My Neighbor (closed)

[Bbella2007]

Bella moved all the way across the country and bought a house at the young age of 20 with the money her grandmother left her. It was a two bedroom house in a nice suburb area and she was relieved about finally getting a fresh start, and getting away from her abusive family.

Right next door is her neighbor Paul, a man in his fifties. Having lost his wife a few years ago, and his children all moving out and visiting a few times a year, he’s quite lonely.

When Bella moves into the house next to him something between them just clicks. For the man who’s lonely he finally finds the company of a young woman, and for a girl who’s been through a lot in life, she finds a loving man who’s a protector and provider.

**This story is meant to be very slow paced, and I mean very, as if it’s real life. This story isn’t meant to be just sex, but also a story where those two people fall in love, so there will be side plots like her family trying to worm their way back. Only PM me if you’re still interested after all that.

 

[susurrus]

How many years? At least twenty. Elise and I moved here when Brandon was, what? Two? Three? He’s twenty-eight now. Sam’s twenty-four and Trina twenty-two. Brandon’s in the Army, stationed in Germany, so I see him about once a year or so. Sam’s married, with a good job and one on the way, but he lives about five hours away and has a life of his own. Pretty soon, he’ll have his hands full with the little one. Trina’s engaged, but she lives halfway across the country now. She’s making good money, and I get the occasional phone call, but I don’t see her much, either.

I’ve had friends move closer to their kids, but mine are scattered all over the place, plus I’ve been nearly thirty years at my job, and at my age, I really don’t want to have to go through the job search bit and start at the bottom again.

I’ve got my friends. I’ve got my music, which is where I see most of those friends. Music’s just a hobby, but it gets me out of the house. I’m not a stellar player, but I’m well above average. I have a following, which is nice.

Elise… Okay.

I met Elise in college. She was an education major. Wanted to be a teacher. Brave girl. At first she only barely registered on my radar. Then, for some reason, she kept showing up where I happened to be. She assured me she wasn’t stalking me or anything, but regardless, eventually, I noticed her.

We started seeing one another, dates and stuff. After college, we kept in touch, even though we kept getting told: “Long distance relationships never last.” Ours did. She found a job at a school about forty minutes away from me.

One day, I got a call. “Guess where I am.”

“I don’t know. Where?”

A slight giggle. “Look out your window.”

I went to the front door and looked out the window there. Elise stood out front on the sidewalk, a grin on her face. I ran out and we kissed. It’d been well over a year since we’d seen each other last. Once our mouths were free again, she explained that she’d be teaching in one of the school systems nearby. Of course, I was elated.

About six months later, I proposed. Just under a year after that, we got married. We didn’t waste a lot of time. Brandon came along in the little rental I’d been living in, inside a year. Not long after that, we moved to the “new house.”

We’d both been saving for a place of our own. I saw the black hole rental generally was, and besides, even though the last thing we really needed was a baby as well as payments, but you do what you have to do, no?

What we called the “new house,” was out in the middle of nowhere. At the time, there wasn’t even a paved street to it. Just the house and one going up next door. The sign on the corner showed the plans for a big development. On our road, there were going to be up to twelve houses. What actually ended up getting built was three on one side and four on the other, with our place and the one that’d been under construction at the end. It was a little odd that the rest didn’t get put up, when the next street up in both directions ended up with every lot filled.

We lived the “perfect” suburban life. The kids had to go down the street to find someone to play with, but the empty lots gave the kids plenty of places to play without having to go far from home. The house next door was purchased by a nice old couple, and since our parents were far away, Elise and I became the kids they never had. It was sad when they passed away. He died of a heart attack while mowing the lawn. She went only a couple weeks after, I’ve always believed, of a broken heart.

Elise….Yeah. Sorry.

Brandon was in Japan. He’d been in, what, five years? Sam had moved away for his job. Trina was still at home, but was looking.

