A Hidden Destiny

Rentals with Janet

“Are you Madeleine?” the blond woman asked while stepping towards me. I kind of wanted to shake my head and just continue down the street, but straightened my back and introduced myself. “Yes, Madeleine Williams. You must be Janet?” I said with a smile. It worked. She wasn’t fuming anymore and apologized for looking like a crazy person. She was actually quite beautiful. Tall, a beautiful round face with pink lips and big hazel eyes. She was definitely dressed to impress. ‘She was having a bad day’ she explained. Clearly.

She gestured me to follow her into the first apartment. We went up to the first floor and she opened a door with the number 31B. Inside I was met by the bright light from the sun, almost blinding me, as I went further into the apartment. She showed me a fairly new kitchen to my left. It was all white with wooden countertops. The appliances were black and the fridge was hidden. It was nice and modern. I liked it.

Right by the windows I saw a small dining table, two chairs present, but perhaps with space for four chairs in total. To my right, I went through some white French doors. Only a couch and a coffee table were present. I envisioned a couch and an armchair up against the back wall. A bookshelf to my left, a coffee table on a fluffy rug, some plants. Yes. I was feeling this. This place had potential! Going through another door to my right, I found a smaller bedroom. Not that I minded. It had a window on the left and the sunlight poured in. If rearranged, it would be the coziest bedroom in town. The bathroom was in the hall where we entered the apartment. It was rather new as well. The tiles on the floor were light grey with small glittering specks, catching the light. Beautiful. The walls were white and it even had a small window just above the toilet.

I turned to Janet. “This place is amazing”, I said. “I know! It’s in good shape, a great location close to downtown and in a safe neighborhood. Also, the grocery store is just a 10 minute walk from here,” she replied. It felt as though she could sense what I was thinking. “Do you still want to see the other rental?” ‘Not really’, I thought to myself. “Is it as good as this?” I asked, smiling and let out a small laugh. “Well that depends on the eyes seeing it. It’s a bit further from downtown though, but the rent is cheaper. Let's go and take a look”.

15 minutes later, we arrived in front of another building. The bricks were dark brown and the window frames were painted black. I followed her inside and we went up to the third floor. Apartment 17.3. “I apologize for the mess. The current tenant didn't tidy up, as we had agreed. This is why I was a tad irritated when you arrived earlier,” she explained, gesturing to the mess in the apartment. I took a look around. It looked like a bachelor lived here. Clothes were scattered over the couch in the living room. Cans of beer and other beverages were placed on the kitchen counter and coffee table. It wasn’t that the apartment itself was ugly or unlivable. But this tenants' stuff didn’t help me imagine myself living here. Ugh, and the smell! Did something die in here or could the windows not open?

The decision was easy. I told Janet that I was interested in the first apartment and she told me to meet her at her office tomorrow to sign the lease. She handed me her business card with her phone number and address, and I placed it in my wallet. “Do you need to go back to where we met?” she asked kindly, clearly offering a ride back to Windsor Street. “No, thank you, I’m actually heading to Patty’s. Can you tell me which way to go?” I asked. “Sure! Just follow the road for two blocks and turn right. It will be on your right side,” she said, and pointed in the direction I should go. I thanked her and made my way down the road.

Patty, who stood behind the bar drying some glasses, greeted me with a big smile when I entered and made my way toward her.