The Love Trials: Ashley

Chapter Six

I opened my eyes. The daylight was coming in through the closed windows. I knew I had closed them as Bradley lit candles around the room, setting the atmosphere. He had blown them out afterwards.

I wondered briefly. Turning to my left, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw Bradley was still asleep. His right arm was tucked under my pillow and he was spread out on his back. God, he was hot.

Not wanting to wake him, I quietly got up and pulled on shorts and a baggy vest top. I pulled my dressing gown on over. I then tiptoed down the stairs. As I was on my way to the kitchen, I saw post waiting. It was a Sunday so that was unusual. I pulled it from the letterbox and saw it was just one letter, with my name and address handwritten on the envelope. No stamp.

I made a pot of tea and poured myself a cup. I then sat on the kitchen table to read the contents.

Dear Miss Brooke.

We are writing in regards to your contract. As mentioned in previous letters, your tenancy contract agreement was written up for three years. At the end of the three years, the agreement was to be renewed for a new three years. However, we are sorry to say that the agreement will no longer be renewed due to personal circumstances. As a result, 314 Harvard Road and other surrounding houses will no longer be available to rent. This is the final week of notice. We thank you so much for your cooperation.

Arrears payments and late rent payments will continue to be paid for and collected by our accountant: Miss Jennifer Taylor.

Siobhan and Jonathan Griffin.

I put down my cup of tea, to avoid scalding myself because my hands were shaking that badly. I read the letter again. Several times. It still made too much sense. A week. I had a week. A week to clear off.

"Impossible..." I murmured.

"What is?" Bradley walked into the kitchen. I jumped.

"Hi."

"What's impossible?" He asked as he made himself a cup of tea from the pot.

"This letter." I waved it at him. Bradley took it out my hand and scanned it. I placed both my hands around my boiling hot cup.

"What are you going to do?" He asked as he placed the letter on the table and took his cup, sliding onto the seat opposite mine.

"What can I do? I'm going to have to move. And find a place within a week..." I groaned and placed my head in my hands.

"Move in with me then." I stopped panicking and looked up at him.

"What?"

"Move in with me. I was thinking about it last night. I really do think you're the one for me, Ash... And I think we would be stupid to not try. I wanted to do this but wanted to wait until you had your test. Well, you've had it. So what do you think? Would you like to move in with me?"

"You think I'm the one for you?" I asked, my insides melting.

"I really do. So what do you say? Life is just too short. Why not grab it while we still can?" I nodded.

"Okay. Sure." He smiled.

"Brilliant! When are you going to start packing?"

"Tomorrow." I decided.

"Good because today, we'll have to go see my house so you know what it's like and where it is. I'll get you a key too." I nodded.

"Okay."

I changed my shorts for jeans and texted my friends to let them know that I would be viewing Bradley's house so wouldn't be able to message them or call them right now but would later tonight. I knew I would get calls off them anyway so I turned my phone onto silent.