Fucking cancer. I don’t understand all those people who think human life is so damn sacred when your own body can turn on you. She’d been feeling just kind of run-down and not quite herself. We’d written it off to the shitty weather we’d been having. She’d caught something, it’d run its course and she’d be fine. Teachers catch stuff from their students all the time. Routine stuff.

Only it didn’t run its course. Eventually, we ended up getting a shitload of tests done that slowly pinpointed the culprit. By that time, though, it was too late. It had metastasized and was inoperable. Treatment was possible, but the odds were stupid low.

It was the last time I saw all my kids at the same time. Brandon had received emergency leave. Sam and his new wife made the drive and Trina flew in from her new home. My dad was there, and Elise’s mom. They’ve both since passed, too.

Since, it’s been damn lonely. My work and my music friends have been great. I’ve received, “Anything I can do, you just let me know,” from practically everybody, but it isn’t the kind of invitation you feel right taking a person up on, you know? I’m sure most of them mean it, but calling up someone you just kind of know and asking them, “Hey, can you come over and help me vacuum, clean the bathroom, that kind of thing?” feels wrong.

So, I’ve been doing my best to keep the house from becoming a complete pigsty. Elise admitted she wasn’t an incredible housekeeper, but she could do more in an afternoon than I can manage in a weekend. It was a hell of a change, going back to being a bachelor.

For almost three weeks, I sat around the house, moping, grieving. After I found myself getting winded just going up a single flight of stairs, I knew I needed to get my shit together. I began working out, something I hadn’t really done much of before. It’s amazing the kinds of things you can manage without ever setting foot in a gym. No, I’m not ripped, but I’ve got some definition. I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in since high school.

Anyhow, for some reason, the place next door sat empty after the Thompson’s passed. That was the older couple I told you about. Until one Saturday morning, a little gumball car pulled up, followed by a modest moving van. It took all of forty-five minutes for the workmen to unload and haul it all in.

I hadn’t seen who was buying the place. Curiosity got the better of me after an hour or so, so I eventually walked over and knocked.

 

[Bbella2007]

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to leave my awful family, leave that awful town filled with those awful people. But I never had the means to do so when my family managed to get their grubby hands on most of the money I made.

I’d been doing some form of working since I was twelve years old, whether it be babysitting, working at a pizza place, or eventually working as a waitress at a small diner. But how much money do I have from what I earned? Not very much since my so called parents or one of my brothers also managed to steal all of my cash from me. In my town there were a lot of places that didn’t accept cards.

My grandmother was my only light in that horrible town. She came from a pretty rich family, but married the wrong man. He managed to spend all her money on drinking and gambling. The only thing she still had left and refused to give up was her mansion that she’d lived in her whole life.

My mother would often leave me and my siblings at her house for days on end, and she’d take such good care of us. I wish she was my mother instead. All of my good memories are with her. That’s why losing her hit me so hard.

Before she died, in her will she’d left me her mansion, along with the contact information of someone who was interested in buying it. A few weeks after her passing, I’d called that person, hashed out the details, and eventually sold it to them.

It broke my heart to sell a place where most of my special memories took place, the thing that felt like the only remaining piece of my grandmother. But I couldn’t stay in that town any longer.

Originally I was looking for a one bedroom, or even a studio would’ve sufficed, but while house hunting, I fell in love with the two bedroom house, even though I knew I’d stretch my bank account thin, I knew I had to buy it. Something about the quaint neighborhood and small beautiful house and the people who seemed like normal people.

It felt like the opposite of what I wanted to run away from. And so I bought it, making all the arrangements with the little money I had left such as finally buying a small car and basic furniture for my new house.

I spent a good two hours running back and forth in the hot summer sun, lifting heavy things, telling the movers where what furniture should be placed. I felt exhausted already, and I haven’t even started unpacking the boxes filled with my belongings, not that I had much.

I could feel my tanktop sticking to my chest from the sweat and my denim shorts felt uncomfortable against my skin. I decided a long cold shower would be the best.

I finally managed to open and dig through a few boxes and find everything I needed for a shower when the doorbell rang.

