Home Is Where The Heart Is

chapter 1

Stevie Levine was a young woman with a lot of responsibilities. As she settled into her squeaky office chair in the early hours of a Saturday morning, she let out an audible groan, dreading the long day of interviews she had ahead of her. Time was of the essence so she had to arrange the interviews for a weekend so as to not mess with the teetering Jenga tower that was the mythical work schedule. She rifled through the applications splayed out on her desk, for the post of graphic designer for Mythical entertainment.

Most of the applicants were from the expected demographic of fresh out of college millennials trying to make it in the YouTube world. Everyone seemed to be made out of the same dry mold and nothing stood out, except for one. One very uncharacteristic resume belonging to a Dr. Caren North, M.D. left Stevie with several unanswered questions. She couldn't think of one possible scenario where in an Anaesthesiologist would apply to work for Mythical Entertainment, especially without an actual Degree pertaining to the post. The curiosity that built up in her as well as the splendid portfolio attached to the resume, encouraged her to give Dr. North a call back.

One after the other, a dozen or more people were escorted into Stevie's office for their interviews but nobody really left a mark, their answers melding into one indistinguishable pile of social media excerpts. She could feel her mind getting ready to implode when she heard a knock on her door.

In walked a young woman with. Chestnut hair, sparkling green eyes and  an air of confidence. Stevie internally sighed at the prospect of another mind numbing interview when the young woman put out her hand and introduced herself, " Good morning! I'm Caren North. "

Stevie tried to keep her business face plastered on but boy did the surprise seep through. She was expecting someone older, more worldly but here in front of her was someone who barely looked 25 , in a grey tailored business suit with facial features that could only be described as porcelain.

Stevie managed to stumble out of her mild stupor as she continued forth with the interview. "Dr North, have a seat.I must say, you were not what I was expecting. "

The brunette sat down across from Stevie, and said " You can call me Caren", letting out a small laugh.

Stevie found the fog slowly lifting from her mind as she and Caren conversed. She listened with utmost concentration as Caren explained her time with Doctors without borders in Sudan and her ghastly encounter with Dengue Fever that left her fatigued, almost comatose which forced her hand into taking some time off from her medical endeavours. Graphic design was something that gave her a creative outlet hence  she put together a portfolio and was hoping for the best.

" So why mythical entertainment?" asked Stevie, knowing that irrespective of Caren's answer, she was on the shortlist.

Caren slowly leaned forward and seemed to ponder the question for a second before replying " I need some positivity in my life and I have a feeling that this is where I might get it "

Stevie was about to say something when her phone buzzed, she took one look at it and said "Shit." instead. Caren looked at the little frown that formed on Stevie's face and asked, "Is everything alright?"

Stevie wasn't one to share her frustration with some random probable employee but at that moment in time she just went for it. " The damn courier who was supposed to come pick up these files and drop them off in the valley won't be able to make it. And it needs to be signed and back here in the office in an hour"

Caren wanted to help so she just asked if there wasn't anyone else who could drop them off. Stevie look at Caren with a defeated look and pointed to the floor space behind them with a long line of empty desks and said that since it's a Saturday nobody is in.

Stevie tapped her right leg up and down, with an increasing frequency as she dialled a few numbers hoping to find a courier, all in vain. Eventually Caren says, " I'll do it. I'll take this wherever it needs to be and get it back to you in an hour"

The blonde woman shakes her head  and says " No, no, I can't ask you to do that. I'll figure something out." Caren slowly got out of her seat and calmly explained that it wasn't an issue since Stevie clearly needs to be here for more interviews, the Brunette didn't really think much else of it and Stevie finally gave in.

A few minutes later Caren was on her Black Vespa following Google maps to a residential address in the valley. Having a two wheeler helped her make easy time amidst LA traffic and in less than 20 minutes she had arrived at her destination. A quaint cul-de-sac with gorgeous houses.

She parked and slowly walked up to the front door of the address given to her. She reached up, rang the door bell , right next to which was a name plate that said in big bold letters, Neal Residence.