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Everything you have ever wanted is on the other side of fear.
“Do you think you’ll be allowed to go into town?”
“I sure hope so. I can kill for a good cup of coffee.” The motel coffee carafe looked like it was used to cook meth, and the gas station barely had facilities let alone a convenience area with caffeinated refreshments.
The GPS on my car tells me to keep right at the fork ahead. A large wooden sign states that Avalon Vale is five miles away. “Hey Nora, I think I may lose you. I’m about to cross into the town limits. I’ll message you after I talk to the client. I’m not sure I’ll get any kind of signal until I get my rift-approved SIM card in the mail.”
“Sounds good, Val! I’m rooting for you and sending you all the positive vibes?—”
The line goes quiet.
“Nora?” Not even a flicker of static or the hint of a dial tone answers me. I hang up the call, and try again just to be sure. Nothing. Just a deafening silence as I drive into an ever-narrowing road through an ancient forest.
This is it. One step closer to my dreams.
The house is even more beautiful than I expected.
It’s an Otherkin design, so it’s a perfect blend of wood and stone. The proportions are meant for much larger beings if the twelve-foot doors are any indication.
I really hope I’m able to open them. They look heavy.
I park my car off to the side of the driveway, as far over as I can manage—what if they drove supersized vehicles too?—and head toward the door.
I’m a little early, but the estate representative is supposed to be here soon enough. Maybe he’s inside? I kind of hope so. It was a long drive, and I kind of have to use a restroom.
I knock on the door, just in case. No one answers. I bite my lip.
Too bad my phone is out of commission. I would ask Nora if she had a number I can reach. It’s then I spy the door bell, and give it a try.
The bell chimes something cheery that echoes throughout the house. Still, no answer.
Well, shoot. I hope that representative comes soon.
I stare down the formidable door.
An obstacle is just an opportunity in disguise.
One more time, I try the doorbell again. And then, on a whim, I turn the doorknob.
The door unlatches and swings inside.
“Oh thank goodness!” I hop inside, feeling all kinds of foolish waiting on the front stoop when the house was open this entire time. Maybe they planned on it.
“Hello? Mr. Vernados? It’s Valiana Seitta. I’m the property manager?”
Still no answer. I look around from the foyer. From what I read, the house had been unoccupied for years. Something about the family being from a galaxy far, far away fighting in some important wars that I’m sure benefits Earth.
Yet, the house is warm and inviting. Lived in. The honey-colored woods gives a cheery, open vibe which is echoed by the open floor plan. No wonder the Chamber of Commerce wanted to make this a gathering place.
My entire small town can fit in the living room alone; I can imagine even Avalon Vale’s much larger residents will feel comfortable mingling here.
Aside from routine cleaning, there really isn’t any heavy lifting needed. I wouldn’t even need a week to finish a job like this.
My heart stutters at the thought. What if the family realizes they don’t need me after all? Before I let myself get worked up over a hypothetical non-issue, I look for a powder room.
Eureka! There’s one right at the entrance, and it’s already fully stocked, including fluffy towels. It’s so clean, it’s gleaming. After using it, I wipe down every surface and check myself in the mirror.
I’m still not used to my blonde hair. With it swept up into a French bun, at least it’s not so obviously brash and the darker underside is more prominent. I opted for trousers and a conservative sweater so I can move comfortably rather than a fitted jacket I’d be fiddling with during the entire meeting. My shoes are my splurge. Leather boots are versatile and durable, and worth the investment. Especially considering I’m usually working multiple jobs in a day.
