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{ riley's version }

_

Two weeks later, I was stepping off a plane in London. I was told that someone was going to pick me up. A girl named Izzy was going to meet me outside of the baggage area and take me to my new apartment. Apparently, she was in my position the year before. I hoped that we got along since we were supposed to work together. And she was going to be my mentor.

My saving grace, though, had been my headphones. The music played softly in my ear as I stepped off the plane. My phone didn't exactly work when I landed and I felt bad because I wanted to message Logan and let him know I was safe. I would remember to ask Izzy about it. She would be the one to know.

A high-pitched scream made me take my headphones off, and look around for where it came from. I was really hoping that there wasn't someone getting attacked. Logan had made it seem like it was unsafe here. But all I saw was a tall blonde running towards me. She stopped just a few feet away, holding her hand out.

"Oh my god, you are so pretty. Your headshot didn't do you justice at all."

"Uh- thanks?"

"Where are my manners?? Hi, I'm Izzy."

The tension in my shoulders left as I took her hand, shaking it. "Hi, Riley."

"You are so cute, oh my."

"Thanks."

She smiled and I suddenly felt very self-conscious. Her long blonde hair was perfectly straight and while she was tall, she held herself with so much confidence. There wasn't a crack in her full face of makeup. She just radiated beauty and all of a sudden I felt like Anne of Green Gables. A plain redhead.

I stayed silent as I grabbed my bags, following Izzy to the car. She was talking about the apartment I would be moving into but I was barely listening, starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with everything.

"Can I interrupt you?"

"Oh- yes. Of course."

I clear my throat. "I was wondering how I'm supposed to use my phone."

"Oh, yes! You can use it, any international charges will be covered by the team."

I smiled, softly thanking her as I turned on my data. The messages came flooding in and I ignored most of them to respond to Logan.

lo lo

hey, just let me know when you land
i will be staying up until you land
you cannot be mad at me for it

lo, i'm good. i'm heading to my
apartment now.

great. i am going to bed
call if you need anything

I chuckled and closed my phone. I would get back to everyone when I had the energy and wasn't completely jet-lagged. I went back to half-listening to Izzy until we pulled to the side of the road. I looked out the window to the townhouse, it was a dark green with wrought iron fixtures and beautiful brick. I smiled.

"This is mine?"

"Yup!" She got out of the car and I followed. "It's three stories and they are all yours. The bottom floor has the sitting room and the kitchen. The second floor is a study and some other rooms you can choose how to decorate. The third floor is the master bedroom, which I assume you will be staying."

I shook my head, not completely believing it as she handed me the keys.

"I put my phone number on a sticky note on the fridge if you need anything. Until then, I will see you at eight tomorrow morning to help you get to work. Night!"

I waved goodbye, taking my bags as I walked up the stairs. I was here. This was real.

_

I sighed, flopping down onto the bed as I had finally unpacked everything. The rest of my boxes would get here tomorrow to be able to decorate everything. It was weird to have so much space to myself. It felt very lonely. I was used to having Logan in the house. Even if he was traveling, some things reminded me of him, all of this was bare. There was no sense of anything here.

"I need my boxes..."

I sighed and walked down the three sets of stairs to the kitchen. I was really wanting a cup of tea but as I went through the cabinets and drawers, nothing. I groaned and pulled out my phone to look for a nearby store. Hopefully, they would take my card, because cash was not something I had. There was one only a few blocks down the street. Perfect. I grabbed a bag that was hanging on the hooks near the door and started down the street.

I had purposely left my headphones to be able to get used to the sounds of the city. Florida was something I knew like the back of my hand. The things that people would consider weird or different, I found it as part of the natural charm. It was the things that made my home what it was and there was always a story to find.

Maybe that's why I was good at what I did. Writing had come easy to me. There was always something to say and to learn. If you could learn what stories people wanted to tell, wanted to hear... you were able to please. And there was always someone that wanted to hear about it. I found writing about real things, the world around me, was the best way to get my mind to the world. And now I was doing it in a world that was not going to be accepting of me.

I got to the market and let out a sigh of relief that I managed to not get lost. Making my way to the tea, I realized I probably needed to get honey and sugar as well. What turned into a simple trip ended in me buying a week's worth of groceries. Great.

I set all my stuff down and the older lady scanned it without question. She smiled up at me, taking a few glances before finally speaking.

"You're new?"

I nodded. "Moved in today."

"American. You must be the new intern Izzy was gushing about."

I raised an eyebrow. And the older lady chuckled.

"She lives right down the street, darling. A sweet girl. This is a very small neighbourhood. We all know each other."

"Oh, I see."

As she handed me my bags, she patted my hand.

"Whatever fears you have will disappear as soon as you walk into that building. You got yourself here, and you deserve it."

"Thank you, Mrs..."

"You can call me Eli."

"Thank you, Eli."

She nodded and I walked back to my apartment in silence. Something about her words was comforting. I didn't have the most present parents due to their focus being on Logan. I didn't mind it, he needed the attention. I held no contempt about it. But it was nice. To have something that was completely my own. I was separated and living out my dream. I was starting to think Eli was right. It was my world.

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a/n: i am wanting to get a few of these out before i set a somewhat schedule (for those who have read my other fic, you know there is no set schedule) but i am also enjoying having a new muse. as always, love it or don't :p