Fooled by Perfection

Chapter 2: Hello Chicago

So, today's the day I'm moving. I have everything in motion. I'll be managing a boutique part-time, and I'll also be working in an upscale salon with a pick of the hours that work best for me to service my clients by appointment only. Being a hairstylist has always been a passion of mine, and before I ventured into fashion, I went to beauty school, so I couldn't be happier that I found jobs that fit both of my interests. I've chosen a condo in a nice area that Jason helped me pick out during a visit we took two months ago. I've got my car, and I still have some savings left over, so I should be okay. I'm just ready to go. I'm looking forward to leaving these bad memories right here in Madison and exchanging them for better ones in Chicago. I text my closest friends, letting them know that I'm leaving; they already know the full situation. They told me to drive safely. I get in my 2007 Audi R8 and pull off. On my drive there, my mind wanders, and I think about how far I've already come in life...

I was born in 1981, and I grew up in Armenia with my mother not really being around; she would disappear at times, wanting to be young and free forever. I spent a lot of time around her friends, who were there to help raise me in their spare time. Once I became a young woman, I made bad decisions about boyfriends, and I had no father around to scare them off. At eighteen, I obtained my visa, and I moved to California looking for a better way to take care of myself. Unfortunately, this led me to take the stage name Cherish. I started dancing for the necessities in life. When I was able to get on my feet more, I walked into a courthouse, where I legally changed my name to Ciana Star. My mother had originally named me Arkina, but I wanted nothing she'd given me, especially when the meaning of the name stood for nothing to her. I didn't feel priceless or precious to her, and it always bothered me. I chose the last name Star, as odd as it may sound, because despite my rough life, I was going to shine regardless. Despite it all, I grew into a successful woman. I still have miles I want to go, but I'm on the right track.

I arrived at my new condo over three hours later. I see the movers are finishing up. I text my friends, letting them know that I've made it, and then I walk around to inspect everything the movers have done. I was happy that all my furniture was placed in the right spots, as I'd described to them. They were even nice enough to grab my bags from the car and bring them in. I tipped them all before they left, and then it was time for me to get settled in. I decide to save my bathroom for last, and as I pull things out of the boxes, I observe them as if it's my first time seeing them. I get everything set up and put into place, and I wipe down my mirror. I take a moment to stare into it. Reality begins to set in, and I take a moment to remind myself of who I am.

I'm twenty-seven years old, and I've been told all my life that my natural beauty is mesmerizing. I guess that's the one thing I have that I could thank my parents for, with my mother being Armenian and my father Italian, according to her. The mix of genetics created features that couldn't be more perfect or ignored, shall I say? My eyes are almond-shaped and can be considered rare because they are naturally hazel in color; they are unique because they have a multi-colored appearance at once, giving them a sunburst effect that catches people's attention quite easily. I have voluminous black hair that stops at my buttocks. My figure has always been something I watch. I have a thin waist, but I'm naturally thick otherwise. It's in my genes, and standing at only five feet, five inches tall, with six-inch heels on doesn't help, but I'm not complaining. I've always been admired for my look from top to bottom.

I finish in the bathroom by lighting a vanilla-scented candle. I hadn't eaten all day, so I grabbed my keys and decided I'd grab something quickly to eat. I needed to go shopping for groceries and other household items, but that would have to wait until tomorrow as it was starting to get late. I remembered seeing a chicken spot only blocks away earlier, so I got in my car and headed there. While waiting in line to place my order, I noticed a young gang out in front of the building laughing loudly. I chuckled to myself, wondering what could be so funny. I placed my order, then drove up to the pickup window. The guy there immediately started trying to talk to me in a flirtatious way, and I wasn't interested, so I ended it quickly. I just got here, and starting another relationship was the last thing on my mind. When I arrive back home, I notice how peaceful the neighborhood seems, even at night. It was just another plus on my list of wise decisions. Once back inside my place, I eat, then take a nice bubble bath. The vanilla scent filled the room at this point. I needed the warmth so badly right now, and with my hair show-winner wine glass filled to the top, I'm in my zone. I soak for about twenty minutes before I dry off and slide into a nightie, then it's off to bed, not even checking my phone. I'm way too exhausted to even think at this point.