Wondering if it was the movers who forgot something, I looked out the peephole to find an older man standing there. I was tempted to not open the door, after all, where I come from, opening the door to random men when you’re home alone never led to good news.

But I reminded myself this is a new place filled with new people and that if he’s here ringing my doorbell it’s probably for a reason that isn’t malicious.

Still I knew in my heart that I wasn’t ready to trust anyone here as I tucked my pepper spray into my back pocket and opened the door reluctantly.

I crossed my arms across my chest, watching carefully so that at the slightest sign he’ll attack me, I can use my pepper spray to my defense.

“Can I help you?” I finally asked.

 

[susurrus]

I waited quite a while for somebody to answer the door. It almost got to the point where I figured nobody was going to come, and almost left to try another time, when finally, the door opened.

"Can I help you?" was what I got. I was a little surprised, but pleasantly so, to have the person in the doorway be a pretty young woman. It was obvious she'd had a hectic day. Sweat soaked her tank top and shone on her skin, so she had every right to be irritated. She held a towel, so I guessed I interrupted her on the way to getting cleaned up.

"Sorry to bother you," I started. While she was attractive enough, even given her less-than-pristine state, that direct admiration was definitely not out of the question, I pride myself on not being one of "those" guys, so I didn't ogle.

"I saw you just moved in. I'm Paul, from next door. I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. I hope I'm not imposing. If you need anything, repairs, directons, anything, just let me know. I've been here a while and know my way around pretty well."

I hoped she didn't think I was prying. That was the farthest thing from my mind. I just wanted to meet my new neighbor. Like I mentioned, there hadn't been anybody in the Thompson's house since they both passed.

"Well, that's it, I guess. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around. Bye for now." I didn't want to hang around too long and let things get any more awkward than they already were.

I started down the steps to head back home...

 

[Bbella2007]

I blinked in surprise when he, Paul, offered helping.

Back in that awful town, if someone new was moving in, at best they’d be ignored, and worst case scenario, they’re going to get pranked by some stupid kids or get into an altercation with their new neighbor.

So to have someone warmly welcome me into the neighborhood felt odd. It feels too good to be true, and that makes me wary.

“Paul!” I called out before I knew what I was doing. He turned around slowly.

Just this one favor. Beggars can’t be choosers. And you really need help with this, I told myself.

“I only have a high school diploma right now.” I awkwardly shuffled on my feet, not used to asking for help.

“And I really need to save up a big sum of money within the next two years or so.” I said slowly, forcing the words out of my mouth.

“I was wondering if you knew a job that pays well around here for my education level?” I immediately squeezed my eyes shut and covered my face with two hands, breathing heavy, as I dreaded what his reaction would be.

Whenever I talked to my grandma about finding a well paying job one day, my brothers would always mock me saying a girl like me doesn’t belong there. My mom would “advise” me to take after my sister and baby trap a man with a well paying job instead since that’s what would suit me.

So I can’t even imagine what someone like him would think of someone like me, and I really regretted asking as I stood there waiting for a response.

 

[susurrus]

I'd gotten off the front step and was a few strides down the sidewalk when my new neighbor called me back. Turning back to her, she asked if I knew of a good paying job for someone with only a high school education.

I smiled back at her.

"Turns out that the company I work for is always looking for people. I'm not sure what the pay is, but I do know line workers make several dollars above minimum, with shift compensations, benefits and such. It's factory work, so it's not easy, but it isn't back-breaking. You can move up in the ranks and switch jobs the more you learn, so there's opportunities for advancement, too.

"Have you got a piece of paper and something to write with? I can give you the number for HR. Either that or you could follow me in tomorrow morning.."

I wasn't lying. The place I'd worked for almost thirty years was always looking for people who took the parts we made off the manufacturing machines and finished it for shipping to the customer. Turnover for those workers was high. As I said, it wasn't back-breaking, but it was repetitive. It was a trick these days finding people who wanted to really work.

