The Yard by Kings Cross Station

The Yard by Kings Cross Station – By Neil James

Beep, beep, beep, goes the alarm clock that sits next to the lamp on Gemma’s bedside table.

Oh, half past 5 already! She mutters to herself. This was her daily routine for the last 4 months.

After graduating high school, Gemma decided to move to the city and attend Uni with her closest friend Sophie. Three years later Sophie was still bright, charming and loyal. There was nothing that Sophie kept from Gemma, including that fact that she always up for a late-night pub shandy. Which is exactly what led to the piercing headache that Gemma was facing.

Wow, that was another late one, she thought to herself. Why do I let her do this to me?

Making her way downstairs, Gemma stumbled over an unfamiliar pair of shoes, hmmm looks like Sophie had some fun!

With the coffee pre-set and ready to go, Gemma didn’t have to worry much about getting up and out of the house to make her 6am dog walk

On her way to Mrs. Wheaton’s Gemma always put on a pick me up playlist. As a student studying at The London Film School she was always drawn to the sounds of local artists.

Taking a deep breath as she walks up to the beautifully lit Covert Gardens terrace, Gemma braces herself for what’s next to come. Good morning Gemma, Mrs. Wheaton laughed before Gemma can make it to the last step, Milo’ the Beagle was all over her.

“Oh boy,” Gemma gushed, “now isn’t that a way to be greeted.” Approaching slowly through the doorway was Mitzy, A shy but loving Cavalier. Mitzy was Gemma’s calm of the day. On their walks, it was Mitzy who always listened and trotted ever so lightly by her side.

Making their way through their daily route, Gemma always walked pass the local Amsterdam Cafe.

Seated in the front right corner window, sat a man. It was almost as though the way he was seated was scripted. Gemma was always intrigued by this man.

With his dark brown hair, and well-kept beard, each day Gemma found herself exchanging a pleasant hello with a slight raise of her hand. The way that they briefly smiled at each other, always left Gemma wanting to know more.

Hmmm, I wonder...

There was a certain way that he carried himself, sophisticated, distinct, confident, but yet all so subtle. I wonder what he does? Gemma thought to herself.

Other than the fact that he was always seen writing in his little black notebook. She knew nothing else about him. Was he married, did he have children, was he an elected official? Hmm Maybe he was a reporter!

I need to figure this out she thought.

What was so important, that it required a daily writing routine? This thought stuck with Gemma the whole walk back to Mrs. Weston’s

As she walked into her flat after dropping off the dogs, Gemma was met in the foyer by Sophie and her current Paul. Hey guys, Gemma chuckled. What a night we had yea!

Oh, Gem you don’t remember much do you! Sophie says,

Standing behind Sophie was Paul, smirking lightly as the light from the door widow was hitting his eyes.” Oh, Gemma you didn’t leave the pub till half past 2. I’m surprised you’re up. Good on you girl!”

Gemma looks at Sophie, and walks past the two making her way to the kitchen. She then looks back towards Paul and with a cheeky smile says well I know I had fun but I think I could use a good shower.

Well we’re heading out, Sophie shouts to Gemma, see ya Gemma replied.

This was Gemma’s favorite part of the morning, because Sophie was attending a different Uni, they both had different start times.

Agh, yes! Shower time. A sacred time when Gemma was all alone, left to sing, dance, and wallow in her thoughts. However, today was different. Gemma could not let go of the familiar but not so familiar man from the cafe.

“I must know”, as she declared with great curiosity.

On her way to the train, Gemma decided to stop by the cafe and grab a coffee. One might say Gemma was on a mission to find out more.

You alright? Louie the Barista asked. As she stepped to the counter, “what can I get you?”

“I’ll have a cortado, please.” Gemma replied.

Looking over towards the window, Gemma noticed that the mystery man is not there. While staring off into the distance through the window, Gemma asks Louis, “do you know who was sitting in the chair by the window this morning?”

Louis, laughs.” Oh, wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Why are you laughing?” Gemma asks>

Oh, he’s just an author who recently came back from Croatia after covering yacht week. He was featured in Travel Tourism’s words to travel by.

Hmmm interesting .... what just interesting Louis questions,

Oh No No, sorry, Gemma answers. Inquisitively, Gemma walks towards the chair. She has spotted something that was stuck between the chair and the window ledge. It was the little black notebook.

The little black notebook, was thick and of decent weight, there were strings that bound the pages together. Wrapped in leather like a journal of some sort. Gemma decided to open it. On the first page, she was greeted with a name.

It read Mr. Rentz.

Mr. Rentz! Gemma nodded to herself, hmmm.

As she sifted through the pages. There was a note, it resembled the shape of a business card.

All that was written read, “if you have found this book please return to The Yard near Kings Cross station”

Gemma, thought while having her first Nancy drew moment! “Yes, this is perfect. I am heading that way right now. I can go to my first class then I can head over and make it just before noon.”

