to do. You know, say the right thing this time. Although, she is pretty angry right now. Maybe it would be best to let her cool off for now. Talk to her later. Buy her a gift, perhaps.