A New Beginning (1)

The flight to Paris took at least nine hours with only one stop over. I arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport at night time.

I was at the arrival area searching for the person that was to fetch me, Aunty May. She is a close friend of my parents in their college days and now was living here in Paris.

I only saw Aunty May in a photo and haven't met her personally yet. I was about to fish my cellphone out of my bag after searching at the crowd of people holding name boards but still wasn't able to find her, when I heard my name being called.

"Anastasia! Anastasia Rosette Berkin!" I heard my name in the sea of voices.

When I searched for the source, I saw a woman holding a sign board with my name on it. She had a pale blonde wavy hair and was wearing jeans matched with a black shirt and gray coat on top. It was January and the weather was cold so winter wear was a must here in Paris.

"Aunty May?" I asked. I know I only saw her in a photo but seeing her in person, she was looking younger than may parents which she should have the same age with.

"It's fabulous to meet you at last darling." Aunty May pulled me into a hug which surprised me and I felt embarrassed instantly. "Oh look at you. You look so much like your mother, so beautiful."

"T-Thank you." I replied awkwardly.

"You got your brunette wavy hair and amber colored eyes from her, how marvelous." Aunty praised with enthusiasm. "Well let's get going then. Where are your bags?" She asked.

"Oh, I didn't bring that many things. I was thinking to buy what I only needed when I arrive here." I said while pushing the trolly cart where few of my bags are placed.

"Oh that's fine. The apartment unit I picked for you is fully furnished, so you will only need to buy your personal necessities." Aunty May said while leading the way. "I am sure you will like the appartment unit. The view is to die for."

We arrived at the area where her car was parked. It was a little luxurious for a single lady of her age. Looking at her attire and car, she might be well off and probably rich.

"Thanks Aunty May, for accepting me in such short notice." I gave my appreciation while tucking away my bags on the trunk.

"No worries my dear. Your parents and I are really close friends. Your mother and I are more like sisters. I'm happy that you picked me to be your guardian here in Paris." Aunty May replied. "Well that's all your bags. Come and get in before we freeze here outside the cold." She smiled.

Both me and Aunty May entered her car and she started the engine after. She drove off to the streets of Paris.

I looked out the window to see the architecture of the buildings here in Paris. The road was little narrow and were illuminated with those old styled street lamps.

"The buildings here are different from my city." I said. "The streets are a little narrower too."

"Paris is an old city darling. But still this old things are what makes this city more beautiful." Aunty May said. "My apartment complex is similar to this kind of architecture, but the interior had been renovated and all are new. So no worries with squeaky floors, clogged pipes or pest problems, haha." Aunty May joked.

"Oh yes. Mom said that you bought an old apartment complex and renovated it with your touch. You are an architect, correct?" I asked.

"Yes dear. I am an architect by trade and interior design is my passion." Aunty May said. "You will see one of my masterpieces when we arrive at the apartment. I reserved the best unit for you dear." Aunty May winked at me.

"Thank you very much aunty." I felt shy.

"No need to be shy darling. I never married and didn't have a chance to have a child. And so I want to treat you as my own and you can look at me like a mother figure here, a stand in for your mom." Aunty May said sincerely.

"Thanks." I felt lucky to have Aunty May with me here in an unfamiliar city.

Not long, Aunt May pulled over and stopped in front of a building.

"Well, here we are." Aunty May said gesturing towards an apartment building complex. "What do you think?"

I see a four story high building with the same old architecture that I saw in the buildings we have passed by, but it somewhat has a difference from the rest.