The Brush with Fate

Is this a dream? Landing in a new country is like opening a door to a fresh chapter. The unfamiliar landscape and vibrant culture awaits me, full of secrets and surprises. I left the airplane and went straight to the arrival terminal to get my bags, getting there I saw my aunt and cousins waiting. "Sophia darling" Aunty called and waved her hand, they all came to me "Been years aunty" I said and we embraced. "I really hope this works out well" I said and she held my hands "It's pretty normal to feel like this after breaking up, after my first break up I stayed away from love, but this same love healed me. See your uncle and I. This is just a phase it's temporary" Aunt encouraged. "Thank you aunt." I appreciated her words of advice and she smiled in return. "Let's get going" Aunt replied grabbing one of my bags. "Chris, Dave, how are you two doing?" I asked them playing with their hair like old times. "We're not children anymore" Chris as usual complained. "Your still children to me" "Mummy, Sophia is at it again" Chris reported making me laugh. "Big boys deal with little things like this themselves which proves you two are still children." "No! That's Chris not me" Dave protested. I laughed real good "Alright boys, grab your sister's bag and let's head home." Aunt said. "How is Chloe?" I asked aunt. "She's fine dear, she's at home right now, preparing your room" "What about Uncle?" "Your uncle travelled, he'll be back tomorrow"

My aunt has 3 children, Chris, Dave and Chloe. Chris and Dave are twins, 10 years, and super adorable. Chloe is my age mate, she's 24, she's an aspiring model. Before they left Australia, Chloe and I were best friends, we are still cool though. After my break up I called her, and she convinced me to leave Australia for a change. I hope I don't regret this.

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"Get down boys, we're home" Aunt called the boys who have been busy playing games since the 2 hours ride began. I alighted and with deep exhale I mentally calmed myself, and told myself It's going to be fine "Is that who I think it is?" Chloe ran out and screamed deafening my ears. "Welcome Sophia, I'm so proud of you, you won't regret your stay here trust me" Chloe said still vividly excited. "I'll take you to your room" She grabbed some of my bag and started walking in, a spacious living room beckoned me, I was wowed by the design, this place is warm, cozy and inviting. On the walls, artworks are adorned with tasteful artworks, which seem to whisper stories. Some of these art works are mine. Uncle and Chloe are one of my biggest fans, they have something for art. Uncle would come do Australia just to buy artworks from me. They have always encouraged me. And I'm glad I came here. I followed Chloe through the stairs, and it led us to another part of the world. She turned to her right and opened the door with just a push "This is your room, I personally decorated it for you." "Really? Thank you very much Chloe." We hugged. "We've got a lot to catch up on, you just settle before we get talking. If you need anything I'm just a call away." She turned back to leave but stopped and turned back "I mean it I'm just a call away, my room is just opposite yours." "Thank you, Chloe" "You are welcome, and I love you." "Am I to say that back" she rolled her eyes and I laughed you can never find me expressing my love through words. Action speaks louder than words that's what I believe. She left my room leaving only me. The room is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and refinement. But will I be safe here? Of course, I'm away from Australia but am I away from my already destroyed self? This remains bothering, these are questions only me can answer.

I took my phone from the small bag I kept it in, I called my mum's number, she picked up shortly after the first ring. "My Princess, are you there already?" She asked "Yes mummy, we just got in." "That's nice, how are is everyone doing?" "Fine, but Uncle is not around." I said, and she said an oh. Uncle is mum's younger brother. "Settle down dear, I'll call you in a while." "Bye mum," I replied and set my phone aside after the call. I went to the bathroom and I bet I could live in here. The tub was inviting me in and I took the invitation, I got in and felt my body relaxing as I dipped myself in the warm bath. 'Enjoy' I told myself.

It took me forever before I left the bathroom. And without putting on anything comfortable I fell asleep.

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*The following day*

As I slowly opened my eyes, the soft glow of morning light crept in. The world hazy, a blurry canvas slowly coming into focus. My body felt heavy, as if anchored to the bed, while my mind struggled to shake off the remnants of sleep. I stretched and my muscles protested. I inhaled a scent of fresh morning. Suddenly it hit my senses, I inhaled again, "Is that pancake I smell?" I asked no one in particular. I jumped off my bed and walked as my nose led me down the stairs, the unwavering smell of pancakes stronger than before. I found myself in the kitchen, and was met by a surprise. Aunt and Uncle are making pancakes together. Emotional! "It's so sweet seeing you too cooking together." I compliment and they both smiled as they turned to see me at the entrance of the kitchen. "Sophia Dearest, I'm glad you're here" Uncle said, he spread his hands wide for me, as I walked into my uncles open arms, I felt an enveloped in warmth. His large frame and broad shoulders wrapped around me, making me feel safe and small. His gentle squeeze and soft whispers in my ears "I've got you kiddo" made me feel like nothing could ever hurt me. My uncle's warmth and strength seeped into my being chasing away my fears and worries. I felt like a child again, protected and loved. "Thank you uncle" I said. "Go have your bath, and come down for breakfast, your uncle made you your favorite" Aunt said. I pecked uncle's cheek before running back to my room. I had my bath, got into something simple and decent before heading to the dinning, which is just next to the kitchen. Every other person is there already, seems like they were waiting for me. I took five Pancakes into my plate, I poured some maple syrup, kept butter and fresh sliced strawberry, a classic combo. I took the first bite and took the first ride back to heaven and back. "This is delicious, thank you aunty, thank you uncle"

We ate and talked about different things, Uncle told me to get myself acquainted with New York City, he said he got us tickets to a newly opened gallery downtown. And Ray Owen's artwork will be displayed. The name sounds familiar but I'm not certain where I saw it. "Who's Ray Owen?" I asked interrupting uncle. "Ray Owen is one of the biggest and most talented artist in New York, we have a few of his works in the house. Check them out when you are done." Uncle replied.

"Okay" I said and my eyes wandered back to the paintings I saw on the wall when I came yesterday. They speak!

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