Page 44 of Entwined

THE SUN’S FIGHTING to break through the clouds.

I haven’t seen the sun in weeks.

Living in London really is living in the color gray.

My classes are going well, life at the barn is the quiet solitude I need and thankfully, Cressida has avoided me. I’m sure Sally has everything to do with that. I’ve been at Ben’s for two weeks. I can’t stay much longer. Even though I’m sorely tempted. He has feelings for me, feelings I can’t return. Not because I don’t want to but because I can’t.

I sigh, pushing the door open to my favorite café in dire need of hot coffee and a scone when my eyes are drawn to the cork board on the wall where people pin up advertisements or notices for various school clubs.

One notice stands out from the rest. It’s written in a gold glitter pen which should be warning number one. But I’m desperate.

The person is looking for a flat mate. The rent is reasonable, and the address is close to campus. I take out my phone to snap a picture of the ad. Then looking quickly over my shoulder. I bite my lip, tearing it off the board and shoving it in my pocket. I need this more than anyone else. I don’t care is she’s a damn glitter-bomb fairy. She can’t be worse than Gretchen.

I order my coffee and scone then take a seat by the window. My hands reach into my pocket taking out the crumpled sheet. I’m jittery, nervous for some reason as I tap out the numbers.

“Hello?”

“Um-hi? I’m Jessie. Jessie Montgomery. I saw your flyer at the café. Are you still looking for a roommate?”

“You’re American.”

“Does that disqualify me?”

“It depends. Are you loud? Bossy? Opiniated with poor table manners?”

“Wow. You have a poor opinion of us.”

“It’s not personal.”

“I’m none of those things, but I’m afraid I can’t say finishing school is on my résumé.”

“That’s okay. I’m sloppy. I don’t fold my own clothes. I’m a dreadful cook. I sleep in late and I’m probably failing half of my classes.”

“Which classes?”

“Advanced Geometry 201 and Bio Chem.”

I wince. “I hated Bio Chem. My friend Ben is apparently a math genius…”

“You know Ben? Ben Croft?”

“I-I do,” I stammer feeling uncomfortable.

“When can you move in?”

“Can I at least meet you and see the place?”

“What are you doing right now?”

“Nothing?” I shrug, taking a sip of my coffee.

“Is the number you called me on your cell?”

“It is.”

“Lovely. I’ll text you the address. I’m Jecca by the way, Jecca Winters.”

“Ok. I guess I’ll see you in a few.”

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