Chapter 134 A Fresh Perspective
The streets were illuminated by the morning sun as Anabelle and Fred left the café with their coffee cups.
Her eyes glistened with excitement. “I'm still in shock that this is actually happening
I just want everything to feel right.”
“It will. We'll locate the ideal one today” he said.
“You really think so?” She asked
“I know so,”he remarked.
Taking a tiny sip of her coffee she grinned. “Last night I researched three apartments online. They appear nice but images can be deceiving” she said.
“They always do. We're meeting them face-to-face because of this” he said.
“I’m happy you're accompanying me,” she said.
“Obviously. Someone needs to ensure that you don't pick a location based solely on its attractive curtains” he said.
She burst out laughing. “I wouldn't do that.”
“You would.” he laughed
As they approached his car they both laughed. She grinned appreciatively as he opened the door for her and entered.
The first apartment was encircled by flower gardens and trees in a peaceful neighborhood.
With its soft-colored walls and spacious balconies the building appeared tidy. With a gasp Anabelle entered.
“Whoa. It's really bright.” she remarked.
Fred nodded looking around.
“Good illumination, huge windows. You'll enjoy your coffee here in the morning” he said.
She tasted the cool air as she made her way to the balcony.
“Let’s check the next one.” she said excitedly
“Okay” he replied.
The second apartment was nearer the city center so they drove there. It featured a sophisticated elevator and glass doors making it modern.
They were greeted by the landlord at the door. The man greeted her.“You must be Miss Anabelle.”
“Yes” she replied
He gave them a tour. The bedroom was spacious with a large window, the kitchen was gleaming with new tiles and the living room had smooth wooden floors.
Fred gave a quiet whistle.
“This now seems to be you” he remarked.
Anabelle slowly circled around. “It is ideal.” She remarked “It feels warm. I really like it.”
The landlord gave a courteous smile. “Do you want to take it?” he asked
“Can I give it some thought?” she inquired.
“Sure. Take your time” he said.
Fred glanced at her as they walked out of the building. “That one is the one, isn't it?”
“It could be,” she said. “It’s new, safe and close to work.”
“Take it,” he advised.
“I would like to check one more before making a decision.” she said
“All right,” he said.
The previous apartment was smaller but comfortable. It had a soft yellow wall in the living room and smelled faintly of paint.
Her hands brushed the wall as she moved silently through it.
“The space feels cramped but it’s nice” she remarked.
“Yes” he said “And the kitchen is too small.”
She remarked “I think I know which one I want.”
“The second one?” he asked
She grinned and nodded. “Yes. The second one.”
“Wonderful decision” he said.
They returned to the car. She rested her head against the window while they were driving.
“Fred, I'm finally doing it. My own place” she remarked.
“You deserve it.” He said
“I’m eager to get settled. I'll use gentle hues and white curtains to decorate it” she said.
“I can picture it already” he said
“Once I settle in I'll invite you for dinner.” she promised
“You will be better off,” he said.
Next they arrived at the dealership. Car lines shone in the sunlight. Anabelle was excited again.
Her fingers brushed the sleek metal as she moved between the cars. Pointing to a blue car she remarked “This one is pretty.”
Fred put on a smile. He said “I knew you would prefer the blue one.”
“It's simple yet exquisite,” she remarked.
“Let’s speak with the salesman.”He said
The salesman approached smiling and courteously. He said “Good afternoon. Would you like to buy the sedan?”
“Yes. May I have a closer look?” she asked.
“Sure.” He said “I'll open it for you.”
Anabelle touched the steering wheel as she entered. “It feels comfortable.” she said
Fred sat against the window. “You look good in it,” he said.
She smiled as she faced him. “You think so?” she inquired.
“Yes I am aware of this. You seem to fit in there” he remarked.
She gave a quiet laugh. She said “I'll take it.”
It brightened the salesman's face. “Fantastic decision. Let us prepare the documents” he said.
Fred watched her with a soft expression as they waited. He remarked “You know you’re glowing.”
“I feel liberated. As if I'm finally able to breathe” she said.
“That’s what independence looks like” he stated.
She remarked “I wish I could tell my younger self that all the difficult days would be worthwhile.”
“She would be proud of you.” he said with a smile.
She got the car keys after the paperwork was finished. Smiling, she gripped them tightly.
“My first car.” she said.
“Congratulations.” he said
“I promise to take us home in my car.”she said smiling
“Are you certain about that?” he raised an eyebrow.
“Definitely.” She replied
As she spun the engine, they both chuckled. With ease the car purred. She steadied her hands on the wheel and drove slowly.
“See? I'm not bad.” she said
“I didn’t say you were.” he laughed
“You believed it,” she remarked.
He was amused. “Perhaps” he remarked.
The wind was blowing softly through the open window as they drove through the city. Her laughter reverberated throughout the room.
She turned to him and parked the car when they arrived at her favorite location by the park.
“Thanks for today.” she said.
“You don't need to thank me.” he said
“I do. You've been a huge help to me” she said.
“I just wanted to see you happy.” he said
Her smile was a gentle one. She remarked, “You always give me the confidence that I can accomplish anything.”
“That is because you are able to,” he said.
“It still means a lot,” she remarked.
After staring at her for a while he gave her a small smile.
“It’s peculiar,” he remarked.
“What is it?” she inquired.
“Thinking about you getting a place of your own. It will be so quiet without you.” he said.
She laughed. “I will still be in contact with you Fred” she said.
“Hopefully” he said. “You will.”
“I'm just moving but I'm not leaving your life.”She said
He remarked, “That sounds better.”
Sitting quietly in the car the evening light turned to gold. There was the sound of birds.
“A new horizon” Anabelle murmured as she peered out the window. .
Fred slowly nodded. “Yes indeed. A fresh start” he said.