“I’ve been thinking of making a trip back to England lately,” she says. “How about we go together? That way, you’d have a place to stay and I can go back home with an escort.”
“What about your ex?”
“He’s no longer an issue,” she says confidently. “And anyway, he won’t have any idea that I’m back in the country.”
It does seem like the best possible option at the moment. England. I’ve never been, and the prospect of having an ocean between Anton and me sounds very appealing.
“When would you leave?” I ask.
“I was planning on leaving in a few weeks, but I can move up my plans. We can buy our tickets right now and be on a plane tomorrow.”
“That’s so… soon.”
“It fits into your timeline.”
I nod, trying to wrap my head around the idea. Everything in my life has gone topsy turvy, and I’m not sure which way is up anymore.
“I know it’s scary, Jessa,” she says, moving closer to me. “But it’ll be scarier if you’re on your own, won’t it?”
She has a point.
“Are you sure you want me to come? This could get you involved in a serious way. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
She waves away my worries. “I’m one hundred percent positive.”
I lean over and throw my arms around her. Her hair smells like flowery shampoo and something else slightly chemical.
“So we’re doing this?” Freya asks, pulling away. “We’re really eloping to England together?”
I nod and giggle nervously. “If you’re sure I won’t be imposing—”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she dismisses. “You’re my friend.”
“Okay,” I whisper. “Okay.”
“Yay!” She claps her hands together. If I wasn’t so nervous, her excitement might be catching. She sits on the edge of the bed and pulls out her phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for flights. I can book right now.”
Fear snakes up my throat. I glance at the walls to check if they really are closing in on me from all sides or if my mind is playing tricks on me. I try to count my breaths, but even that doesn’t help.
“Are you going to withdraw your savings?” she asks, glancing up from her phone momentarily. “I’d recommend that. If you use your card, he’ll probably be able to track you.”
“Good point,” I mumble, but I don’t think I’m audible.
Suddenly, I want to see Chris. I want to hear him say that this is a good idea.
“While you do that, I’m gonna go find Chris, okay?”
She barely looks up from her phone. “Sure. I’ll book the tickets.”
I nod and leave the claustrophobic little room. One glance to my left and I see Chris standing by the staircase, staring off into the distance.
I walk over to him, but he barely acknowledges my presence. “Are you mad at me?” I ask.
He turns to me. “How can you even think that?”