Chapter 2 - Sydney

When I first arrived in San Francisco, Mike was the first person I met. I had just gotten off the bus and was strolling the streets. I'd recently relocated from Sydney, Australia. I looked around and spotted a man leaning against the lamp post. Since he was the only guy not rushing to go wherever everyone else seemed to be going. I decided to approach him. I dragged my bag on the concrete as I walked.

"Hi. I apologise for bothering you, but I was hoping you could assist me.”

 "Of course, how can I assist?" He turned towards me and inquired cheerfully. He was about six feet tall, with sandy brown hair and brown eyes, and he didn't appear to be older than my 22 years. He was wearing blue jeans and a white tee.

 "I've been hunting for this location, but it appears that I'm going around in circles." It was awkward for me to show him my phone's GPS. How stupid can you be if you can't follow a simple GPS?

"Oh! You see that small street over there? Simply follow it. The board would be directly in front of you." He gave a warm smile.

"Thank you, mate!" I remarked this as I dragged my bag behind me. I had just taken a few feet when my foot collided with something hard, and I crashed to the ground. "Ouch!" I sat on the sidewalk, cradling my ankle in my hand.

The man I had just requested for assistance arrived at my side almost instantly.

"Hey, are you all, right?" Kneeling next to me, he said.

"I slipped and fell, and I believe I twisted my ankle in the process." I muttered through clenched teeth.

"OK. Let's see whether you can get up on your own." He inquired softly. I tried, but the pain was unbearable. Crap!

He screwed his forehead and looked down at my ankle.

"Which leg hurts?"

 "The left one."

"Let's give it a shot. I'll grasp your arm and force you to sit on that bench; don't put any weight on your damaged foot."

I nodded and did what he instructed.

"You may now be able to gain some traction. Check to see if you can now sit up. We'll take it easy and slow."

He assisted me in sitting up without inflicting too much agony on my ankle. "I'm going to grab you and lift you right now." He aggressively placed his arms over my body.

"Are you all set? Then we're at number three. One, two, and three are the numbers one, two, and three, respectively."

He raised me, spun me around, and then lowered me again. "How about you sit on the bench here?" he said as he pushed me onto the bench.

I let go of the breath I'd been holding.

He said, "I'll give you a few minutes."

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, unsure of what to do next.

"Great. That wasn't that horrible, was it? "He stated "Do you want me to examine that leg for you? I'm not a doctor, but I've dealt with injuries before."

I gave a nod.

"Where does it seem to hurt the most?" he asked.

"It's the ankle," I said. He took my lower leg in his hands and carefully elevated it so he could get a good look at it. Around the ankle, there was a small swelling. "Could you please try moving it back and forth?"

I shifted my ankle up and down.

"How about side to side?" says the narrator.

I gave it a shot and tweaked it a little.

"I'm going to move my weight about a bit. I'll take it easy, but if it hurts, tell me and I'll stop." I gave a nod. "It's most likely a minor sprain. A small ice pack might suffice. Let's get you to a doctor as soon as possible." He stated.

"Oh! That will not be necessary; I will simply take a taxi to my hostel."

For a brief period, he pondered.

"By the way, my name is Mike Scott. And I doubt you'll be able to handle things on your own. Please allow me to accompany you to the doctor."

"I'm Sydney Rosbak, and thanks for saving me." I responded. He was a decent guy.

 "I don't believe I saved you, Sydney, but you're welcome."

He summoned a taxi and drove me to a physician he knew.

"This will be wrapped around your ankle to provide support and compression. The idea is to wrap it tightly but not so tightly that circulation is cut off," the doctor explained. My ankle was then wrapped by the doctor.

"Apply cold packs to the affected area. It will be easier to heal if you keep it cooled and elevated. And, for the time being, don't put any pressure on it, OK?"

 I gave a nod.

"It's already starting to feel better."

 He also gave me some pain relievers, and we were good to go.

"Are you visiting San Francisco for the first time?" As we walked out of the clinic, Mike inquired, and I shuffled along.

"Yes," I said.

 "For business or fun?" Mike asked a few additional questions.

 "Neither. I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. My profession is that of a digital artist. I've come here to take a digital art course. I don't have anyone left in my hometown, so I figured I'd try my luck in America."

"Is there anything wrong?" I asked hastily as I noticed his brow furrow.

"No, I was under the impression you were a model or something." He said, his face flushed with embarrassment.

I burst out laughing.

"Back in Melbourne, I did some modelling and acting, specifically stage acting. However, I didn't pursue it any further. “I laughed and replied.

"I'm a member of a theatre troupe. In addition, I work in a steakhouse. So, where are you going to set up?" He inquired in a casual manner.

"I guess I'll start by staying at a B&B. I need to find a place to rent. It's impossible to stay in a B&B for so long. I am not wealthy in any way."

He fixed his gaze on me. "Hey, if you don't mind, you're welcome to stay at my apartment. It's a two-bedroom flat, not a high-end one. I share it with my sister. However, I will be leaving soon. She's also on the lookout for a roommate. So, you're free to live with her."

I couldn't believe my luck, running across someone so helpful. Even still, I was sceptical. After all, I'd only just met him. I had only known him for maybe an hour. Could I put my faith in him?

Mike took out two business cards, as if he sensed my dissatisfaction.

"Hey, I know how you're feeling. We don't know each other very well. This is my business card, and my agent's. You should have a look at him first. Since you're new, I figured you'd need some assistance. You could perhaps pay a visit to the steakhouse where I work." He muttered hastily in an attempt to reassure me.

I felt a little ashamed because this guy had just gone out of his way to help me. I didn't want to treat him suspiciously.

"Well......" he started to say.

A lovely brunette with freckles on her nose jumped up to him and hugged him before he could complete his sentence.

"You start flirting with the first skirt you see after I left you alone for a few minutes. So, who are we dealing with here?" Mike rolled his eyebrows skyward as the cute brunette pouted prettily and flashed me a charming grin.

"I'm not flirting with anyone. By the way, Sydney, please meet my little pain in the neck, sister. Leah.” Mike introduced her then yelled "Wow!" "Ouch! You witch, don't pinch me!"

I smiled at their banter.

"You get what you deserve for calling me a pain in the neck!" Leah retorted.

"I was ready to tell Sydney that she could put up with us sharing your room till I move out. That is, if you don't mind, and Sydney is willing to put up with a jerk like you!"

Leah gave him a playful shoulder punch. "You're the domineering big brother, not me, the snotty roommate! And I'm not opposed to Sydney staying with me. We can put a cot in my room for her till you depart. It has enough room for two people. I hope you don't mind if I snore." She gave me a giddy grin.

I smiled back at her.

"How did you guys meet?" she said, her eyes twinkling.

"Stop being so nosy!" Mike said, rolling his eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly impose on you..." I began to object.

"It won't be a problem. In any case, I'm seeking a roommate. Let's get this party started." Leah added with a grin.

"So, you're an Aussie? I was able to tell because of the accent. Sydney from Sydney." Leah burst out laughing.

"I'm from Balino actually, but my parents met in Sydney, so they named me after the city," I explained as we approached their home.