Uplifting
pun intended.
premise; elevator and staircase.
summary; nights, songs, bringing you down the memory lane
Night
Jessica came into her life without warning, without intentions, without anything at all. Tiffany had let Jessica in ever since she held the elevator open for the girl.
“Thanks.” It was a half-hearted sounding but Tiffany didn’t care. Everyone was the same in this building She looked at the blonde girl, her hair particularly. It flowed beautiful across her shoulders, and everytime the girl moved, everything seemed so effortless.
Tiffany wondered if she had seen her before. The girl glanced in Tiffany’s direction and gave a brief smile before pulling out a cigarette. Tiffany’s perspective was shattered. She guessed every good-looking person did have its flaws after all.
“What floor?” Tiffany inquired politely. She hoped that the girl lived at a lower floor just so she won’t be here to get the smoke in her hair.
“The second highest.”
Tiffany sighed quietly and pressed the 47 button. On cue, the elevator hummed as it moved up. Finally reaching her own floor, she was more than glad to leave the polluted elevator and did not bother to say good bye.
**
Someday, night.
By the time Tiffany arrived, it was night time, closing to 12 am and she blamed the traffic. Tiffany dashed inside the building, escaping the rain. She entered the elevator and was about to push the button 'close' when someone slurred their word ‘Wait.'
Then came in the girl with another man’s arm slung over her shoulders. Tiffany rolled her eyes discreetly and cornered herself in the front left corner, near the buttons. Behind her, she could her the soft whispers and short giggles. It was all more disgusting for Tiffany. She questioned herself again. Why would a girl like her be hanging with such sleazy man?
Ignoring the thought, she pushed the girl’s floor number. The girl muttered a ‘thanks’.
**
Next day, night again.
Tiffany came back late again. It was that ‘season’ where work had been multiplied and the crazies come out to play and get injured. She was mentally and physically tired. Not to mention the growing bills she had to pay off, adding more of her stress.
Inside the building, the elevator door was about to close and she shouted, “Hold the door!” Rushing in, she realized it was the same girl the night before, this time, she was with a different man. Probably just came back from a club. She gave a small smile at the girl but the latter didn’t notice so she turned her back on them and pressed her floor button.
Tiffany was not the one to judge people that easily since they didn’t matter to her. But she tried her hardest to not care about the girl’s well being. Her gaze was focused on the increasing number, wishing it could go faster. The air felt stifled and hot.
“You got a lighter?” The girl tapped on Tiffany’s shoulder. Tiffany looked over her shoulder and shook her head. Her smelling senses were attacked by a strong perfume. The girl responded with an empty look and took a step back to fall into the gruffy looking guy’s arms, eliciting a giggle.
Tiffany rolled her eyes. The elevator finally reached her floor, much to her relief.
**
Night again.
Tiffany dragged her feet towards the building. Exhausted. Unhappy. Unsatisfied. That was her life now. A life as an intern. It was her second month and it had already taken a toll on her.
She put on her earphones and kept her gaze to the ground as she walked towards the opened elevator. Not realizing there was another person in it. Taking a short glance at the floor buttons, her number was already pressed. She leaned against the wall and listened to Sigur Ros’s piece. Her eyes were closed. Her mind came into a calm state until she heard soft sobs.
It wasn’t from the song. To make sure, she took one of the earbuds off and confirmed her suspicion. She peered over her shoulder and realized it was the girl again. The latter was sobbing quietly and was trying to stop when she realized Tiffany was staring at her.
“Sorry.” Tiffany said quickly, unsure why she had to apologize. The sobbing grew a little louder. She felt guilty for saying ‘Sorry.’ She did not know what to do with a sobbing person. Her job required to stay emotionless when giving out news to her patients.
“Are you okay?” Tiffany immediately regretted asking that. Of course, the girl wasn’t okay. She was crying. The question seemed to make the girl stopped and glanced at Tiffany with a questioning look on her face. The sudden change in expression amused Tiffany. “Sorry for asking.”
The girl gave a weak smile. “I’m Jessica.” She said. Tiffany just nodded. “You’re Tiffany.”
“How did - ?”
“Your badge.”
Tiffany looked down to her chest and felt a wash of embarrassment. She laughed a little in response. The elevator made a ‘ting’ sound. Her floor was here. “Night. Feel better.” She said and stepped out of the elevator.
