Helen continues, “It is. But it can also make it quite challenging. Despite being twins, they are my opposing pillars. Standing tall and strong but definitely distinct.”
Her warmth seeps into me. She has that mom energy about her.
“So, which one ended up going on the exchange?”
“Mia,” she confirms. “Noah and Mia’s father—well, my husband,” she says, her cheeks warming again, “was born and raised here. My parents emigrated from Greece when I was a child. They weren’t well off when they arrived in the UK, but they always did the best that they could and eventually became successful. I was able to attend a top university, and I want my children to have that same opportunity when it comes to their schooling.”
“How old were you when you came from Greece?” I ask curiously, grabbing ahold of another one of my bags. This one has a bit more weight to it, and I realize I wish Larry were here—partly because I’m used to always being picked up at the airport by him and partly because he would have collected my bags, making it look easy.
“I was nine. It was a hard transition at first,” she reflects, while I locate my last suitcase, “though I became accustomed to England quite quickly. Anywho, you’ll be staying in my daughter, Mia’s, room since she’s gone on the exchange.”
“Sounds great.” I grab my duffel off the conveyor belt along with the last suitcase. I finally have everything. “These are all my bags,” I say, taking in the overwhelming amount.
When Helen looks over them, I feel a little embarrassed. I thought through everything I would need. But standing here next to Helen with them all, I feel a little silly.
“You certainly did come prepared.” She gives me a halfhearted smile but then refocuses. “I’ll grab us a trolly then, and we will be on our way.”
After carefully wedging two of my suitcases into her trunk—or boot, as she called it—and another one in her backseat, I somehow manage to get all my bags into her car.
And then there’s the car ride. Helen wasn’t lying when she said that she was a speeder. We are weaving in and out of lanes with little effort at a high speed. Instead of it making me nervous though, I feel excited. It’s a bit of an adrenaline rush.
“I love your driving,” I tell her, a smile coming to my face.
She blushes. “My children and husband think I’m terrifying. But none of them ever drive, and though Gene has his license, he always leaves that task up to me.”
“I can see why.” I grin. “You’re efficient.”
“I am, aren’t I?” she agrees.
I watch as the city comes into view. One thing I’ve always liked about London, despite not really liking it, is its neighborhoods. It’s like New York in that way. Each area is different, unique.
It’s my favorite part about New York City and why I want to get into real estate. It would be a challenge, figuring people out. They would tell you what they were looking for. What type of place they thought would suit them. If they wanted a neighborhood safe for kids or close to restaurants or their work. But really, it is about them. If you can get past their list of wants to who they are—their personality, their core—then you can help them find a place perfect for them. A place that they themselves would have never found on their own. Something about that idea gives me a sense of purpose. Power. It’s exciting to think you know someone better than they know themselves.
“Helen, where is your daughter doing her exchange?” I ask, realizing I never asked.
“Greece.”
I look over to her and see pride on her face.
“Wow. So, you came from there as a little girl, and now, your little girl has gone back? It’s kind of like coming full circle, isn’t it?”
“It’s a dream come true for me,” she confides. “My daughter returning to my homeland. She will be learning Greek properly and is attending a school close to my family, so she will get to meet her grandparents and extended family.” A tear slips from her eye. “Oh my,” she says, taken aback. “I’m sorry for the outburst, dear. I’m not sure what’s come over me.”
“It’s fine,” I reply.
I think about saying something else, but I don’t. Seeing her cry doesn’t bother me. She’s crying from pride. Joy. It makes me happy. I give her a smile and then look out the window again.
“I’ve got to refocus myself,” she says with a laugh. “Always blubbering over this and that. That’s what children do to you. But back to you, dear. After we get you settled in at our home, the school wants you to stop by the campus this afternoon. I told them that was quite a lot for your first day here. It’s Sunday after all. However, they insisted and assured me that it was necessary. They promised it would be a quick process. I can take you myself or show you the quickest route. It’s not far from our home—maybe a ten-minute walk or so. It’s your preference.”
“Thank you, but if it’s that close, I’ll just walk. It will be good to get my bearings.”
Helen nods. “I agree. But don’t concern yourself too much. I believe they just want to give you a quick tour of the campus and give you your schedule, so when you start classes tomorrow, you won’t be overwhelmed.” She turns her brown eyes toward me, sizing me up. But just as quickly, she’s back, focusing on the road.
“As much as I don’t like to admit it—or show it,” I say with a laugh, “I can get overwhelmed. So, a tour today will be a good thing.”
“I hoped you might think so. Either way, my son, Noah, is in your year and will show you the way. I’ve made sure he’s going to walk you to your classes and help you through your first few days. He’s a good boy, that one.”
I’m not sure if I actually need an assigned guide, but her reassurance is nice, and the idea of at least having someone there is comforting. I doubt I will need his help, but like she said, just in case.
Helen turns abruptly, and the street we move onto is beautiful. It’s lined with white houses with big columns on either side of black lacquered doors. Trees and a thin strip of grass separate the street from the sidewalk before thick steps lead up to each entrance.
“This is home,” she says, slowing down to point at a door.
“Number thirty-two,” I say, reading the number.
Helen nods. “Number thirty-two.”
Has me slightly freaked.
11am
“It seems we’ve arrived home to an empty house,” Helen comments, taking in the silence.
Everything about this house screams warmth and family. The furniture is sturdy and long-lasting, but it has a certain charm and wear to it.
“I like your home,” I reply, carrying in my duffel.
“Thank you.” She smiles, rolling the last of my suitcases to the bottom of a set of stairs. “Let’s leave your cases here for the boys to see to.”
I drop my bag, taking in the wooden staircase and the small hallway.
“This is the living room,” Helen says, leading me into the front of the house.
It is a good-sized room with a fireplace and two large couches facing one another. There are two armchairs flanking either side of the fireplace, both looking well-loved.