Everything has changed

3. All You Had To Do Was Stay

"Dad, I appreciate your excitement, but remember, it was only an interview. I'm not sure if I'll get the job," I remind him. "Of course you'll get the job! You're incredibly intelligent, and I'm so proud of you, Vienna!" he exclaims. "Just promise you won't tell anyone. Even if I do get it, I don't want all your friends knowing where I work," I say, phone pressed to my cheek. "What should I say if they ask, honey?" he asks with a hint of sarcasm. "I don't know, say I work at a library, or tell them I'm a professor teaching overseas!" *Ring Ring Ring* "Dad, I have to go, it's the interviewer calling!" "Okay, honey, I love you, good luck!" he says. "Love you too, I'll update you afterward, bye." I quickly end the call and switch to the incoming one.

"Hello, is this Dr. Vienna Roberts?" the woman inquires.

"Yes, this is she," I respond, nervously biting my thumb.

"Hello there, this is Agent Jennifer Jareau. I interviewed you earlier over the phone. I just wanted to inform you that my team here at Quantico was impressed with your profile, and we would be delighted to have you join our team," she explains.

My excitement was overwhelming, barely containable.

"I'm overjoyed to hear that, and after careful consideration... I would be honored to accept the position."

We then discussed the details of the move, the timing, and other related matters.

3 weeks later

"Dad, I wish I could stay on the phone and comfort you, but they've just called my flight. I've got to go. I'll talk to you as soon as I can," I say.

"Okay, honey, just know I'm seriously so beyond proud of you! I know your mother would feel the same. Promise to be safe and call me at least once a week!" he responds.

"I promise I'll do all of those things. I love you, bye."

I can't believe I'm actually doing this.

As a child, people often ask about your dreams for when you grow up. You express them, nurturing the hope of someday realizing those dreams. However, I was always unsure of what I wanted to do, and frankly, the idea of growing up appeared as a vague notion—as if it were not an impending event. Yet, here I am.

I search for seat 22A, hoist my carry-on into the overhead bin, and settle into my seat. As the plane begins its ascent, thoughts of the new chapter in my life flood my mind. Excitement is accompted with worry: What if they don't like me? What if I fail at the job, or I'm not the right fit for the team? These worries whirl through my mind until fatigue sets in, my eyelids grow heavy, and I drift off, the sun's rays peeking over the clouds outside my window.

"Vienna get back to the car right now!"
"Wait Momma, watch out!"
*Gunfire
"Momma no!"
I gasp as I'm awoken out of my sleep.

"Passengers, we will be landing in 15 minutes." Surprised, I peered out the window once more to find it slightly dark outside. I checked my watch; it read 8:47 pm. I hoped to catch some sleep before work tomorrow. Once my flight landed, I collected my belongings and hailed a taxi to my new apartment. A strange gut feeling emerged, elusive in its cause. I dismissed it, attributing the sensation to nerves about starting my new job. The taxi came to a halt, signaling my arrival at my new residence. I ascended the steps to the office building to collect my keys.

"Hi, my name is Vienna Roberts. I'm here to pick up my keys," I say. "Well, hello! Let me look you up in the system so we can get you all situated," she responds. After about thirty minutes, she hands over the keys and explains exactly which floor I'm on and how to get there.

"Here you go, sweetheart! Have a good night! And let me know if you ever need anything, and I mean anything at all," she says with the gentlest smile.

"Well, thank you, ma'am, and you have a great night as well!" I reply. I take the keys from the counter and head to the elevator to find my apartment.