Page 29 of Closer than Ever

“I overheard your conversation.”

“You were eavesdropping?”

“Ha! I love your accent. It’s so cute.”

Anna narrowed her eyes. “What do you need? I have information on the upcoming international events, some flyers and the full schedule for the fair?”

“I don’t need any of that, but thanks.”

“I apologise. I’m normally more friendly than this. You just caught me at a bad time.”

“I’ll move in with you,” the stranger said to Anna.

“Excuse me?”

“I heard you on the phone. You need someone to move in with you.”

Anna’s mouth fell open. Who was this girl?

“I need a place to stay for the year. It’ll be a perfect fit.”

“You think I’m just going to let you move in with me? You are a complete stranger.”

“Strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet.”

“Don’t you already have somewhere to stay?”

“I wanted to keep my options open.”

“You do go to this university, right?”

The girl laughed. “I do. Would you like to see my matriculation card?”

Anna wanted to but decided against such a hostile act. There was something about this girl that drew Anna in and made her trust her.

“Where is the apartment? What’s it like?”

Anna stood up. She had to get someone, and soon. Perhaps this could work? They had to be less fussy or it was going to cost them. “The flat is close to campus. The room’s large. It’s six hundred a month. You could get a cheaper place through the uni if that’s too high.”

“It sounds perfect. I’ll take it.”

“Don’t you want to see it first?”

“I’m sure it’s fine. I’ve got a good feeling about you and that’s what matters. It’s all about the people.”

“Uh, I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this but okay, if you’re sure. Let me just phone my flatmates to run it past them. I think they’ll be fine with it.”

“Awesome.” She stuck out her hand and gave Anna the most dazzling smile. “I’m Hayley by the way.”

***

Present day

Anna picked up the last of the carpet cuttings from the floor of the campervan, reflecting on the first time she met Hayley and the impact she’d had on her life. Hayley had come crashing into her life, from the very first time they’d met, and become her instant best friend. She’d had some of the best times in her whole life with Hayley. Shooting stars had less gravitas. Hayley was one of those people who lifted up others just with her presence. Hayley made everything okay while simultaneously stirring everything up. Someone like Hayley didn’t come around very often. She was special. Anna knew that. Hayley and her trip was all Anna could think about. It was all Anna wanted to think about. Her life seemed so empty before Hayley had returned, which was a depressing thought.

Her work on Hayley’s campervan was complete. She surveyed the neat cabinets, shelves and sitting area she’d installed which would make it a more functional living space for Hayley. She probably didn’t have to round the edges, but she was a perfectionist like that. The new carpet completed the refit. If she was going to join Hayley on her trip, however, she would have to install an extension to the bed for somewhere for her to sleep. A hinge and an extendable base would do it.

Hayley joined Anna in the campervan, inspecting Anna’s work before taking a seat at the new table. “It looks incredible in here. I can’t believe how quickly you did all this.”

---