Possession(60)

“Right it is then.”

I just hope it’s also the right choice.





Present Day


I wander around aimlessly, and I don’t know for how long. At first, I just walk and walk, taking in the sights, smells, and people. I had been cooped up in a house for far too long, and I needed just a few hours to myself to wander and think. I knew as the hours passed that I would need to find somewhere to get my head down eventually. I found a fish and chip shop and had something to eat. I was starving by the time five o’clock came around. I hadn’t even had breakfast today, so no wonder I wolfed it down like a ravenous animal. Even the guy behind the counter looked at me with an amused grin. “Hungry?” he asked. “Or is it that my fish and chips are that good? I hope it’s the latter.”

“The latter,” I said with a smile. “But I’m also really hungry. I haven’t eaten all day.”

He shook his head. “You need to eat. Men like a bit of curves, if you know what I mean.” He had winked and was quickly distracted by another customer. I carried on eating until it was time to leave.

Once outside, I take a look at my watch and find it’s six o’clock already. If I don’t start looking for a hotel now, I’ll end up on the streets tonight.

With that thought and a shiver down my spine, I start making my way down the main strip and ask a couple if they know where the nearest hotel is. They give me a couple of names and point in the direction. I say my thanks and walk the five or so minutes until I turn a corner on a quiet street. I notice a couple of signs for B&B’s in the distance, so I head that way. Both of them were over sixty pounds, and I had already cut into six pounds of my one hundred. I needed to save money for trainfare somewhere tomorrow and another night in a hotel before I can figure something out for the long term.

Feeling defeated, I turn a corner and notice an Ibis hotel a little farther down the road. I quickly rush towards it and see a cheery man behind the counter.

“Can you tell me how much for tonight?”

“Normally, it would be forty-four quid, but how about I make it forty for you?”

I smile. “That’ll be great.” I walk towards the counter, and he hands me a form to sign.

“Can you just fill this in? I will need to see some ID.” I bite my lip and he notices. He also notices the ripped shirt. “You know, ID isn’t really that necessary.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“No worries, sweetheart. Just know we’re not all like that.” He points to my shirt and already he’s jumped to conclusions. Of course, I’m going to let him. I need him to be on my side as much as possible.

“I know. Thank you. I appreciate this.”

“No problem.”

I sign the form and he hands me the keys. I then hand over two twenty quid notes and he puts it in the cashier. I grab the keys and say my thanks when he shouts after me. “Miss, your change.”

Frowning, I go back to the counter and he’s holding out a ten pound note. I frown. “I thought you said—”

“Special discount rates for employee’s family. If anyone asks, you’re my cousin from out of town.”

I take the ten pound note from him and well up for the second time today. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. I won’t see you in the morning, but you have a nice night. I hope tomorrow will be a better one.”

“Thanks,” I answer and walk away. If I stay any longer, I’ll probably ball my eyes out. I’m not normally the crying type, but today has been an exception. That’s two people who have been generous today. I really do have a lot to pay forward.

I get into my room and smile when I see a nice, comfortable-looking double bed. I place my card inside, and the first thing I do is run a hot bath. I have no spare clothing, so I’ll have to wear the same thing tomorrow. I hate it, but have no other choice.

Once my bath is run, I sink inside and close my eyes, thinking about the day I’ve just had and what tomorrow may bring. I contemplate where I can go next, and the only place I can think about that is as far away from Drake as possible is Scotland. I’m not sure if my money will stretch that far, but I’m sure I can ask at the counter tomorrow morning if they know where the nearest coach park is. It’ll be the longest option, but the cheapest. At least once I’m there, I can find a place to stay and immediately start looking for work.

Thinking about it, the whole thing frightens me to death, but also somehow thrills me. For the last five years, I knew my path because it was chosen for me. Now, I feel like I’m on an adventure with no clue as to how things will turn out. Excitement bubbles, and I smile at the thought. I’m being reckless and throwing caution to the wind, but I don’t care.