When a pandemic enters everyone's lives, Leah Rae becomes trapped in London missing the holidays with her family. She's forced to quarantine with her roommate Ivan Johnson, the only problem is Ivan is staying in London and Leah is leaving when she...
"Hi!" I called out as I saw my best friend Ashton Johnson run up to me. "What are you doing here?"
"Just taking a walk, you?" He questioned with a smile. Ashton and I have been tight since middle school when I transferred to New York. He was my escape when I couldn't take the silence of my own home anymore.
"I just needed a breath of fresh air." I paused.
"So, how's the book going? " Ashton asked smiling.
I sighed, working my lip. "Good. I've been doing a lot of writing recently."
"Ah then, so the famous writer career has been decided on?"
I cast him a look. I know what he was thinking- the daughter of two famous writers ends up following in their footsteps. Total cliche. Also kinda unfair, seeing as how I could achieve success with my last name alone, no talent needed. But it was more than that-- I loved writing. It was my escape. Having authors as parents were more of a coincidence.
I felt sad and lonely growing up and because I didn't have a lot of friends and I was an only child it was even harder. That was until Ash came into my life. He was my first true, best friend and the first person who actually showed love and interest in me.
I met Ashton in sixth grade when he was the first person to come and introduce himself. I instantly liked him and we grew closer, but we didn't truly connect until Ash defended me against the typical mean girls at school. He told me his brother was bullied severely and from then on I knew we'd be close.
I started talking about my new book, and my plans for it. Ashton listened like he always did, as I know he took great interest in my writing. He was the only person I could discuss writing with without hearing criticism, and without his encouragement, I have no idea if I'd even be pursuing a career as an author.
"That's great" Ashton added, looking away. "I'm going to miss you, on your retreat. Who else am I going to hang out with?".
"I'll only be gone for a weekend, plus you have school. You'll be fine" I said turning away.
I've been waiting for this retreat for so long. I'm attending a writers retreat in London and I can not be more thrilled for the chance to getaway. At home, all the criticism I faced put lots of pressure on me to excel, leading to me turning into a perfectionist. If my work is anything but perfect it wasn't good enough. Finally, I could get away from critical eyes, enjoy my time at peace and the pleasure to be left to my own imagination. It could not come any sooner.
"Hey, before you go!" I heard Ash call as I turned the key into my apartment.
"We're going out tomorrow, to the nightclub across town, dress accordingly," He said with a wink and turned away.
As I contemplated if I should go, I turned around to respond but he was off and driving away. I laughed and stepped inside. I was not the type to party and I've only actually been to one club, even though I could legally drink. But it couldn't hurt to let loose for once.
I was nervous to go to the club because honestly, it's just wasn't my scene. Alcohol was never for me either and I knew I wouldn't drink no matter what. I've never been good at meeting new people but, I hoped this experience would be a good one.
I shut my eyes quickly as soon as I was in bed. I woke up two minutes later to my phone buzzing as I sent my goodnight text to Ash.
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