Pov y/n

The rest of the week is calm and goes as usual. Work goes well and Jesse gets really excited for me when I tell him that I got an apartment.

He offers to buy me a coffee in celebration but I decline with a smile and we settle for a hug.

Jesse and I pretty much have our routine while working at the coffeeshop and we both know our tasks and I have to say, that I really like that. It's less stressful and we split the work equally.

The shifts at the aquarium are also good and I love being a tour guide and feeding the animals.

Steph is always there if I have a question and I start to feel very comfortable there as well.

Scarlett and I text a few times during those days but nothing much. I did tell her though that I got an apartment, she was happy for me and asked when I will move over there. I told her Saturday, which seemed quite far away then but now that it is Saturday, it did come pretty fast.

I packed all my stuff yesterday and even though this room was just a short time solution, it kinda hurts to leave it now.

With my backpack and suitcase packed, I take the elevator down to the lobby one last time to check out. My phone vibrates and I take a look at it to see that Scarlett texted me.

Scarlett: If you want to, I can pick you up with a car to move you to your new apartment.

Y/n: Thank you for the offer, but I have to go buy sheets and towels after I brought my stuff there.

Scarlett: Alright, but I want to see your new apartment and so does Rose. Is there any chance we can come over at some point? :D

I chuckle a little at my phone and get this warm feeling in my chest again that I always get when I talk to Scarlett.

Y/n: Yes, if you want to, you can come over tonight and I will make dinner for us and return the favor from a week ago. XD

Scarlett: Sounds great, I can't wait.

Y/n: Is Rose allergic to anything that I should be aware of?

Scarlett: Nope, no allergies luckily.

Y/n: Alright, see you tonight, I'll text you the time later.

Scarlett: Okay, see you then :D

I put my phone away and arrive at the lobby. The woman behind the counter smiles at me as I walk up to her and place the key on the counter.

After a short exchange, she takes the key and I pay for the nights I stayed here and make my way out of the hotel.

Well, that's it, I now officially live in New York, in my own apartment and not a hotel anymore.

The way to my new apartment isn't too far and after a little while I arrive there. The owner awaits me and hands me over the key before wishing me a good moving day and taking off again.

Excitement washes over me as I carry my luggage upstairs and open my apartment for the very first time.

Even though it's exactly the same as it was when I last saw it, it feels different now. Maybe because I know that this is now my home.

I smile at that and close the door behind me, bringing my suitcase into the middle of the living room and setting the backpack down on the couch.

I stretch my arms out and spin a few times, taking in my new home. Living here will be exciting.

I take my suitcase upstairs since I put all my clothes in there to easily transfer it to the closet now.

In my backpack are other essentials that either belong into the bathroom or can be spread around the apartment.

While I unpack my suitcase, I start humming a song that has been kinda stuck in my head since this morning.

It seems so silent in here and I miss music. So, I play some over my phone but decide to buy a music box once I have the money for it because the quality of my phone's speaker isn't that great.

I put the now empty suitcase into the closet as well and go back downstairs to unpack my backpack.

The few books I took with me find a place in the bookshelf and so does the picture of me and my family that we took a few years back.

When everything is packed away, I quickly check all the drawers in the kitchen to see if I have everything I need before I go out to buy towels and sheets.

Since the old month just ended, I already got my salary and can now go buy what I need. I still have a bit of my savings left but I'm glad to not having to use them.

Before heading out, I check where the next store is and grab my backpack, to carry the things I will buy.

I enter the store and grab a cart to put my stuff into and stroll through the store. There are a few nice towels and sheets but I can't quite decide yet. So, I just walk around a little further until I'm sure and pack two sets of sheets.

Both are simple. One is plain red and the other is dark blue with white dots.

For the towels I decide on a light orange. Not like neon, more like the color the sun paints the sky in when it's setting.