I was curious why she needed to make a lot of money fast, but kept my mouth shut. We hadn't known one another more that ten minutes. We were barely even neighbors yet.

"I didn't get your name. I assume you have one. It'd be nice to be able to call you something other than just, 'Hey neighbor.'"

 

[Bbella2007]

I was surprised when he actually took my question seriously and responded so kindly. I stared at him with wide eyes for a moment before flushing in embarrassment.

“If you don’t mind, can I go with you tomorrow? I’d prefer to discuss with HR in person, and would be nice to have someone I know be there to support me, you know.” I shrugged.

I thought about it for a moment before a question popped up in my head.

“What should I wear tomorrow? Will it be an interview? Should it be business casual?” Before he could say anything, I darted back into my house and opened up a box that was filled with my “best”clothes, most of which are from my grandmother.

“Would this be alright?” I held a simple black dress in front of him. It has spaghetti straps, a v neck, and a long slit that stopped mid thigh, it was more so a party dress than anything, but it’s the closest thing I had to professional.

My closet mainly consisted of jeans, shorts, sweatpants, leggings, and such. If he didn’t approve of this I’d have to go out and buy something better within the next few hours before the mall closes.

I waited as he patiently explained what I should do, before he finally asked me my name.

“I’m Bella.” I said, and surprised myself when I gave him a soft smile.

I could tell that while I still don’t trust him much, I can see myself trusting him one day.

 

[susurrus]

Several seconds passed before she responded to what I'd told her. I wasn't sure what she'd expected me to say, but by her reaction, it wasn't what I'd said. So she only had a high school education, so what? I had no reason to judge her on that. That she was interested in working was huge. That my description that it wasn't easy work didn't seem to faze her was bigger yet.

Then she got excited, which was good to see. When she'd answered the door initially, she looked like she expected me to pull a Mike Myers on her or something. Then again, I had no idea what life was like for a single, pretty young woman like her. Certain aspects couldn't be easy.

When she showed me the black dress, asking if it would be appropriate for applying for a job, my mind filled the thing out with her body. Holy Jumping Shit. I definitely would love to see what she really looked like in it, but I kept my cool and just smiled.

"It's a factory job," I smiled, holding up.a hand. "Nice, clean jeans and a work appropriate top will likely be just fine. I don't know the whole hiring process for the kind of position I described, but I'd be surprised if they hired you on the spot. Nevertheless, just in case you're offered a tour, I'd also suggest closed-toed shoes. It isn't a fancy clothes kind of job, but respectfully presentable will do just fine."

She seemed to absorb what I told her, then appeared relieved she wasn't going to have to go out and buy an interview outfit.

After I asked her name, she smiled and told me. Bella.

"That's a very nice name," I told her honestly. "And at the risk of sounding like a creepy old guy, let me say you should smile more. You have a lovely smile."

I let that hang in the air a couple seconds, then said, "I'll leave you to get settled in. You just got here and you don't need me hovering.

"If you're riding with me tomorrow, I usually head out about seven-thirty."

That said, I began my way back home. Then I stopped.

"If you decide to wander around the neighborhood, feel free. Lots of good folks here. Mrs. Kandal's a little grumpy, but she's really sweet once you get to know her. Oh, and be careful of the Reeds' dog. He doesn't know he isn't the size of a chihuahua. Again, if you need anything, I'm right over here," I said, pointing to my house.

Finally, I shut up and headed back home.

 

[Bbella2007]

I felt embarrassed that I jumped the gun when we started talking about what to wear, I just wanted to be perfectly prepared.

I tried to act nonchalant, but when he complimented me on my smile, I could feel myself glow on the inside. I haven’t been complimented that much before, so to have someone give me such a sweet, genuine compliment made me really happy.

As he left I profusely thanked him for everything. I then went ahead and took the cold shower I desperately needed, before deciding I’d finish unpacking today and then go on a walk around the neighborhood tomorrow when I get back from the factory.

