Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 17
Kerri asked in surprise, “You’re moving out? You’re not gonna live in the dorm anymore?”
Agnes replied, “I’ve rented a place off campus, and I’m moving out tonight.”
Stunned, Kerri pressed, “Why the move? Isn’t it great with all four of us bunking in the dorm?”
Jenny cut in abruptly. “Kerri, drop it Agnes is Daddy’s little girl, probably not used to living in such a dump”
Kerri was speechless and taken aback by Jenny’s sarcastic comment. Weren’t they on good terms before? Did they have a
fallout?
Ignoring Jenny’s jab, Agnes continued packing her stuff, which wasn’t much. Her new suitcase was far from full.
Kerri helped Agnes with the move. They rented a car and hauled her stuff to Maplewood Manor. As they pulled up to the
community, Kerri was taken aback, “You’re living here too?”
“Too?” Agnes was puzzled
Kerri quickly covered up her slip. “Oh, I just heard some celebs live here. If you run into any, snag me an autograph.”
The odds of running into a celeb were slim. Each mansion was secluded, hidden behind towering trees with private driveways.
The residents probably didn’t even know who their neighbors were.
By the time they finished moving, it was already dark. Agnes offered, “Let me treat you to dinner tonight. Let’s go to Hot N
Sizzlin‘.”
Kerri quickly retorted, “No, 1 should be treating you. Without you today, I could’ve been a real hot mess.”
Agnes didn’t protest, and they went to Hot N Sizzlin‘ together.
Kerri had a million questions about Agnes, like why the sudden move, why she broke up with Elton, and what happened between
her and Jenny. But those were personal and emotional matters. She felt it was not her place to pry. So, at dinner, she went for a
safer question.
“Did you and Jenny have a fight?” Kerri asked.

At the mention of Jenny, Agnes felt a pang in her heart.
“Let’s not talk about that. We might not be friends anymore,” Agnes replied.
Seeing a flicker of pain in Agnes‘ eyes, Kerri regretted asking. “Forget it,” Kerri said, “Agnes, if you’re feeling down, let’s have a
few drinks.”
After the day’s events, Agnes was feeling pretty low. She agreed, even though she knew she couldn’t handle her booze.
Kerri didn’t expect Agnes to get wasted after just two beers. She had to take Agnes back to Maplewood Manor. Once she was
sure Agnes was sound asleep, Kerri left her alone. On the driveway, she spotted a black Bentley.
Was Agnes not living here alone? Could it be her family? Although Kerri was curious, she didn’t give it much thought.
When Jared arrived at the mansion, he noticed the light in the bedroom. Good, it seemed Agnes had moved in, and quite swiftly
at that. However, seeing a drunken Agnes sprawled on the bed, he frowned.
She actually drank!
Jared sat by the bed, touching Agnes‘ flushed cheek. Agnes woke up at the touch of his cold fingers. Groggily she opened her
eyes, and seeing Jared’s furrowed brow, she/ suddenly laughed, “Elton, you’re back!”