The owner of the apartment.

You hear movement coming from within the apartment, and a few moments later the door opens to reveal a young, dark haired woman. She is quite short, about the same age as Rachel and could be described as 'cute'. She looks a little soft around the edges, but only the bitchiest person would call her overweight. A pair of expensive looking glasses frame her pleasant looking face.

"Can I help you?" She asks, her eyes wandering from your face to your body and back to your gaze. Her lips twist upwards into a small smile.

"Hello there I'm John, Rachel's housemate. You must be Lori". You state, taking a safe bet that the woman in front of you is the owner of the place Rachel is currently staying in.

Lori nods in acknowledgement and her smile widens. "Hi, nice to finally meet you! Rachel has said only nice things about you."

"Likewise." You say in reply, and offer a smile in return. "I have some letters adressed to her. Is she in?" You ask.

Lori begins to fidget uncomfortabley and her eyes wander away from the gaze of your own. "Yeah, she is."

"May I come in and talk to her please?" You ask. Your voice sounds calm, although you are anything but.

Lori's discomfort increases and she seems uncertain. "Ok, come on in."Lori says after a long deliberation, opening the door further to let you in.

"Thanks". You say to her, genuinely relieved.

"She's been staying in the spare bedroom, follow me please."Lori turns, leading you into the hallway. "Can I get you anything?" She asks.

"Thank you Lori, but I'm fine." You reply, your eyes sweeping across the hall and taking in the various pictures on the walls. "How has she been Lori?" You ask earnestly, gently pressing for an insight into Rachel's mood.

Lori turns around and regards you. "She has been very quiet, but sad". Lori tells you after a brief pause. "She's spent most of her time studying or working. When I picked her up she seemed on the verge of tears. She said that she had ruined things with someone she really cared about".

Unable to say anything in reply you followed her in silence until she stopped by a closed door.

"She's in there. I think that she's getting ready for work". Lori tells you. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me. Nice flowers by the way, and good luck." Lori says with a warm and genuine smile.

"Thank you, Lori". You say warmly.

Lori leaves you alone with your thoughts. After staring at the door for a few moments, gathering up your wits and courage you knock gently.

"Rachel" You call out.

"John?" Rachel's voice calls out in shock, scarcely believing that you are outside the door.

"Can I come in please?" You ask her through the door.