A Turnabout in Baker Street

Chapter 3

-I sure hope Mrs. Hudson got rid of the damp on the basement. To bad she couldn't join us. So, you just moved to London?

-She did. And yeah, I sort of had to. I don't really want to talk about it. –They had finished breakfast and were now drinking tea.

-But you do like London, then? –He was very polite.

-I love London. San Diego wasn't exactly my type of place to live–too sunny for me. A lot of beaches and stuff. I'm more of a sweater-weather type of girl. –She checked her cellphone.– Although the first thing I have to do before exploring London is getting used to the apartment.

-How do you mean?

-I lived in a bigger one. This one is certainly cozier, but smaller at the same time.

John seemed to be holding back a question (one that he wasn't comfortable with), glancing at different parts of her face. Sometimes even at her hair.

-Go ahead, ask. –She said.

-Beg your pardon?

-You seem like you want to ask something. Just ask it.

-Alright... –Doubtful, he cleared his throat while moving his cup around.– Was your friend sick? I don't know, she seemed very pale, and you do too. Do you need to rest? –Ella widened her eyes.– Don't get me wrong, you two look good, great, but I just– I meant, if we can–

She was not expecting that.

-What are we supposed to look like? –She laughed sarcastically.– If you must know, we've spent the last few weeks moving and sending stuff to our apartment. Excuse us for not looking quite our best for today, but Janelle and I are extremely tired. –She pursed her lips.

Janelle. John mumbled something else, (probably more apologies) but Ella didn't pay attention anymore. It had been an hour, and she still hadn't heard from her friend. 26 York St. Damn it, why did I let her leave? She checked her cellphone again–no messages. When she came to her senses, she saw that John was staring at her.

-I said "Are you alright?" You seem a tad concerned.

-I'm sorry, it's just–it's weird, Janelle hasn't texted me. She's been gone for like an hour now.

-Perhaps she forgot to.

-Maybe, but something's not right.

-Do you want to phone her? –He asked.

In that moment, Sherlock walked into the apartment. The flat, yes. He looked a little irritated, and after he sat down on his chair, he closed his eyes. By this moment, Ella was more worried for her friend than curious about these two.

-No, I–I better go. Thank you so much John, really. But I have to go check if she's home already. We need to start unpacking and cleaning and... well, you know.

She seemed to be running away.

-Oh. Alright then. Do you require help with that?

-No, I'm–

-Just let her leave, John. She clearly wants to slip away from your ridiculous attempt to impress her with your complete "English breakfast".

Ella did think that he tried very hard with such meal, but that wasn't why she was leaving. She starred at Sherlock, and then returned to see John.

-Not exactly that, but... Thanks, John. I'll see you around, I guess.

-Yes, of course. If you need anything, please feel free to–