Jenna's POV
I pause, stepping back just as I'm about to unlock the door to my room. I press my ear against it.
That definitely sounds like someone crying.
I glance at the door number, 34… yep, this is the right room.
I sigh, feeling like it's the hundredth time today. Meeting my flatmate for the first time while they're crying isn't exactly ideal, but I've had a long day, and I just want to get to bed.
I unlock the door, step inside, and gently close it behind me. Turning around, I find two pairs of eyes staring back at me.
Two girls. One has bright red hair and tear-streaked cheeks, while the other, with curly dark hair, has her arms wrapped around her, trying to comfort her, I assume.
The curly-haired girl stands up and walks over to me. I take her in, olive skin, grey eyes, and short, curly hair. A small mole just above her upper lip accentuates her beauty.
She stops a few inches in front of me.
"Hi, you must be Jenna. I'm Cass, and she's…" she says with a friendly smile, then glances over at the redhead, waiting for her to introduce herself, but she's too busy hiccuping.
She must have cried quite a lot.
"And she's Poppy," Cass finishes with an awkward smile.
"Sorry for the mess," Cass adds.
I look around the room, only now noticing the clutter. There are two bags and a suitcase lying on the floor, along with a heap of used tissues.
Thankfully, they've kept the side of the room I moved into this morning clear. I wouldn't mind, considering the situation, but it's nice to know they respect boundaries.
"It's fine," I say with a grin, trying not to look awkward.
I glance at Poppy. She's managed to stop hiccupping, but tears are still streaming down her face. As much as I'd like to know what's going on, I decide not to ask unless they choose to tell me.
"Sorry," Poppy croaks out. Her voice sounds rough, she's definitely been crying for a while.
She takes a tissue wipes off her tears then blows her nose into it.
"I'm fine," she says, more to herself than either of us.
"Yes, you are!" Cass chimes in enthusiastically.
Cass wraps her arms around Poppy, she smiles sadly.
"So what's the plan? Are we gonna break into the house and break everything he owns?" Cass asks seriously.
My eyes widen. Am I about to be a witness to a crime? She's obviously joking.
"No," Poppy says.
She seems calm which means she's probably used to Cass saying things like that.
"I mean technically it wouldn't be breaking in since you paid for half the apartment,"
"That won't fix my broken heart, now would it?"
"No, but it sure would make me happy,"
"You Cassie, not me," Poppy sighs out.
"Okay fine but you at least have to get your money back from him,"
"I don't want anything to do with him ever," Poppy says finally.
"No, you have to. Jenna tell her!"
They both turn to look at me.
Tell her what? I have no idea what they're talking about.
"Oh yeah! Sorry I forgot," Cass says.
"Did I say that out loud?" I ask confused.
"Yeah. So here's the deal, Poppy caught her arsehole ex-bo….You broke up with him, right?"
"Yeah," Poppy replies.
"Good! So, anyway, that dirtbag had been cheating on her for who knows how long, and he even convinced Poppy to move in with him, only to get caught on her birthday! Honestly, I think he planned the whole thing just so he could freeload off her because he knows she's way too kind to let him not get away with it,"
I look at Poppy sad face and I immediately feel fury on her behalf. I can not imagine her pain. She seems to have really liked this guy, maybe even loved him.
"Do you have the keys to the apartment?" I ask Poppy.
"Yes," she answers tentatively.
"We should break into the apartment and smash up all his stuff," I say confidently.
Cass's eyes sparkle with delight, and a grin spreads across her face, while Poppy's eyes widen in shock.
"No!" Poppy says.
"Yes," I say at the same time as Cass.
Cass and I share a look, then smile.
"This is not a good idea. No! This is a terrible idea," Poppy says, shaking her head nervously.
"Yes, it is," I say, feigning innocence.
"What's the worst that could happen? We could get expelled and spend a few years in jail for destruction of property. No big deal," Cass says, calm as ever.
"Or," I start.
"Or," Cass continues.
"Or you could just get your half for the apartment back from him," Cass finishes off with a wink at me.
"Actually…" Poppy starts nervously.
"I didn't pay half for the apartment," she says.
"What?" Cass asks, more angry than confused.
"You paid the whole thing?!" Cass practically yells.
"Well, no… he added 5000 pounds," Poppy explains.
"And how much did you add?" I ask.
"Well… it doesn't really matter," she says, fiddling with the hem of her dress.
"Where did you even get the money from?"
"I took a loan from my mom."
"You are getting that money back from him," Cass declares, leaving no room for argument.
"Okay. Can I please stay with you guys, at least until I sort out my living situation?" Poppy asks, looking between us hopefully.
They both turn to me with pleading eyes.
Living with one stranger is hard. Living with two?
"I promise I'll sort it out quickly, and I'll stay out of your space while…"
"It's fine," I say, cutting off her ramble.
"Thank you," she says excitedly.
She walks up to me and hugs me. I stiffen for a moment before relaxing and hugging her back.
I look at Cass who smiles happily at our interaction.
This will be… interesting.