People Watching

[Nonie Savage]

It was just another day for Nonie, or at least the routine was. She still wasn't quite used to this new place. Her new home. Still, she was sitting there on the street, hoping some generous soul would come along and drop a dollar or two into the small can that held her money. It wasn't easy, begging. Your fate rested entirely on the kindness and moods of other people. Richer people. People who could afford to throw away money to some nameless, faceless loser on the street corner dressed in rags. People who actually cared, or at least pretended to care. Maybe they were just trying to appear generous. Who knew? It got Nonie money either way.

So Nonie sat there, huddled on the corner with her legs pulled up to her chest for warmth. Her cash can stood in front of her, filled with about ten dollars and twenty three cents. Today was one of her better days, though she always seemed to have more luck than the other beggars. Dressed in her dirty but thick grey jacket, with a pair of torn, worn jeans, and very heavily used tennis shoes, she watched the people pass by her on the street, some not even glancing her way. As if she were merely a blotch on the sidewalk. But that's what she wanted to be. Noticeable, but forgettable. She didn't want to be remembered. She wasn't angry about how easily she was ignored. Besides, anger wasn't a very good way to get money. If she was really desperate she could always go to the nearest park and steal from some unwatched purses while some witless, unsuspecting mother watched her kids anyways. Nonie had done it numerous times without being caught-- both here and back home. To the point where it became something of an art for her.

However, right now she merely sat and watched, her almost-silver eyes peeking out from the shadows of her hood as she observed the numerous travelers passing her by. She hugged her knees slightly tighter for more warmth even though the sun was shining. It was fun, in a way, to watch the people go by. She could observe all kinds of people without a problem, since no one liked to make eye contact with her. Then they would feel obliged to give her money. So she silently observed, seeing all the types of people walking, and making up little fake stories about each person as they walked past. It was a great way to pass the time and keep her occupied. That and it was actually fun.

She also had to watch out for the crueler people. People she could tell would hurt her. Before she had watched out for gang members, but there didn't really seem to be any of those in this town. However, there were always mean people. Those who wouldn't think twice about harming someone like her. Someone how couldn't fight back. Nonie could always tell which ones those were. There was a certain walk to them, a certain way they held themselves. And just a general vibe that Nonie had become hypersensitive to. She had gotten it from some of the passerby's, and curled up tighter until they disappeared. She was always careful and ready to run. One never knew when trouble could strike.

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

It was an accomplishment. A very sad one, but one nonetheless. Levi had managed to venture out of his apartment. It was satisfying to feel the warmth of the sun on his face, the gentle breeze danced around him as he walked down the sidewalks of Kalispell. It was a simple task. He needed to go to the bookstore find a new book, buy it, and then leave. The thought had been bouncing around in his head to see if maybe he should get a job there, but that was something he was extremely unsure of. He wasn’t sure how well of an employee he’d be, nor sure if he actually wanted to work. He enjoyed his freedom. No set schedules, it was perfect. Plus, he wasn’t sure if his mind was in the best of place either. All of these silly problems and self-conflictions, they were so minor. It was honestly pathetic. On a positive note, his frequent visits to the book store instead of the bar was reassuring that at least he found a better distraction than alcohol. Yet again, he hadn’t had a nice glass of whiskey in a while. That needed to change.

In the time he’s been in his apartment Levi had managed to read every book in his possession two times over. Which isn’t that impressive considering he wasn’t sleeping either. His sleeping patterns had returned a bit. He would sleep a few hours a night, some nights he’d get a full eight hours. It varied depending on how active his mind was. He knew what he needed to do to settle all of this, but he wasn’t ready to confront it yet. Maybe soon. Regardless of his personal qualms, he’s managed to keep a somewhat decent mood. There has been of few times where his crankiness has gotten the best of him, but not today. It was a beautiful day, and he was outside enjoying it.

As he was walking, he noticed a girl sitting on the sidewalk. She was wearing old tattered clothes and had bright red hair. It was redder than any other hair color he’s seen. He paused for a second, and watched her. She had a can set out in front of her, presumably for people to put money in. It was odd, in all of his time here he never recalled seeing this before. Levi was lost momentarily in his thoughts back to his time in Europe. He’s seen it there before, but never here.

Levi made his way over to the girl, he was curious. He wanted to understand, but he knew from previous experience how this worked. They beg for money either to support their drug or alcohol habit or to rip off people. There were, of course, people who were legitimate, but experience taught him that was a rare thing. He stopped in front of her, placed his hands in his pockets, and offered a warm smile, “Hey there.”

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

There were so many people out today. It was surprising. But then again, that just gave Nonie more people to make stories about and possibly get more money. Maybe she'd be able to save up enough money for shoes? Or maybe buy some more medical stuff? She had enough food at the moment, from what she could remember. She should probably buy more medical stuff and just try to find some new shoes. That would be easier.

So let her eyes wander over the people walking. Currently she was observing one man who was standing by an intersection, checking his watch as he waited.

