Page 31 of Entwined

403.

I turn the key in the lock and open the door.

Shit.

She pushed the extra bed against hers and made it a almost a king. I’m going to have to unmake her bed to have somewhere to sleep. She’s also using my desk as a beauty bar. Jars of make-up and cans of hair products litter the surface.

Well, at least I have something to do for the next few hours. I shrug off my backpack and place my suitcase in the corner of the room. I packed up my telescope, extra clothes, my favorite toiletries, some snacks and soup and mailed them before I left. Hopefully, they’ll arrive soon. I still have thousands of Euros that Christos left me. I stuffed them into socks and carried them home in my duffel. It’s enough when combined with my earnings from the boatyard to float extra expenses for a while. I might even be able to splurge on scones and tea a few times a week.

I carefully remove this Gretchen girl’s bedding. She zip-tied the legs of the frames together. I unzip my suitcase and take my utility knife out from where it was carefully tucked in its case. I grin, cutting my bed free. This girl thinks she’s tough? She has no idea what’s in store for her.

She’s met her roommate match in me.

I push my freed bed against the opposite wall and quickly unpack my own linens and make it. Then I place her “beauty bar” on her bed and reclaim the other desk by unpacking my laptop from Christos and plug it in. Next, I place my astronomy books in the corner. My finger caressing the worn binding of the one I found in the attic at Exmoor. I signed up for an astronomy class this semester just for fun. I can’t wait to dive into school. I’ve never felt this way before. But I guess that’s how I know for sure I’m on the right track. I’m finally invested in my education. I’ve found an occupation I can’t wait to start. And no one is going to hold me back, especially not some chick who thinks she’s the shit.

I quickly unfold the rest of my clothes, laying them on the bed, groaning when I open the closet on my side of the room. It’s full of boxes of clothes, books, and shoes. I take everything out and place them on her side of the room. I hang up my clothes and place my empty suitcase in the closet feeling satisfied that I’m all moved in. I grab my backpack, place my laptop in with my wallet and my stash of money. I feel like exploring my new city. I need to open a bank account, find a good pub for lunch then maybe I’ll explore campus and get familiar with it. So, I’ll know all the buildings where each of my classes are. My cell rings over on the bed.

“Jessie? Is everything ok?”

“Hey, Dad! I’m all settled in. I just unpacked and I’m going to explore my new world.”

“I’m happy for you kiddo. You sound good.”

“I feel good, Dad. For the first time in months—I feel like me again.”

“That’s good. Don’t be a stranger. Call us. We won’t suffocate you, but we’d like to visit in a month or so after you settle in.”

“I’d like that.”

“Okay, be safe.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, kiddo. Bye.”

I grab my key card and keys, shoving them in the back pocket of my jeans and head out to conquer my new world.

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