The next morning I woke up at six, taking extra care when I shower, making sure I’d look perfectly presentable. I decided on a plain white short sleeve v neck tshirt, and jeans that fit me quite snugly, but were still extremely comfortable, and wore tennis shoes.

I decided that I’d later buy one of those shoes that you wear to work places where you’re more likely to slip and fall.

I sipped on the simple iced coffee I made, too nervous to actually swallow any food down.

I put my hair up in a nice bun and grabbed all the documents and id I might possibly be asked before finally heading out to his driveway 7:30 am sharp.

 

[susurrus]

I got home and closed the door.

Wow. Bella was attractive!. It took a lot of willpower to not just stare. It'd been a long time since I'd really seen anybody but co-workers and immediate neighbors. Well, and strangers while out shopping, but those weren't people I was going to have any kind of regular contact with. Sure, we were just neighbors, but a recurring dose of that kind of woman would be a welcome addition to my life.

I went on with what was the rest of my day, thoughts of my new neighbor popping into my mind every once in a while. I had to be careful or I would turn into a creepy old pervert, and the last thing I needed was for Bella to think anything of the sort of me. This was a good neighborhood and she seemed like a nice girl. For some reason, her reactions told me she wasn't used to being treated with respect or common courtesy. It made me curious about where she'd come from and why. I wouldn't pry. If I was to find out her past, it was something that would have to happen organically. It would be her choice, not because I was being nosy.

Next morning, I went through my usual routine. Yeah, I hate exercising, but after I let myself go all that time after Elise died, I determined I wasn't going to turn into a hopeless slob. I got my calesthetics done, grabbed a shower and shaved, then dressed.

Lucky for me, even though I have an office job, we're really casual. Jeans are typical, even by the president. Only time we do much dressing up is when somebody important comes through. Thankfully that isn't often.

When the garage door opened, Bella was waiting. Well, she got the timing down. That was a positive sign.

I pulled out and let her get in while the door closed.

"Good morning," I greeted. "Hope you slept okay. Probably a little weird, waking up in a different place than you did yesterday."

 

[Bbella2007]

“To be honest, I barely got any sleep. I’ve been used to the sleeping in the same room the past twenty years that it felt very off to sleep somewhere else. On top of that there’s also the nervousness about today.” I awkwardly laughed.

“I did my best to make sure I don’t look tired. I didn’t look tired did I?” I thought about how easily you were able to guess I barely got any sleep and realized it must be obvious with just a look at my face.

I quickly turned back towards the window and tried to memorize the route.

I mulled over everything I should say and do once we get there and how I’ll prove I’m a capable employee and my mind kept running a million miles before I finally told myself to stop overthinking.

“By the way, I’m sorry to trouble you like this. I know there isn’t much I can do for you, but if you ever need anything, please let me know.” As you parked your car and turned towards me I gave you a small smile.

“At the end of the week, I want to treat you to dinner as a thank you and a small celebration for finding a job so quickly. You can choose the place since I don’t know any good places here yet.” I leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially.

“I’ll even let you drink since I’ll be the driver.” With that I got out of the car.

I was worried on what your reaction would be. After all, I haven’t really invited people to hang out with me before.

 

[susurrus]

Bella had taken my suggestion on clothes. Her outfit was tasteful - maybe still a little nicer than she'd want to wear if she was hired for the job I figured she'd get- and she looked great. However, I said nothing. We still barely knew one another, so I didn't know if complimenting her would be misconstrued or not, so best to keep mum.

I chuckled about her comment regarding how she slept. Whether it was nerves or excitement, I didn't know and didn't really care. That there was some enthusiasm for the notion of work was a good thing.

When she asked whether she looked tired, I told her, "You look fine. Relax." I had to remind myself to treat her like I would my daughter, only with a little more caution, at least until we got to know one another a little better.

