A/N: The fourth episode has a lot going on, but Maddie was struggling to put her feet on the ground until she found the right apartment, and I thought I'd show that process. It took a while because my writer's block really sucked, but I'm glad I finally got this together :) Enjoy! xx Mariah
Maddie searched for two weeks to find the right apartment. There wasn't a website or newspaper she didn't look through for an apartment for rent close to the call center, and she'd even sent in more than one application in hopes of getting the right place.
After getting walk-through tours there were a few options that just were not going to work out. She had to be in a secure building, preferably even a house for rent if she could find the right one, but nothing had felt right.
She just didn't feel safe in any of them. She always felt like she was looking over her shoulder before the apartment door even opened, and she wasn't even alone. She was with the listing agent and her little brother Evan.
After the fifth walk-through Buck started to get annoyed with the idea of her wanting to move out and taking too long to pick an apartment, so she stopped inviting him to come along.
She had to find the right apartment where she felt safe. An apartment where she felt like she could start a new life.
That was until the two-bedroom condo she found in Eagle Rock. It was perfect. It was a good price, was a secure building, and the parking was even included. It was even a short drive from work and she didn't have to get on the highway.
Plus the apartment was welcoming from the open door to the wide hallway that leads up to the spiral metal staircase. It was beautiful, open, and had lots of natural light. The kitchen was wonderful, just the right size, and the bathtub was amazing.
Maddie was so excited about the idea of being on her own again. She almost felt eighteen again moving to Penn State and into the dorms on her own to get her nursing degree.
She was so happy to finally be moving forward. She putting her two feet firmly on the ground and was taking that first big step toward making a new life for herself since she'd left Doug.
Immediately after looking around once more, Maddie knew it was where she wanted to live and told the agent that. He said he'd have to give the building manager a call and fax over her application but would have to give her a call in the next few days.
This was exciting. It was really happening. It finally felt real. She was doing this. She could totally do this.
Maddie pulled the door closed behind her as Buck carried her bags out to his Jeep.
There were only two suitcases that she'd filled with clothes, family pictures, and whatever else she thought she'd need in the rushed moments when she'd left Pennsylvania for good. She held her laptop bag and purse in her hands as they walked down the sidewalk.
It oddly felt good to need all new stuff. It really felt like she was actually moving on from Doug.
She had a clean and fresh slate with all new furniture, soon-to-be decorations, and a new apartment to put them in. She couldn't wait. This was going to be great.
"So this is really everything, huh?" Buck asked as they walked around the corner of the sidewalk that leads up to Abby's condo.
"Yeah! Unless you wanna give me some of Abby's dishes," she said playfully as he opened his trunk and set her bags inside. "I'll get new things, Buck. It's all a part of starting over."
She went around and got in the passenger side, setting her laptop on the floor by her feet.
"I guess so. We'll have to go and buy you a new couch then, Mads," he said once she got in the driver's side. "I'll have some of the guys from the fire station help."
"Ooh is your boyfriend Eddie gonna come?" She teased as she turned on the radio.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop I'll invite Eddie and Chimney, he's good with electronics so he'll set up your security cameras." He said as he put the keys in the ignition.
"Sounds like a plan. I'm honored to finally meet the mystery Chimney," she laughed and settled into her seat.