Coming up to his street, he winced wondering how she would react to how dark it was. Night was settling in around them. He didn't have a watch, but he had left the diner after curfew, dealt with her attackers and then went to a dress shop which had surprisingly still been open. Whites must not have to follow curfew at all. It was unfair, but he wouldn't let himself think about it.
"Sorry, no street lamps. We've got to count on the moon to guide us. You should see how bad it is when the moon is hidden behind clouds.” He couldn't see her face very clearly, but he hoped she wasn't frowning when she realized just how run down his side of town was.
“Conditions are worse on our side, for sure, but this is a nice little community. Everyone knows each other. It's like a big extended family.”
He looked around and didn't see anyone, but it was hard to tell if anyone was looking at them from a window.
“There's been white folk come around every once in a blue moon. It would seem improper for me to take you to my home if I lived alone, but since I live with my sister, I don't think people here will mind so much; sure there will be gossip though. Your folk on the other hand.....” He trailed off.
They came up to his small flat. It was two bedrooms. His momma, dad, sister and he had lived there at one point. He had shared a room with his sister. Now that his parents passed, he had their bedroom. They were lucky to get a two bedroom. A lot of the families had to cram several people into one bedroom. He never complained about having to share with his sister. She had always been his life, from the moment she was born fifteen years ago.
“We don't even have a porch light.” He took his keys out of his pocket and unlocked his front door, blushing when he started to fiddle around with the lantern set on a table near them. They had inside lights, but they mostly they used lit candles to help save money. He reached for some matches, lighting the lantern and then hanging it up above the doorway.
“Money is tight,” Shawn said, apolitically. He lit another candle that was attached to a candle holder so they would have more light as they found their way to the kitchen.
“That way to the restroom if you would like to freshen up." He held out his candle holder for Robin to take. "Lucinda is probably in her bedroom."
"Lucinda! I'm home. Dinner will be ready in a bit. We've got company." He looked back over at Robin and smiled a little nervously.