When she apologized ro being a bother, I told her, "It's no problem. I'm happy to help. Like I said, we're always looking for people. Once a lot of folks get a taste of what it is they're being asked to do, they back out fast. Like I told you, it isn't especially difficult, it's just the same thing over and over. It's, for lack of a better term, assembly line type stuff. You take a part off the machine, finish it, then place it in a box. Repeat several times during the day, Next day, you might be doing the same exact thing on the same part."

On her invitation, I feigned shock. "A date after knowing one another such a short time? My but you do work quickly, Ms. Bella." I then smiled and told her, "Thank you. It isn't really necessary. Happy to help out a lady in need. However, depending on what the week looks like, a nice dinner out might be nice." I hesitated a moment, wondering if I should, then added, "And with a pretty young woman, too. Definitely a step up from dining alone."

By this time, we pulled into the parking lot.

As we walked to the building, I explained, "I texted my supervisor last night to tell him I'd be in, but that I had some business in the main office beforehand, so, if you still want me to accompany you, I'm yours."

 

[Bbella2007]

I took in all of the information as he explained the job, processing everything slowly as I organized my many thoughts.

I stuttered and was about to explain I didn’t mean it as a date when he continued, and I realized it was a joke. I flushed when he called me a pretty young woman, but tried to act nonchalant.

I thought about his offer, and felt guilty that I was taking up so much of his time, and wondered if it was all for the sake of politeness since I was his neighbor, if I’m the one who took him too seriously. If after one point he’ll eventually give up when it comes to me.

Finally I pushed those thoughts away and managed to reply.

“If you have the time, I’d really appreciate your company.” I hesitantly replied.

 

[susurrus]

Bella's reaction to my "pretty" comment was charming. I looked over just in time to notice her face taking on a reddish hue. Did she really not know how attractive she was? What kind of place had she come from, that she didn't get that kind of feedback on a regular basis? Or maybe she was just one of those rare women who just truly didn't think or know they were good-looking? In any event, I liked that she wasn't arrogant about her looks.

When she said she'd like me to come with her to meet with HR, I merely exited the car, went over to the passenger side and held open the door for her while she got out.

"Come on," I told her, then headed to the front door.

Inside, I was greeted by the receptionist.

"Hi, Stacy. This is Bella. She wants to see Deena about a job."

"I think she just got in. Go on back. Nice to meet you, Belle."

We went on past the receptionist's desk and down a short hallway.

In one of the side rooms, we found a large, attractive black woman (it was how she identified herself).

"Morning Paul. What can I do for you?"

I presented my companion. "Deena, this is Bella. She literally only got here yesterday afternoon, but she doesn't want to waste time finding work. I assured her we're always looking for machine operators."

"Nice to meet, you, Bella. And he's right. We're always looking for folks who want to work.

"So are you Paul's niece or something? I wasn't aware he had any brothers or sisters. Wait, you aren't his daughter, are you?"

 

[Bbella2007]

I shyly greeted Stacy back before we walked down a hallway and eventually entered a room.

Paul introduced me to Deena and I smiled.

“It’s nice meeting you.”

I blinked in surprise at Deenas questions before finally responding.

“It’s not like that, me and Paul aren’t related. Actually I was moving in yesterday when Paul came up and introduced himself, offering to help in any way he can. When I mentioned looking for a job, he brought me here.” I explained.

“Is that so?” Deena raised an eyebrow, as if skeptical about it.

“Yes, he’s… kind. The kindest man I’ve ever met.” I was surprised to realize I genuinely meant it.

For a moment Deena was silent before the conversation switched to work.

“I assume Paul explained the basics of what your job would entail?” Deena asked. Seeing my nod, she continued.

“Alright then, I’m going to ask you some simple questions, just to understand you better, no need to worry, and then we’ll go from there.” She smiled reassuringly.

“Of course.” I sat down on the chair she pointed towards.

“Paul, you should get to work now. You don’t have to worry about Bella, you know she’s in good hands.” I looked up alarmed.

“Do you need Paul here?” She asked in surprise.

I looked at Paul, disappointed, I’d been so stressed from moving, and then coming here for a job right away, I thought it would be nice to have a familiar face around. But I suppose I’m holding him back from work, I realize.

