Grace smiled. "I'm looking forward to it. Wherever you are going to look for your house, I wish you good luck. Bye, see you!"
"Good bye... have a cool night,"John wished back . He took off on his motorcycle as Grace watched him disappear out of the gate. After a 2-kilometer ride, he pulled over and reached into his pocket for his phone. He thought of Tom's assistance in securing a rental apartment and made the call.
After a few rings, Tom answered from the other side, his voice hesitant. "Hello, this is Tom."
"Hey Tom, it's John. John from the store on Huruma Street, the one you helped me secure the other day."
Tom paused, clearly trying to place the voice. "Uh, John... Oh! John! Sorry, I didn't recognize the number because I had not saved it that day. Kindly, how may I help you then?"
"I was wondering if you had any two-bedroom apartments available for rent," John said. This time he thought of securing a two bedroom apartment for emergency in case a visitor came in and wanted to rest for a night.
"You're in luck," Tom replied. "I actually have a nice one available in Greenland City. It's $900 per month, fully furnished with all utilities included. If you are ready, you can pay in cash and walk into the very likable apartment. None of the clients have complained of this place.
John smiled, relieved. "That sounds perfect. Does it have everything I need?"
Tom chuckled. "You bet. Beds, furniture, kitchen appliances, and even some basic linens. It's a pretty sweet deal."
"Great, when can I see it?" John asked.
"I'm at the Washington Apartments opposite the Highway Hotel right now. Why don't you come over? I'll be here for a while," Tom suggested.
"Perfect. I'll be there in about 45 minutes," John replied. He hung up the call and returned into his pocket.
John rode his motorcycle through the evening traffic, the city lights flickering around him. He finally arrived at the Washington Apartments and spotted Tom standing at the verandah, checking his phone.
John waved as he approached. "Tom, it's been a while!"
Tom looked up and smiled broadly. "John! Good to see you, man. It's been too long. How have you been?"
"Busy, as usual," John said with a grin. "How about you? Still with the real estate?"
"Oh, you know it. Always something going on," Tom laughed. "Come on, let's not waste any time. I've been here all day, arranging some rooms for sale."
They walked through the well-manicured gardens of the complex. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the cool evening breeze. Young pine trees lined the pathways, creating a serene atmosphere.
"So, what are the terms and conditions for this place?" John asked as they walked.
"Pretty straightforward," Tom replied. "First month's rent and a security deposit of the same amount upfront. No pets unless approved, and you've got to keep the noise down after 10 PM. The gatekeeper will take down your details for security purposes."
"Sounds fair enough," John said.
They reached the main entrance, where a friendly gatekeeper stood. Tom introduced John and explained the situation. The gatekeeper, an older gentleman with a kind face, took down John's details in a logbook.
"Welcome to Washington Complex Apartments," the gatekeeper said warmly. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks," John replied. "Nice to meet you."
They walked through the lobby, which was spacious and elegantly decorated with modern furniture. The parking area outside was ample, with a few cars already parked. A swimming pool shimmered under the evening lights, and the garden's flowers added a touch of nature to the urban outlook.
"This place is beautiful," John said, admiring the surroundings.
"Glad you like it," Tom said. "Your apartment is on the third floor. Let's head up."
They took the elevator to the third floor, the ride smooth and quick. As they walked down the corridor, Tom pointed out various features of the building.
"That's the laundry room over there," Tom said, gesturing to a door on their left. "And down this hall, you'll find the gym. It's small but well-equipped."
They reached the apartment door, and Tom unlocked it. "Here we are. Home sweet home."
John stepped inside and was immediately struck by the spaciousness. The living room was furnished with a comfortable sofa, a coffee table, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The kitchen was modern, with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There was a dining table set for four.
"This is fantastic," John said, looking around. "It's even better than I expected."
"Wait until you see the bedrooms," Tom said, leading him down the hallway.
The master bedroom was spacious, with a king-sized bed, a large wardrobe, and a private balcony that offered a stunning view of Greenland City. The second bedroom was slightly smaller but equally well-furnished with a queen-sized bed and a study desk.
"This view is amazing," John said, stepping out onto the balcony. The city lights sparkled in the distance, creating a picturesque scene.
"I thought you'd like it," Tom said with a grin. "So, what do you think?"
"I love it," John replied. "I'll take it."
"Great," Tom said. "Let's get the paperwork sorted."
They sat at the dining table, and Tom pulled out the rental agreement. They went over the terms and conditions in detail, and John signed the papers. Tom handed him three keys: one for the apartment, one for the main entrance, and one for the mailbox.
"Here you go," Tom said. "Welcome to your new home."
"Thanks, Tom. I really appreciate all your help," John said, shaking his hand. He then cashed in Tom with the rent together with security. "Wait, how much is the security fee?" John asked.
"Yeah.. $900 only for my boss. The security is just the same as the rent." Tom replied in a low tone. John added the security fee and paid $1800. Just as John completed the payment, Tom was in a rush to leave.
"Thank you so much man!" John thanked Tom. "Anytime, John. If you need anything, just give me a call," Tom replied.
After Tom left, John took a moment to soak it all in. He wandered through the apartment, admiring the furniture and the layout. The kitchen was well-stocked with all the essentials, and the living room felt cozy and inviting. The bedrooms were comfortable, with clean linens and soft pillows.
John's mind drifted back to the days he spent at his uncle's place, where he was treated poorly and had little privacy. This apartment was a stark contrast, a place of his own where he could find peace and focus on his new ventures.
He walked back to the balcony and leaned against the railing, gazing out at the city. The future felt full of possibilities, and he was ready to embrace it. With Grace on board and the store set to undergo a major transformation, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
As the night settled in, John made himself a cup of hot water and sat on the sofa, thinking about all that had transpired. He was grateful for the opportunities that had come his way and determined to make the most of them.
Finally, feeling a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for the days ahead, he prepared to rest. He took a quick shower in the modern, pristine bathroom, then slipped into the comfortable bed. The soft mattress and fresh sheets were a welcome change from his previous living conditions.
Before falling asleep, John couldn't help but smile. Things were finally looking up, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with confidence and optimism.
Yet, a lingering curiosity kept him from completely relaxing. He got up and decided to have one more inspection of the apartment. He wandered through the living room, noting the stylish modern paintings on the walls, each brushstroke reflecting a calm, serene theme that contrasted with his earlier chaotic life.
He walked into the kitchen again, appreciating the sleek design and the way everything seemed perfectly in place. The stainless steel appliances gleamed under the soft lights, and the granite countertops felt cool to the touch. He admired the contemporary design of the cabinets and the clever use of space.
In the hallway, he took in the subtle details he had missed before—the elegant wall sconces and the artful arrangement of potted plants. The decor was tasteful, with a minimalist yet welcoming vibe.
Returning to the master bedroom, John paused to appreciate the spacious layout and the comfortable atmosphere. The large windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and the soft curtains added a touch of warmth. The bed, with its inviting pillows and neatly arranged blankets, beckoned him back.
But before getting into bed, he decided to check his account balance. He retrieved his phone, entered his secret PIN to login his account, and watched as the screen displayed {processing, please wait.}