The Luna Legacy - Genesis

CHAPTER 5 - New Beginnings

An announcement from the loudspeaker reminding passengers to keep their seat belts on ejects me out of my head. The higher we got, the smaller the buildings and our troubles seemed.

At the airport in Chicago, we get into a taxi, and I give the driver the address to Alex's apartment. "102 Upper East, River North, please," I say to the driver. 30 mins later we arrive at a towering building in an opulent part of town.

The gate man approaches the taxi driver and requests his ID then the large mountainous iron gates open automatically. We drive through the gates of the luxurious apartment complex stopping at the entrance of the building. 

The name of the complex is written in big bold and stylish letters "102 East" and strategically place at the front of the building.  Its walls clothed in glass, transparent and ethereal. We get out of the car and take a moment to admire the impressive modern architectural gem in front of us.

I wonder if we look out of place, like three misfits standing in front of this building that no doubt house people of wealth and status. As we stand there looking a well-dressed woman walks out the building and the door man holds the door for her.

I can't imagine anyone looking at us and believing we belong in a place like this. My attire a plain jean with white T shirt and my hair possibly looking like I just rolled out of bed. I was sleeping when Giorgio and Natalia's commotion woke me up and I hadn't had time to put myself together before leaving the apartment this morning.

My hair is up in a messy bun, and I hadn't even as much as brush it before I left. No makeup, no moisturizer, just lip gloss. 

The kids at least looked presentable, Sophie had taken the time to dress herself and Sam for the trip. It's not that I don't own nice things, Alex made sure of that, but I was too busy worrying about everyone else, to put myself together. It feels intimidating and the last thing I want is to draw attention to us.

The doorman who looks around my age stands at the entrance to the building, dressed in a conservative black suit with a gold name tag. As we approach, he steps forward and take our bags "good afternoon, madam, my name Is James. I am the doorman here at 102 East. May I help you find your way?" he says to me with a pleasant smile.

"Hello James, nice to meet you. I am Taylor, this is Abby and Tom.  We will be staying in Mr. Lombardo's apartment 725. There should be a package for us at the concierge desk"

"Concierge is this way ma'am; Please follow me" James says taking and piling our two medium size bags on a trolley. The receptionist is professionally dressed in a gray pant suit and her hair pulled back neatly in a bun. She stands behind the counter smiling at us as we walk toward her. 

We collect the keys and walk to the elevator with James pushing our bags, even though we could manage on our own. We get to the door of the apartment, I push the key in the fancy walnut doorknob and open it. James places the bags inside the apartment and I attempt to tip him for his service.

"Thank you, James," I say, as I hand him the ten-dollar bill. "Thank you, ma'am, that is not necessary, it was my pleasure. Please enjoy your stay" James says with a smile and takes his leave.

I look around the commodious apartment admiring the interior design and décor. Ceiling to floor windows overlooking the city and from this height the entire Chicago skyline is in full view. White marble tiles cover the floor, while the classic gray walls are adorned with paintings that look like originals.

"These paintings are regal" I think to myself as I move closer to get a better look at them, Andy Warhol and Charles Stuart originals.

"Wow, I thought only filthy rich people could own these, aren't these in the million dollars category?" I whisper as I delicately touch the painting.  My fingers glide along the outline of the picture frames and pricey canvas feeling their intricate design.

It's not often that you get to stand this close to greatness. 'Click' the sound of my phone's camera echoes in the room as I take a picture of the timeless paintings. 

The furniture was immaculately arranged and equally as impressive, French sofa and Loveseat. The entire place was pristine, I am almost hesitant to touch anything afraid that I might soil it. 

"A guru who has perfected the art of Feng Shui must have put this together." I say as I sit on the couch. Sophie is admiring the room as well, taking her time to look around with an unimpressed look on her face. She comes over and sits beside me, then Sam follows. "This is a nice place" Sophie says in a monotonous tone. "Sophie, this place is a dream" I say. 

I don't know if I could ever repay Alex for his kindness, and for more reasons than one I hope we get to see him before we leave for good.

We haven't eaten since we left the inn this morning, and I am starved. "You guys hungry? Let's see what's here to eat" I say as I head to the kitchen. There should be something to make a few sandwiches in this fancy place, I say to myself.  I open the pantry and to no surprise, it was fully supplied and the equally kept fridge, had ice cream. But not just any ice cream, my favorite flavor and brand, Cold Stone, coffee flavor. I know Alex did this, and I couldn't stop the smile on my face.  

I quickly prepared a meal of chicken Alfredo for us, then pour myself a glass of wine to have with the meal. After we ate, I took the remaining contents of the bottle of wine with me to the bathroom. Then ran myself a bath, this was my time to Zen.  With my head rested back on the wall I take a sip of my wine close my eyes and relax.  My airpods are in and Lauren Daigle's "You Say" comes on, the song I listen to on every occasion.  No matter what I was going through this song brings me peace.