Everyone has a dream. Some people try to make theirs come true and some are content with the way their life is going. I'm in my twenties now and for the first time in my life I decided I'd take a risk and make my dream become reality.

My dream was simple - move to New York. The big apple.

A whole year I struggled with finding a flat and a job but finally everything was set. I'd rent the former flat of an old friend and work for a small newspaper as a cartoonist.

Now, not that my life was horrible so far, but it wasn't exactly exciting. There would never be any stories which I could tell my children if I kept living like this. "Like this", as in a small city, called Whitehood Hills. Where you could either hang out on the playground or visit the only shop in town. Problem is, the only shop in town is a grocery store.

In high school we often went to a café, called Uncle Paul's, but after high school was over my little group of friends slowly split up and everyone went their own way.

Today it would be my turn to go my own way.

Everything was packing and I headed downstairs where my family was already waiting for me.

"I can't believe you are really leaving," my mum said while pulling me in a tight hug.

I returned her hug and answered while patting her back: "I'll miss you." After a second I looked at my dad and my little sister Daisy and added: "All of you."

Next one to hug me was my dad, but only a short hug. Afterwards he looked at me with a stern expression. "Don't do anything dumb," he tried to play it cool but there were cracks in his expression, he's going to miss me.

"I promise." Last I looked at Daisy. She looked at me. Then her arms were already wrapped around my legs with her sobbing, "Don't go!"

"I'm sorry, Dais'. But I'll visit you...and I'll bring you something from New York."

She held on for quite some time until she nodded slightly and let go.

Here we go. "Bye, everyone," I said while looking at them a last time and then I went outside.

A few minutes ago I had called a taxi. Now the driver was already waiting for me. I quickly pushed my bags in the backseat and got in myself as well.

At the airport I went through the usual routine of checking in, waiting, body check, waiting, finally getting on the airplane and then even more waiting.

Everyone in the plane was bored and tired of all the time they must have spent at the airport today. The long safety instruction by the stewardess didn't make it any better. Only as the plane took off a few relieved sighs went through the plane and especially the passenger who were dressed in business clothing seemed to relax.

I, for my part, should have relaxed as well but all in a sudden I couldn't. When the wheels of the plane left the ground my heart skipped a beat and all kinds of worried thoughts poured in on me. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. I might get fired from my new job. I might terribly miss my family. My dream could turn into a nightmare and I'd lose all the money I saved the past years to make it become true.

There was no way I could relax. The whole flight I tried to sleep but my brain didn't stop pushing these thoughts onto me. I was doomed to sit there silently and wish for my brain to shut up.

It could have taken hours or even days for the plane to land, to me it was an eternity - even though I knew better. The flight didn't really take long.

I waited until everyone else had left the plane. Maybe if I'd keep sitting here the plane would just take me back home.

No.

I pushed myself up and left the plane while saying goodbye to the stewardesses and the pilots.

After I collected my bags from the airport I went outside and stopped a taxi.

"Good day, Ma'am," the driver smiled at me through the mirror, "Where are we going today?"

"To this address, please." I replied while pulling a piece of paper with the address on it out of my jacket. I held the paper to him so he could read it and he gave me a quick nod.

"So Hell's Kitchen it is." He replied and started driving to the address.

Finally I got my first chance ever to look at New York. I was taken away by the sight. It was nothing like Whitehood Hills. Skyscrapers everywhere. Lots of people were walking on the streets and the city was full of life. All the buildings, statues and parks that we passed were amazing and I already made mental notes on what I had to visit.

Now all my doubts were washed away. I couldn't wait to see my flat and how great the area I would live in would be.

But the ride took a long time. There were still a lot of skyscrapers, but less people walking around. All the glory of the city seemed to pass the further we drove. Everything seemed dull.

Just when I thought we might just drive through this area the taxi driver stopped the car. "There you go."

He turned slightly in his seat to look at me and added: "I hope you have a good time here."

Of course, I thanked him and after paying my bill I got out of the taxi to have a look at my new home.

The building was old and renovation was needed already years ago, but obviously no one seemed to care. This couldn't be the right place. No way.

I pulled out the piece of paper and read the address, only to look at the building again. The same address. Great. But maybe it would be better on the inside.

After collecting my thoughts and convincing myself to go inside, I picked up my bags and entered the construct. When I arrived in the second storey I had a look through the hallway. Only four doors but no decoration and no plants either. Only white walls.

One of those doors lead to my new home - my new life.

My heart was racing and I felt like going back once more, but there was no going back. I placed my hand on the door knob and slowly pushed it down.

The flat itself was - fine. The building itself looked worse but it could have been better. The rooms might have been rather large but also dark. There was barely any sunshine getting in because another building was blocking the view. The kitchen hadn't been cleaned since months and don't even get me started about the bathroom. At least the bedroom was in a good shape. Well, clean. It wasn't even close to perfect, but I had all of New York to explore so why even bother about the looks of some rooms.

After taking some time to relax on the bed I felt ready to unpack my bags. Suddenly, with all my personal belongings around, it felt much more like home. Only one thing which is necessary for surviving at home was missing - food.

I grabbed an empty bag, my keys and my purse, then I headed out of my new flat go to a supermarket. Good thing is that I saw one not very far from here during my ride. Now I'd just have to find it again.

While I locked my door I heard another door open in the hallway. "Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," a male voice said. Then a few steps followed but stopped immediately with an "Oh!" following.

I turned around to look at the person who was most likely one of my neighbors.

"You have to be new here. I never saw anyone leave this flat...or go in there," the man blurted and walked a little closer. "Right, where are my manners? I'm Foggy. Foggy Nelson."

"It's nice to meet you," I replied with a slight chuckle, "I'm Jade Gibson."

"Hey! How about this. I was just about to get us some Chinese take away. You could join us." The last part sounded more like a question but he was smiling either way.

No one could have stopped me from getting free food from a nice person - especially Chinese food. "Really? That's so nice of you. I'd love to come over." I smiled at him and nodded. Suddenly my brain reminded me of my actual plan. "Oh wait. I should buy some groceries first. I don't want to starve to death in the next days."

"Eh, that's no problem. I'll need some time as well. Just come over as soon as you are back. If I'm not back before you are then just tell Matt I invited you."

"Thanks! I definitely will," I replied and started to walked downstairs. Quickly I added loudly, "See you later!" Afterwards I was already outside and on my way to the supermarket.

I came back armed with two bags full of food and placed everything in my kitchen. Afterwards I took a minute to get myself looking fresh as well and then I walked to the flat Foggy had left earlier.

Knock. Knock.

---------------------------------------------

Chapter 1 is rewritten! I hope it improved.

I'm still stunned about how many replies this whole book is still getting after all this time. Is it because Spider-Man?