7 Seven

"I think we do." Said Christa, still shocked. Bella handed her a glass of water before continuing to speak.

"So, as you may know, I'm a bit famous."

"Yea I figured that out, Isabel." Answered Christa skeptically.

"You can just keep calling me Bella, it's my nickname."

"Okay. Well I guess it's my turn to ask you why you asked if I could be your roommate, I mean I probably couldn't even pay an eighth of the rent for this place." She looked around, noticing even more pieces of expensive artwork throughout the room. And began to take a sip from the glass of water.

"I'm aware that your financial situation my not allow you to contribute to the rent, but it doesn't matter, because I actually own the building." Christa almost spit out her drink before swallowing.

"You what?!?"

"I know that it may come as a shock, but you wouldn't have to pay anything if you lived here."

"What's the catch?" Asked Christa, "Am I gonna be like your servant or something, cuz then I'm out."

"Oh not at all!" Bella chuckled, clearly amused by this statement, "You only have one main job, you have to pose as my lover or girlfriend, if you want to get specific, in front of the media. You would probably have to come to two or three events in the near future, but other than that there's almost nothing else. Also, although you wouldn't have to do this one, it would be nice if we could become friends." She added shyly.

"First of all," began Christa, "why? You could choose absolutely anyone you wanted as a friend, and second of all, did you say lover?"

"To answer your first question, most people only seek me out for my money and power, but you not knowing who I was and all, made you authentic." She paused while Christa took a moment to process, "And, I did in fact say 'lover', although I know how weird that sounds."

"Please elaborate." Said Christa, looking very concerned as to what this would entail.

"It would be my pleasure. You see, my family is quite influential, and they see that me not being married yet as looking very bad in the public eye. Recently, they have been sending me rich, selfish, prick$ to try and 'sweep me off my feet'. If I pretend to be in a relationship, then I can just live my life without having to deal with all their crap." She finished up and looked at Christa.

"Okay, I think I get it now, but I'm going to have to pass. I'm sorry, but no big fancy house is going to change my mind, and plus, I'm not looking to be in the 'public eye'."

Bella sighed, "I guess I have no choice then. I really didn't want to have to use this, but here goes nothing." She began a small drumroll on her thigh, and after a few seconds she announced, "Congratulations! I have decided to add a new prospect to our little deal! As long as you live with me, I will pay for all of your expenses!"

"Say what now?" Asked Christa, "You're telling me that you're gonna pay for everything?"

"Yup!"

"So, I won't have to work anymore?!?" Christa's eyes suddenly lit up. She would do just about anything to get away from Shay. She shivered as she remembered Shay whispering in her ear and leaning in.

Then Bella interrupted her thoughts, "Yes, that's right!"

"Friggin sign me up!" Responded Christa blindly.

"Okay!" Began Bella. She pulled out a sheet of paper and a jet black fountain pen from one of her pockets, "This just basically says that you'll promise to stay with me for about a year, maybe more, if you like it. It's similar to a shared lease, but you won't need to pay anything." Christa was barely listening as she nodded her head and signed, "You'll be moving in tomorrow. I can send some movers over to your house if you send me the address, or I'll give you the money you'll need to hire some."

"I can just send you the address later today."

"Sounds good!" Bella smiled, full of excitement, "I can drive you back over to town square if you want."

"Yeah," replied Christa, still a bit dazed, "that's cool." They headed over to the elevator and, after they had reached the ground floor, the car. They drove back over to where they had met and Christa waved farewell to Bella, "Bye!"

"See you tomorrow!" Said Bella before speeding off. Christa got into her car, and she couldn't help but feel like she had made a mistake.