The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon Read Online Free PDF Page A

watched me. I knew what she saw. A malnourished waif of a girl with clothes clearly two sizes too big and small for her. I could almost see her thought process. Why should she rent to a minor with no income, who is so obviously a runaway? I asked myself the same thing. And I wouldn’t if I were her. So I prepared myself to be gracious if she turned me away.
    Only she didn’t. Instead, she marked down the rent two hundred dollars. I couldn’t stop my mouth from falling open. This made her smile warmly at me and when I recovered, I returned it. She then went on explaining that rent is due at the first of the month, but since this one is just about over I get an extra couple weeks leeway. Then came the signing. I must have signed my name to a dozen papers, and by the time we were done my signature was nothing more than a blur.
    I gave her the money and she gave me an actual receipt back. I clutched it in my hands as we got to our feet. I walked her to the door, and that is when she handed over to me the key. My own key. To my apartment. I could barely hold back the urge to do a happy dance.
    Not that I would do that, cough, cough.
    And then before she left me alone, she asked me if I would like to join them (her family) for dinner. Never being asked that before (not when I practically have to sneak food back home) so of course I adamantly agreed. Then I was alone.
    Am alone.
    And I have been the last couple of hours. It’s such an obscured thing to be so excited over, since I’m used to being alone. But right now, in this moment, it’s different. I’m not hiding. I just am. And it’s rapturous.
    Forcing myself out of the haze I’ve been in, I make my way out of my room that is still overly bright in the late afternoon because of the two massive windows. Note to self; buy curtains a.s.a.p. Once in the living room, I plop on the couch and contemplate what time dinner would be for normal people. After dark maybe? Or would it be at dusk? Or did I miss it?
    Ugh, no way can I just walk over next door.
    Can I?
    Glancing at my backpack that is still on the other end of the couch where I tossed it earlier, I think a shower might be in order. I can’t very well creep over their looking all disheveled. Especially if I have another run in with Chance. Just thinking about earlier makes a blush crawl up into my cheeks. I still can’t believe I was so startstruck, like I never saw a boy before or something.
    Nice one Daria.
    So that is what I do, shower and primp myself with the generic brand of soaps and such. Not having any other better clothing options, I stick with the jeans and swap out the t-shirt for a warmer one. When I knot up my damp hair, I know there is no other reason to keep me hiding out. Or from being a big chicken.
    I already changing my mind and convinced this is a bad idea when I’m back at the Harris’s front door. Unfortunately, my hand has other things in mind since it’s knocking before I can flee. Yanking my hand back and clutching it my to chest tightly like it’s the enemy, I’m about to turn away when the door opens.
    Standing before me, is a younger version of Mellissa or one that is roughly my age. They look exactly the same with the shoulder length light blonde hair, and short Lilith stature. The difference between them is that this girl has deep brown eyes. Like her mother, she radiates kindness and I’m not surprised when she smiles right away.
    Looking me up and down without any judgment she says, “So you’re the new tenant huh?” Stepping aside, she holds the door open for me and gestures for me to come in “I’m Ashley, welcome to my humble abode.”
    I go in.
    “Um, I’m Daria.” I tell her back as she turns to shut the door.
    She turns back to me still smiling and I can’t help fidgeting, while glancing away nervously. I’m sure I’m coming off as a complete weirdo or an extremely shady criminal. But I can’t stop. It’s like an inlaid response to something outside of my norm.