It had been an entire day, and she still hadn't called him. Was she this upset? He'd apologized, hadn't he? But still, no phone call. No text. No nothing. Did she hate him now? He'd said he was sorry, hadn't he? How would he have known she would be so upset about his trip to Africa? He was only going to be gone for a month and a half. He'd keep in touch with her as much as he could. Wasn't that enough? It wasn't like he was suddenly going to live in Europe for a year and only told her the day before. He had given her the news a month in advance! Wouldn't she--

Nonie's story was cut off when suddenly someone seemed to speak directly to her. Jolting, Nonie's eyes flew up to take in the stranger that had stopped before her. Instinctively she curled up a little tighter, looking at him warily. Why had he stopped? Most people just dropped money in her can and walked past. Why would he want to stop and talk to her? She was nobody. Part of her wanted to run, which was why one hand snaked out to drag the can with her invaluable earnings in it towards her before holding it protectively against her chest as she remained curled up.

"Um...Hi."

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

Levi stood still and watched as the girl recoil from him. Interesting. His hazel eyes scanned the girl. Her tennis shoes were old and overused, jeans were overly worn and torn. She had a thick grey jacket, which didn’t seem as bad as everything else. Her red hair peeked through her hood. His eyes stopped when they meet with her ice blue eyes.

Most people on the streets were never hesitant to chase you down for some spare change. Levi had a close encounter with someone actually trying to reach into his pocket for his wallet. Yet, here this girl was, wary of him. He couldn’t blame her, he was to her what she was to him: a stranger. He didn’t know her intentions just like she didn’t know his. It was smart. Levi felt uncomfortable just dropping money in a can and move on. It wasn’t right. It didn’t solve the problem.

Not wanting to unnerve her anymore, he remained standing, although he debated crouching down. “My name is Levi. What’s yours?” He asked, his smile still present.

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

What did this man want with her? She could see his obverting her, and it made the fear increase tenfold. He was going to remember her. She just knew it. Fear was building steadily in her as he kept lingering, and she pressed further away from him, keeping her hood ever lower to obscure her face as he introduced himself. Then he asked her what her own name was and Nonie really felt herself panicking a little.

She couldn't tell him the truth. No, the truth would be bad. She had to lie. She had to make this man go away or go away herself. He looked too... similar. Too much like.... like him. "F-Fiona."

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

“Hi Fiona.” He said carefully. He didn’t care if it was true or not. Even though it was most likely false. He shifted slightly. Adjusting his weight as he stood. He felt bad for making her uncomfortable. It was obvious. He couldn’t help but wonder what her story was. He could only imagine. He wanted to tell her that he wasn’t going to hurt her, but stating what he wasn’t going to do wouldn’t help the situation. Whether it was true or not.

This was challenging. He didn’t know his true intentions. He knew he was curious about her. He wanted to know her story. He wanted to help her. That was selfless right? Or perhaps it was the opposite. The thought annoyed him. He thought hard for a moment, knowing he had to choose his next words carefully. “What is it you raising money for?” He asked with his eyebrow raised.

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

The man used the name Nonie had given him, which made her relax just a little bit. Although, not by much. He was still standing there and staring, shifting on his feet as Nonie curled ever tighter. He stayed silent for a time, in which Nonie's mind was going into overdrive. Why had he wanted her name in the first place? It wasn't like he was going to try and find her again....

...Right?

He seemed to be thinking hard on something for a while, his brow coming together for a moment before he asked her what she was going to do with her money. The question had her mind racing. She wanted to buy medical supplies, but he'd probably think she was lying and wanted the money for drugs instead. It would probably be the same if she said food. He might not believe her at all. Would he take the money away? But she needed it! Quick Nonie, think!

"I wanted to... to save it up. To get new shoes." Nice! It was the truth, or at least one. She had kind of given up on it though. No one would ever let someone dressed like she was into a store to buy shoes anyways.

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

Levi was both shocked and relieved at her answer. She was still talking to him which was good. He truly thought she was going to make up some story as to why she needed to leave. The way she recoiled from him was proof that she was smarter than most, being uncomfortable with strangers isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Fiona’s answer please him. Shoes. His eyes wandered down to her feet. Shoes was something she most definitely needed. This was the first time he had ever heard an answer different than asking for money for food. Well, except that one time when one homeless man told him he wanted to buy a time machine. Levi hoped that the man would one day have his time machine. Levi smirked at the thought. “I’m assuming you want to replace those?” He asked gesturing to her tennis shoes.

He nodded his head slightly and pursed his lips. “Did you want to get the same kind of shoes? Or something different?” He asked. He had an idea.

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

Her reply seemed to shock him a little. Was that good? Probably not, that meant she had surprised him and he might remember that. But at the same time, it meant he wouldn't take her money away. Although she still clutched it to herself, pressed between her chest and her knees. Better safe than sorry.

