***Cindy***
"You know I'm not good at guesses, Cindy. Just tell me already," Alexa replied with great interest. I couldn't hold back the good news. "I got a job, Lexi!" I exclaimed. I had just been offered a job as a Senior Fashion Illustrator at KP Fashion, one of the leading fashion brands in the country, and I was beyond excited.
I read the email to Alexa's hearing, who had grown excited. The salary was mouthwatering and the benefits were nothing I had imagined. But there was a little problem. I would have to relocate to New York, away from Beverly Hills, which had been home to me. I was excited and anxious at the same time, as I contemplated my next line of action.
Alexa sensed my worry and promised to support whatever decision I chose and move with me. I was happy to know that I had my sister's backing. Leaving meant starting life anew, getting used to unfamiliar streets, and forming new bonds. It would be a little bit challenging, but we have been through worse phases in the past and there was nothing that we couldn't overcome now.
I remembered that I had not considered my mother's health. "What about mom's health?" I asked Alexa, who reminded me that my new job came with benefits that would cover our mother's health care and render other health-related support. That's true! I had nothing more to worry about, so I decided to accept the job after speaking with my mother the following day.
If there was one thing about my mom, Kate Baker, it was the fact that she always supported Alexa and me, even if she would have to bend her rules or make herself uncomfortable for our sake. We are all she has and vice versa. We chatted for a little while longer before Alexa said good night and went to her room.
But I couldn't sleep. The job offer was too good to be true. According to the email, in a bid to consider their offer, they were providing an already furnished apartment for me, so I would not have to worry about starting from scratch. This is in addition to other benefits and privileges. I had only heard of such things but never did I imagine that I would be a partaker too. I must have been highly recommended, perhaps.
Life in New York may not be bad after all, although I would have to deal with resigning from my job, wrapping up pending activities, and saying goodbye to my colleagues with whom I had formed a deep connection. With firm determination, I let out a deep sigh of relief as I turned to rest on one side of my bed, forcing myself to sleep.
My morning rest was cut short, seeing my mom and Alexa in my room the following day. Alexa had spilled the tea, and she was in full support. Knowing that my mom would get better health care, the salary upgrade, free accommodation, and a chance to start life on a clean slate, away from all the losses I've suffered over the years, were huge to me.
I replied to the email, confirming my acceptance of the offer. I stated that I would resume the following week's Monday as the company's new senior fashion illustrator. I honestly couldn't wait to start my new job. I drafted my resignation letter and tendered it as I got to work that morning. I was happy to be quitting for a better job. My colleagues were all shocked and happy for me at the same time.
It wasn't long before I got home. We had just a few days to get our things ready, pack them, and move to New York, so Alexa and I made sure we sorted through our belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. As the clock ticked down, my excitement grew. What would a senior fashion illustrator look like? How do they talk? How do they walk?
I was getting anxious, and it was getting through to me in a way that I had not imagined. Finally, our move to New York came and my anticipation grew. I confirmed our apartment details and every arrangement I had made to convey us to our location before leaving.
I said a final goodbye to the little apartment that had housed us for so many years, one that we had lived in without having to pay a dime, after the death of my dad. It had been gifted to us by the church my parents attended until Dad's demise. It was their way of contributing, which we were all grateful for.
After several hours of travel, the plane finally touched down, which marked the beginning of our new chapter. We went to the luggage section, collected them, and made our way to the driver who was already waiting for us. He greeted us with a friendly smile as we approached him, "Welcome to New York City!" he said excitedly, loading our bags into the car.
We got seated and journeyed through the busy streets of Queens and Brooklyn. The city was filled with so much energy, not different from what I had been used to back home. It was my first time away from Beverly Hills. We chatted with the driver, who told us more about the city and what to expect.
Before we knew it, the driver announced that we had gotten to Sunset Park, where my apartment was located. We pulled up to the apartment which was quite small and intimate. It was comfortably furnished and had a beautiful ambiance that gave a feeling of 'home away from home'. The driver helped us unload our luggage, and we extended our gratitude to him for the smooth ride.
A mixed feeling of emotions swept through me, as I took a tour around the little apartment. It was a feeling of excitement and nervousness at the same time. The apartment was smaller than I had imagined but I was still grateful for the eye-catching view it had, the wide windows that allowed for natural light, and the fact that it was not paid for.
"Welcome to our new life," I said as I turned to Alexa and my mom, smiling at the opportunities that lay ahead. We spent the evening unpacking our belongings. Afterward, we explored the new neighborhood, locating a nearby restaurant. We had a simple Puerto Rican dinner before we called it a night.
