Chapter 3

Isabella POV

Even though I've heard this tale before, I still can't make the connection between Sarah and Sophia's bleeding. "So, Sarah is also bleeding?" I ask naively. 

"Not at all. However, she was advised by the doctor not to overstress. Denise responds calmly, "We don't want to enter the bleeding phase. 

"All right? Den, what do you need from me?

"Not me. But Sarah. Next week in LA, she needs you. Thus, you are down to just one week."

"What??" I give a little cry. Nancy rested her arm over my shoulder to comfort me. "But I haven't made any arrangements for my stay in LA." 

This is a safe place for my house. We don't have a mortgage, and that belongs to me. And that's how I intend to leave it. Considering that I have no idea how LA will be. Having a house ready for you all the time is a fantastic thing. Denise, I need to locate an apartment. I haven't examined it.

"You will not live with your boyfriend?"

I notice Nancy wrinkles her nose; it's in my periphery. She doesn't think much of Alex. In particular at my mother's burial. I recall her asking, "What kind of boyfriend is he?" with a certain coldness. For the love of God, this is your mother's funeral.

"Denise, no. We don't operate at that level," I shrug.

Denise flinches. "I thought you were together for over 2 years?"

"In two years, next month. However, no. It just doesn't seem right." I certainly don't want to discuss my love life with my boss.

"All right. What if you were now searching for an apartment? And you may stay in the hotel and pay the office back if your apartment isn't ready by next week?"

Nancy responds, "Wonderful idea!" before I can say anything more. I can only nod in response. Right now, a lot is on my mind. I'm even unable to think coherently.

I'm moving out of Oakwood town and into the city of Angels, Los Angeles, in a week.

Hello LA!

I just got here yesterday and made my hotel reservation through Alex. I was a little taken aback when I got to the motel. This hotel has five stars. The corporation probably won't gladly pay me back for this. But Alex stated he would cover the lodging costs. I was not allowed to crash at his apartment since he felt awful. 

The flat is available for use next week, but I rented it out. I must thus stay somewhere else this week. I'm going to crash at Alex's apartment first. 

Despite being together for over two years, we haven't shared a bed yet. That is, engage in sexual activity. I'm not sure if it's because I'm still a virgin or if I just follow my instincts and think I should hold off on trusting him completely. Not that I no longer believe in him. It's difficult for me to describe. My instinct just tells me not to, and I follow it. Fortunately, Alex is a considerate boyfriend. 

Perhaps he feels uncomfortable having me live in his apartment for a week without being able to touch me (not that he never did; we did kiss and make out a little). However, Alex and I didn't spend as much time together as other couples did because I was always staying by my mom's side.

My second option is to stay at the apartment of Ruby Underhill, my closest friend. She is an actress and singer-songwriter who was just named one of the prettiest women in the world. Her albums consistently reached platinum, and her films were well-received at theatres. Her voice has been compared to that of an angel by others. It was more than simply the voice—it was her personality. She is still modest even though her name is well-known worldwide. She never diminishes you, and she never exhibits bitch diva behaviour. 

Sadly, though, she is spending a month on her musical tour. I'm confident that if I asked, she would agree and let me remain at her house for whatever long I want. When I contacted her yesterday to let her know that I was relocating to Los Angeles, she even became upset with me. She suggested that rather than finding an apartment on my own, I could remain with her. I'd like to remain with her. It reminds us of our past roommate experiences. However, I'd like to stand by myself. My moment to mature has come. Make an effort to live alone. I believe my motivation is just to give it a shot because I've lived with my mother my whole life. After all, she was too ill to do so. And I'm happy that I can be with her for as long as possible till she passes away. 

I know who's calling when my phone rings. "Hi Nancy," I say as I answer the phone. 

"Hey sweetie, how are you? All well? Do you require assistance?"

I ask her too many questions, grinning. She does a great job as the grandmother. She must be utterly adored by her grandkids.

"Yes, Nancy. I'm doing OK