Scene XXXIV: Jen's apartment, that afternoon.
The four of them worked hard to get all the boxes and stuff out of the van and up the three flights of stairs to Jen's new 2 bedroom apartment. She found a lovely place just a block from the beach, yet close enough for her to walk to her new job. The apartment was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, so that nearly each room had the most magnificent Pacific Ocean view. The kitchen, albeit small, was more than she could have hoped for. It allowed her to cook the way she wanted to: all spread out. The table only sat two, but she could manage. She loved to serve buffet style anyway.
The living room consisted of a tan suede-like couch that folded out into a queen-size bed. Flanking it on both sides were matching red wing chairs, an apartment warming gift from Aunt Audrey and Uncle Walter. Her 45" Yatsubishi Plasma Screen TV came courtesy of Megan. Although she won it with her salsa recipe, she felt that it was best suited in Jen's apartment. After all, she had an open invitation to come over whenever she wanted and watch it.
Drake and Josh helped out with the stereo equipment. She received a Sony MegaStorage 300 CD player with a matching receiver. The apartment was wired with those small Bose speakers throughout, so even in the bathroom she could listen to her favorite musician, Drake Parker.
The master bedroom consisted of a very nice oak hardwood floor with adjoining bathroom. The windows facing the ocean opened at the top and bottom, so the new white gauze drapes floated in the seabreeze. She didn't care for the current color of the walls, Taupe, but knew that she would be changing it soon enough. She found the perfect color at Home Depot last week when she was getting some supplies for her new place. She even loved the name of the color: Pool Blue. She couldn't wait to make this apartment her own.
Off of the bedroom was the master bathroom. Again with a wall dedicated to windows facing the ocean, she had this magnificent clawfoot tub. She could sit in the tub washing away the stresses of the day and gaze out at the beach. The bathroom was small, but it was all her own; something she's never had before in her life.
The other bedroom will become her studio. Here she can paint whatever comes into her head. It'll be her sanctuary. Another thing she's never had of her own.
While Jen and the guys were busy packing everything up, Audrey and Megan were already at the apartment getting it ready to be moved into. The kitchen was wiped down, the fridge cleaned out, and Megan took care of vacuuming the floors. It was a team effort getting Jen out on her own, but one that they enjoyed doing.
When the last box was unloaded from the van and moved into the apartment, it was time to unpack. Exhausted, they began taking out the contents and putting them in their desired spots.
Jen: You guys don't have to help me with this, you know. I think I can manage. It's a small space.
Audrey: We know, but we want to help you.
Walter: I love moving into new spaces. It's almost as fun as doing dishes. Wouldn't you say, Megan?
Megan looks at Walter bewilderedly… How can a man as smart as him have such simple pleasures in his life? He must have had a sheltered childhood.
Drake and Josh took care of setting up the stereo equipment. While it was necessary to get other things in order, as in the kitchen and the bedroom, one could not fully appreciate moving into a new home without some rocking tunes.
Josh: I think that's it. What do you say we test this baby out? You got the CD's, Jen?
Jen: They're around her somewhere.
She looks around at the mess of cardboard boxes and milk crates of her junk. All of a sudden she was grateful for the help. The monumental task of moving is not one to be done alone.
Drake: I'll go look for them. I want to pick out the perfect tune.
Megan: I'm getting hungry. Anyone else?
Jen: Oh, yeah. Definitely time for a break. I guess since I'm living here now, I should investigate the neighborhood more. Anyone up for pizza?
There was a unanimous yes from the group. Jen and Audrey went to look for a local pizzeria while the rest of the family continued with the unpacking.
In the car, Jen quietly looked out the window as she drove. This was her new life. Her new surroundings. She felt a little weird being 32 years old and just starting out on her own.
Audrey: What are you thinking about?
Jen: Oh, ha ha… not much. Just that I think after 32 years, and one divorce, I'm finally feeling like a grown up. You know?
Audrey: Well, sweetheart, you've come a long way. I'm just glad that we were there to help. You'll do fine.
Jen: I'm sure I will. But I do feel a tiny bit overwhelmed. I mean, a new apartment, a new job. All in the same week.
Audrey: That's true, but I think you'll be fine. You know that you can call any one of us day or night. We're here for you if you need to talk. Just don't be a stranger, ok?
Jen: Deal. Oh, here it is. Uncle Joe's Pizza. Sounds good already.
