need feedback pls

[whitleypittman]

so this is as far as i've gotten on my latest work. i just wanna know what everyone thinks and if it seems promising. thanks!

The cool blue moon shone across the Nevada desert, illuminating the prickly cacti. Coyotes trotted around the sparse shrubbery, looking for a decent meal. Desert-dwelling mice came out of their holes only to be eaten by the diamond-back rattle snake. Despite the animal activity, all was still and quiet.

On a porch in the town of Elko, a young woman stood staring at the midnight sky. She had moved to Elko hoping to start a new life where no one knew her or where she came from. Her vivid blue eyes scanned the stars, yet she knew not what she was searching for. She sighed, turned around, and walked into the small, two-bedroom house she was renting. Her hand locked the door behind her. Though small, Elko still had it’s fair share of crime, and she did not want to be a victim.

Why do I chose to be alone, she silently asked herself.

Because you have to be, Sharon. Because you are different.

Her mother’s voice intruded into her thoughts, and she pushed it away. Sharon Miller despised the fact that she was different from the rest of the world, and did not like her conscience reminding her constantly. She was determined to live a normal life. She already had a job at the library of the local college. She could do it just as well as any of the students in town.

“Sasha,” she called, climbing the stairs to the second floor. A large, fawn-colored female American Akita darted up the stairs behind her, brown eyes glinting through the black mask. The large canine was Sharon’s only companion, and the only one who did not judge her. She smiled at the mammal and made her way to the small mattress on the floor of the master bedroom. She would have to buy her some furniture the next day she was off.

She changed into her pajamas and crawled under the large, heavy blanket. The huge dog laid next to her, and she wrapped her arm around the creature.

“Goodnight, Sasha,” she whispered. “I love you.” A soft grunt was her only reply, and she smiled at the small gesture, closing her eyes to prepare for the next day.

A loud buzzing noise startled her, and she opened her eyes to realize it was the alarm clock. She turned it off, the rose to prepare for work. It would be a long day, but the pay was worth it. She grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of jeans out of the closet, changing quickly so she could start on her other morning task. She slid on a pair of sneakers and darted down the stairs to feed Sasha. The loyal Akita was waiting in the kitchen, staring at the empty food bowl.

“I know, Sasha, you’re hungry,” Sharon soothed. “There’s only one me and you get hungry before I wake up.” She grabbed the bowl and scooped some dry dog food into it, then set it back on the floor. “I’ll be back later, Sasha. Don’t make a mess while I’m gone and I’ll take you for a nice long walk when I get home.”

The canine watched as Sharon walked out the door to start her day.

Travis Heart walked into the large college library, books in hand. He didn’t have any classes today, but he needed to do his homework and study for a few test. His dark brown eyes scanned for an empty seat, and he soon spotted one. He also spotted the pretty black-headed lady behind the counter. Why was he suddenly noticing her today? He had seen her numerous times, but today he was actually noticing her and what she was wearing. A simple t-shirt, most likely from Wal*Mart, a pair of plain blue jeans, probably from some store in the mall, and a pair of sneakers that she probably ordered off the internet. Simple yet efficient.

Human psychology does come in handy, he thought.

He went and laid his books on the empty desk and began studying. Though the pressure was on him to prove to everyone back in Stillwater, Oklahoma that he could be much more than a farmer’s son, his mind kept wandering back to the dark haired woman. He glanced at the counter to see if he could get an idea of what color her eyes were.

“Blue eyes,” he whispered to himself.

The Galway Girl.

His grandfather’s Irish voice echoed in his head. He had heard the song before, but never thought he would find a girl that matched the description. Nor did he expect to be attracted to her. Something about her drew him to her, yet he could not figure out what it was. He tried to focus on his studies, but his light brown gaze kept wandering to the library worker.

I gotta go talk to her, he determined.

He got up and made his way to the counter. He wanted to know her name, where she lived, where she was from. He imagined her voice sounded like an angel singing. Her skin was probably as soft as silk, and her touch was most likely softer. He leaned against the counter and smiled, waiting on her to notice him.

“I saw you walking up here,” she stated, her voice sounding even better than he imagined. “What are you after?” Her eyes met his, and he felt his jeans getting a little bit tighter.

“How about your name,” he countered. She smiled and pointed at her name tag. It read Sharon. “Well then, Sharon, how about a date?”

“Really,” she declared sarcastically. “A date with you? You’re a student here, aren’t you?” He chuckled at her obvious thinking.

She thinks I’m younger than her, he thought.

“I’m about the same age as you,” he countered. “And besides, a pretty lady like you shouldn’t be alone on her days off.”

“I don’t even know your name or who you are,” she pointed out, finally flirting back. A large grin covered his face.

“Well we can fix that,” he said slyly. “I’m Travis.”

“Well, Travis,” she began, turning the tables on him, “I’ve got to do some furniture shopping next time I’m off and I’m sure I will need to rent a moving truck.”

“Why rent one when I own a pick-up?” Her brows gathered together, and he knew that she was not very observant.

“You do,” she questioned.

“Yeah,” he answered. “Almost everyone from my hometown does. Even the women.” His eyes softened as he realized she was more in need of help than he thought. “Mind if I join you?”

“Are you kidding? I could use all the help I can get!” A laugh escaped his body, and he began to wonder if this is what true happiness was like. He had only known her for a few minutes, but he felt like he had known her all of his life.

“Ok, I’ll meet you here Saturday,” he instructed. “I’m sure you’ve got a few books to put away, and I’ve got to get back to my apartment and take care of a few things.” She smiled, and his heart began to flutter.

“Thanks,” she stated softly.

“No problem,” he replied.

I’m going to have to get new jeans if this keeps up, he thought as he walked away.