Speaking of her shoes: he was looking at them now. Anyone could easily agree she would need need shoes. The bottoms were almost as thin as paper and the rest of it was falling apart and filthy. Nonie tried keeping them in as good a condition as she could, but with how much wear and tear they went through it was no surprise they were in as bad a condition as they were now. Did she want to replace them? She gave a tentative little nod. She would love to, but she figured she'd just need some blind luck to find a pair again.

Nonie had to blink at his question. The same kind of shoes? "Well.... Yes." She answered. Tennis shoes were ideal for keeping her feet warm and letting her run away from people who tried 'hunting' her. But in all honesty, she didn't really care about the brand or anything like that. She just took what she could find and hoped it was her size.

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

The girl hadn’t moved much, she was still scrunched almost into a little ball, protecting whatever money she had managed to collect in her can. It was obvious. She needed shoes, and clothes even. Not to mention probably a place to live. Although, just because she was on the streets now didn’t necessarily mean she didn’t have a place to go back to. Whether she called the place home or not was irrelevant.

“Ah.” He said simply. Which he immediately regretted saying. He wanted to follow up with his next question, but he stopped himself, asking himself first if he really wanted to go there again.

He thought back to when he offered to buy Zoe’s book for her. He didn’t mean it any type of way, he just wanted to help, but she had seemed offended slightly. Hence the deal they made for it. This was no different. He simply wanted to help, he just was unsure if she would be offended or not by the offer, not to mention if she’d even believe him or accept it to begin with.

He had to at least try. After an awkward long pause he decided to just ask. “How would you feel if I bought you a new pair of shoes?” He raised his shoulders slightly and eyes the ones she was wearing now. “It looks like those should be retired.” He added with a smile.

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

She could feel his eyes scrutinizing her clothes. She really did look like a mess. Her clothes practically screamed 'homeless' to anyone who looked. They were ragged, wore, and just dirty overall no matter how she tried cleaning them. In a way it was like the streets had become just as much a part of her as she it. But she wasn't about to complain. It made her easier to overlook even with her red hair.

Did she mishear him? He had been thought in his thoughts and Nonie had gone back to her own to try and find a way to escape when suddenly she'd been handed an offer. New shoes to replace these ones. Nonie blinked a few times at the man. Why would he be offering her clothes? That would let him create memories of her,a which she definitely wanted to avoid. That, and she felt bad just asking him for shoes

"Oh! No! I-I'm fine, really!" She said quickly, shaking her head. "I wouldn't... I don't want you to, uh, spend too much money on someone like.... Me." She finished lamely. "I'll save up."

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

The girl seemed taken aback by his question, which wasn’t surprising. He would probably be thrown as well. He assumed that she would decline, but she caught his attention with something specific that she said. He forgot about the shoes for a moment. “Someone like you?” He questioned. He knew what she meant by that, but he was confused as to how someone would put themselves in a category. Everyone was the same, more or less. He couldn’t help but think of his family and the academy in that moment, but he quickly brushed the though aside.

Not wanting to forget about his offer Levi titled his head slightly. “So you’d be okay accepting my money if I drop it in your can? But I can’t just buy you the thing you’re collecting money for?” He probed, giving a smirk and let out a little laugh.

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Tag: Nonie Savage

[Nonie Savage]

He repeated part of her statement, but Nonie didn't really say anything. Wasn't it obvious what she meant? Someone like her. A forgettable nobody who really didn't matter. But the longer this man kept talking to her, the less forgettable Nonie felt like she was becoming. Which meant the fear in her stomach was becoming colder and more insistent. She should run. She really should run. Get away from this guy before he remembered.

His next question almost made her flinch. She was fine with taking people's loose change; stuff they could easily just toss away to a beggar. But she was not ok with someone actually buying her something more expensive like shoes. Number one, she felt guilty for it. Number two, it made her feel like she owed them. Which made her have to find them again. Which then could make her a memory. She didn't want that, and her dread had rising to the point where every thought in her head was screaming for her to run-- get out of there Nonie!

She stood, mumbling a faint 'sorry' before basically vanishing, dashing away at an incredible rate. Well, maybe incredible to others, but not really her. When you ran for you life almost every day, it was easy to become a fast runner.

[Levi Alexander Wolfe]

Levi was beginning to question if he should have even stopped in the first place. That or maybe he should just put some money in her can and keep walking. He was clearly making her uncomfortable, and she wanted to save up the money herself. It was admirable. All he wanted to do was help someone out who seemed honest about what she needed the money for, and for that he liked her. Honesty. Regardless of his past, and his carefree attitude he never minded helping people, and he was simply in a position that allowed him to do so.

He was about to reach into his pocket and give her some money and leave her alone, it was the least he could do. She surprised him when she stood abruptly and muttered something he couldn’t make out. Next thing he knew, before he could even blink, she was gone.

One thing was for sure though. He would remember the girl with the red hair.

||END||

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Tag: Nonie Savage