I wander off, back into the hallway, and glance around. There are so many corridors, so many doors… there must be something here I can do to amuse myself – and it’s definitelynotChris.
Chapter Five
It’s such a shame I can’t tell Richard that I was here because it turns out we have something in common.
After wandering down one of the hallways I happened upon a large wooden door. I opened it to find a library. Yes, an actual library. Walls covered in shelves, all absolutely packed with books, and they’re even organised alphabetically by genre. I’m a total bookworm, so this is the best thing I could have found in here, second only to a snowplough.
Before I let myself go to town on the books I hurried back to the kitchen and made myself a big mug of hot chocolate. Then I hurried back here, set it down on a coaster next to an inviting looking red Chesterfield chair, and only then did I allow myself to start browsing for something to read.
The thing that caught my eye was that, in an otherwise serious, old fashioned looking library, there was a kids’ section for his children, and it looks exactly as you would expect. A colourful rug, multicoloured small chairs, and shelves and shelves of fun looking books.
I couldn’t resist looking at them first. I loved reading when I was a little too. Choosing a library book, reading on the carpet – oh my God, when it was Book Day, and they would wheel in the big silver case that opened up into bookshelves, I would take my free token, and buy as many books as my mum would allow, and I would spend the longest time trying to choose what I wanted.
It was as I was skimming the kids’ books that I noticed something. A series of books that looked familiar and, even though they were kids’ books, they’re not ones people are going out and buying these days, this collection is from the 90s. I know it so well.Goosebumpsbooks. The original ones too, with the bright, bubbly textured, creepy covers. My eyes darted left to right, up and down, instantly looking for the green spine of my favourite. Sure enough, I located a copy ofThe Barking Ghostso that’s what I’m reading, curled up in this chair with a throw over my legs, sipping my drink and, wow, I am content.
It’s funny, this is definitely a book for kids, but reading about a boy who hears strange noises in the night makes me feel a little creeped out, being here, surrounded by nothing – and that nothing is surrounded by sea.
I need to get a grip. I’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t be scared of…
The library door swings open and I jump out of my skin. Thankfully it’s just Chris – although I kind of wish it was a creepy dog instead. At least I could look that in the eye. Don’t think it isn’t at the back of my mind that I slept with Chris last night. I mean, I don’t remember if it was any good, but I don’t suppose that matters. I’m just annoyed because, usually when people have a one-night stand, they get to do the walk of shame home and try to pretend it never happened. I have to spendanothernight with Chris, and it doesn’t matter that we’re in separate beds, although it’s definitely preferable. The point is I’m stuck here with him.
‘What?’ I ask, a little annoyed he’s interrupted me as soon as I’ve started enjoying myself.
He tosses some clothes at me.
‘Put these warm clothes on,’ he insists. ‘Then catch me up, I’ll be in the kitchen. We’ve got a problem.’
I sigh. I seriously doubtwe’vegot a problem –he’sgot a problem – I don’t know why he has to drag me into it.
‘Fine, fine, I’ll be there in a second,’ I say.
He leaves me to get changed into what I’d guess is Richard’s wife’s clothes, which is totally weird.
I drain the last of my drink – never one to waste chocolate of any description – and head for the kitchen. I wonder what he’s going to make me do, that I need to wear Richard’s wife’s clothes for. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I really hope we do have a problem, because otherwise this is some kind of roleplay thing, where he is Richard, and I’m Richard’s wife – well, he did pretend he was my boss when we met, I’m sure of it. Pretty sure of it. Maybe. One thingI’m sureI’m sure about is that, if that is what this is, I’ll take my chances outside with the freezing snow and the creepy dogs. Suddenly they don’t seem so scary.
Chapter Six
It turns out we really do have a problem. A big, freezing cold one.
‘So, how did this happen?’ I ask.
Standing here, staring at it, my teeth chattering and my toes going numb, it seems kind of obvious. I know how it happened but I don’t understand why.
‘I guess we left the garage door open when we got in last night,’ he says.
‘Ah, yes,weleft the garage door open,’ I reply. ‘I can’t believe I didn’t think something was up when you lead me in through the garage.’
‘OK, fine, I was drunk and I must not have pushed the button to close the door behind us,’ he says. ‘Happy?’
‘Ecstatic,’ I reply. ‘So, I imagine you’ve called me here to help shift it?’
Chris grabs two shovels that are leaning against the wall next to him.
‘You want the red one of the green one?’ he asks, confirming my suspicions.
I grab the red one and start shovelling snow.
In case it isn’t obvious, the door has been open all night, and all day, and so there’s a fair amount of snow inside. There’s more coming in as we’re shovelling, but thankfully we can shovel faster than the tiny snowflakes can present a problem. But we can’t close the garage door until all the snow is shifted and, even if we could, obviously we can’t leave all this snow in here. When it melts it will turn to water and that’s a problem all of its own.
