Part Three

Kat rolled over in the unfamiliar bed, squinting at the sunlight that sneaked through the crack in the blinds. Groaning as she slowly stirred and sat up in the bed, Kat reached for her phone to check the time, grabbing it from the bedside table.

"Eleven fifty-five," Kat groaned as she threw the phone back onto the pillow.

Not used to waking up this early, Kat glanced around her brother's bedroom, noticing some of the posters on the walls, the large bookshelf that occupied one corner of the room with more books than she probably had read in her life and a desk along with a wardrobe in another corner. It was then that the door creaked open and she saw Malik enter.

"Sorry, I just needed to get my laptop." Malik said upon seeing that she was awake as Kat covered herself with a blanket holding it to her chest.

"It's okay," Kat murmured as Malik made his way to his desk, taking the laptop off of it and putting it into its bag.

"You okay?" Malik asked as he looked at her. "Sleeping in a new place. I know what that's like."

"Yeah, You got a very comfy mattress." Kat said with a small smile.

"Thanks, I guess." Malik told her before informing her. "Ashlyn's cooking breakfast if you do want anything and the shower was free last time I checked."

"Yeah, I'll be down in a bit." Kat nodded.

Upon those words, Malik bid her goodbye and stepped back out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. Kat waited until she heard his footsteps fade away before stepping out of bed, grabbing her things, stepped out of the bedroom and entered the bathroom where she had a shower, wrapped herself in a towel once she was done and made her way back to bedroom where she got dressed for the day and went downstairs where she found Ashlyn in the kitchen.

"Morning," Ashlyn said, upon seeing Kat. "Hungry?"

"Starving," Kat admitted as she sat at the kitchen island while Ashlyn plated up a tower of pancakes, a side of crispy bacon, and some scrambled eggs. "Where's Malik?"

"He probably went to the cafe. He likes to go there when he writes." Ashlyn answered.

"He still does that?" Kat said in surprise.

"Mm-hmm,” Ashlyn nodded. "I wish he would at least share what he writes. You ever read anything of his?"

"He's always been pretty secretive about his writing. I know he's got some big dreams though." Kat responded.

"We all do," Ashlyn said as she also sat down at the island. "I have an audition today, so I'm trying to keep my energy up."

“Audition?" Kat asked curiously.

"Yeah. It's a small role, but it could lead to bigger things." Ashlyn nodded.

Dexter then walked into the kitchen, a guitar slung to his back as he grabbed a cookie from the counter and teasingly said. "Morning, sleeping beauties,"

"You're oddly too upbeat for this hour." Ashlyn commented.

"Got to prepare for the masses" Dexter shrugged as if that was all the explanation needed. "And Chantelle's already left for her photography gig. Children's birthday party. Better her than me. Who wants to deal with a five year old party?"

"So you're going busking today?" Kat asked.

"You know it. Time to make some coins and serenade the city and maybe get noticed while doing so." Dexter told her.

"Good luck," Kat said with a smile.

"Thanks, but I don't need luck. I've got talent." Dexter said as he took a bite of the cookie. "Speaking of gigs, don't forget we got Freya's thing tonight as well,"

"Is she up yet?" Ashlyn wondered.

"Last I heard, she was still in bed. She probably won't be up for another three hours," Dexter answered. "Well, I'm off to charm the socks off the pedestrians of Victoria Street." Dexter said as he left the room.

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Kat asked, her curiosity piqued by the mention of Freya's event.

"It's some fancy restaurant opening. Freya's invited as a social media influencer. She invited us along," Ashlyn told her. "You should come with us."

"Really?" Kat said in surprise.

"Yeah, it'll be fun,” Ashlyn nodded. “And it'll give you a chance to see the city's fancy side. You just have to ask Freya."

"I don't know… I don't want to crash her thing," Kat said, shaking her head.

"You won't be crashing. We want you there. Plus, it'll be good for you to get out and meet some people,” Ashlyn told her. “You know, since you're staying with us for a bit."

"Okay," Kat smiled. "I'll ask Freya."

"Ask me what?" Freya said as she sauntered in.

"To come with us tonight," Ashlyn filled in. "To this fancy restaurant opening."

"You want to come?" Freya asked coldly.

"Yeah, if that's okay with you. Ashlyn said it might be fun." Kat smiled.

"I guess it's fine,” Freya sighed. “But remember, this isn't a party. It's an event. Dress appropriately."

"I'll wear something nice, I promise." Kat said excitedly.

"Good," Freya said, turning to leave. "I need to get ready for this event anyway. I got hair, make-up and a whole load of other stuff I need to do too."

"Don't worry," Ashlyn reassured Kat once Freya had left. "Freya's comes across as mean but she's got a heart once you get to know her." Ashlyn said as she stood up from the table. "Well, I've got to get ready for my audition. Wish me luck?"

"Only if you do the same for me. I've job hunting to do after all." Kat responded.

"You bet," Ashlyn nodded in agreement. "Break a leg,”