Chapter 2
The Dinner
Angel
‘Well this is awkward. This might have gone better if I did just showed up when everyone was asleep or if I'd have turned up right before they left in the morning.’ I thought wryly. As soon as I’d put the spaghetti down James started eating like there was no tomorrow. By the look on Hope’s face when she'd entered the room that might just be the case for him. Hope had only played with her food in the beginning, but after she tasted it she’d actually started to eat in a grudging way. The fact that I could cook though seemed to make her even angrier. Mark was wolfing down his food too, but by the way he had expertly paced himself that seemed to be normal for him.
“Okay well this is pleasant.” I said breaking the silence with a bleak smile. That got a laugh from Mark but he was swiftly shut up by the looks both James and Hope gave him, but the ice was finally broken which meant Hope could finally vent her feelings about the situation. I had been expecting a bit of annoyance, but I hadn't prepared myself for the angry torrent of words that came out of Hope as her eyes glared at me.
“Hmm I wonder why coming home to find a complete stranger in our house would be awkward! You should be grateful we didn't call the cops! Well isn't anyone going to ask her name? Or ask how she got in here? Wait, I got a better one, why is she here?” James choked on his drink and threw Hope a look. “What I can’t ask a simple question?” she asked in a threatening tone. This woman was out for blood.
“She’s right, things would probably a little less awkward if we all knew each other's names.” I said in what I hope was a cheerful--but not in a creepy way-- tone. “My name’s Angel, and I already figured out that your Hope and he’s Mark unless your guys’ parents had a strange sense of humor. As for how I got in well I have a key.” I informed her pulling out my small skeleton key James’ mother had given me years before.
Hope glare had become even colder on that last fact. Her eyes shifting between my face and the key. “You didn't answer one question, why are you here?” This caused another coughing fit from James. Apparently he wasn't used to this kind of behavior. We both ignored him though.
“I'm an old friend of the family, and I just wanted to drop in. I've always had an open invitation.” I informed her hoping for her sake she would drop this. “I hope it’s still good?” I looked at James confident, but still a little unsure for the first time.
“Like I said before, you'll always be welcome here.” James answered smiling until he saw Hope’s face which was now the epitome of suspicion “Now,” he continued changing the topic. “I think we better move on to dessert before Mark eats his plate.”
“Hey man, she can cook. Besides it a nice break from that mush you call food.” replied Mark laughing. “So, what's for dessert?” turning to look at me at least one roommate didn't seem to mind me.
“Ice-cream and cream puffs. I didn't have time to actually make a dessert along with everything else.” I glanced over at Hope’s face. I decided to call it a night since it still looked like she was contemplating killing someone. “I think I'll start the dishes while you guys finish then I'll head to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“No, I’ll do the dishes you cooked.” Hope said with an edge in her sweet voice and to that charming smile. It was clear that she just wanted me gone. ‘Well, this is going to be pleasant. I hope she warms up to me soon or else living here is going to be uncomfortable.’
“Okay then um where am I staying? Because I think all the rooms are taken.” I asked standing.
“Both the attic and the basement are open.” James told me his eyes on Hope “I’d suggest the attic though, since we've put moved the laundry to the basement.”
“Okay thanks.” Yep this is going to be fun. I left the table knowing that Hope’s one unanswered question was going to haunt me.
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