Fire With Fire

Chapter 2

I was rudely awoken by a distinct pain in my side. 

"Excuse me, we've reached Edinburgh" I heard a hoarse voice call, dangerously close to my ear. Sighing, I opened one eye to see who was repeatedly prodding my ribs in such an aggressive manner. Staring back at me was a woman of about seventy, her watery blue eyes gave away how irritated she was, as did the grim line that her mouth was set into. I rolled my eyes and got up, stretching before getting my suitcase and handbag together. The old bag just sat there with her arms crossed, staring at me like I'd asked her to donate one of her kidneys to me. 

"You've only got a few more years to go, no need to be that miserable" I muttered under my breath, making my way out of the train and onto the platform. 

I hadn't been to Edinburgh before, but since it was such a large city, it was understandable that the train station was so crowded. I groaned inwardly at the sight of the bustle, cursing that I had to make my way through such havoc. On top of that, it was cold, and British people got even ruder at this time of the year. Gathering my belongings, I began to make my way through the chaos of the station. I couldn't stand it. Somehow the entire population of Scotland had ended up at this particular station. Trying to withhold my annoyance as much as possible, I made my way through the bustle.  

Finally, I managed to get out of the whirlwind that was the train station, the crisp, chilly air of Edinburgh greeting me. Setting my bags onto the ground, I got out my phone and checked the address of my new flat. Looking it up on google maps, I realized that it wasn't too far, and set off walking hurriedly to my new home. Even though there were people around, it was 8 in the evening already and I didn't want to walk in the dark in a new city for very long, lest I get lost. 

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After about half an hour of seeing the same bloody kebab shop over and over again, I decided to sit down and re-evaluate my options. There was a nearby newsagents, so I decided to go and see if they knew where the fuck my stupid flat was. This was one of my worst nightmares, clearly, I was the kind of person who would die before asking for help. Walking in, I heard the sound of a bell ring as a small man turned around behind the counter. He was around my height, had a bit of a potbelly and deep crinkles around his eyes. All in all, he reminded me a bit of a leprechaun, and it was a massive relief to see someone who didn't look like they had a stick up their arse.  

"Er hi, I was wondering if you could direct me to Westwood Street?" I politely asked Mr. Leprechaun.

"Just go straight down this street sweetheart, take a left at the roundabout and a right at the first crossing." He said, smiling kindly at me. Lord knew I needed a bit of kindness in my life. I thanked him, buying a Lucozade for myself and making my way out of the shop. 

Following the Leprechaun's directions, I found my apartment building in about ten minutes, sighing in relief as I walked in. Since I had somehow convinced my parents to pay the rent, at least I had a roof over my head, and a very nice one at that. 

"Hi, I'm Valeria Khan, I'm staying in number 74?" I said to the woman behind the desk. She looked up at me, and shared an uncanny resemblance with a hawk. Her hair was pulled back tightly off her face and she kind of looked like she wanted to punch me in the face.

"Is your flatmate here?" She asked, looking painfully bored.  

"Sorry?" I added. Maybe I had had a minor stroke and heard incorrectly.

"F-L-A-T M-A-T-E. A person who shares a flat with you." She enunciated, speaking to me as if I was an imbecile.

"Thanks. But there must be a mistake, I live alone". I replied, flashing my teeth at her in a menacing smile.

"No mistake. The lease was signed by a Mr. Khan, and you are Valeria Khan, correct? We only had one room in one of the flats available, you're very lucky. Unfortunately it seems that your original flatmate, due to unforeseen circumstances, has had to sublet to another person, who will now be living with you." 

The bitch seemed awfully smug.

"Um, I don't think so. Would you give me a moment?" I smiled at her sweetly.

I hate my parents. I hate my parents. I hate my parents. I hate my parents. I hate my parents. 

My brain spewed a stream of profanities as I dialled my father.

"Hi darling, how are you settling in?" He answered.

"Unfortunately I won't be settling in, you either need to get me new flat without A FLATMATE WHO I DON'T KNOW, OR I'M GETTING THE NEXT TRAIN BACK TO LONDON". 

I was LIVID. 

"I know it's not ideal, but it was either this or living 40 minutes away, so you choose. You're lucky we found a place at this point in the year. Anyway, it'll teach you about learning to be considerate of other people" He explained on the phone. 

"I am not living with a stranger. I'll be homeless but I won't live with someone I don't know"

"I guess you'll have to find a park bench to make yourself comfortable on then. Call us when you've set up the flat. Love you. Give this a chance." He said, before I heard the dial tone again.    

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. I didn't want to lose my shit in front of hawk bitch, who looked unbelievably happy with herself.

"Right, your flat mate is Damien Archer" I raised my eyebrows at her, registering that the name was a boy's name, not a girl's, as she gave me a thin-lipped smile. 

"Unfortunately, he also has the other key to the flat, which means you can't get inside until he comes back." She added. I looked at her dumbfounded.

Is this a fucking JOKE? I wanted to scream. 

Instead, I asked, "do you have any idea when Mr. Archer will be back?" through gritted teeth. She shrugged. I breathed out, trying to calm myself down. Fun fact; if it wasn't obvious, I had a very short and hot temper, and significant trouble keeping it in check.

"Well, since it seems I won't be able to get into my flat until my roommate decides to appear, can I keep my luggage behind your desk?" I asked hawk-face, trying to keep my cool. 

"Yes, sure," She replied, as I breathed a sigh of relief. At least I wouldn't have to drag my suitcase around this God-forsaken city. 

"Also, is there a pub or bar nearby?" I questioned,

"Turn left when you walk out, keep walking until you find 'The Angel Pub'", She replied curtly. 

I thanked her and walked outside. I hadn't been here for a day and already everything's going to shit, I thought bitterly to myself.

Welcome to Edinburgh, Val, you miserable bitch.