Danielle Powers had her fair share of failed relationships, heartbreak and sadness. Although she felt no animosity towards her past experiences, she still needed a change of pace and a change of city. If her experiences taught her one thing, it was to live in the moment, there was no more waiting around for life to fall into your lap, she had to go out and get it.

She spent the whole month of July packing up her life in New Jersey. She had spent 30 years building memories full of family, friends, good times and bad times. Boxes were packed to the brim full of her things, but most importantly her memories. Her best friend Corinne had come over to apartment to help out.

"Are you sure about this?" Corinne questioned nonchalantly. "I mean, you don't have to go so far away, there are so many opportunities for you here.

Danielle looked at her best friend, "I'm sure there are, I just need to do this once." She sighed, "This will always be my home, I just need to know what else is out there."

"And you think whatever is out there is in Chicago?"

"I don't know that. All I do know is I have to try."

"Fair enough." Corinne said closing the last box up.

Danielle set to leave first thing in the morning. Her family and friends provided support, but were so sad to see her go.

"You are just starting your career, why do you want to leave?" Her mom tearfully said to her one night before she had left.

"Mom, there is more to life than a career. I love what I do, but the beauty of it was that I am able to do it in other places also. There are schools in Chicago too."

"I know, I just don't want you to go."

"This isn't forever, it is just what I need to do right now."

The memory of that conversation flooded Danielle's mind as drove down interstate 80 through Pennsylvania. Six hours into her trip and the tears were streaming down her face.

What had she done?

At the ten hour mark, Danielle was starting to feel a little bit better. She knew she was in the home stretch of her twelve and half hour journey. Her thoughts of home were pushed to the back of her mind as the scenery of Indiana put her at ease. The only way to look was forward.

It was slightly after eight am when Danielle pulled into Chicago. She admired the way the skyline kissed the morning sun. It sure was a beautiful city. She called the real estate company that she would be renting her new apartment from and he agreed to meet her in about 30 minutes at her new place.

She decided to rent in the young, but residential area called Bucktown. It was about 30 minutes from her new job at PS 134 on the outskirts of the city. She had done a lot of research of where to live, and where not live in her new city. Her city. Danielle's confidence in her decision was high today, and she knew with her determination and willpower she would be able to make this work.

She stopped for a cup of coffee at a cute shop at the end of her tree lined street. She stepped out of her car and reached her arms up to the sky for a stretch that her body has been craving during the tedious drive from New Jersey to Chicago. She put her sunglasses on to cover her tired eyes and tucked her brunette strands behind her ears.

She was wearing jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt layered under an oversized hoodie with a pair of white converse on her feet. She had been stuck in the car all night and could not wait to finally shower and change.

"Medium coffee, black please." She said to the barista behind the bar.

His ears perked up at the sound of her accent, which he could not place but knew she was not a local.

"Here you go Miss." He handed her a cup, "$1.75 please."

Danielle handed him two singles and smiled at him as she dropped the twenty five cent change into the tip cup on the counter.

She took a quick look around the quiet neighborhood shop and liked how it was not packed with morning commuters, she was already looking forward to coming back here tomorrow for her caffeine fix.

She was so busy admiring the mural on the wall that she did not notice the two men walking in the shop as she was walking out until it was too late.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention" She said nervously as she looked up into the piercing blue eyes of the taller one.

"It's ok miss, no harm." He replied back using his midwest charm.. He studied her face for a moment and flashed a toothy grin at her.

She smiled back at him and at his blonde haired friend and nodded, "sorry again," she said as she walked out towards her car. She could not help but look back to get another look at the dark and handsome man as she slid back into the driver's seat of her car. She lowered her sunglasses and her eyes met his as he was looking out of the window at her too.

"I think I am going to like it here." Danielle thought to herself.

Danielle checked her phone and saw the text from her realtor that he was at her new place with the keys.

She walked up to the second floor unit leaving her car double parked on the street below. It was a great brownstone that looked like it was full of character. Danielle was able to snag the second floor unit with two bathrooms and two bedrooms with the money that she had saved up for this move. She planned to rent for while she was still getting her bearings in this city. Her city.

Her realtor, Mark, spent time going through the place showing her where everything was and giving her a run down of the neighborhood.

"If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to call." Mark said as he handed her a set of keys.

"Thanks so much, I really appreciate all of your help."

"When are the moving vans coming? I am sure you will need some help getting everything up here."

"No vans. I took whatever I could fit in my car, and ordered the rest. Today is going to be a big shopping day."

"Do you need help unloading your car?" Mark asked with a timid smile.

Danielle wasn't really sure what he was getting at. Yes, he was very nice for asking, but that is not something that real estate agents usually do. At least not in Jersey.

She smiled at him, "I appreciate the offer, but it will be a slow and steady day for me. I'm going to head to the supermarket now any way to pick up cleaning supplies before I move everything in."

"Not a problem. You have my number if you need anything." Mark then let himself out.

Danielle took one more long look outside of her big bay window and sipped her morning coffee. The sun was shining and she knew it was going to be a good day.

By the time the sun went down, she had made some pretty good progress but was sweaty and starving. She took a quick shower, thankful that she remembered to bring some towels. She threw her wet hair into a braid, made herself a quick sandwich and looked out of the window as she sipped a well deserved glass of wine. She was exhausted and still had a long day ahead of her tomorrow.