Tied To My One Night Stand

9. I’m your neighbor

SCARLETT POV

I’ve been lying in bed like spit on a stick for five days. It’s now Saturday and I have zero interest in finishing unpacking. This isn’t like me at all. Then again, I always had my Phoebs with me to make me feel better, she's my rock. I hate to admit it, but I miss Michael, the old Michael. I know I shouldn’t, that I’m stronger than that. Stupid feelings. Someone knocking on my door disrupted my pity party. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. I didn’t order anything and I don’t know anyone here. I managed to peel myself out of bed and drag my feet to the front door. Looking in the peephole, I saw a blond-haired, blue-eyed girl staring back at me. As if she could see through the other side. She doesn’t look threatening, so I crack the door open and poke my head out while holding the door firmly. “Hi! I’m your neighbor Amelia, I live right there.” She squeaked and pointed next door to my left.

Sticking out her hand, she stared at me. I felt dread at the mere thought of opening the door. I’m in pajamas and haven’t taken a shower since… I honestly don’t re-call. Reluctantly, I opened the door and, although she tried to hide her appraisal of my appearance, I saw it. I stuck my hand out and shook her hand. “I’m Scarlett and I live here.” I shrugged my shoulders. My lack of enthusiasm caused her to chuckle nervously. I expected our conversation to be over but she managed to continue this awkward interaction. “Most of the tenants here are students, since the flat is located near the school. That’s what they call it here; a flat, not an apartment. Isn’t that crazy? It took me a while to get used to the lingo. My dad’s from here but my mom is from Colorado. I grew up there but we moved here a few years back.” All of that in one breath. Would it be strange if I shut the door without saying anything back?

She seems like a nice enough person but I don’t think I’m up for making friends at the moment. “So… it looks like you need someone to talk to.” She grabbed my arm and dragged me away from my door using her other hand to close it. She continued to drag me into her apartment. I didn’t have the strength to pry her hand off of me. Placing me on a chair at the table, she went into her kitchen and busied herself brewing tea. “I know we have just met but, you look like you could use a friend. You can talk to me if you want. How do you like your tea?” When I didn’t answer, she put milk, honey and sugar in front of me. A few minutes later, she came back with two cups of tea and sat in front of me. Watching me. Did I really look that bad? “My fiancé cheated on me with my best friend for an entire year behind my back. I caught them doing it in his apartment and took a video of it.” I said casually and shrugged my shoulders.

At first, she looked stunned. When a smile broke on her face and she barked out a laugh, I was a little offended. Was my misery funny to this woman I just met? She must have noticed my displeasure because she chocked back her laugh and held her hands up. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. Wow… you recorded it?” She asked, still surprised. I nodded my head and suppressed a smile. Still unsure of what possessed me to pull out my phone and record instead of pulling them apart. Long forgotten was the tea because mine was better. “Okay then. Now I know what we need to do. First, we are going back to your place and you, my friend, are going to shower and wear something that doesn’t have drawstrings.” Getting up from her chair and pulling me with her, she marched towards the door. My brain finally started working and I dug my heels in, effectively stopping us. “Hey, I don’t know you. Why are you trying to bathe and dress me?” I wasn’t a paranoid person by nature but I found it odd that a complete stranger was so invested in my life. Tilting her head to the side, she gave me a bored look. “Do you have any friends here, Scarlett? I know you just moved in but are you from around here?” She asked, but from her tone I understood that she probably guessed both answers were no. I frowned at her a folded my arms on my chest. “No, but…” Her hand came up and silenced me.“No buts. You smell and need some sun. Shower, get dressed and we are going out.” She ordered and went back to pulling me into my apartment.

I was a bit wary of leaving her alone in my kitchen while I bathed. When she started unpacking boxes, I decided to welcome the much-needed help. With my moping, I was way behind schedule and could use the free labor. By the time I was bathed and dressed, she had unpacked my kitchen and was making a list. Studying her curiously while she mumbled to herself. I thought about how much I missed Phoebe and how much I needed something or someone to get me out of this funk. “You need groceries. There are also a few things you don’t have that I put in here as a suggestion. You’re attending Manchester Uni, right?” She finally looked up at me and put the pen down. “Yeah, I’m starting my second year there.” I dried my wet hair with a towel while she nodded her head excitedly. “Great! I was getting lonely; students don’t normally show up around here until August. At least that’s what happened last year. We have a whole month to get the bad taste of cheating ex out of your mouth.” Going back to her list, she continued her mumbling.

After I finished getting ready, she took me around the area and showed me around. It was actually very helpful. We also got to know each other better. We are the same age and we are, as she mentioned before, both attending Manchester University. She is majoring in communications studies. Unlike me, she is one of five children. She is the eldest, with four younger brothers. Independently of what she herself told me about herself, I could tell she was very extroverted and quirky. She also had a fascination with the video I took. I could tell she wanted to watch it but wasn't sure I would let her. By the end of the day, I knew my surroundings, had a fridge full of food and supplies I didn’t know I needed. More importantly, I was feeling more like myself again. There was still a long way to go before the bad taste was completely out of my mouth. There was no denying that but this was a very good start. Amelia was a godsend and I was grateful she barged into my life.

QUINN POV

Having your parents drag you along on their vacation when you’re twenty-one and on summer break is beyond embarrassing. My mother is too good at guilt tripping me. I had just gotten back from Bali when she cornered me. Complaining that I had hardly spent any time with her and that I would be leaving her again next month. I spent most of my summer break traveling since this is technically my last summer. When I return to college, I will be finishing my last year. Upon graduating, I will be working at the marketing firm my father is co-owner of. He prefers to be a silent partner, whereas the other owner is the face of the company. I plan to change that when I take over. Therefore, all of my "fun" needs to be had before my last year of college is over.

I’m enjoying my freedom as much as possible. Maybe this trip to England won’t be so bad. If I can manage to ditch my parents long enough, I can get to know some of the beautiful women here. Or I can fake an accent and meet an equally beautiful tourist. The possibilities are limitless. Those are the benefits of being young and single. I've never seen a problem with playing the field back in college, but I'm always honest about my intentions. As long as both parties know the score, no one needs to get hurt. The best part of traveling is that whomever you hook up with knows what they are getting into. You can’t start a relationship with someone who has no ties to the country they are currently visiting. Who knows, maybe I'll meet one that will inspire me to visit her home town, or come back here some day.