I look at the towels again, thinking about if I should buy another set. I could use it as an extra one for when mine take longer in the laundry or when someone sleeps over. But who would sleep over at my place?

Besides, my couch is a little small to be comfortable on it while sleeping and I kinda doubt that I will meet someone who will sleep with me in my bed this fast.

Would I sleep in one bed with Scarlett though? I mean, we don't know each other really well or long and don't have a lot of physical contact but I think I would be okay with that.

Apart from the fact that I'd might have a gay panic but that's a different topic.

I shake my head to get rid of those thoughts, I probably won't sleep with her in one bed this soon or ever. But I still put the second set of towels in my cart, just to be safe.

The line at check out luckily is short and I am soon back outside.

When I'm back home, I put one set of sheets and towels in the washing machine, so they are ready tonight and bring the rest upstairs into my closet.

Walking back down, my eyes fall to look at the fridge and I go to open it.

Of course it's empty and I sigh a little. It's not that I expected anything to be in there, it's just that I didn't have to worry about that back at the hotel. I bought my food outside or went to the bar downstairs. Of course, that was more expensive but also easier.

But I can sigh as much as I want, I still need to go grocery shopping.

Once again I take my backpack and lock my door before stepping outside the building.

I look up the closest store because I don't want to carry everything through the whole neighborhood.

While walking through the store, I remember that I told Scarlett that I would cook tonight and start to think about what I could make.

Even though Rose might not be allergic to anything, she's still a six-year old and I can imagine she is a little bit picky, so I should probably make something that she will most likely like.

We had macaroni and cheese last time, so that's off the list.

I still put a box in my cart for another day, not that it could come close to the one that Scarlett made though.

But pasta seems like a good choice for dinner, so I put some in my cart.

I could just make spaghetti with meatballs, simple and yummy and probably something Rose would like.

All the needed ingredients wander into the cart, as well as other groceries. When I come across the sweets, I have to hold back to not buy everything. So, I decide on chocolate bars, gummy bears and chips, for now that should be good.

After I pay for everything, I put it into my backpack but it's too much and I have to buy two more bags to carry everything home.

Spending this much money on groceries hurts a little but it's the first time and that's always more expensive. But at least I should have a good amount of food now.

The bags get really heavy on my way back and I'm glad when I reach the building.

With a relieved sigh, I place the bags on the kitchen counter and put my backpack on a barstool. I put everything away, trying to create a system where everything goes. It works but I doubt that it will stay this way very long.

Once everything is inside the fridge or cupboard, I flop down onto the couch, a little exhausted from running errands.

After a quick glance at the clock, I text Scarlett when to come over and allow myself a break, just lying on the couch and scrolling through my phone.

Feeling a bit more energetic now, I get up and wash my hands to start preparing the food.

It's a new feeling to work my way around this kitchen and it takes me a little while to remember where everything is. I notice a few utensils are not here and start a list with things I will have to buy.

While the spaghetti water heats up, I start the sauce and chop what needs to be chopped.

I start humming a random song and once again notice the missing of a music box. It's really quiet without one but my phone's speaker quality really isn't the best. I don't mind silence but I prefer music while doing chores because then it's more fun and it feels like it's done quicker.

Once everything is cooking, I start washing up what I don't need anymore so it doesn't look messy. I want my apartment to make a good first impression and that doesn't include dirty dishes in my kitchen.

When I'm done with that, I start setting the kitchen aisle, placing a plate and cutlery in front of each chair. I don't have a dining table where we could sit at but I think this will do just fine.

As soon as the spaghettis are done, I take them off the heat so they don't overcook and stir the sauce a little bit.

My phone vibrates and I pick it up to see that Scarlett texted me that they are on their way now. I smile until I remember that I haven't put my towels up yet. So, I rush into the bathroom and get everything in there ready. My eyes look over everything and I decide that it's good.

Only a few minutes later, the doorbell rings and my heart beats faster in excitement.

I buzz them in and tell them on which level my apartment is.