**
Night, night, night.
Music was the only comfort she could have at this time of the day. As usual, she put on her earbuds and pressed play on her ipod. Subconsciously, she hummed as she walked into the elevator. Her eyes met Jessica’s. Automatically, she smiled at her.
Tiffany stood next to her and Jessica volunteered to press button for her. Tiffany smiled as a thank you note. She could smell the same strong perfume off Jessica, assuming the girl just got back from a club.
The thought made her feel bitter. While Jessica was probably rich and was out every night clubbing, Tiffany was stuck at the hospital and trying to hold a good roof on her head all the time. She despised her a little bit now.
“What are you listening to?” Jessica asked, looking at Tiffany. But Tiffany hadn’t listen so she kept her gaze at the moving number.
A few seconds later, Tiffany felt the constant stare on her skin. Feeling a little annoyed, she looked at Jessica. “What?” She asked with a little hard edge to the tone.
Jessica remained unfazed and took one of the earbuds off Tiffany. “Suzanne Vega?”
“W-what?” Tiffany was puzzled. There was something empty about Jessica’s eyes. At the same time, it made her feel as if Jessica’s eyes were boring deeply into her own.
“You’re listening to one of Suzanne Vega’s songs, right?”
“Luka. How did you know? I mean, how do you know her?”
Jessica raised an eyebrow at her. “Do I look like a person who doesn’t?”
“Yes.” Tiffany answered, a little too quickly. She shook her head after realizing it. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”
Jessica’s phone started to ring and played one of the current popular songs. The irony. She gave a sheepish smile before answering the phone.
When the elevator reached 34th floor, Tiffany gave a small wave and walked out of the elevator.
**
Night!
Jessica wasn’t wearing a dress. Instead, her clothes were normal. It was the first thing Tiffany noticed. The girl was wearing simple jeans and v-neck shirt. Tiffany had to admit, the simple clothes were perfect on her. The jeans were hugging Jessica’s legs nicely…
Realizing at what she was thinking about, she stopped. Questioning why at the time like this to be noticing this kind of things. She reasoned with the cause of today’s long day of work.
Tiffany greeted her with a smile and Jessica did the same. Her earbuds were on and a song was playing. But she wasn’t listening to it. Her mind was elsewhere.
“What is it this time?” Jessica smiled a little brighter than the night before. “Don’t tell me. Let me guess.”
It took Tiffany a few seconds to understand at what she was saying. “Okay.” She grinned.
A pensive look fell upon on Jessica’s pretty face. Tiffany found it cute. Wait, what?
“I know!” Jessica snapped her fingers together, startling Tiffany a little. “Natalie’s Torn! I love that song!”
At this hour, Jessica was surprisingly energetic whereas Tiffany was about to fall onto the ground when she first entered the building. But right now, for some weird reason, Tiffany became more alert. Maybe it was Jessica’s energy that seemed to exude out and into Tiffany.
“Me too.” Tiffany said with a smile. The elevator opened and it was her floor. “Night.”
“Bye..” Jessica’s eyes followed Tiffany until the door closed, snapping her out of a short reverie.
**
It became a routine for the both of them. Tiffany plays a song and Jessica has to guess it what it is. All the songs were from either from the 90’s or the early 2000’s. The game would only last until the elevator has reached Tiffany’s floor. Meaning their interactions would only last 34 floors.
There were times when Jessica had a cigarette between her lips. And there were times when Jessica looked like she just came back from the club. Tiffany wanted her to stop doing all of those but it wasn’t her place to do so. She didn’t know the girl except for the similar music interest, her name, and the time when she would take the elevator.
The only one constant thing was Jessica’s fragrance. It still lingered on Tiffany’s senses whenever she left the elevator. Tiffany had offered to borrow her Ipod to Jessica after a conversation took place.
“I miss good songs like this.” Jessica said out of the blue as she was using Tiffany’s ipod momentarily.
“You can borrow it if you like.” Tiffany said.
“Really?”
Tiffany nodded. The next second, the elevator made a ‘ting’ sound and the door opened.
