Fate's Twist

Chapter 3

They went into the breakfast room and sat down to eat.

"How are you liking London so far?"

"I love it! I wish I could stay here forever."

"Why don't you?"

"I need a place to stay, for starters. I wish I could live here, but I cannot afford it."

"Ahh, so, where WILL you stay?"

At that point, the waiter came, and they ordered their food. Afterward, they went up to her room to get Kobuk. Alex showed her the secret spots that all Londoners' knew about, but the tourists didn't. That night, she lay in bed thinking about how wonderful London was. She finally fell asleep, only to wake up to her alarm, seemingly moments later. She got ready and jogged down to meet Alex for breakfast.

On the way to her room to get Kobuk after breakfast, Alex said, "I have a surprise for you! We are doing something different today!

"Oh?"

"Yes! I think you will like it too!"

"OK..."

They exited the hotel, and Alex flagged down a taxi.

"Neville Park please."

"Yes, sir!" The taxi driver responded with what seemed to Maddy a bizarre formality.

The taxi driver pulled to the curb in a nice-looking neighborhood.

"Are we going to your house?"

"No!" Alex said, laughing. We ARE going to a house here, though!"

"You are being mysterious... can you tell me the surprise?"

"Nope! We are almost there, though."

They walked down the street to a light gray house that, to Maddy, was cute. Alex steered her to the door and knocked. A woman in a pantsuit answered.

"Oh, Hello! You must be Maddison!" she said to her.

"I am... Who are you? What is going on?"

"Brianna Johnson, Realtor, and...." The woman said, trailing off after a glance at Alex. "Your friend here called me, saying you were looking for a rental house? One that allowed big dogs?" she said, gesturing to Alex.

"I hope you don't mind. You seemed lost in finding a house. Brianna is a... family acquaintance. I just gave her a call without overthinking. You seem to love London." Alex said in an apologetic tone.

"Oh! Thank you, Alex, that is so sweet!" Maddy said. She debated hugging him but thought better of it.

"Well, would you like to see the house?"

"Sure!"

Brianna gave them a tour of the house, which included a HUGE fenced-in backyard, 3 bedrooms, and a finished basement.

"Now, the owner is not asking for much for it; it is only 1000 pounds a month, which is extremely good for this neighborhood and area. I had an inspection done, and nothing is wrong with it. The owner did say you have to accept it by the end of the day, though, or he will give it to a family that is also interested." Brianna told her when they had finished. "Just have Alexan--, I mean, Alex here, call me when you decide."

"Ok... I will! Thank you!" Maddy said, turning to go.

Alex thanked Brianna and hurried after her.

"Maddy, what are you thinking? Do you like it?"

"Yes! I think I could accept if only I knew why the owner is renting it so cheap... and if I knew more about the neighborhood."

"Maddy..."

"Yes?"

"Do you trust me?"

"I just meet you."

"That is irrelevant. You have spent much time with me, so you should have a vague idea of who I am. So, I ask again, do you trust me?"

"Well... I... I... oh, what the heck, I'm in so deep already, yes, Alex, I trust you."

"OK, then you should get this house. This is a good neighborhood; the rent is the cheapest within 500 kilometers of London, and it is perfect for Kobuk. I mean, did you see the yard?!" Alex said, enthusiastically waving his arms.

"I did, but..."

"But WHAT Maddy? I need you to believe me; this is the BEST deal you will get!"

"I still... I JUST got here. I need to learn more about the area and people. I don't know if I even want to stay in Britain."

"I can help you. Was it the Front desk lady at the Savoy? Because I swear, most people here are kind and sweet."

"To YOU, maybe! Not to a 'transplant' like me!"

"WHAT!? A Transplant? What the bloody 'ell do you mean? Londoners and Brits generally are not as cheeky as that lady."

"You know, a transplant. Someone who does not belong but is trying to."

"I have no BLOODY clue as to what you are saying! Maddy, I feel like you BELONG HERE. As in here in Great Britain."

"Ok... Can you tell Brianna I said yes? Because I do want the house."

"Of course, I promise this is the right decision."

"Thank you for the help, Alex."

"No problem, I'll call Brianna right now."

Alex flagged down a taxi to take them back to the hotel. After getting in, he called Brianna.

"Hey, Bri! Yeah, Maddy said she will take the house!" he said as soon as she picked up. "Uh-Huh... OK... All right, I'll let her know! Thanks, Bri!" Alex turned to Maddy, "She says you can start moving in tomorrow, and she will bring the papers over tomorrow for you to sign. Congrats, you live in Britain now!"

"That's great! Thank you, Alex!" Maddy said. She thought that he sounded excited for her to stay. The thought made her warm inside. The taxi pulled up to the hotel, and she got out. "See you tomorrow! Right?" She asked Alex.

"I would love to help you move in, but I have something... work-related to do; I'll see you the day after?"

"Ok! My House?" she responded, proud to be able to say it.

"Yes, Maddy, YOUR house. Oh, and I forgot to mention, it is a rent-to-own situation, so the house will be yours after a few years!" With that, he shut the door, and the taxi drove off, leaving Maddy standing bewildered in the entryway of her hotel, with Kobuk flopped over on her feet.

A/N Comment if you like and ideas for future Chapters.