Many years had passed and Sara was fully convinced with the more she researched, that Sister Inna was right and the paranormal world had an almost perfect vail over themselves and blended seamlessly with the human world. Sara had aged out the system of course because no one could afford to adopt and her first name wasn't exactly résumé worthy. Such is life, she would simply tell herself and keep it moving. She worked many jobs throughout the years trying to find something stable and reliable but if you thought about it, the economic situation of the country, it was bad and even worse where she lived. After the Sister Inna incident and aging out of the system Sara didn't visit the orphanage much because it hurt her so. Her friendships dwindled, though there weren't many but somehow, she kept in touch with Jackie. Sara felt she owed Jackie that much.

A few days ago Jackie reached out to Sara with a possible job opportunity in the Big Apple where Sara's life changed forever. Part of her was scared about the massive change but she knew that New York would provide better resources for her research and maybe some discoveries. Jackie offered her a place to say so they could split the rent and told Sara that the job was as good as hers if she came. Something in her stomach told her to be weary but she trusted Jackie and hopped on a Greyhound Bus bound for New York.

Several hours later Sara arrived in New York with a smile on her face. It was approaching night life hours, the streets and sidewalks were bustling with party goers, workaholics leaving late, and workers that finished their happy hour runs and bar hops. Sara texted Jackie to let her know she made it safely and Jackie replied rather quickly stating she was nearby, what she was wearing and that she'd be there in five.

True to her word Jackie was there about five minutes later and hugged Sara like family that had been apart for too long. It warmed Sara but it felt off like it was too much. Sara offered to pay for an Uber for them but Jackie said it was easier and cheaper to use public transportation. Shrugging and trusting that she knew what she was talking about Sara let Jackie lead the way.

Even with the train moving at crazy speeds, Sara's eyes skimmed over the city lights below her. Smaller things like people and cars blurred by quickly but larger buildings and skyscrapers took a while to disappear from view. The sky was partially cloudy but the stars still made themselves known.

Sara's face was so close to the glass her warm breath steamed up the window and Jackie laughed at her. "Any closer and you'll kiss yourself Sara" Jackie teased. Sara laughed at herself and leaned back from the window but as she did she swore she saw a shooting star. Not that she thought it would work but she closed her eyes and sent up a silent wish 'May my life take a turn for the better' was all Sara wished for and went back to making small talk with Jackie.

Jackie waxed poetic on the way home about how New York food was better than anywhere else and Sara made her promise to get some Cheesecake from Jrs. In downtown Brooklyn. In the meantime they grabed some Chinese food, a celebratory bottle of wine and blasted Lizzo as loud as they could in the apartment.

Jackie had a nicer apartment than Sara expected. The front door lead to a small foyer area where they could put their shoes and a coat closet. Coming out the foyer there was a kitchen to the right with a large island and some stools instead of a dining table and to the left was the living room. The kitchen had cherry wood finishing and glass panes for the cabinets. You could see that matching dining set Jackie had along with those miscellaneous cups from 7/11. A two basin sink was surrounded by a while marble countertop that matched the island. The room had simple eggshell colored walls but she had cute yet simple art and decorations strategically placed in the space.

"Target must be your fav" Sara said more as a statement "It's not everyone's fav?" Jackie asked with a laugh. There was soft plush carpet that matched the walls but Jackie had well placed brown and maroon area rugs to match the artwork and decorations. The living room had a purple couch and loveseat set with cream colored, maroon and brown throw pillows. Jackie had a reasonably sized TV mounted on the wall and a low height entertainment center that was level with her cherry wood coffee table. There was a cable box, DVD player and Roku, simple but supplied her entertainment needs. Past the kitchen and living room there was a hallway with a long closet and door on the left and two doors on the right.

"Linen closet and my rooms on the left. Bathrooms first door on the right and then your room!" Jackie supplied as she saw Sara glance down. "Ima use the restroom and we can eat" Sara said and went to the bathroom.

Jackie pulled out some wine glasses and poured the Moscato before pulling the food out of the paper bag. Sara came out a few minutes later and sorted out the food, sauces and eating utensils. "You think my ancestors are pissed I can't even bother with these things?" Jackie asked jokingly as she tossed the chopsticks back into the paper bag. "Wait you seriously never learned just in general?" Sarah retorted teasingly. "Nah, never cared too, my regular eating utensils work just fine!" Jackie replied laughing. "Ooo Jackie used a big word" Sarah countered making them laugh even harder.

Jackie was a hard worker when she needed to but book smarts wasn't her thing. Sara never judged her for that, it's not for everyone, but that didn't mean she wouldn't tease her a bit. Sara took one bite of her food and realized Jackie was telling the truth, Scranton spare rib tips had nothing on New York spare rib tips. Sara didn't realize she was that hungry but a 7 hour bus ride would do that to any human. The wine hit the right spot and made her warm so she figured half the bottle was a good stopping point for her.

Sara helped Jackie clean up but she felt off, a little too warm. She was never a lightweight so the wine shouldn't have hit her as hard, especially with all the food she ate. "Ugh I feel off. I'm headed to bed Jackie, good night" Sara announced going back to her room as Jackie called back "Night sis!" Sarah barely had enough energy to slip on night clothes let alone shower before she passed out.

Jackie smiled to herself finishing her glass of wine. She went to the sofa and pulled her cellphone out of her purse and dialed a number. After a few rings a baritone voice answered. "This better be important Jackie" he said in a threatening hiss. Jackie shuddered but not as hard as the first time. Years of working for Diak Bardzaranal would do that.

Walking back into the kitchen she replied "Of course boss I wouldn't of bothered you if -" He cut her off "Get to the point Bitch" Diak said annoyed "I have the new girl who can take my place." Diak hummed amused on the other line but she waited for him to speak. "When will I get to meet her and how...compliant is she?" he asked.

Jackie knew he was sick and part of her kind of felt bad but not enough of her cared and she tossed her conscious to the wind a long time ago. Playing with a now empty bottle of unknown liquid in her hands she tossed it into the trash "I gave her a little something to help her sleep after her oh so long travels." She replied with a conniving smile "she's ready whenever you are, she just passed out" she added and leaned against the counter. "The boys and I will be there shortly. Should she suffice, you have a deal and you're out. But mark my word Jackie if that bitch isn't worth the time both of you will face my wrath" he sneered and hung up on Jackie.

Holding back unshed tears Jackie tossed her phone on the counter and went to her freezer for a calming shot of Vodka. Sara had always been unreasonably pretty to Jackie. Tall at five feet 8 inches, dark chocolate skin, plus size but fit and very blessed in front and behind. Her oval face was surrounded by black 4A curls and showed off her green gray eyes, plump lips, stupid long lashes and high cheekbones. Jackie wasn't worried in the least that Diak wouldn't approve and waited for him and his men to arrive.