**
The night after, Tiffany wasn’t there in the elevator. And the next two nights too. Sometimes Jessica would stay a little longer in the elevator, waiting, with only reason in mind; to give the ipod back. In heart, there was another reason. But she didn’t knew it yet.
Tiffany’s absence made Jessica feel a little lonely. The kind of lonely she never felt before. There were countless nights like this. But for first time, she found herself missing Tiffany’s company weirdly.
She didn’t know which apartment belonged to Tiffany so she waited on the 34th floor. Soon, Jessica fell asleep while sitting floor with her back against a wall.
An hour later, on her way to 34th floor, Tiffany recognized the perfume and remembered Jessica. When arrived, she was momentarily frozen when she noticed Jessica sleeping, her head hung low. Jessica’s forehead resting on her knees and her arms loosely hugging her legs. Even in that position, Jessica had made it look adorable to Tiffany.
One earbud was on the floor while the other was still in Jessica’s ear. Tiffany bent down to her knees and patted on Jessica’s shoulder. Jessica looked up with eyes fluttering and hair in her face. Without thinking, Tiffany brushed her hair to the side and smiled a little.
“What are you doing here?” Tiffany asked with a little hint of worry.
“Your ipod.”
“How long were you here?”
Jessica shrugged. “Where were you? I haven’t seen you for the past 3 nights.” She didn’t mean to sound like a person who waited for so long - which she did. She could only hope Tiffany didn’t catch it.
“I didn’t think you would notice since you had parties to go and such.”
“Do I look like a person who only goes to parties and clubs?” Jessica looked offended. But Tiffany merely laughed at the sight.
“Yes.” Tiffany answered with no conviction. Jessica rolled her eyes and stood up. She huffed and shoved the ipod into Tiffany’s hands. “I’m sorry. Today was a really long day for me.”
Jessica was on her way to the elevator but halted. Her back still facing Tiffany. “Wherever You Will Go.” She said randomly, not knowing why.
“The Calling?”
“Yes. I like that song.”
“Me too.”
Jessica could feel Tiffany smiling. She turned around and witnessed a smile that could manage to light up the darkness of this hour.
**
Tiffany had made a point to come back home every night just so she won’t have to sleep on hospital beds and…. admittingly, she wanted to see Jessica.
“You should stop smoking.”
Jessica raised a brow at her, a lit cigarette between her fingers. “Why?”
“It damages your lungs.”
“It’s not your lungs.” She retorted back. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you care?”
“I just don’t want you to.” Tiffany let out a frustrated sigh.
“Okay.” Jessica answered in a simple tone.
“Okay?”
“I’ll stop.”
**
The elevator was almost reaching the 34th floor.
“You shouldn’t go out so often at night.” Tiffany couldn’t help it, refusing to look at Jessica. The girl was wearing a dress that bared her back. The sight was unbearable for Tiffany. She wanted to touch her.
“Who are you, my mother?” Jessica said in an irritated voice.
Tiffany didn’t say anything and quickly walked out of the elevator.
**
Much to Tiffany’s disappointment, a guy came in the elevator together with Jessica. She shook her head. Before the elevator closed, Tiffany left and took the stairs instead. She couldn’t stand the stench of the alcohol coming from the guy’s mouth and shirt. But most of all, she couldn’t stand Jessica’s perfume.
As she walked towards the stairs, quick taps of high heels were heard behind her. Tiffany peered over her shoulder and saw it was Jessica.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking the stairs.” Tiffany answered acidly.
Jessica pursed her lips together. “Suit yourself.”
**
After that night, Tiffany had been taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Unbeknownst to her, Jessica waited night after night for Tiffany in the elevator. Even at nights where she didn’t go out.
In the nick of time, Jessica saw Tiffany walking in the building so she waved at her while pressing the ‘open’ button. Tiffany ignored, put on her earbuds, and walked towards the staircase.
Frowning, Jessica followed Tiffany to the stairs. “Why are you doing this?” She called out but Tiffany was already far away. With surprising energy, Jessica quickened her steps and caught Tiffany by the wrist.
“Why are you not taking the elevator anymore?” Jessica asked. Tiffany looked taken aback at the sudden intrusion.
“It’s a good exercise. Especially for the lungs and heart.” Tiffany answered in a flat tone. Jessica scoffed and took a few steps to meet Tiffany at eye level.
