Moving In

My suitcase dropped to the ground, cushioned by the soft beige carpet. The thud resonated off the blank walls. Immediately my mind thought of the large painting that was in the back of my car. Yes, it would go perfectly right over there, a few smaller ones surrounding it- that would be perfect.

The clap of my hands created a loud echo throughout the apartment. This was exciting. My very own place! No parents; no little sister to take my things; no having to follow their rules. All mine.

The apartment complex was only a few blocks away from the college, too. Two more weeks and I will be starting my classes. My lips stretched tightly across my face; proud, I am proud of myself. I have made it so far!

Shaking my head, ridding myself of the procrastinating thoughts I take my phone out of my back pocket and dial my mother. Naturally, she didn't answer her phone; usually I had to call three times before she answered, so I set the phone down on the kitchen counter and went back out to my car to start unloading everything.

I didn't have much: just a few boxes of my personal things, my television and DVD player, two lamps, and my easel. When I had found the apartment, it was already furnished with a couch set and a queen sized bed and matching bedroom set; not to mention how extremely cheap it was. Of course I asked the realtor ‘What’s the catch?’ after all I didn't have to pay for any of those things. All I had to pay was the rent: only five hundred a month.

After the visit I went home to discuss it with my parents. They agreed to pay for half of the rent and the next day we signed it off. So here I was, unpacking and settling into my own home. Grabbing a box I walk back up the stairs to the apartment. Stumbling into the bedroom into the i set the heavy box down, examining the room. What do I want to with it? I’m thinking maybe an autumn color scheme.

As I was walking back to my car I was stopped by the sound of my phone going off. I ran up the stairs to grab my phone but it wasn't on the counter where I had put it. That took me back a second then I noticed it on next to the microwave. I could have sworn I had put it down right here. I hadn't even gone into the kitchen yet. I shook the uneasy feel that was creeping up my back and answered the phone on the way back down to the car.

“Mom?”

“Hey there, Pumpkin.”

“So, I’m in; I've already started unpacking my car.”

“That’s wonderful, Sweetheart. Do you want any help? I am sure your father wouldn't mind helping he’s already at the-.”

Grabbing a lamp I quickly interjected her, “No, no it’s fine Mom, I want to do this on my own.”

“I am just so proud of you Amelia, you know that right?”

“Yes ma’am.” I replied setting the lamp on the bed side table. As I turned I noticed a silhouette behind the blinds of my bedroom window. I gasped and ran outside the apartment as quickly as possible. “Lia, are you alright?” I heard my mother ask me. I looked back and forth on the aisle, no one was there.

I put the phone back to my ear, “Yeah, I’m fine. I just thought that I saw someone standing at my window.” I tell her grabbing the other lamp. “Well, it is an apartment complex, Lia, I wouldn’t worry about it.” I laugh, I had been silly for being startled, of course it was a resident of the complex.

“Yeah, I know. I guess it’s the first jitters, right?”

“Absolutely Lia, we all get them; you will be just fine.”

“I know I will be. You know, I had to ask a few days off at work so I could get settled in without too much stress.”

“Well, have you been getting enough hours? I don’t want you to lose too many, you know.”

“I am not losing any.” Hopefully she could hear the aggravation in my voice, I doubt it though.

“Honey, I just want to make sure you have enough money.”

“I know that Mom, I am doing just fine.”

Setting the lamp onto the other bed side table I switch the cell to the other ear and plug the lamps into the wall. I plop down onto the mattress and let out a sigh. “Look, Mom, I’ve got to go, I want to finish unpacking and start shopping for some sheets and a cover.”

“Of course sweetie, oh, if you come by I will give you some money for groceries.”

“Oh, no Mom that’s fine.”

“Please, Lia, at least let me do that for you.”

“You are already helping me Mom.”

“Just come over when you’re done. I love you!”

“Love you too, Mom.”

After we hung up I stayed there on the bed, just looking at the ceiling. Content I was. Hopefully it will stay that way. Letting out a light sigh I swing off the bed and finish unpacking. Everything was out of the car and scattered throughout the apartment.

I check to see how much room I have in the fridge and pantry then take off. Making sure to lock the door behind me; the apartment complex was in a safe place, but one could never be too sure.