Free London Harmony: Roctoberfest by Erik Schubach

by the end of the day.  Then we were trudging back down the stairs.  Then Paya, happy mode version one, was back as she said, “I hadn't thought about lugging your equipment up two flights of stairs.  Perhaps the next one will be better, they have a freight elevator for tenant use.”  I guess it was obvious why I asked about storage.
    The next studio was on the fourth floor of a rustic apartment block, was a little smaller with only a small closet but did have a private loo.  But for how tiny the space was, I was in love with the view.  It had a single window you could step out of and onto a tiny little patio, with a cute wrought iron railing.  There was just enough space for a small chair or two.
    Mei stood beside me with her mouth open in surprise and wonder just like mine was.  The view of Hyde Park was spectacular.  There wasn't room on the patio for Paya and the super, Mr. Vinter to stand out on it with us.  We stepped back across the window sill and I looked around the space again.  If I stacked the drums in one corner by the tiny standing kitchenette and mini fridge, I'd have room for a futon or hide a bed couch and a coffee table.
    I asked, “Are there storage units available?”
    The Dane nodded. “Each tenant has a four square meter cage in the basement for storage.  Larger spaces are available for an additional fee and there is a waiting list.”
    Then Mei asked, “Are all the rooms in the building this small?”
    She shook his head. “No, just on the top floor here, where the dormers limit space.  But the trade-off is that they are the only rooms with a patio.”
    One of my legs was nervously bouncing up and down, thumping out a bass beat, as I looked around.  It could be my flat, I could see it in my head.  I glanced out the window at the park.  I didn't need a lot of space.
    Paya just looked at me expectantly and I bit my lower lip and grinned and nodded.  I didn't trust my voice not to crack.  The woman turned to Mr. Vinter and smiled. “She'll take it.”  Then she was producing some paperwork from the stylish leather bag she had over her shoulder.
    She was in business mode as she explained the standard forms and contracts to the Super.  How his agency would receive the subsidy cheque monthly from Slingshot and the Flotilla Project for half the rent, along with me paying a flat fee of two hundred and fifty quid a month, which included utilities.  There was no way I'd ever be able to afford anything in this area without the help of Slingshot.  Again I felt that this housing program that Tabitha Romanov had created was a godsend to people like me.
    He signed everything and then she had me sign.  Then he produced a lease agreement.  She looked it over to verify the changes were made to accommodate the requirements of Slingshot.  They both signed it then handed it to me to sign.  I stared at it.  I'd have my own flat if I signed.  As long as I lived here, they couldn't adjust the rent nor change the terms of the lease upon future renewals.
    I smiled at Mei who seemed to be enjoying my anticipation.  I licked my lips and signed.  Mr. Vinter smiled and took his copies and Paya took the ones for Slingshot.  The man shook my hand and gave me a set of keys.  “Welcome to the building Miss Green.  The rules of the building are on the back of the lease agreement.  Your storage cage is 4B just like your room number, you supply your own lock.  Coin-op laundry is in the basement by the cages.”
    I was nodding like a fool as he shook Paya's hand and left the room.  I could do this, I could finally be an adult.  I had my own place now.  At twenty-five.  Pathetic I know, but I was excited.  Paya's eyes twinkled like she was going to cry and she gave me a hug.  “Congrats Kacy, you have a home.”  She really loved this part of her job, I could tell.
    She released me then I impulsively hugged Mei, who stiffened then seemed to melt into the hug.  I felt her body against me like