“It’s alright Paul. I’ll be fine.” I say reluctantly, disheartened at the idea of being alone.

 

[susurrus]

I smiled at Bella's description of our relationship. I especially liked that she thought I was kind. I'd heard, "good man" and various other iterations of same, but "kind" hadn't been in the mix, in so many words.

I understood her reaction when Deena dismissed me. She hadn't even been in the area a full day and here she was being cut loose from the only anchor she had, however tentative it might be.

Rather than leave, however, I hung around in the hallway. My boss knew where I was, I didn't have anything that was so imperative that an hour or two would make a big difference.

From where I stood, I heard the exchange. Much of what was said, I remembered from my own hiring, all those years ago. Some of it was new, because it was a different world from the one it had been then. Anyhow, eventually it was over. Deena told Bella that she'd hear something in a couple days, but that it was a good bet she'd be hired.

Bella thanked Deena and a few seconds later, she emerged. She seemed surprised to see me, but smiled.

"Sounds like you have a job. Like a little tour?"

 

[Bbella2007]

While in the beginning the way Deena spoke appeared intimidating, soon enough it was obviously she’s friendly and I started feeling relieved. She explained a huge part of the important things I needed to know and told me to patiently wait for a few days.

Feeling optimistic I left the room when my eyes landed on Paul standing there.

“Oh.” I nearly gasped in surprise.

I gave him an excited smile, happy to have basically landed a job this soon.

When he offered a tour, I hesitated.

“I’d like a tour if it doesn’t bother you. You’ve already spent a lot of time on me today and I don’t want to keep you from your work.” I slowly looked up.

“But if you can I’d definitely appreciate a tour from you.” I said softly.

 

[susurrus]

I smiled at Bella's relief that I hadn't abandoned her. She'd have been fine even if I actually had left, but I'd promised to stay with her as long as I could, so I planned to honor that if possible.

As we left the office area, I told her, "There will probably be a more thorough tour on your first day, but I'll walk you around a few places, primarily the areas you'll most likely be working."

By this time, we reached a door. Beside it was a tray and a dispenser. Taking two sets of safety glasses from the tray, I handed one to Bella.

"Safety glasses beyond this point. Hearing protection's encouraged, too." I activated the dispenser and out dropped foam ear plugs.

The damn dispenser always spit out more ear plugs than necessary, but this time, it was actually a good thing. I dropped a couple in Bella's hand, then put mine in.

I waited for Bella to get her PPE taken care of, then opened the door. The cacophony of various running machinery rolled out.

"Enter, if you dare..." I said ominously, then smiled and waited for Bella to precede me...

 

[Bbella2007]

I took in my surroundings and paid attention carefully, taking in the new environment. Usually it takes me a few times going around before I’m familiar with a new place, so I appreciated Paul for offering a tour.

I put on the PPE and turned around to see Paul daring me to enter. With his smile I knew he was joking, but this was my first time in a factory setting and I was still nervous.

I entered in after him and looked all around me before my gaze finally landed on his smiling face, and I wondered what was next on our tour.

 

[susurrus]

Bella hesitated briefly after she got her earplugs in, but it only lasted a second or two before stepping through. Following her, the cacophony of multiple industrial machines running at once assaulted the ears. It was muffled quite well by the earplugs.

A little way in the distance was the first production machine. There, a young woman waited for a part to fall from the machine, whereupon she picked up that part and placed it in a fixture. Flipping a couple clamps, she hit a button and a robot trimmed, drilled and welded inserts into it. When the shield dropped, she pulled the finished part from the fixture, placed it in a box and turned back for the next one.

"Each part's a little different." I spoke loudly over the noise and the earplugs. "Some require more handling than others."

We stepped to the next machine, where a different part was taken by a young man, looked over to make sure it was clean of debris then placed it into a box.

There were workers setting up a machine for the next project, forklifts ferrying full boxes to the warehouse and a general hubbub of activity.