Anastasia

46

"pull yourself together."

Astrid finally sat down on the chair, physically exhausted from today's furniture makeover in her studio apartment. It has been close to a few weeks now, and she had found a small studio apartment to stay in with a miraculously quick succession, even the rent was reasonable. She finally made a decision to move to San Francisco, California - a busy state. Once she finds a job, which would be easy, since there are plenty of cafes, drink shops and clothing stores to choose from, she would gladly make herself completely occupied. Recently, she had been thinking too much whether she had done the right thing - to chicken out from University and move to somewhere foreign, a place completely unknown to her, and start afresh. She wondered a lot, if she should have just stayed and continue until she graduated. One thing she was sure she didn't regret - breaking up with Zachary had given her a breather. It was the most amazing feeling she has ever felt.

She shook her head. She had already done this. It's too late to turn back. What she should focus on now would be the job, her expenses and her savings. Right now, she must constantly remind herself to spend less, if not she wouldn't be able to sustain herself for the next couple of months. It was hard, but that's the way it has to be for now. That will mean spending less on food, and even less on her wants. Just necessary staples, and having smaller portions.

She inspected her room, pride swelling inside her. She didn't bring much with her when she moved away - just cards and cash. As much as she could gather. Saving had played a huge part in her life, and she was glad for practising this habit since young. She found a store that sells absolutely sweet antiques and magnificently durable materials made for tables and chairs, all of them less than five dollars. Certainly, it was a blessing from God. Astrid also had her walls pasted with wallpaper stickers, those that just needed glue to stick on, instead of painting it. It was cheaper that way, which means she could save more.

She will begin job searching tomorrow. Now, she would just relax after pushing her furniture at that corner, carrying it to the living hall, rolling the carpet flooring from one end to the other. All of these small things mounted up to a major feat for Astrid, considering her petite size and average body. She enjoyed at the way she had arranged them just the way she had planned when she was on her way to San Francisco.

Sighing, she got up and grabbed her keys and her valuables, putting on her black baseball cap, heading for the door. Since the fridge in her apartment wasn't big, she might as well survive on frozen food for now. Perhaps she could also get some rice, eggs and vegetables to sustain for the rest of the week.

Closing the door behind her, she looked at her phone when a message came in. She didn't plan to change her phone number, mainly because she was too lazy to, and there wasn't anyone who bothered to text her anyway; she rarely had any friends in school due to her crude and uninterested attitude in the past.

To her surprise, it was a message from Anastasia.

Hey Astrid.

How are you doing?

Everything okay?

Yeah, I'm doing okay here. Just on a tight budget.

Where are you now?

San Fransisco. :)

You'll love it there. Food is great. Especially burgers and Chinese food.

Yeah, which is why I moved here. The rent is cheap too. Gotta go, I'll call you when I'm free.

Sure. See ya.