Prologue - The Girl that Lived
I stood outside the house, my hair up in a ponytail, glasses perched on my nose and clipboard in hand. That was harder than you'd think seeing as I had one arm back in a sling. I was taking control, and I had a time limit, only two hours to get everything out. The movers were useless. I was barking instructions to various men in overalls. I was not in a good mood. Who would be after…
"Come on, we haven't got all day. Please try and be careful, some of this furniture is unique and very, expensive." I said, frustration lacing my voice. I now wished I had taken Mycroft up on his offer of discreet movers, but it all felt too subversive at the time. There was nothing to be ashamed of. It happened everyday to all sorts of people.
Angie decided to go and see Percy; she had been quiet for a few days, so unlike her friend she thought. When she arrived outside Percy's house, Angie saw why.
"Hi Percy, what's going on here?" Asked Angie.
"I'm moving." I said bluntly. It was obvious.
"I can see that, but why?" Angie inquired again. I rolled my eyes.
"Necessity." I said.
"That still doesn't explain why." Angie pressed. I'm surprised she didn't already know.
"Jim kicked me out. I have two hours to move the remnants of my stuff and leave." I sniped acidly.
"What? When did this happen?" Angie asked shocked. Wow, she was a good actress I thought spitefully.
"Last night." I replied stoically.
"Where are you going to live?" She asked.
"I don't know. I'm putting most of my stuff into storage and then I'm staying with Mycroft for a while and in time I'm going to be house hunting." I answered quickly. Why was she still here?
"Oh Percy, I'm sorry." Angie offered.
"There's nothing to be sorry about Angela." I sniped. It's your fault anyway. I nearly said, but stopped myself. I wasn't going to be one of those women.
"Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask." She said. I nodded.
"Thanks, I'll be fine though." I walked away, talking to the moving men. Issuing more instructions.
Angie could see how hard Percy was taking the separation, but she was being a Holmes, push away emotion and be efficient. It wasn't healthy, but it was a brilliant coping method when lots had to be done. Percy was pulling away from life already, becoming an emotionless human who survived by putting work first. Sherlock and Percy were so similar it was scary, thought Angie, but maybe it was for the best. Angie looked at her best friend once more before leaving. The question still being asked, what happened?!
After some bribery and a flirty smile the movers managed to get everything packed and gone by 2pm. I had an hour's grace. I looked around the gigantic house and felt so alone and unwanted. I slipped off my wedding and engagement ring and left them on Jim's desk in his study. I moved my moonstone ring back onto my left hand and sighed. This chapter of my life was over. I locked the front door and posted my key through the letterbox. It's not like I needed it anymore. I decided to walk to Mycroft's, it was on the other side of Central London, but I needed the crowds to carry me along to my new life. I let myself into Mycroft's house where Mycroft was waiting for me; I ran towards him and burst into tears.