Good Girl

My dissertation is back and while I have a lot of feedback to go through, I’m sat with Katie in the library helping with hers. She’s not even doing the same degree as me, she does history, but I’m going through books, pulling out anything I think can help.

We’ve drunk more than is a reasonable amount of coffee. And I’ve also spent an inordinate amount on chocolate and sweets. We should both be on a sugar high right now but I guess class struggles of early twentieth century Russia are enough to take that out of anyone.

Katie sighs slamming her book shut.

“I’m so bored of this. Why did I even choose this subject?” She moans.

“Because you love history and you love the Russian Revolution.” I say.

“Yeah remind me of that once I’ve written twenty thousand words on the damn topic.”

I laugh. “You did get to pick your own question Katie.”

“Fuck off.” She says. “Miss goody two shoes over here with your dissertation already done.”

“Hey, I’ve got to make all the amendments and add more sources.” I reply.

“Yeah sounds real tough.” She says.

I laugh. “Another coffee?”

“Nah I really need to head off if that’s okay with you? Max and I are going out to a new restaurant tonight. ” She says.

“Sure. I think I’m all Russia’d out now anyway.” I say slamming the books shut and stuffing my things into my bag.

We walk back to where I’ve parked my car as she continues to moan about her dissertation and how far behind she is on it. When she gets in she pulls her phone out and then groans.

“What’s up?” I ask seeing the disgruntled look on her face.

“Max. He’s running late from practice. So much for a romantic date.” She grumbles.

“How’re things with you two?” I ask. I know things have been strained. He’s been picked by a local county team and is going on tour with them, meaning he’ll be on the road for god knows how long.

“Yeah they’re okay.” She says. “We’re actually talking about moving in together.”

“Seriously?” I say.

“Yeah.” She grins. “We’re just waiting to see how we cope with the tour but if we can make it work over the summer then we’re going to look at apartments.”

“Oh my god Katie. That’s amazing.”

“My parents aren’t too happy. They think I’m moving too fast but we’ve been together for four years. It’s not exactly a new relationship.”

I nod. “They’ll come round.”

“What about this mystery guy then?” Katie asks. “Are you still seeing him?”

“Yeah.” I say. “It’s complicated though.”

“How come?”

For a second I consider telling her but my gut says keep quiet. Because what exactly do I expect her to say back if I admit I’m fucking my stepdad? She’ll hardly high five me and say good on you.

“I, I don’t want to lie to you but I can’t tell you why either.” I murmur as we pull out from the car park and onto the main road.

She pulls a face. “Eden, who is he?”

I shake my head. Keeping my eyes focused on the road in this moment because it’s easier than looking into my best friends face.

“Is he some sort of criminal, is that it?” She asks.

I burst out laughing. “I think you’ve seen too many episodes of Criminal Minds.”

“Can I at least meet him?”

“Not a chance.” I say.

“Why not Eden?” She says folding her arms.

“Look, I know you’ve got my back but right now it’s really early days and apart from anything else I don’t want to jinx it.” I say.

“You really like him though?”

“I do. Probably too much.” I say the last bit and wonder how true that statement is. I guess time will tell.

“Eden, the way you’re being all weird right now…”

“I know.” I say turning to look at her for a moment. “I don’t mean to be. And I promise you I will be honest as soon as I can but it’s complicated.”

Out of the corner of my eye I see the flash of colour. I look to my right then. I turn my head to the side and see the vehicle hurtling towards us despite the lights being green for me. I half gasp as I realise it’s going to collide.

That it’s going to crash right into the side of my car and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

I want to say something, to tell Katie to duck. I want to cry out, but I can’t do anything but stare as the mass of metal gets closer and closer and closer.