But He's My Teacher

A New Life

As I grew closer to the place I would now call home I couldn't help but feel excited. I have to admit I felt scared too. This would be the first time I would own my own place...well rent. But even so I no longer had to worry about someone else keeping my hard earned money away from me, or taking care of someone else. I was squirming in my seat when I saw the apartment building and pointed to the driver to turn. When we stopped I practically lept out of my seat (a long way down from the moving van) "I can't believe I am finally here." I took a deep breath of fresh air that soothed my lungs while the sun attacked me on the crisp cold day. A new state a new life. One that I controlled. I turned to the driver who couldn't help but chuckle at my enthusiasm. Embarrassed I grabbed a box to hide. "I am going to get my key and find out which apartment is mine. I called ahead so I shouldn't take long. I will be back in a sec."

I walked to the front office made of a beautiful red brick with vines crawling up its walls and beautiful flowers surrounding it. Now that I think about it ever since I got to Texas I couldn't shake the thought that I have never seen so many trees. I walked into the office greeted by a woman with blond hair probably in her late 40s. "Why hello there darlin', did you lock yourself out of the house let me just call your paren.." "Sorry, No." I interrupted "I am Ella Lopez, we spoke on the phone earlier I am the new tenant." She looked confused at me and then a paper on her desk. "I have a baby face I assure you I am 17" I shifted the box in my hands to hold out my hand. I often got mistaken for a 15 due to my petite figure and baby face. I can't imagine it helped I was wearing leggings and an oversized tee shirt. But being in a car for hours on end I needed to be confortable. She grabbed my hand and gave me a large smile. "I am so sorry miss Lopez if you need anything just call and ask for me Margaret. Let me grab your key would you like us to take you to your apartment on one of our golf carts." At first I wanted to say no but then I remembered that then the van could just follow behind us so I gave in. The ride was full of superficial smiles which I hated the most and Margaret repeatedly asking me what I did for a living. Thankfully before I ran out of excuses to tell her, we arrived to an elevator which we took the the 10th/top floor. There weren't many apartments on this floor because they were bigger than the others, but that's how I liked it.

Once she unlocked and opened the door I couldn't help but smile. "It's just like the pictures. no. It's better." I walked it to see a beautiful modern industrial design with large black trim windows. Directly to my right was a kitchen equipes with new appliances, marble countertops, and an island bar. Across from me an open living room with built in shelfs, and exposed brick. It had 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The master bedroom had a large bay window I plan on making a reading nook. Suddenly the movers came in behind me with a few boxes. Once all the boxes were in and my bed was set up I just stood there in silence. It's really happening. I am finally free.

I tipped the movers and started to unpack. One of the two extra rooms would become an art studio and office the other room would be a guest room. I had to buy a lot of furniture because the only pieces I owned was my bed, a dresser, a desk, and an easel. I started to unpack my clothes to reveal a plaid grey blue school uniform. I cringed at the thought but there was no ignoring it. I had to go to high school tomorrow.