“Did I do something wrong?”
Tiffany stared at Jessica blankly. “No… I’m just tired.”
“Then take the elevator with me.” Without waiting for a response, Jessica grabbed her hand and dragged her to the elevator.
Inside the lift, the air fell into an awkward silence for a moment. “Where’s your guy?” Tiffany asked cynically.
“There’s no guy.”
“What do you do actually instead of going to clubs and parties?”
Jessica rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “I work at the club. I’m a DJ.”
“Oh.” Tiffany suddenly felt guilty.
“What? I don’t look like one?”
“Yes.” She said in a sheepish tone. To that, Jessica smiled a little.
The elevator reached 34th floor but Tiffany pushed the ‘close’ button. “Eh?”
“I’ll wait with you till your floor is reached. I don’t mind.”
And Tiffany continued to do so every night. She also learned that Jessica wakes up late every day. The chances of seeing Jessica in daylight was unlikely. But 47 floors ride was more than enough for Tiffany.
**
One night
“You’re in your simple clothes.” Tiffany said to Jessica.
“Yeah?” Jessica looked down to her clothes.
“I like simple clothes.”
“Yeah?” Jessica added more persistently and moved closer to Tiffany. “What else do you like?” She could hear a familiar song playing.
“I like them on you.”
The corners of Jessica’s lips turned up. “I like the scrubs.” She tugged the hem of Tiffany’s shirt.
“You didn’t work tonight?”
“I don’t work on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.” The elevator opened momentarily before closing.
Tiffany gave her a questioning look and then grinned. “You waited for me.”
“No.” Jessica mentally cursed herself for not revising her previous answer.
“Yes.” Subconsciously, Tiffany took a step forward and Jessica took a step backward. “I like the fact that you do.”
“Kiss me.” The words simply slipped through Jessica’s parted lips. She recognized what song was playing. “The song is Kiss Me.” The elevator door opened and the cool air came in. Her heart was thumping in her ears.
So kiss me.
The distance between them closed in. Tiffany’s lips met Jessica’s gently, uncaring that they were still in the elevator.
“I like this song.” Jessica whispered.
“Me too.”
premise; elevator and staircase.
summary; nights, songs, bringing you down the memory lane
Night
Jessica came into her life without warning, without intentions, without anything at all. Tiffany had let Jessica in ever since she held the elevator open for the girl.
“Thanks.” It was a half-hearted sounding but Tiffany didn’t care. Everyone was the same in this building She looked at the blonde girl, her hair particularly. It flowed beautiful across her shoulders, and everytime the girl moved, everything seemed so effortless.
Tiffany wondered if she had seen her before. The girl glanced in Tiffany’s direction and gave a brief smile before pulling out a cigarette. Tiffany’s perspective was shattered. She guessed every good-looking person did have its flaws after all.
“What floor?” Tiffany inquired politely. She hoped that the girl lived at a lower floor just so she won’t be here to get the smoke in her hair.
“The second highest.”
Tiffany sighed quietly and pressed the 47 button. On cue, the elevator hummed as it moved up. Finally reaching her own floor, she was more than glad to leave the polluted elevator and did not bother to say good bye.
**
Someday, night.
By the time Tiffany arrived, it was night time, closing to 12 am and she blamed the traffic. Tiffany dashed inside the building, escaping the rain. She entered the elevator and was about to push the button 'close' when someone slurred their word ‘Wait.'
Then came in the girl with another man’s arm slung over her shoulders. Tiffany rolled her eyes discreetly and cornered herself in the front left corner, near the buttons. Behind her, she could her the soft whispers and short giggles. It was all more disgusting for Tiffany. She questioned herself again. Why would a girl like her be hanging with such sleazy man?
Ignoring the thought, she pushed the girl’s floor number. The girl muttered a ‘thanks’.
**
Next day, night again.
Tiffany came back late again. It was that ‘season’ where work had been multiplied and the crazies come out to play and get injured. She was mentally and physically tired. Not to mention the growing bills she had to pay off, adding more of her stress.
Inside the building, the elevator door was about to close and she shouted, “Hold the door!” Rushing in, she realized it was the same girl the night before, this time, she was with a different man. Probably just came back from a club. She gave a small smile at the girl but the latter didn’t notice so she turned her back on them and pressed her floor button.
