Love is a Place Ch. 02: The Solution - Sex Stories

Love is a Place Ch. 02: The Solution

... fire off a couple of emails to some temp agencies, giving my availability over Christmas. I also email the Uni accommodation office, on the off chance there's a spare room in Halls somewhere. Unlikely, but people do drop out. I Google au pair jobs - maybe I can get free room and board in return for lodgings - but there's nothing local enough. I run a few more searches, but I realise I've been putting off the inevitable.

I need to let Samantha's parents know. They were meant to come and pick her up on Sunday, but it might be better if they came and got her today.

I really don't want to speak to Glen and Rachael. The fact that I've let them down as much as I've betrayed Samantha just piles more crushing weights on my darkened heart.

I chicken out and send them both a message on the Whatsapp group:

Hi.

I'm so, so sorry. I've messed up really badly. Samantha was doing fine, but last night she crashed. You should probably come and get her. It's my fault and if I'm around her it will probably just make things worse. I'm so sorry. She's safe, and our other flatmates Amanda and Louise are looking after her. I'll send you their contacts.

Sorry for letting you down.

I forward Louise and Amanda's contacts.

Then, I message Amanda and Louise to let them know.

I watch to check the blue ticks on the message to Samantha's parents. It's nearly 8. They should be up.

Yep, two blue ticks.

I put my phone on silent and shove it in my bag. I don't want to punish ...

... myself further by reading their replies.

I wipe my nose and realise I'm crying.

As much to distract myself from the epic fuck-up that is my life as having any real hope, I start job hunting.

* * *

Two nearly sleepless days later, after crashing on Mike's sofa for the last two nights, I sneak home. Nobody is here. They're gone for Christmas. She's gone. I'm both gutted and relieved. I fling myself on our bed... her bed, I correct myself, and inhale the smell of her, citrus and musk. I miss her so badly. Her funny intonation. The way she greets me when I come in. Her big puppy dog eyes. The way she makes me food. Her innocent trust. Her single-mindedness. Her smell. The feel of her skin. The press of her body against me when she gives me those big hugs.

Arghh! Get a grip Sarah!

God, I'm so stupid. I want to slap myself.

I've ignored phone calls and messages from everyone. Amanda. Lydia. Louise. Samantha's parents. Stuart. Even Dr Alison. God! I can't deal with their scolding, their shock, their disgust. I've got enough for myself thanks.

I messaged my mum, letting her know I wouldn't be able to make it back for Christmas. I doubt she'll care, but I wanted to let her know I was alive. If Rachael and Glen have called her, she'll pass that on at least.

Kate's away, so I've been able to pick up her shift and a couple more at the Lounge. Sainsbury's have offered me some shelf-stacking. I've got a lead on a potential room in St Paul's. It sounds well dodgy, ...