“This is going to be great! “

Gemma was certain she had to be the one to deliver the notebook. I mean after all it was specifically stated on the note. “The one who finds it should return it “or rather that is how Gemma interpreted it.

Making her way back to the counter, Gemma shouts to Louis, “Alight thanks” and leaves a 5£ note and grabs her coffee, “see ya!”

Placing the notebook in her rucksack, Gemma heads out to the station on route to her first class. Oh shit, I’m cutting it close today. Having to make one transfer, Gemma was forced to leave the notebook in her bag. This left Gemma to face much angst and wonder along her journey to class.

Tic tic, tic, Gemma taps her pen against her lips as she Counted down the minutes until class was over. Then she can make her way to Mr. Rentz. “Oh Mr. Rentz who are you and why are you so daunting.” Thinking to herself.

“Your uncanny stature and eloquent nature leads me to believe that you are important and a man of great experience. Please be better face to face Gemma wished.”

It was now 11:35, and Gemma was caught standing in the middle of the yard near king’s cross station. What do I do now... she questioned herself? Looking left then looking right. She noticed a symbol perched up above a door way in the distance. It was the same symbol that she found on the first page drawn underneath Mr. Rentz name.

Was this a coincidence? I think not. Gemma actioned.

Making her way towards the door, she was certain that she knew what she was doing, was right. And after the 19th time, she was still practicing what she was going to say when confronting Mr. Rentz.

As she got closer to the door music began to get louder. With each step came more and more bass. Nodding along Gemma began to sink into her surroundings and started to enjoy her mid-day adventure. The smooth melodies and pulsating bass sounds provided a sense of familiarity and gave the confidence that she needed to open the door.

“Ok! Now I see it, I mean I’ve heard stories and read about The Yard, but nothing mentioned did it justice. This place was taken directly out of a creatives dream.” Gemma uttered.

Nope! This wasn’t your typical coffee shop nor was it a quick place to grab a bite to eat. This was a musician’s paradise. There was ample room to sit and hangout. Not to mention there was a fully lit bar. Looking around and surveying the room Gemma spotted Mr. Rentz. He was seated in the far back corner of the room. Very different from his usual spot in the café.

“Hello sir”, Gemma uttered with implication. She reached into her bag a pulled out the Little Black Notebook. “I believe this belongs to you!”

Wow, Gemma, right?

Yes! Hesitantly Gemma replies. “How do you know my name?” I mean not that you’re a creep.

Well Amsterdam Café of course, I’ve overheard you and Louis talking before. So, I asked about you when I left this morning. Great guy that Louis is” Mr. Rentz affirmed.

“Thank you! For bringing this to me, I hope it wasn’t much of an inconvenience?”

“Oh no I’m not too far from Uni” Gemma responded.

“Oh, that’s good then. What Uni are you attending? Seconded year or Third?”

“Third, and I’m a Production major at The London Film School.

Really, a Production major you are, Mr. Rentz, teased, after repeating Gemma’s response in a questioning but intrigued manner.” I once too studied film. The passion, story, sense, and collection of spirit is what drew me to it. What is your inspiration Gemma,” Mr. Rentz asks?

“I live for the day and bask in the moment. I believe that every moment is different than the next. And in each next there is a story ready to be told.”

“Oh poetic, you are” Mr. Rentz agreeing whispers.

Please sit down, join me. Did you happen to read the notebook, thinking to herself I really wish I did.

“Nope, I found it near your spot by the window then when sifting through the pages I found the card in side.”

“Oh ok, so you have no idea what is written?”

“Just your name and the symbol on the door. If it is any consolation your hand writing is a bit dated!” Gemma chuckled.

‘Cheeky, I see you. Gemma.”

“Well thank you! I don’t want to take any more of your time, Shall we.

How about this, give me your contact details and I will have my assistant reach out to you.

It was very nice meeting you Gemma and good luck on your final next month. The Year 3 project is usually your make it or break it placement. Good Luck!”

“Thanks, and I’ll see you around.” Gemma replied.

The Mystery man Mr. Rentz left a taste of wonder with Gemma. After that brief encounter and the extra encouragement. Gemma was well on her way and with even more confidence than she thought she had. “I must score on this project, I must!”

Now, only three weeks away from her project due date, Gemma was starting to feel a bit anxious. The late nights and the working two jobs were starting to take a toll on her. Lost for words and short on budget, how was she to score?

It wasn’t until that late early morning email notification ….. Beep, Beep, Beep!

Attention Gemma.

The email read, Dear Gemma, you have been awarded by RTZ Productions Inc. the amount of $20,000. Along with this you will be offered an intern position for the upcoming summer. Mr. Rentz thanks you for your intriguing spirit and prompt delivery of his little black notebook. He is looking forward to having you join his staff at RTZ Productions Inc.

Yours Truly,

Office of Mr. Rentz.