CHAPTER FOUR

Early the next morning I was on the morning train leaving for a new city to begin a new life. Mrs. Sanders had driven me to the train station where we found a copier and made copies of all the documents. Mrs. Sanders insisted we both have copies of everything just for the sake of it.

After that, she gave me more words of encouragement and advice. Promised to keep in touch and bade me farewell.

I couldn’t deny the fact that I was anxious as to what this new life held and meant for me. But I looked forward to trying it out.

Mrs. Sanders said it would not be easy but I would get by. I had gone through five years in hell. What was another five? Maybe ten? Probably forever? I couldn’t think that way, I told myself. I should think of the future of my child and make sure it is bright.

The train stopped in “Hastvin” about six hours later and I made my way off it almost immediately.

Hastvin was a bustling city, known for being the largest commercial city in our country and home to the most successful trade companies, it was the best place for hiding – thanks to the crowd – and also the best place to begin life anew.

Mrs. Sanders had assisted me with leasing a small home through a contact of hers last night and he was to meet me at the train station so I scanned the crowd for him until my eyes found him, waving a placard which had my name boldly written above his head.

I rushed forward to meet him, dragging my luggage behind me.

“Mr. Delbert.” I called out. His head snapped to me and he began to walk towards me with a wide smile.

He shook my hand once he reached me and quickly collected my luggage.

“You must be Lana.” He said, shouting at the top of his voice. It was the only way to communicate effectively with all the noise.

“Yes.” I shouted back and allowed him to guide me to a designated vehicle.

“Please.” He said opening the door for me. “Watch your head.”

“Thanks.” I mouthed.

He got in the car after me and the driver slowly peeled off into the busy street.

“You must not be used to crowds.” He commented.

“Not quite. Asheville is also a crowded place but it is nothing compared to this. I reckon they’re the quiet parts of town?”

“Yes, yes.” He bobbed his head. “The high part of town. Quite expensive.”

“I see.” I answered, allowing my attention to return to the busy road outside.

“I will take you straight to the house so you can have a look at it. Maybe after, you can go to a hotel till you’re ready to move.” Mr. Delbert stated.

“Isn’t it possible to move in immediately?” I asked.

Mr. Delbert gave me a strange look and then shrugged. “Well, technically you can. You have paid full rent. But I thought you would like to wash up the place first, clean and maybe arrange some things to your taste?”

“Ummm… I could do that while I lived there, could I not?” I asked. “You see, I did not prepare to go to a hotel.” I added as Mr. Delbert continued to give me the strange look.

After a long, awkward pause, he finally replied. “Sure, sure. I don’t see why. The house isn’t too dusty itself, uh, when will the rest of your things be coming?”

I gave him another awkward look. “Eh, I will buy them here.”

“Wonderful! Wonderful. Then I might have some things for you to look at. You might like them.”

“sure.” I answered.

My apartment was on the fifth floor of the building and was nothing fancy. The apartment held two rooms, a quite spacious living room and a joined kitchen. Each room had their own bathrooms. It was almost like a family house, Mrs. Sanders must have spent quite a fortune on it.

“Here are your keys.” Mr. Delbert said, handing me a set of keys. “There is a key card, the reception downstairs has one too just for safety purposes or in case you lose yours. I should return with a tenancy agreement which would state the rules.”

I nodded.

“Plus,” he continued. “You can always reach me if you need to ask anything. And uh… the elevator is under repair at this time so you should take the stairs.”

“Oh. Okay.”

He turned around. “Ermmm…. I guess that would be all?”

I nodded.

“Okay. Have a nice day, Lana.”

“You too.” I answered.

He was out of the door in an instant and I was all alone again. The house was empty and it seemed to swallow me. I had forgotten to ask Mr. Delbert about the things he wanted me to look at.

Maybe tomorrow. I told myself as I settled on the dirty floor, ready to call Mrs. Sanders.