Tiffany was not the one to judge people that easily since they didn’t matter to her. But she tried her hardest to not care about the girl’s well being. Her gaze was focused on the increasing number, wishing it could go faster. The air felt stifled and hot.
“You got a lighter?” The girl tapped on Tiffany’s shoulder. Tiffany looked over her shoulder and shook her head. Her smelling senses were attacked by a strong perfume. The girl responded with an empty look and took a step back to fall into the gruffy looking guy’s arms, eliciting a giggle.
Tiffany rolled her eyes. The elevator finally reached her floor, much to her relief.
**
Night again.
Tiffany dragged her feet towards the building. Exhausted. Unhappy. Unsatisfied. That was her life now. A life as an intern. It was her second month and it had already taken a toll on her.
She put on her earphones and kept her gaze to the ground as she walked towards the opened elevator. Not realizing there was another person in it. Taking a short glance at the floor buttons, her number was already pressed. She leaned against the wall and listened to Sigur Ros’s piece. Her eyes were closed. Her mind came into a calm state until she heard soft sobs.
It wasn’t from the song. To make sure, she took one of the earbuds off and confirmed her suspicion. She peered over her shoulder and realized it was the girl again. The latter was sobbing quietly and was trying to stop when she realized Tiffany was staring at her.
“Sorry.” Tiffany said quickly, unsure why she had to apologize. The sobbing grew a little louder. She felt guilty for saying ‘Sorry.’ She did not know what to do with a sobbing person. Her job required to stay emotionless when giving out news to her patients.
“Are you okay?” Tiffany immediately regretted asking that. Of course, the girl wasn’t okay. She was crying. The question seemed to make the girl stopped and glanced at Tiffany with a questioning look on her face. The sudden change in expression amused Tiffany. “Sorry for asking.”
The girl gave a weak smile. “I’m Jessica.” She said. Tiffany just nodded. “You’re Tiffany.”
“How did - ?”
“Your badge.”
Tiffany looked down to her chest and felt a wash of embarrassment. She laughed a little in response. The elevator made a ‘ting’ sound. Her floor was here. “Night. Feel better.” She said and stepped out of the elevator.
**
Night, night, night.
Music was the only comfort she could have at this time of the day. As usual, she put on her earbuds and pressed play on her ipod. Subconsciously, she hummed as she walked into the elevator. Her eyes met Jessica’s. Automatically, she smiled at her.
Tiffany stood next to her and Jessica volunteered to press button for her. Tiffany smiled as a thank you note. She could smell the same strong perfume off Jessica, assuming the girl just got back from a club.
The thought made her feel bitter. While Jessica was probably rich and was out every night clubbing, Tiffany was stuck at the hospital and trying to hold a good roof on her head all the time. She despised her a little bit now.
“What are you listening to?” Jessica asked, looking at Tiffany. But Tiffany hadn’t listen so she kept her gaze at the moving number.
A few seconds later, Tiffany felt the constant stare on her skin. Feeling a little annoyed, she looked at Jessica. “What?” She asked with a little hard edge to the tone.
Jessica remained unfazed and took one of the earbuds off Tiffany. “Suzanne Vega?”
“W-what?” Tiffany was puzzled. There was something empty about Jessica’s eyes. At the same time, it made her feel as if Jessica’s eyes were boring deeply into her own.
“You’re listening to one of Suzanne Vega’s songs, right?”
“Luka. How did you know? I mean, how do you know her?”
Jessica raised an eyebrow at her. “Do I look like a person who doesn’t?”
“Yes.” Tiffany answered, a little too quickly. She shook her head after realizing it. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”
Jessica’s phone started to ring and played one of the current popular songs. The irony. She gave a sheepish smile before answering the phone.
When the elevator reached 34th floor, Tiffany gave a small wave and walked out of the elevator.
**
Night!
Jessica wasn’t wearing a dress. Instead, her clothes were normal. It was the first thing Tiffany noticed. The girl was wearing simple jeans and v-neck shirt. Tiffany had to admit, the simple clothes were perfect on her. The jeans were hugging Jessica’s legs nicely…
Realizing at what she was thinking about, she stopped. Questioning why at the time like this to be noticing this kind of things. She reasoned with the cause of today’s long day of work.