The sound of steps in the hallway tells me they are on their way and I hear a child's voice, knowing it's Rose. One set of steps gets faster and a few seconds later, I see Rose running towards me. She wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me. I chuckle a little and loosen her arms a little to crouch down and hug her decently.

She beams at me when she pulls away as Scarlett also reaches my apartment. I get up and smile at her.

"Hey." I greet and a soft smile tugs on Scarlett's lips.

"Hey." She says back and for a second I get lost in her eyes before I step aside to let them in. Rose gets out of her shoes and puts them aside before running into my living room.

"Woah, you have stairs in your apartment!" She exclaims excitedly and I walk a few steps close to her to have her in my sight while Scarlett gets out of her shoes as well after closing the door. Rose is staring up at the platform.

"Yes, I have my bed, desk and closet up there." I explain and Rose turns to look at me as I walk further in, Scarlett now following me, looking around interestedly.

"So, it's like a huge bunkbed?" Rose asks and I laugh a little at the comparison.

"Yeah, I guess you could call it that." I agree and she nods impressed.

Scarlett joins Rose in the living room while I walk over to the kitchen and stir the sauce again so it doesn't burn.

"Can I see it?" Rose asks and looks between me and the platform.

"Of course, I can show it to you later. But how about we eat something first?" I suggest and Rose nods. She comes over to the kitchen and tries to look what I'm making but she's too small. Scarlett is still looking around my living room, now inspecting my book shelf.

"I can't see what you're making." Rose whines a little and pouts at me.

I can't help it that my heart melts at the sight. It melts even more when she stretches her arms out to me. So, I pick her up, place her on my hip and show her what I'm making.

"Spaghetti Bolognese!" She says excitedly and her face lights up.

"Yes, do you like it?" I ask and she nods frantically. When I start to stir the sauce for the last time, Rose reaches out to grab the spoon and I let her help me stir the sauce while my other arm is securely wrapped around her body so she won't slip.

Scarlett turns around to look at us and an almost fuzzy smile takes place on her face as she watches me and Rose.

When the sauce is ready, I set Rose down and she runs to the bar stools to get her food. Scarlett helps her climb up there while I prepare the dishes.

"It looks and smells really good." Scarlett compliments and I blush a little at that.

"Thank you." I reply and place a plate in front of her and Rose before taking my own with me to sit next to Scarlett.

Rose looks at her mother, waiting for permission to dig into the meal and after she gets it, she twists the first load of pasta around her fork and puts it in her mouth.

I watch her face as she chews and her eyes grow big. She swallows before speaking and looks at me.

"It tastes really good, thank you." She says politely and excited at the same time.

"Thank you and you're welcome." I reply and Rose continues to eat. Scarlett watched our short interaction and starts to eat herself now.

She hums at the taste and gives me a thumbs up, which makes my heart feel lighter, they like my food.

Now I understand why she was waiting for my reaction when she cooked last time.

We eat in silence until Rose is finished and starts swinging her feet in the air and bouncing in her chair. Scarlett notices Rose's boredom as well and looks at me before turning to look at Rose.

"I got some toys in my bag, you can get some and play with them if you want." She offers and Rose nods before sliding off the chair and walking over to where Scarlett set down her back.

We finish eating a few minutes later and I take the dishes and put them into the sink, I will clean them later.

"Thank you for cooking and letting us visit you." Scarlet says and leans her hip against the counter, now standing.

"Of course, you cooked the last time, so I thought it was only fair for me to cook this time." I shrug with a smile and walk over to the living room to sit down on the couch. Scarlett follows me and sits down as well but before she can say something, Rose runs up to us.

"Can you show me your bunk bed now, y/n?" She asks and takes my hand, not really wanting to wait for an answer.

I give Scarlett an apologetic smile and get up, following Rose up the stairs.

When we reach the upper level, Rose looks down and waves her mom who is looking up at us and waves back.

