[rubinaito]

Another Rainy Day

(I was hoping that Anastasia could run into your character and they could begin a friendship which develops into a relationship, rather than the quick flirting that we're both used to?)
@Sasukewolf (madness)

[Starting Post]

The rain dripping down the windows of Anastasia's apartment was new to Anastasia Kingsley. Having been born in the hot, dry state of New Mexico, Anna had barely any contact with the beautiful, cloudy skies of Seattle, or the cool, refreshing rain that constantly dripped down the tinted windows of storefronts and cascaded down the slanted rooftops of the few small houses that were squeezed between skyscrapers and office buildings. However, Anna did not hate the rain- she loved it. The cool, brushing sound of rain gently tapping against the window was soothing, calming. She was currently seated in an armchair with a mug of tea held in her hands, wearing a periwinkle blue sweater over a white tank-top and a pair of comfortable, warm leggings. Her sock covered feet were planted on the ground, rubbing against the soft grey carpet that covered her living room floor. She glanced over at the unfinished manuscript, sighing and pushing her thick-framed glasses up the bridge of her nose and leaning down slightly to put down the mug. Her soft brown hair fell down her shoulders in waves, tumbling down her back and her bangs briefly covering her soft blue eyes. Anna gently placed her fingers on the wrinkled pages with a slight frown, looking at it slightly. An aspiring author and a third-grade teacher wasn't the best job to have during times like these, where rapid inflation was causing prices to skyrocket- the value of the dollar diminishing, and yet her paycheck still the same. She stood up and slipped her feet into her shoes, grabbing her purse and umbrella with a faint scowl of determination on her face. This was a day she should be enjoying the park, not fretting over a book that wouldn't be published. Her keys jangling, Anna unlocked the door and closed it behind her, heading down towards the apartment garage and sliding into her car. Tapping her phone, she got directions to the nearest Starbucks- for hot chocolate, of course, she couldn't stand coffee- and set off.

A minute or so passed before she pulled into a space between two large trucks, her small car fitting neatly in the space between them. Backing up slightly to ensure her car wouldn't be hit by oncoming traffic (parking on the side of the road was always risky, especially with such a small car) she finally turned off the engine and stepped out to look up at the small Starbucks nestled underneath a large bank, twirling her keys slightly before pocketing them. Tugging at her white scarf slightly, Anna didn't open her umbrella- it was only a short few steps to the door of the Cafe- and walked into the shop, slightly startled by the sudden ringing of the bell and the quiet chatter of the dining patrons. Glancing around nervously for a moment, she stepped down the little steps and made her way over to the counter to order. She cleared her throat slightly before she approached the cashier to ensure that her voice wouldn't come out as a froggy croak and smiled slightly. "Hello." She greeted the cashier, who greeted her back with a faint smile of their own. "Could I have a grande hot chocolate with a couple pumps of vanilla?" She requested, taking out her wallet and fumbling slightly to take out her Debit Card. The cashier nodded and swiped the card for her, tapping in the order and gesturing for the next person in line to approach. Taking back her blue card, Anna tucked it back into her wallet and stood by the counter to grab her hot chocolate when they were finished making it. She checked her phone for the time, and pocketed it before picking up her hot chocolate and sipped at it, the hot liquid cooling down quickly before she swallowed. Smiling, Anastasia turned to sit down at one of the tables.