staz-romero:
Text and walk, text and walk. The concept didn’t seem to be a difficult one, but the actual implementation of it was actually difficult. They said women were better at multitasking (who they were and whether this was actually true was beyond Staz), but Staz was apparently not gifted in this area. Her path was not that similar to that of a toddler, wavering this way and that, pausing at awkward intervals and in odd places. Which is why the sudden thud against her body did not come as a surprise. It was honestly just a matter of time, luckily the body she had collided with was quite a bit smaller, and not so angry sounding. Staz snapped out of the world her phone has sucked her into. She blinked, eyes landing on the young girl and then to, what appeared to be, her father. She would have reciprocated the apology had she not been momentarily consumed with figuring out why his face looked so familiar, and why she couldn’t recall his name.
She must have looked like a fool with her brow furrowed and her mouth slightly agape,confusion wrought in hazel gaze. How unattractive, Staz. As if recognizing who it was and just how ridiculous she may have appeared she snapped out of it. “Casey?” A gentle smile whispering across her full, pink lips. “Gosh, it’s totally fine! It’s probably my fault. I was so- you know work never ends. I can’t even shop without having to check e-mails-” Her rambling was cut short by an amused sigh. “Sorry. Are you okay, mija?” Staz crouched down enough to be eye-level with the girl, taking in the details of her sweet face and the familiar traits she had inherited from her father. “Forgive me, yeah?” With a brighter smile she stood up once more, now focusing on Casey, and awkward sort of guilt bubbling in the pit of her stomach.
“Hi.” That was it? That was all she had? “How are you? I mean, you’re like, great apparently. You are great- I mean you look great. I mean, it’s-” Anastasia drew in a breath, a hand resting close to her diaphragm in an attempt to ease her nervousness. “It’s great to see you. It’s been a while. Sorry I almost trampled your daughter. She’s your daughter, right?” If her memory served her right, then his daughter would be 6…7? How many years had it been? Staz adjusted the leather strap of her bag on her shoulder, “What are you guys up to?”
Casey’s eyes widened as he recognized the woman in front of him. He hadn’t seen Staz since she had left for college, just after discovering he had a toddler, which she didn’t exactly seem to approve of. He could admit that he had missed her, she was one of the only friends he’d had when he had first come to Seattle. But he wasn’t about to let anyone back in his life that was going to treat Abby like she was anything less then an absolute blessing to him. Because that was exactly what she was in Casey’s eyes. “Um, yeah. Hi, Staz. It’s been a really long time. And it’s not your fault.” he told her carefully.
Abby grinned up at the woman, oblivious to her father awkwardness about the meaning, “I’m fine, I was the one that walked into you.” she pointed out before cocking her head slightly, “What does mija mean? And I like your name, it’s really cool. I’ve never met anybody named Staz before!” the little girl exclaimed happily.
Casey gave Abby an amused smile before turning his attention back to Staz as she stood up, she had certainly gained a few points back from the way she spoke to Abby, not a hint of what had once transpired between them about her. “I’m doing well, still doing metal work, but I’m out of the apprentice program now., and it’s going well. You’re working with the news now, right?” he asked carefully. “It’s good to see you too, and yes, this is Abby. We’re looking for a microwave because a certain eight year old who shall remain anonymous tried to make Easy Mac without putting water in noodles.” he said with a small grin.
