Maybe, There is a Happy Ending

Chapter Twenty-One

Veronica's POV:

Settling into new surroundings can be difficult. Whether it is a new room, new house, new job location, or in my books, a new city. It is the sense of the unknown that sweeps into your soul and your body, leaving you feel numb and a little bit unsafe.

When entering, your heart thumps erratically against your chest, your mind goes all hazy and you are unsure whether this was the right decision. As the days go on though, your heart calms back down to a normal pace, your mind is a little clearer as you get used to your new surroundings and that little bit of doubt disappears, your plan turning out to be the right thing to do.

I have been in New York for three days now. It feels different being back in my home town again, especially after the few months I spent in California. The months I will never forget. Good things have happened to me here, but the bad things take over. I keep reminding myself though, that my parents are now locked up and they have no way of getting to me.

When I landed and took a step off the plane, the first thing I noticed was the weather. It is Summer, but New York feels like Winter compared to California, it's insane. New York is also overcast, grey clouds scattering the sky whereas in California, you hardly saw them.

There was another thing I realised. I had nowhere to go. I didn't think ahead, I just boarded the plane without considering what I will do when I get here. My old home has been sold, so I can't go back there, and I have no other family here. Heck, that was the reason why I agreed to Marie and Jordan's offer.

Thankfully, Sophie offered me to stay at her house. Her two boys moved out of home a little while ago, only leaving her daughter and two grandsons. She had a spare room which she kindly gave me.

I didn't want to take the room at first, I am only a stranger to her who she met on a five-hour flight. I didn't want to invade into her life. But, with a lot of persuasion, I agreed. I have taken one of the boys' room, and I was thankful.

Over the course of the three days, I have got to know and become close with Sophie's daughter, Ariana. When we first met, she was so nice and was very understanding with my story about California.

I also met Ariana's two boys, Andre and Calix. Andre is six and he opened up really quickly. Straight away, he grabbed my hand and dragged me to his play room, showing all his toys and drawings. Calix on the other hand, he is four and was shy, hiding behind his mother's leg. They are both adorable.

Ariana wanted to take me out for coffee today. Honestly, she just wanted a couple hours break from her boys so she could have a talk with me. I agreed and dressed in a navy blue, floral dress with black sandals. It being slightly cold, I also put on a thin, white cardigan.

She had taken me to Starbucks closest to the city, which I haven't had in ages. We ordered what we wanted and sat at the booth situated in the back corner, for a little bit of privacy.

Ariana was sitting across from me, her attention engrossed into a fashion magazine supplied by the café. I couldn't help but just study her. Her burgundy hair is straightened, falling smoothly to just below her collarbone. I honestly love the colour, I love how it brings out her grey eyes, identical to her mothers.

She doesn't look twenty-five either, nor would you think she is married with two kids, two adorable boys. Her and her husband live with Sophie for personal reasons, which I completely understand.

Her and her Husband, Isaak, were high school sweethearts. According to Ariana, she always knew that he was the one, since she started high school. But, due to difficulties, they didn't start dating until Junior year.