Tiffany greeted her with a smile and Jessica did the same. Her earbuds were on and a song was playing. But she wasn’t listening to it. Her mind was elsewhere.
“What is it this time?” Jessica smiled a little brighter than the night before. “Don’t tell me. Let me guess.”
It took Tiffany a few seconds to understand at what she was saying. “Okay.” She grinned.
A pensive look fell upon on Jessica’s pretty face. Tiffany found it cute. Wait, what?
“I know!” Jessica snapped her fingers together, startling Tiffany a little. “Natalie’s Torn! I love that song!”
At this hour, Jessica was surprisingly energetic whereas Tiffany was about to fall onto the ground when she first entered the building. But right now, for some weird reason, Tiffany became more alert. Maybe it was Jessica’s energy that seemed to exude out and into Tiffany.
“Me too.” Tiffany said with a smile. The elevator opened and it was her floor. “Night.”
“Bye..” Jessica’s eyes followed Tiffany until the door closed, snapping her out of a short reverie.
**
It became a routine for the both of them. Tiffany plays a song and Jessica has to guess it what it is. All the songs were from either from the 90’s or the early 2000’s. The game would only last until the elevator has reached Tiffany’s floor. Meaning their interactions would only last 34 floors.
There were times when Jessica had a cigarette between her lips. And there were times when Jessica looked like she just came back from the club. Tiffany wanted her to stop doing all of those but it wasn’t her place to do so. She didn’t know the girl except for the similar music interest, her name, and the time when she would take the elevator.
The only one constant thing was Jessica’s fragrance. It still lingered on Tiffany’s senses whenever she left the elevator. Tiffany had offered to borrow her Ipod to Jessica after a conversation took place.
“I miss good songs like this.” Jessica said out of the blue as she was using Tiffany’s ipod momentarily.
“You can borrow it if you like.” Tiffany said.
“Really?”
Tiffany nodded. The next second, the elevator made a ‘ting’ sound and the door opened.
**
The night after, Tiffany wasn’t there in the elevator. And the next two nights too. Sometimes Jessica would stay a little longer in the elevator, waiting, with only reason in mind; to give the ipod back. In heart, there was another reason. But she didn’t knew it yet.
Tiffany’s absence made Jessica feel a little lonely. The kind of lonely she never felt before. There were countless nights like this. But for first time, she found herself missing Tiffany’s company weirdly.
She didn’t know which apartment belonged to Tiffany so she waited on the 34th floor. Soon, Jessica fell asleep while sitting floor with her back against a wall.
An hour later, on her way to 34th floor, Tiffany recognized the perfume and remembered Jessica. When arrived, she was momentarily frozen when she noticed Jessica sleeping, her head hung low. Jessica’s forehead resting on her knees and her arms loosely hugging her legs. Even in that position, Jessica had made it look adorable to Tiffany.
One earbud was on the floor while the other was still in Jessica’s ear. Tiffany bent down to her knees and patted on Jessica’s shoulder. Jessica looked up with eyes fluttering and hair in her face. Without thinking, Tiffany brushed her hair to the side and smiled a little.
“What are you doing here?” Tiffany asked with a little hint of worry.
“Your ipod.”
“How long were you here?”
Jessica shrugged. “Where were you? I haven’t seen you for the past 3 nights.” She didn’t mean to sound like a person who waited for so long - which she did. She could only hope Tiffany didn’t catch it.
“I didn’t think you would notice since you had parties to go and such.”
“Do I look like a person who only goes to parties and clubs?” Jessica looked offended. But Tiffany merely laughed at the sight.
“Yes.” Tiffany answered with no conviction. Jessica rolled her eyes and stood up. She huffed and shoved the ipod into Tiffany’s hands. “I’m sorry. Today was a really long day for me.”
Jessica was on her way to the elevator but halted. Her back still facing Tiffany. “Wherever You Will Go.” She said randomly, not knowing why.
“The Calling?”
“Yes. I like that song.”
“Me too.”
Jessica could feel Tiffany smiling. She turned around and witnessed a smile that could manage to light up the darkness of this hour.
**
Tiffany had made a point to come back home every night just so she won’t have to sleep on hospital beds and…. admittingly, she wanted to see Jessica.
