A Place to Call Home

It was a sunny Saturday morning in Atlanta, and the air smelled like fresh possibilities. Venus Phillips stood outside their little old house in Cascade Heights, a large reusable grocery bag slung over one shoulder and a bright pink duffel bag hanging from the other. 

Her grandmother, Katherine Phillips, shuffled behind her with a basket of snacks and a small cooler of homemade juice.

"Are you sure we need all these cleaning supplies, Venus?" Katherine asked, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.

"Of course, grandma. It's a company apartment, not Buckingham Palace," Venus replied, unlocking the back of their old car. "They probably just wiped it down with a tissue and called it clean. You know how these corporate folks do."

Katherine gave a knowing look. "Still... it's such a blessing. A job and an apartment, just like that? I still can't believe it."

Venus winked. "Believe it, grandma. And wait till we see the place. It's in Midtown. Fancy area. People jog with tiny dogs and sip coffee that costs more than my wig."

They loaded the bags, snacks, and supplies into the car. Katherine took the passenger seat and Venus started the engine.

"Once the mechanic fixes this car, it's yours," Venus said as she pulled out of the driveway. "You'll be zooming to bingo nights in style."

"Don't be silly," Katherine said, laughing. "This car has more rust than your Uncle Jethro's barbeque grill."

"Which is why it's perfect for you. You and that grill are meant to be."

They laughed as they headed down the road.

The company apartment was nestled in a serene corner of Midtown, not far from the Atlanta BeltLine. A tall, modern building with glass balconies and sleek finishes, it stood out like a queen among townhouses.

Venus parked in the designated spot and hopped out. She stretched, adjusted her yellow hoodie, and looked up at the building.

"Well, would you look at this?" she said.

Katherine looked up too, impressed. "This looks like one of those fancy buildings on TV. The ones where everyone drinks smoothies and has shiny teeth."

Venus laughed. "Let's go check it out."

They took the elevator to the sixth floor, where the apartment number—6B—waited on a brushed gold plaque. Venus unlocked the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.

Silence.

Then her grandmother gasped.

The apartment was stunning. Spacious, bright, and immaculate. The white walls gleamed, the hardwood floors looked freshly polished, and the scent of lemon and lavender floated in the air.

The kitchen had granite countertops, a double-door fridge, and a breakfast bar with two stools that looked like they belonged in a catalog. 

The living room had a soft gray sectional, glass coffee table, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

Venus stood frozen. "Grandma... did we walk into the wrong apartment? Is this for me?"

Katherine's eyes watered. "My baby girl… look at this place."

Venus dropped her bags, walked into the living room, and turned in a slow circle.

"And it smells like heaven," she said. "Where's the dust? Where's the broken ceiling fan? Where's the sad lightbulb with commitment issues?"

Katherine laughed, setting the snacks on the counter. "I think someone already cleaned the whole place."

Venus pointed a finger in the air dramatically. "Then I will serve this company faithfully! From today henceforth, I am a loyal Copelandian citizen!"

They both giggled.

Venus wandered into the bedroom, only to pause in shock.

The room was just as beautiful—a queen-sized bed with fresh white linens, a dresser, a vanity table, and soft carpet that hugged her feet.

 But what caught her attention was the open wardrobe. Inside were several brand-new outfits: corporate dresses, blouses, pencil skirts, and even some matching shoes.

"Grandma! Come see this!"

Katherine walked in and gasped again.

"Are those for you?"

"I guess so! I mean... unless there's a hidden roommate with my shoe size."

Venus picked up a navy-blue dress and held it to her body.

"If the CEO of this company is single," she said with a smirk, "I might consider bringing him home."

Katherine burst into laughter. "Now, you're talking! It's time you started thinking about settling down."

Venus snapped her fingers. "Grandmother! That is a very big joke! I just got a job, not a husband. Let me focus, please."

Katherine patted her shoulder. "Well, one step at a time. But a job, a car, an apartment... baby girl, you are blessed."

Venus nodded, suddenly serious. "I really am."

After setting up the snacks and looking through the rooms, they sat on the balcony with cups of chilled fruit juice, watching the sun ease across the skyline.

"What are you going to do tonight?" Katherine asked.

Venus leant back in the outdoor chair and grinned. "I'm going to hit the club. Like a big girl. Just a few drinks and some music. Nothing crazy."

"Do I need to come with you and chaperone?"

"Grandma, if you show up with your church hat and Bible, I'll get kicked out before I even dance."

They both laughed again.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Venus stood and opened it. A woman with short curly hair and round glasses stood there holding a folder.

"Hi! I'm Tamara from building management. Just here to give you a welcome packet."

"Hey, Tamara! I'm Venus. Come in! This is my grandma, Katherine."

Tamara stepped in and smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you both. Let me give you a rundown of the building. You have 24-hour security, parking, laundry on the third floor, and a rooftop garden. There's also a gym downstairs."

Venus blinked. "Rooftop garden? Is this a building or a luxury resort?"

"Bit of both," Tamara replied with a grin. "Let me know if you need anything. And congrats on the new job."

"Thank you!"

After Tamara left, Katherine looked at Venus with wide eyes.

"Baby girl, you better not mess this up."

Venus put a hand on her chest. "Cross my heart, grandma. I'll work hard, show up on time, and charm everyone with my sparkling personality."

Katherine shook her head affectionately. "That's what worries me."

Back at her old apartment later that evening, Venus stood in front of the mirror wearing a glittery crop top and black jeans. She dabbed on a bit of lip gloss and grabbed her phone.

"Grandma, I'm off to celebrate like a big girl!" she called out.

"Don't stay out too late! And no funny business!"

"Grandma, please. I'm just going for music, not marriage; don't wait for me. Remember we're moving into the new house tomorrow."

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