Page 66 of How We Began

“I think it is because I like the fact the characters are forced apart, mainly by their own mistakes and stupidity, but at the end when it matters, they are able to see each other for what they are and admit that they still love each other. In fact, they probably love each other more for the seven years they’ve spent apart. His feelings never faltered for her. She just didn’t believe in them enough.”

He sat there, the blues staring at me before biting down a smile. “Yeah, I think you’re right.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“But Anne is a complete idiot for listening to her friend in the first place. She was lucky Old Wentworth gave her another chance. Lady Russell was a bitch!” He smirked as my mouth fell open.

“What? You’ve read it? And you let me do all that explaining. You complete git!”

I swatted him with my hand, and he chuckled into his pint. “Of course I’ve read it. It’s a classic.”

“You astound me sometimes.” I meant it.

“Good.”

The blues crinkled and we both giggled into our drinks.

“So what’s your favourite?” I asked.

“Fifty Shades of Grey.”

I spurted my spritzer all over the table. “Wanker!”

We continued giggling accompanied by the sound of crackling firewood.

16th January

(9.30 a.m.)

Another snow day. I’ve not bothered getting up. What would be the point of pretending I am going to make it to class?

I slept in my own room last night. It was all getting a bit too easy. I could feel myself slipping under deeper and deeper. He gave in with good grace, eyes flashing and lips slightly curved as he kissed me goodnight. A kiss determined to make me stay.

No gym today due to the roads being a nightmare. I’m going to study instead.

(11.30 a.m.)

Ah, the door. Hopefully it will be Ben looking for more snow day action.

(Not Ben)

“Hey, you. I haven't seen you in ages!” Meredith poked her head around my door and my cheeks warmed a little. I’d been so involved in the little ‘Let’s Pretend’ days that I’d hardly seen her.

“It’s okay,” she said, slumping onto the bed next to me. “I completely get it,” she added quickly, patting me on the leg. “I’m happy you’re happy. Small reminder though.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“These walls are really thin.”

I poked my tongue out but also gave a little gloating smile until I noticed she wasn’t smiling along with me. “What’s up? You look like we’ve been given twelve hours to write a five-thousand-word essay?” I sat up a little straighter. “We haven’t, have we?”

She bit down on her lip.

“Don’t freak out, but I’m late!”

“Late for what?” I asked, she didn’t seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere.

She raised an eyebrow. “Lilah.”