“You should stop smoking.”
Jessica raised a brow at her, a lit cigarette between her fingers. “Why?”
“It damages your lungs.”
“It’s not your lungs.” She retorted back. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you care?”
“I just don’t want you to.” Tiffany let out a frustrated sigh.
“Okay.” Jessica answered in a simple tone.
“Okay?”
“I’ll stop.”
**
The elevator was almost reaching the 34th floor.
“You shouldn’t go out so often at night.” Tiffany couldn’t help it, refusing to look at Jessica. The girl was wearing a dress that bared her back. The sight was unbearable for Tiffany. She wanted to touch her.
“Who are you, my mother?” Jessica said in an irritated voice.
Tiffany didn’t say anything and quickly walked out of the elevator.
**
Much to Tiffany’s disappointment, a guy came in the elevator together with Jessica. She shook her head. Before the elevator closed, Tiffany left and took the stairs instead. She couldn’t stand the stench of the alcohol coming from the guy’s mouth and shirt. But most of all, she couldn’t stand Jessica’s perfume.
As she walked towards the stairs, quick taps of high heels were heard behind her. Tiffany peered over her shoulder and saw it was Jessica.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking the stairs.” Tiffany answered acidly.
Jessica pursed her lips together. “Suit yourself.”
**
After that night, Tiffany had been taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Unbeknownst to her, Jessica waited night after night for Tiffany in the elevator. Even at nights where she didn’t go out.
In the nick of time, Jessica saw Tiffany walking in the building so she waved at her while pressing the ‘open’ button. Tiffany ignored, put on her earbuds, and walked towards the staircase.
Frowning, Jessica followed Tiffany to the stairs. “Why are you doing this?” She called out but Tiffany was already far away. With surprising energy, Jessica quickened her steps and caught Tiffany by the wrist.
“Why are you not taking the elevator anymore?” Jessica asked. Tiffany looked taken aback at the sudden intrusion.
“It’s a good exercise. Especially for the lungs and heart.” Tiffany answered in a flat tone. Jessica scoffed and took a few steps to meet Tiffany at eye level.
“Did I do something wrong?”
Tiffany stared at Jessica blankly. “No… I’m just tired.”
“Then take the elevator with me.” Without waiting for a response, Jessica grabbed her hand and dragged her to the elevator.
Inside the lift, the air fell into an awkward silence for a moment. “Where’s your guy?” Tiffany asked cynically.
“There’s no guy.”
“What do you do actually instead of going to clubs and parties?”
Jessica rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “I work at the club. I’m a DJ.”
“Oh.” Tiffany suddenly felt guilty.
“What? I don’t look like one?”
“Yes.” She said in a sheepish tone. To that, Jessica smiled a little.
The elevator reached 34th floor but Tiffany pushed the ‘close’ button. “Eh?”
“I’ll wait with you till your floor is reached. I don’t mind.”
And Tiffany continued to do so every night. She also learned that Jessica wakes up late every day. The chances of seeing Jessica in daylight was unlikely. But 47 floors ride was more than enough for Tiffany.
**
One night
“You’re in your simple clothes.” Tiffany said to Jessica.
“Yeah?” Jessica looked down to her clothes.
“I like simple clothes.”
“Yeah?” Jessica added more persistently and moved closer to Tiffany. “What else do you like?” She could hear a familiar song playing.
“I like them on you.”
The corners of Jessica’s lips turned up. “I like the scrubs.” She tugged the hem of Tiffany’s shirt.
“You didn’t work tonight?”
“I don’t work on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.” The elevator opened momentarily before closing.
Tiffany gave her a questioning look and then grinned. “You waited for me.”
“No.” Jessica mentally cursed herself for not revising her previous answer.
“Yes.” Subconsciously, Tiffany took a step forward and Jessica took a step backward. “I like the fact that you do.”
“Kiss me.” The words simply slipped through Jessica’s parted lips. She recognized what song was playing. “The song is Kiss Me.” The elevator door opened and the cool air came in. Her heart was thumping in her ears.
So kiss me.
The distance between them closed in. Tiffany’s lips met Jessica’s gently, uncaring that they were still in the elevator.
“I like this song.” Jessica whispered.
“Me too.”