A Deadly Affair

Five

It's almost nine when I finally get everything organized in my new room. I was able to get my family, besides Charlie because she's mature and keeps her mouth shut, to leave so Ryan could have some peace. I swear my face was melting off anytime they'd ask him a question; not that he minded, he smiled and talked with them as if they were all old friends, all while I died in the corner. Once the three of us had the furniture where I wanted, Charlie left and Ryan went to meet a friend; giving me more than enough time to get adjusted to my new environment. The room is smaller than I'm used to, but it makes me smile; I love the natural light, and the window seat. The walls are white, and the floor matches the floor in the living room and kitchen, a beautiful gray wood. The only thing I'm missing is my bed; since I can't fit my king in here, I'll have to order a new one. After Charlie and Ryan left, I ran to target to get a sleeping bag ( because of course they were out of air mattresses) then to Starbucks because I needed coffee desperately. I splay the sleeping bag on the floor, then place all of my pillows and my throw on it. Standing at my door, I find myself grinning as I look at how well it all came together.

I have to admit, it feels good to be on my own. I hate that I have to be away from my family: but I'm also excited to start a new chapter in my life. Hopefully one where Miles will never find my new address and I can be rid of him forever. I know it's wishful thinking but I want to believe it for as long as possible. When you've spent the last three years of your life looking over your shoulder, wondering if he's just around the corner, or standing on your front porch when your parents are out of town for the weekend, you hope for the day you can live in peace.

"Julie," Ryan calls my name, followed by the sound of the front door shutting. My heart does a skip (which isn't biologically possible), and I find myself straightening my shirt and smoothing my fraying hair before I can stop myself. We're roommates, nothing more, and I need to keep it that way. No need to complicate things between us. I head into the hallway and find him standing behind the kitchen counter. "Hey," He grins as the smell of Mexican food fills my nose and my stomach growls in anticipation. His grin widens, and he waves a bag in the air. "Figured you'd be hungry from moving."

I smile, as I move toward the counter. "I think this is the start of a good relationship." I comment as I sit on the bar stool. He slides tortilla chips and salsa towards me, and I don't hesitate to take a bite. I'm starving and Mexican food is my favorite. "Thank you, let me pay you-"

He cuts me off by throwing up a hand to stop me. "Don't even finish that sentence." He tells me, before moving toward the fridge. "So, did you get everything where you want?" He places a water in front of me, and I nod appreciatively.

"Yep, all moved in." I confirm and he smiles as he scoops salsa onto his chip. "Sorry about my family. They're all kind of nervous; because my sister never moved out on her own, she moved in with her husband so this is new for them."

He frowns, before placing his hands on the counter. "You know, Julie- what's your middle name?"

I raise a brow, before taking a sip of water. "Anne."

"Julie Anne, you apologize way too much. I liked your family, Liam's a cool kid. How old is he?"

I smile, thinking of my energetic nephew. "Five."

"I knew it," He informs me as he places a plate of food in front of me. "Is Charlotte your only sibling?"

I nod, as I open the takeout. "Do you have any?"

He smiles to himself, but something in it is a little sad. "One sister. A total pain, but I love her."

"Funny, that's how Charlie describes me. So she's younger then?"