Angel 

‘Well, this is awkward. This might have gone better if I had just shown up when everyone was asleep or if I’d shown up right before they left in the morning,’ I thought wryly. As soon as I’d put the spaghetti down James started eating like there was no tomorrow. By the look on Hope’s face when she’d entered the room that might just be the case for him. Hope had only played with her food in the beginning, but after she tasted it she’d started to eat it grudgingly. The fact that I could cook seemed to make her even angrier. Mark was wolfing down his food too, but the fact he hadn't chocked made me  

“Okay well as pleasant as this is. If you have something to say why not clear the air” I said breaking the silence with a bleak smile. That got a laugh from Mark but he was swiftly shut up by the looks that both James and Hope gave him, but the ice was finally broken. Which meant Hope could finally vent her feelings about the situation. I had been expecting a bit of annoyance, but I hadn’t prepared myself for the angry torrent of words that came out of Hope’s mouth as she glared at me. 

“Hmm, I wonder why coming home to find a complete stranger in our house would be awkward! You should be grateful we didn’t call the cops! Well isn’t anyone going to ask her name? Or ask how she got in here? Wait, I got a better one, why is she here?” James choked on his drink and threw Hope a look. “What I can’t ask a simple question?” she demanded daring him to object. This woman was out for blood. 

“She’s right, things would probably be a little less awkward if we all knew each other’s names,” I said in what I hope was a cheerful tone. “My name’s Angel, and I already figured out that you’re Hope and he’s Mark unless your parents had a strange sense of humor. As for how I got in, well I have a key.” I informed her pulling out the key James’ mother had given me years before. 

 Hope’s glare had become even colder given that last fact. Her eyes shifted between my face and the key. “You didn’t answer one question, why are you here?” This caused another coughing fit from James. Apparently, he wasn’t used to this kind of behavior. We both ignored him though. 

"I just got out of a bad situation, and I needed a place to crash.  I’ve always had an open invitation,” I informed her hoping for her sake she would drop this. “I hope it’s still good?” I looked at James confident, but still a little unsure for the first time. 

“I told you, you’ll always be welcome here,” James answered smiling until he saw Hope’s face, which was now the epitome of suspicion. “Now,” he continued changing the topic. “I think we better move on to dessert before Mark eats his plate. Knowing you I bet it's great.” 

 “Hey man, she can cook. Besides, it's a nice break from that mush you call food,” replied Mark laughing. “So, what’s for dessert?” turning to look at me. At least one roommate didn’t seem to mind me. 

 “I didn’t have time to actually make a dessert along with everything else. I just dug up what was the in cabinets and turned that into something, so tonight it's just puppy chow. Tell you what tomorrow I'll make your favorite chocolate bombs, ” I glanced over at Hope’s face. I decided to call it a night since it still looked like she was  contemplating killing someone. “I think I’ll start the dishes while you guys finish then I’ll head to bed. It’s been a long day.” 

 “No, I’ll do the dishes; you cooked,” Hope said with an edge in her sweet voice. It was clear that she just wanted me gone. ‘Well, this is going to be unpleasant. I hope she warms up to me soon or else living here is going to be uncomfortable.’ 

 “Okay then um where am I staying? Because I think all the rooms are taken.” I asked standing. 

 “Both the attic and the basement are open.” James told me his eyes on Hope “I’d suggest the attic. Almost everything from your room is up there.” 

 “Okay, thanks.” Yep, this is going to be fun. I left the table knowing that Hope’s one unanswered question was going to haunt me.