I never thought that I would move back to the city of Los Angeles. Once I moved in with Jacob in his tiny two-bedroom flat in Europe, I felt safe and sound. But I guess it's true when people say that there is no place like home. No Fifteen-year-old girl wants to just pack up and move to a different continent, but I needed to get away. Mom didn't like the idea, her two children moving away and leaving her alone. But I couldn't handle it at home anymore.
Sitting here in this empty apartment somewhere in the main parts of one of America's most talked about places was deafening. I mean, who would feel comfortable alone in a city that you haven't been in for the last seven years? There were boxes scattered everywhere from each corner of the tiny one-bedroom apartment. The living room only had a three-seater couch, a coffee table, and a lamp, while the bedroom only had my queen-size bed and a dresser.
I didn't have anyone to help me move back here; no one knew I was here. I didn't want to let anyone know just yet, I wanted to make myself comfortable first. I don't want to have to leave again. I grabbed the small android device sitting to my left and checked my latest e-mails. It was only some small stuff from the new company I was hired for, but there were some key details that I need to keep in mind.
I didn't want to worry about work right now. It was only Friday, and I didn't start until Monday, so I began to unpack.
I started with the living room, taking out the small picture frames and setting them on the coffee table until the bookshelves were built. I didn't have much, but this was going to be a comfortable place for me. I inhaled as I noticed that the entire apartment smelled like linen, the most calming scent anyone could ever produce.
When I moved to the kitchen, I took the pans that my brother had bought me and set them in one cabinet, and plates in another. The kitchen was my favorite spot in the apartment. It was spacious, and there was plenty of counter-space, enough to make a five-course meal by myself. I was excited to maybe have people over, but the thought of seeing anyone from my past life made my stomach queasy.
My bedroom was easy, it was just a bunch of pillows and blankets, as well as my clothes from Europe. I didn't know what to think of my wardrobe anymore. It was very outdated, but it was comfortable. I loved some parts of it, but others I just had it to have it.
***
I heard the alarm clock go off, but it annoyed me that it was only Sunday morning. I still had another 24 hours before my first day at the firm, but I wanted to be able to get myself into a routine schedule before the big first day. The lady I talked to on the phone said that the first day has to leave a big impression in order to succeed and go higher up in the company. So that's what I was going to do; go above and beyond the expectations that were set for me. I showered slowly, letting the hot water relax my tensed muscles. The vanilla scent coming from my body wash was heavenly, relaxing me and calming me down. I climbed out and put on a simple outfit: a white tank top with a lace shrug and some short jean shorts, light denim wash. With some red Converse © high tops and my rings put on, I went back into the bathroom to finish up my hair and makeup. I left my hair long and straight, falling down to my waist and my makeup simple, light eyeliner and mascara with a sheer gloss.
I decided that today I was going to the market with some of the money I had saved and buy some groceries and household items that I needed. I only had my furniture right now, and I was definitely starved. I walked out of the apartment and locked the doors on the way to the bike corral.
The city was so much more beautiful than I had remembered it. It was brighter and there was so much more to explore than before. I rode my bike down familiar roads, watching trees pass by as blurs on the side of the road. I missed this familiarity more than I could explain. I loved Europe, don't get me wrong, but this was home. Most people didn't see the more home-y parts of the city that I had ventured in during my childhood, but it was more beautiful than the main parts of the city that everyone adored.
I got to the market and locked my bike up to the fence, making sure to put the key back on my lanyard. The building was still the same beaten-up building it was seven long years ago. I saw some familiar faces, but no one that would recognize me after so long. It was a good feeling to be back to my roots, but all I could concentrate on was my first day at the corporation tomorrow.
***
Even though I've been on this early schedule for days now, hearing my alarm go off this early frustrated my life. Ever since I moved back I can't seem to get enough sleep, but I think it's just due to being in a new (but old) place. I switched off the alarm and crawled out of bed slowly, smelling the coffee coming from the pre-set machine. I went and took a shower, repeating the same process as the morning before.
When I got out, I wasn't sure what to wear. I had so many options and I wasn't sure which was more appropriate. All I knew was that I had to blow my boss away in order to make my way up to executive, and that's all I have ever wanted. I chose a strapless striped dress that went down to mid thigh. I put my hair in an updo, put on minimum makeup, and went on my way.
***
I got to the building and followed the directions from the email, going inside to the elevator and pressing the highest floor's blue button. The elevator was squeaky, making the quiet music that was playing. I was so nervous; I couldn't quit smiling. And that's when it happened. The elevator stopped and the doors opened.
The top floor was beautiful, white and blue decor with windows as walls. It was magnificent, and I gasped in awe. I walked off of the elevator and walked to the information desk, asking her where I was to go. She pointed to the door and told me to knock. I cautiously walked over there and stood in front of the door, mentally giving myself a pep talk. You can do this, Lills. Just breathe. I knocked three times.
"Come in." A voice said quietly. And when I entered the room, I nearly dropped to my knees as there he was, Blake Carter, the boy I ran away from seven years ago.
