The backstories continue in this latest post. Lisa’s an interesting character. I hope this piece sheds a little light on who she is and why she’s so motivated to obtain the things she wants in life.

Lisa Moves to the Big City

Lisa sat the box on the carpeted floor and wiped her forehead with the back of her arm. The dingy white walls and stained flooring didn’t look like much, but it was all hers. Nestled in a quiet part of the city, the apartment complex had nearly as many trees as neighbors.

“You know, it’s not too late to say no.” Celia slung a trash bag full of clothes next to the box. Often mistaken for her sister, Lisa’s mom was a knockout—thick hair, loose brunette curls, and an accent that never faded, despite the twenty-five-plus years she had spent in the country.

“Celia, let the girl go.” David came in carrying a mattress, and the girls stepped aside to let him through.

“Ai, no! My baby all alone in this big city? She could get killed. You have the pepper spray, no?”

Lisa rolled her eyes, tugging a curl from her ponytail. “Yes, mom. The spray’s in my purse. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Well, you call your Aunt Maressa, if you need anything. M’kay?”

“I’ve got her on speed dial.”

David put his arm around Lisa. “When did you grow up, eh?” His eyes glistened as he beamed at his only daughter.

“Just now noticing?” Lisa lightly punched him in his stomach, and David grunted, buckling in mock pain.

David clapped his hands. “We’d better get going. It’s getting late and I want to get that hitch returned before nightfall.”

“Thanks for all your help, Papa.” Lisa hugged David, while Celia crossed her arms, her face scrunched. “You too, Mama.”

Celia threw her arms wide, grimace melting into a smile. “Be safe,” she whispered as they hugged.

“I will.”

Lisa closed the door behind them and began unpacking. She hadn’t brought much, choosing to leave all but the essentials back home. This was a chance for a new start, the life she’d always dreamed of.

The small town she came from wasn’t a bad place. Lisa just always knew she was meant for city life. Her dolls had all been professionals, taking taxis and subways to and from work. Dress up had been fashion shows, bizarre enough to rival the most outrageous catwalk styles. She was all grown up now, but that little girl still dreamed of city life, which was why she was so willing to take even this ratty apartment. The studio loft would come later. She just had to secure a job and start saving her pennies.

Lisa unpacked her clothes, pulling out a framed picture she hadn’t packed. The picture was of Jack, the closest thing she had had to a boyfriend back home. He liked her, and he’d been hard to resist—sparkling eyes, a mischievous smile, and salsa moves for miles—but Jack was a small-town boy. There was no way she was tying herself down to someone like that, no matter how good looking or well-mannered he was.

Mom. Lisa shook her head. Celia clung to every hope that her daughter might stay, and she’d been pulling for Jack for a while. She’d underestimated her daughter’s resolve to move.

“But now it’s game on,” Lisa said, biting her lip. There were plenty of fish in the ocean, and her pool had just opened up.

*          *          *

Two weeks in and already the walls were closing on her. For all the bumping and thumping that came from her neighbor’s apartments, the world never felt so quiet, so isolated. Lisa’s family wasn’t huge, but there was enough bustle from visiting relatives to keep the house lively. Here in the city, there was no one but her. She considered getting a cat for company, but the lease didn’t allow for pets.

Lisa pulled her knees into her chest as she sat on the couch watching yet another romantic comedy. Hopefully her lonely nights would end soon. Tomorrow would be her first day of work, and she was determined to make some friends—guy friends. She never could relate to the other girls, always jealous and whiny. Besides, her odds of finding a date were much better if she started with the men.

She wasn’t expecting to meet “The One.” A warm bed and a little fun would tide her over until she found the right partner. She’d become a bit of an expert at unattached relationships. Lord, help the man I finally settle on.