Flatmates

6

Something about a blade slicing through paper was incredibly satisfying to me, calming and relaxing me even during the worst days.

It was Monday, and I had spent the morning hidden away at the desk in my room working on an order. On average each piece taking about six hours, and I was determined to have this one finished today. I usually have a lead time of two weeks, but with the move I had got behind and was playing catch up.

'I come bearing coffee' I hear a Geordie voice say from the doorway.

'What are you doing here?' I ask, not even looking up but knowing he was making his way towards me. He plonked himself down in the armchair beside my desk, putting my coffee next to me and peering over at my artwork.

'Filming with Alex' he says, not moving his gaze from the piece in front of me. 'That is amazing. I told you I would get to watch you' he laughed, sipping from his own coffee.

I put my blade down and follow suit. My throat was dry, I hadn't left my desk for at least three hours including to make drinks. 'Thanks for the coffee Will.'

'No problem, Alex said you had holed yourself up in here, so I figured you could at least do with some caffeine. You nearly caught up yet?'

'No. I have closed my online shop until I have managed to get these done. I have another four I think' I reply, glancing over to my diary to check. 'Yeah another four. I can get that done in two days if I keep pushing.

'Don't burn yourself out doing it though Jess, we want to be able to take you out clubbing after.'

***

By the time Wednesday had rolled around, all of my orders were finished, packed up and posted. I contemplated putting my online store live again, but then I would have to work and I wouldn't be able to hang out with the lads.

The hardest part about being an artist was the lack of free time. Always working away, alone, just to make ends meet and pay the bills. But I wasn't skilled in anything else, so I guess I didn't have much of a choice but to carry on.

'Penny for your thoughts?' I heard George ask, startling me. He came and sat next to me on the sofa where I had curled myself up under a blanket, nudging me gently to try and get me to respond.

I told George everything. How I hated having no free time, the fear of losing everything if I gave it up. The money being too good to throw away. We talked and talked for about two hours, Alex going us at some point and throwing ideas into the mix. By the time Will showed up at our door, I was excited at the prospect of my future. Alex and George were amazing and we had a plan. I just wanted to get started immediately.

'So what's the plan?' Will asked throwing himself onto the sofa between me and George, sitting on my feet and putting his arm around George.

'Well, little miss artist over here works to hard smashing out all of these original pieces. She is going to knock up five designs, and we are gonna get them made into t-shirts, hoodies and phone cases. Thats just to start - you can't start to big' George says, a smile on his face. 'We figure Jess has enough money to live for three months, so that gives us three months to get her up and running. Any ideas on how you can help Will?'

'Thats an amazing idea. I will get hold of the company I go through, get some pricings for you. And I have a mate that can knock you up a new online shop' Will says excitedly. This must be his forte.

It looks like things are about to get crazy. I make my excuses and head off to bed. Not to sleep, but to start on designs.