S H A D Y

She has been replaced with a stranger

Callum's P.O.V

I couldn't sleep last night.Im not sure why.I keep telling myself that it was the bed, that it was too stiff but I know thats not the reason.(Mainly because the bed is the most comfortable bed Ive ever been in)

I am trying to think of what was keeping me awake all night when a knock on the door breaks me away from my thoughts

"Come in" I answer

"Sorry to disturb you Mr Baker, but a letter was delivered for you and I thought that you would like to read it." The middle aged maid says to me as she gives me a closed envelope.

"A letter for me?"I ask confused.

"Well its addressed to you sir"The maid answers.I take the envelope and read whats written on it.

"Mr Callum Baker

Spare room in the McCreddin House

Rosewood Cottage (even though its a mansion)

Dublin

Ireland"

After reading this I know straight away who it is from and I can't help but smile.

"It is for me, Thank you Mrs....?"I ask the brown haired maid.She has her dark black hair up in a tight bun and she is quite small and stumpy .

"Mrs O'Shea"she replies.

"Thank you Mrs O'Shea"

"You are very welcome sir" Mrs O'Shea replies before leaving the room.The minute she has left the room I rip open the envelope and read the messy, swirly handwriting.

"Dear Mr Baker

I have recovered from my "sick stomach" and I am in the mood for beer.

Be at mine at 9pm sharp

-Shady"

A laugh escapes me as I read the message.I look at the clock.10am. I have to wait 11 fucking hours until I can sit back and relax and be myself.I know I only met Shady last night but there is something about her that makes me feel at ease,but i don't know what it is.

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After I get dressed and make myself look half descent, I decide to go downstairs.It is 10:30 so I am guessing everyone is awake and out of bed.The house is completely spotless, you wouldn't think that a party with a few hundred people took place the night before.

I walk into the 'drawing room' (that's what they call it apparently) and Ashley is sitting on one of the armchairs.She is wearing skinny jeans and a pale pink blouse.Her blonde hair is up in a messy bun.She is reading a news paper called 'The Irish Independent' .Her attention changes from the newspaper to me.

"Oh good morning Callum, did you sleep well?" Ashley asks with a big smile on her face.

"Ya I slept great"I lie. We both stay quite, not knowing what to say to each other.Well done Callum, you have made things awkward, again,

"Umm Ashley is it alright if I go out tonight?" I ask her which breaks the awkward silence.She gives me a confused look.

"I don't think there is anything on tonight that you need to attend so ya, I guess you can, but you don't have to ask my permission." She smiles. "Have you made plans?" She asks while taking a sip of tea from a china teacup.

"Ya, I umm have actually" I reply sheepishly.Why am I so fucking nervous? Should I mention Shady?Why wouldn't I, its not like this evening is meant to be private, so why do I feel the urge to hide it?