Meet Cute : Neighbors

(Rosalie, college freshman, unpacks her car with her friend and new roommate, Carla, to move into their off campus apartment building.)

Carla: (Struggling with a bag.) Ugh! You have too much stuff! It’s not like you moved across the country. You only live like an hour away from campus! What did you do? Bring your entire house with you?

Rosalie: I just want to be comfortable here. You never know surprises the school year may bring. And there’s nothing wrong with being prepared. 

Carla: Yeah, I guess. But it looks more like you are preparing for the apacolypse, if you ask me. 

Rosalie: (Carries a heavy box up the steps and turns away to speak over her shoulder) Well, then it’s a good thing I didn’t ask you. 

(The door flies open, hitting the box out of Rosalie’s hand and it crashes to the floor, sending books flying everywhere. New guy, Ethan, emerges from behind the door to help collect the fallen books.)

Ethan: (Looking up at Rosalie.) I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were there. 

Rosalie: (Crouches down to help.) It’s okay. They’re just books. 

Ethan: (Muttering.) A lot of books. 

Rosalie: (Annoyed with the comment.) I like to read. 

Ethan: (Amused.) Clearly. (He picks a few books up to read their titles.)

Rosalie: You know what? If your not going to help, then you can just go. My friend Carla can help me. (Begins to stand to get Carla.)

Ethan: (Grabs her arm to halt her.) Hey, truly, I am sorry. 

Rosalie: (Pulls away.) It’s fine. I got this. 

Ethan: (Stands with books in the crook of his arm.) Well, at least let me bring them to your apartment. It’s the least I could do. 

Rosalie: (Still annoyed.) You don’t have to go out of your way. 

Ethan: (Smirks knowingly.) It’s not. I live right next door to you. 

Rosalie: (Glares.) How do you know which apartment is mine? 

Ethan: (Steps closer to pull out the keys dangling from her front pocket.) Your room number is right on your keychain, neighbor.