It wasn't long before we made our way home. The exhaustion we had from our long journey soon melted away and was replaced with excitement. I was to resume my new job at KP Fashion tomorrow, a job that I had searched for, for months. It was a dream come true. As we settled in for the night, I asked Alexa and my mom to have the room while I managed the couch in the living room.
The following morning, I woke up to see Alexa in the kitchen, brewing coffee and making scrambled eggs. My stomach longed for its tantalizing aroma. I checked the time and I had almost two hours to get ready. I was going to make a good impression on my first day, so I hurried to the bathroom and came out in no time. I put on my carefully selected outfit and made my way to the kitchen to have my breakfast.
"I see you're set for your first day at work, sis," Alexa said the moment I stepped into the kitchen. "You can say that again," I replied with a smile of satisfaction. I ate quickly, kissed my mom goodbye, and grabbed my bag. The city's energy hit me as I joined the crowd of commuters rushing into the subway.
All through the train ride, my mind was filled with the challenges and opportunities that awaited me. Lots of thoughts ran through my mind as I compared where I was before to where I am now. The difference was obvious. I had prayed for this day almost all my life, and now I was living that dream.
The train ride passed swiftly and soon after, I got to KP Fashion. The building stood tall as proof of years of hard work, great innovation, and success. As I walked into the building, the skyscraper seemed to stretch higher, making me lose a little bit of my confidence. I had never been in such a magnificent outlook, let alone be an employee of one.
I gathered the last shreds of my confidence as I approached the receptionist with a warm smile spreading along my face. "Hi, I'm Cindy Baker, the new senior fashion illustrator." She smiled in return. "Welcome, Cindy. We've been expecting you," she said, handing me a folder. It contained orientation materials that would put me on the right track before she continued, "Let me show you to your workstation."
I followed her, with my eyes taking note of the fashion illustrations that beautified the walls. We stopped at a spacious studio that was filled with natural light and a team of designers and illustrators working on a project. The creative director, Amelia Banks, walked up to me with a warm smile and greeted me,
"Welcome onboard. We are thrilled to have you join our team. Your sketches and designs over the years have been admired by our brand, and we're glad you are a part of our team now," she said, still smiling. What? I had no idea that my designs made any mark at all, let alone be admired by a top fashion brand like KP Fashion. My excitement knew no bounds. I had a truckload of ideas that I was ready to share.
Amelia briefed me on our first project. I listened carefully, as my creative mind got to work almost immediately. This was going to be an interesting chapter in my career, one that I was ready to dive all in for, and have the best time of my career. After filling me in on what needed to be done, she introduced me to the rest of the team.
I was pleased to meet everyone, and they were friendly and warm towards me. My heart swelled with pride, knowing that I was about to become an important part of KP Fashion as its senior fashion illustrator, a position I knew I would be great at. Amelia informed me that I ought to have met with the managing director, Olivia Preston, but for some reason, she wasn't in her office yet.
I was nervous and excited at the same time. I silently hoped that I would get a warm reception as I had gotten from the creative director and the other team members. As a way of encouragement, I reminded myself that I was easily loved by people generally and that there was no way this would be any different.
Soon after, someone walked up to Amelia to announce that the managing director had arrived and had sent for me. I could see the tension in Amelia's eyes as if she looked worried for me. I confirmed my thoughts after she enlightened me on what to say that wouldn't provoke Olivia. Was she that bad? There was only one way to find out.
I stood outside the managing director's office, my heart beating faster than usual. Amelia had walked alongside me, with a worried, yet encouraging look. She wished me good luck and hurriedly left me to face the unknown. I took a deep breath and steadied myself for what lay in front of me.
I knocked gently and held the door handle, hesitating for a second. I let myself in and came face to face with the feared Olivia Preston. I could feel the weight of her presence descend heavily on me as her eyes scanned me from head to toe. Her expression revealed so many things that confused me, yet she said nothing.
The surrounding air suddenly became hot, sending hot drops of sweat to drip down my back. For a second, I understood what Amelia had been trying to say. Just as Olivia opened her mouth to speak, she changed her mind and paused for a minute, then picked up her phone and dialed a number on it.
She excused herself as she took a few steps behind to speak to the person at the other end of the call. I became a little bit relieved, as I used the little break to adjust myself and prepare my mind for the worst. The swarm of thoughts that had enveloped my mind was short-lived when I heard Oliva mention a name, one I thought I had forgotten,
"You're Kyle Preston, the face and brains behind KP Fashion. You would do well to come into the office today, son."
Kyle?