Chapter 2

Camille New York has always been my home, so going away had a strong feeling of nostalgia attached to it. There was this slight hesitation while we packed, I sat to feel the furniture, stayed a little longer at the kitchen counter, and Mom's bedroom. I inhaled the smoky memories this house held for me. Our home, our lives all manifested in here, it wasn't easy letting go, just immediately after a tragedy. I am supposed to need time, to feel the grief a little longer then wait for depression only to come out of it stronger, but better opportunities awaited me in Seattle. I have always loved the chaos New York held, I plunged myself into that chaos countless times that it was injected in my veins to thrive in all of its madness. New York is set to be the city that never sleeps but I have heard something similar of Seattle. When it comes to thriving culture, music, art and industrial revolution, it's all happening in Seattle. I have never heard much, for me to want to come here so badly like Judy but I have always loved the art and culture. Sadly, where we came from, stuff like that doesn't really happen like we will love to. Another state that's known to have such enormous growth and it's bustling with several activities is New Orleans. The gentle and lovely feel for the arts is just as thriving as any other. The flight to Seattle was quite a long one and I lost track of time till Judy nudged me to stay awake because we were going to land soon. Sooner than expected, we arrived at 'The Emerald City' Phillip was already waiting to pick us up. Judy ran into his arms and I laughed as she clinged for as long as she did want. "Hey Cami, I'm so happy you agreed to come. Honestly you are going to love it here." he chimed, I didn't miss the grin that showcased his perfect set of teeth as Judy stood close to him. The airport was a bit busy today but we left quickly because Phillip saw how tired we were. For some reason, Judy was a bit excited that it made me wonder. Maybe it's all for her benefit, not to mean it in a bad way but I was reaching a climax of cold feet. Do I want to see how it all turns out? Do I even want to know what this place holds for me?. Honestly, I want to see how it turns out but what does this place hold for me? Opportunities, what if I get disappointed? All these questions kept ravaging in my thoughts that I couldn't breathe and I got lost in my own head without being involved in the conversation they were having in the first place. "Yo! Cami" he stared at me through the head mirror as he adjusted his glasses. "Oh sorry. You were saying?" I asked. "I was asking you what kind of job are you hoping to find?" Honestly I don't know but I will take what I've always wanted. As long as the pay was good with enough benefits for me to stand on my own, I didn't have a problem. "Finance manager." He looked at me through the head mirror, nodding his head like he was impressed. 'Darling," Phillip's eyes were on the road when she placed her hands on his biceps as he drove flexing his muscles unintentionally. "Cami here, has a master degree in finance. So it's only natural she chooses a finance manager for a job." She concluded as a proud smile plastered on her face. "I see. What do you plan to do? You know after getting a job" he asked inquisitively. He meant no harm and just finding little ways to help me out here, but his questions were coming off as an interrogation. It was making me uneasy for a bit but then I just had to remember that he meant well. "I plan to get an advanced payment. So I can, you know, get an apartment of my own. I mean, I can't stay with you guys forever. Sooner or later I will have to stand on my own. " "That's true. But you can stay as long as you want until you are stable alright." He assured me. There was some kind of relief in his statement, a space where I can be safe. Not that I am not, but there is an assurance that I have found family in him. Well, he's about to get married to my sister, of course he's family. "I will also see if I can get vacancies in some big companies around here. It won't be too hard to find." he proposed. Judy and I thanked him and there it was. That moment where I won't have to bother about trying out so many interviews before I get that one job. That doesn't mean I won't try, it just means it's getting easier for me, which I'm genuinely grateful for. Phillip is a big shot web developer that has big connect, for these big tech companies. Considering the fact he is also a tech person, so his assistance in helping me get vacancies was definitely something I could count on. Seattle isn't just known for it's livable activities in the arts, they also one of the top cities that are successful in industrial technology, hence the numerous glass tall buildings, all over the city. While we were going to Phillips place, I narrowed my eyes as I let the wind gently breathe on me. I filled my eyes with the beautiful sight of the city as the car moved faster to our destination. Phillip and Judy said something about Port Townsend, two hours away from Seattle. It didn't take long, we arrived at Phillips mansion. As I came down from the car, I stared in awe at the beauty before me, all royal and classy. From my standpoint view, his house screamed money and glory. We walked in as we settled down. The walls and chaos were designed in a desirable white giving it a pure spotless look. A mini book shelf was just at the end of the living room, with a transparent view to make your eyes wander into the city and it's chaos. The kitchen counter and the bar wasn't too far from each other, as it was filled with the finest of wines. The kitchen and the dining room co- existed in one large space that was neatly clean with all of its utilities. Judy didn't seem surprised as she watched me filling my eyes over and over with my mouth slightly open. It felt as if she had been here before. "Come let me help you settle down!" She dragged me upstairs to one of the rooms which I would be occupying. Honestly, I thought I would be more than comfortable here at least until I got a place of my own. I felt quite welcome here and I was grateful to my sister for that. Philip strolled in, as he watched Judy trying to help me unpack. "If you girls are hungry, just say the word. We could order take out or I could just go to the grocery store and stock the house. It's quite empty." he said, slightly embarrassed by the fact that he hardly cooks. Judy hid her laughter, while I smiled. "Since I'm the only one, I don't cook that much." "More like, you don't cook at all" Just chipped in erupting with laughter just to spite him. He playfully glared at her for a bit and sighed. "Well I'm happy you guys are here and it won't be so lonely anymore." He left us saying he will be back briefly, then Judy coughed like she needed to say something. "So I found a vacancy online, while I searched for jobs for you here in Seattle considering the sudden move. I wrote out their caller ID so you can book an appointment for an interview tomorrow." she said, handing me the card with her neat inscriptions of the job details on it. I was speechless, my vision became blurry as I felt tears welling up at the side of my eyes. I pulled her into a hug, as she helped tuck my hair behind my ear. "Thank you Judy." Come on, It's okay. It's the least I can do, just make sure you don't miss it." I nodded as she found her way out of my room. I exhaled. Tomorrow, we go job hunting.