Finding you

Chapter 2

It's the next morning. I hear my alarm clock; the sounds echo in my ears. I sit up and rub my eyes. It's six o'clock. I have to be at work in an hour. I get out of bed and open my curtains. The first rays of sunshine enter my room, and I see the sun rising between the buildings. I gaze outside and observe the other buildings. Some are lit up, while others remain dark. After a while of staring, I head towards the kitchen. I pass through the hallway and enter the kitchen. I make an egg and turn it into an avocado sandwich. While I eat, I gaze outside again and enjoy the morning light. Then I get dressed. I pick out a nice outfit, grab my things, and leave my apartment. I take the stairs down. When I reach the bottom, I check my mailbox. There are a few unimportant letters that I put into my bag. I open the door and step outside. I pause at the door and look around. The streets are quiet, with few cars, and I see the bus stop. The bus is approaching. It stops, and I get in. There are a few people on the bus; I sit towards the back again. I put in my earphones and listen to music. Meanwhile, I think about ideas for my work, but I mostly wonder why I had to come to work earlier. Hopefully, I won't get fired. After twenty minutes, I arrive at the bus stop. I get off and walk towards the marketing agency. It's already busier on the streets of New York. I stop and stare at the agency. It's a building with at least five floors. The façade is blue with a bright pink sign displaying the name of the marketing agency: 'Fashion Boutique'. I enter the building and take the elevator to the second floor. The elevator doors open, and I see the large window in the hallway. The left door is Ellie's office. There's a nameplate on the door: 'Ellie Gilman'. Ellie is the best boss ever. She's young, about three years older than me. She understands everyone and is so kind to everyone. I knock on the door and hear a voice: "Come in." I open the door and enter her office. "Hey, June. How are you?" Ellie says. "I'm good. And you?" "Very well, but to the point. Have a seat," she says, pointing to the chair in front of her desk. There are two chairs, both bright pink. I sit down and feel a slight tension in my body. "I called you here because I have a proposal for you." I'm eagerly curious about what she means by 'a proposal'. "Okay, I'm listening," I say. "I've been in touch with a fashion agency in Paris. They asked if I wanted to send one of my employees to Paris for a two-year collaboration. They're looking for someone who is very interested in fashion, someone who enjoys designing new clothes and is very original and inspiring. And I immediately thought of you." I gulp for a moment. I feel honored but also a bit shocked. Living and working in Paris for two years is long, and I'm not sure if I dare to take that step. "I know it's a big decision. Think about it. You have six months to decide. Within six months, they would like to know if you're going to do it or not. If you do, you'll have your own apartment in Paris. I'll support you from New York," she says. "Wow, I feel honored," I say. "I'm not sure. It's a great opportunity, but it's a big step." "I completely understand. Going alone, leaving your family to work is scary. But think about it; maybe your whole life will change for the better," says Ellie. "So sweet of you to think of me right away. I'll think about it, and as soon as I know, I'll let you know," I say. "Perfect. Good luck today. And think it over," says Ellie. "I definitely will. See you soon." I stand up, smile at Ellie, and turn around. As I walk towards the door, I feel a mix of emotions: excitement, happiness, fear, and stress. I leave the office and take the elevator to the fifth floor, where my desk is. The elevator stops, and the doors open. I see Louise, my colleague and best friend. "June!" Louise calls out excitedly. "Are you looking forward to today?" she asks. "Yes, I am. And you?" "Yes!" she exclaims loudly. "Okay, so Ellie gave me a crazy proposal," I say. "Omg, what?!" "A fashion agency from Paris wants to collaborate with our marketing agency, and they would like to send one of our employees to Paris. Ellie chose me." "Wow, that's amazing. Are you going to do it?" "I'm not sure. If I go, I have to go for two years. Alone." "Oh, now I understand why you're hesitating. How long do you have to think about it?" asks Louise. "I have six months to make a decision." "Okay, so you still have plenty of time to think about it. That's good," says Louise. "Yes, indeed," I reply. "I have to get back to work. I'm working on a new fashion design. Love you, June!" says Louise as she walks towards her desk. "Love you too, Louise," I call back. Louise's desk is opposite mine. I smile and enter my office. As soon as I step into my office, I see the bright pink walls, my blue desk, and the dark pink chair in the corner. My office has two large windows with the most beautiful view over New York. I sit down on my office chair. While smiling, I think. I don't know if I should leave everything I have here: my family, my friends, this beautiful office, just everything. I take my laptop out of my bag and open it. I read my unread emails, reply to a few, and work on some designs. I sketch some more ideas in my sketchbook. Time flies by, and before I know it, it's lunchtime. I stand up, walk to the door, and knock on Louise's office door. She opens it enthusiastically and exclaims, "Lunchtime!" I laugh and shout back, "Yes, it is!" We both start laughing and head towards the elevator. Louise presses the button for the second floor, where the cafeteria is. Actually, 'cafeteria' is the wrong word. I can better describe it as the most hip space ever to eat. The elevator opens on the second floor. The entire second floor is the cafeteria. We see a few colleagues already eating. Louise opens the fridge and takes out two salads. "I brought a salad especially for you too," she says. "Oh, so sweet. You really didn't have to," I say. We sit down at our regular spot by the window. We eat the salads and catch up. This afternoon I have taken off. After lunch, I go back to my office, pack my things, and go outside. I walk to the bus stop and take the bus back to my apartment. As soon as I get home, I immediately change into comfortable clothes, read the letters I took out of the mailbox this morning, and think. Especially about the big decision I have to make. I spend the whole afternoon thinking. Time flies by quickly. In the evening, I decide to go to bed early. I'm tired. I lie in bed, but I can't sleep. I keep thinking about one of the biggest decisions of my life. Eventually, I fall asleep. I wake up. I look at the clock; it's four o'clock. I stare at the ceiling. I'm tired. I look at the clock again and then back at the ceiling. I stare at the ceiling for a minute. My eyes slowly close, and after five seconds, I fall asleep.