"This is so cool!" Rose says and looks around the platform.

"Why is your bed naked?" She asks and points to it. For a few seconds I'm confused what she means but then realize she means the missing sheets.

"Because I had to buy sheets today and they are currently in the dryer." I explain and she hums in responds.

"Is your bed comfy?" She asks further and walks up to it. I shrug, never really having tested that. Rose lets herself fall down onto the bed and stretches all her limbs, lying there like a starfish which makes me chuckle.

"Is it comfy?" I ask and she purses her lips in thought, wiggling around a little before grinning at me.

"Yes, it's approved." She says and nods, still grinning.

"Thank you." I say in a serious voice, saluting as she gets up, which makes her giggle. My features soften and I smile at her.

Rose walks to the railing, looking down into my living room. Scarlett still looks up at us, her expression soft and full of love.

"Do you think you could fly down here with a parachute?" Rose asks and I'm more than surprised by that question and need a second before I answer.

"No, that's probably not possible and would end in someone getting hurt." I answer her question and she nods, a small pout forming on her lips.

"But we can build paper planes and let them fly down." I offer, making her pout vanish and she nods excitedly, hurrying down the stairs.

"No running on the stairs, honey." Scarlett reminds her in a bit sterner tone and Rose slows down.

I follow her downstairs after grabbing some paper from my desk that the previous owners must have left here. Rose sits down on the couch next to her mom, waiting for me to return. I hand both of them a paper and Scarlett's face almost lights up at the anticipation that she will be a part of this.

"Does everyone know how to fold a paper plane?" I ask, looking at the both women. They nod.

"Alright, then let the building begin." I say and all three of us immediately start folding the paper.

We all go for a different tactic. Rose folds a classic one, I create one that's thin and looks a little like a torpedo, Scarlett folds one that is a bit smaller but has wider wings. When all of us are done, we go back upstairs.

"I will win this thing." I say confidentially, believing in my paper plane.

Rose and Scarlett both giggle at my statement and it's the first time I hear them both at the same time and notice how similar they are. My stomach fills with a warm, happy feeling at this sound and I have to hold back to not smile too widely.

"You won't win because I will." Rose says proudly and shows us her plane.

"Nice try but we all know that I will win." Scarlett disagrees with Rose, earning a playful glare from her daughter.

We arrive at the upper level again and stand at the railing. Since Rose can't see very good because of her height, Scarlett picks her up and sits her on her hip.

"Okay, whose plane stays in the air the longest wins." I decide on the rule and both blondes nod.

"We will throw them at the count of three." Scarlett adds and I nod.

"One...two...three." We all count together and throw our planes.

Sadly, mine goes straight down and I pout when it hits the ground first.

Scarlett's slowly flies in a straight line but Rose's is faster and hits it mid air, causing Scarlett's to lose speed and track and it sails downwards fast.

Rose's flies a nice curve before also loosing speed and reaching the ground as the last plane.

She starts cheering and claps her hand, raising her fist in victory and smirking at us. Scarlett sets her down so she can celebrate.

"You hit my plane, that doesn't count." She objects in a playful tone and Rose sticks her tongue out, before running to the stairs to flee from her mother who started running after her.

Following the rules, Rose goes the stairs down in a normal speed before running around my living room again.

To keep it fair and not to break her own rule, Scarlett also walks down the stairs and starts chasing Rose in the living room again.

I follow them and watch them run around my small apartment. Rose giggles and cheers when she escapes her mother but eventually gets caught and Scarlett grabs her and lifts her up before bringing her to the couch and tickling her.

The little girl squirms and kicks her feet, careful not to hit her mother, while laughing non-stop. Scarlett also laughs, looking at her daughter in the most loving way while tickling her.

The scene is adorable and I feel the wish inside me, to someday have that too with my future family.

When Rose gasps for air, Scarlett lets go of her. Rose still giggles but catches her breath.