"When does our real-life start?"

At the age of eighteen, the answer was University ..In the first year of university, we say it's when we start to work.

Then the answer changes yet again the moment we start to work, to when we make our own families.

What I found to be the answer to this question is...

Every intake of a new breath is a new start. There is no specific age for a start, any type of start for that matter. And here I am one of the so many living proofs in this world; a twenty-nine years old woman with a stable job, and a divorce paper in hand, having full hope for a new beginning.

"Hello, I am here to check-in"

"Yes madam, may I know the name" the receptionist asked.

"Amanda Steph- I mean.. Amanda Parks"

She typed my name in the system then handed me my room card smiling.. Nice service..."Here you go madam, VIP suite, on the top floor". TOO NICE OF A SERVICE!!!

"What?!" I checked the card she gave me before I left it back on the marble counter separating the two of us "I think there is a mistake, I booked a room here for a month, my name is Amanda parks"

"Yes, I am aware of that madame. We got orders from the owner to make sure to give you the best services and to give you the VIP suite"

"Wait. Excuse me. What?.. I mean, who is the owner?"

"Sir Julian snow "

"Wait! So this is called snow hotel because it's owned by the snow corporation?"

"Yes, madam"

"Oh God! Listen, I would love it if you canceled the booking and just gave me a room for tonight, I will lea-"

"THAT! will not happen... I even took a leave for three days just to meet you miss Amanda. PARKS"

I turned to the old man that appeared behind me right on time, and smiled at him weakly knowing quite well what was about to happen... I know for a fact that this man is the most persistent man I have ever met "Mister Julian! How are you?"

"Great, it's been so long since I last saw you"

"Which is good"

"Yes it is. But I heard you were coming so I gave you the special treatment and you decline it, that is a bit rude don't you think ?"

"I like to call it respectful, I truly appreciate it, but i-"

"Then just accept it... I heard about it all and I know why you are here"

"Am I being followed or am I just too famous?" I smiled at him so I don't come out as rude, since it is never my intention, and he smiled back as a first response before he added the second.

"I just care enough to ask about you dear. After all, you did so much to help my daughter"

"It was my job"

"Then you should have gotten your payment"

"You were in a bind with the corpo, and your family situations, I just couldn't add to that. People are meant to help each other"

"And now I am helping you, so just take it"

"*Sigh*Then. I won't be courteous, I guess" I took the card that was still laying on that cold marble, giving a tight smile to the receptionist there when she grinned at me after witnessing the whole exchange.

"Please, don't be" he said before turning to one of the workers there "Take her luggage to her suite, please"

He nodded and came closer before he held my suitcase and back bag "May I? madam" he asked when noticed I still had a hold on both.

"Oh, yeah, sure" I let go with a smile "thank you" I added to idea my awkwardness due to the unexpected events.

"So?" Mister Julian pulled my attention back to him "Dinner?" He m smiled at me, lifting an eyebrow, waiting for a response.

"If it's on me, then, sure"

"I won't be courteous then"

"Please, don't be"

Luckily for me I was able to have some good rest before dinner time. I did feel bad for accepting the suite, because judging from the interior you can tell how much profit they are making just from this single suite but here I am paying for a single bedroom, getting the best luxury available in here instead...

I kept hoping that the dinner will go well.. You know; spend some pleasant time away from everything ... With a parent of a former patient that I had... In his hotel, and right after getting a suite for practically nothing...

This is not what I came here for!

"I heard about your divorce. I know it might not be the time, but I have a son if you like, he is barely a year older than you"

He.. did not just say that...

I stopped mid-bite, with my mouth wide and my hand mid-air. I looked at him to see if he was joking but he was leaning on the table with his hands crossed, waiting for an answer

"i-" I put the fork down and closed my mouth then opened it again like some sort of fish "I'm not really thinking about any relationships for the time being, though I appreciate it, I just...You know, it's just the second day since my divorce, so..."

"You need time, that's what you are saying"

"Yeah, I need time for myself, for my family and career, then I will think about marriage and starting up a family again. But for now, I think... I want all the times I missed back, I guess"

"And that my lady is why I always wanted you as my daughter in law, even if my son is not worth you at all. But still I am a greedy businessman"

That made me smile and it truly lightened up my mood "Thank you"

"That's the truth. Dig in, it's getting cold." he said, laying back in his chair and taking his fork and knife in his hands.

He then chose to add when he started to cut his piece of steak, giving it quite the attention "And since you declined my offer, for now. I hope you won't decline my offer of spending a paid month in my hotel"

It wasn't that bad, it was just what I hoped for.. A true pleasant dinner...

After all, I got to spend some time with someone whom I didn't have to be cautious around, and fear the outcome of my actions and words...

It's true what they say, that "Good people are there, sometimes when and where you least expect them."

You know. This might bore you but I will get a bit emotional and deep right now... but... sometimes, it's about turning around, you might not get the time you lost back but at least you will save the remaining time of your life.. It is hard to turn but if you don't then you will crash into a thick wall which is a thousand times harder...

My situation right now was not that serious compared to other people's issues but to me and my heart.. It was

I was unwanted in a stranger's home. For five years. But now, I had to move away and wipe my tears and fears away.

Even if the society was to label me as a divorced woman and not just a woman.. Let it be, I accept it with no shame, as my life was now more important to me anyway

I needed to breathe. Just like everyone else; I also needed to breathe.

With this thought in mind, I was able to spend some great time with mister Julian for three days talking about his work and family and not even once reminding me of mine and my actual situation.

Then, twenty-seven days were spent as alone time for me before I decided that it was time to go back home to the family that I promised my safety...

A long time. True!

But I needed time, after all what I went through. After what my mind went through...