Kiara Michaelson

Life didn't remain the same ever since we relocated from our home in Santa Monica to London. Don't get me wrong, I do love London, the coffee, the posh accent of the people, the shopping spree, the early morning's bustle as opposed to quiet scenery in Santa Monica. It is fascinating. However, I wouldn't trade these to put a semi colon on my life and kiss goodbye to the place and people I knew as home. Being forced to start afresh particularly when that involves me flying almost half across the continent can be very challenging and getting used to the change takes time.

To be honest, I am just your typical 22-year-old woman trying to live a normal life like every other woman out there. People tend to think of me as quiet and introverted, at least that's what they say. I don't mind that.

You might be wondering who I am, so let me tell you: my name is...

"Kiara, have you possibly seen my pink jacket? I kept it in your bathroom cabinet."

That's all, though not quite the introduction I had in mind. This is my story, and my name is Kiara Michaelson.

"I didn't, so why would you keep your jacket in my cabinet?" She scowled, and I immediately rolled my eyes "Why don't you just wear something else? You are already running behind schedule for class."

"No, it's tension from having to change into another dress," she replied in opposition.

My dear friends, that is my sister. Stress comes from anything besides having to gush over famous people.

Dad's cheerful face greeted me as I emerged from my room because he was also exiting his.

"Good morning, dad." I stretched as I yawned.

"Good morning, my love. How did you sleep? My shoulders were covered by his extended arm. "Hope you have a good night's sleep?" He gave a smile.

I gave my approval by nodding. "How is work going?" I sat down on a kitchen stool that I had just taken out.

"Hard, but overall, things are improving." He replied with a small smile on his face.

Dad was a medical professional, more especially a neurosurgeon. He and some of his international coworkers were sent here as part of a global initiative, and he remarked, I quote, "I can't leave you two behind not with what's going on right now." And that, my dears, is how we ended up boarding a plane for London.

Since my mother passed away two years ago, my dad has been juggling the responsibilities of being both a father and a mother. He tries, but I don't blame him; he finds it awkward, and he's also the only source of income for the family. We haven't had it easy, but we've made it through.

"Krystal, did you find what you were looking for?" I asked.

Krystal entered the living room and remarked, "Yes."

"Have you considered the job I told you about?" Dad enquired.

"Yeah, but I don't think I'll fit in, but don't worry, I'll find something to do," I swivelled in my chair and cast a quick peek towards Krystal. "Besides, I don't wish to watch over a certain someone." I stuffed a piece of pancake into my mouth.

"What are you implying, dear sister?"

"Nothing." I shrugged, smiling. "Absolutely nothing."

"Dad, do you see what Kiara is attempting to do?"

I turned around and got off the stool I was sitting on. "Sweethearts." I cut in. "You two are late for work and school." I said, gently pushing them towards the door. "You should get going."

"Yeah, yeah. But know this ain't over." Krystal retorted on her way out and dad laughed.

I scoffed. "Bye, darling." I waved at her. "Have a nice day."

"You girls will be the death of me." He smiled and pulled me for a quick hug. "Bye, baby girl." He said.

"See ya, later." I waved at them as the car pulled out of the driveway unto the road.

I sighed and turned back into the house closing the door behind me. I stole a glance at the digital wall clock and winced -I'm late.

It was time to start the day's job. Since I was essentially jobless due to our relocation, cleaning, organizing, and rearrangement of the house as well as searching for employment offers had become my favourite pastimes.

After a few hours, I finished cleaning the house and went to my room to start the next stage of work—looking for a job.

I quickly showered before picking up the phone to dial Rosa, my companion in crime. She was overjoyed when I informed her we were going to London, so she decided to assist us to settle in. She has been more proactive in assisting me in finding employment since she was more conversant with companies offering employment in London.

"Hey girlfriend," She picked up on the first ring. "How are you doing these days?" She asked with a muffled voice.

"I'm fine. What happened to your voice?"

"Nothing. I'm eating." She replied. Before I could say anything, her voice came again. "Don't you dare say whatever you're about to say. Let me eat in peace."

I rolled my eyes as though she could see me. "What did you think I was going to say?"

"You wanted to reprimand me for eating at work." She answered.

"Nah, you're wrong. I wanted to ask you a question but now you've said it, why are you eating at work?" I paused and checked the time to see that it was 9:45 am. "By this time?" I added.

"Ara, leave me alone." She muttered. "What is it you want to ask about?"

I chuckled at her tone. "It's concerning the job you told me about the other day. Is it still available?" I asked, shoving an Oatmeal bar I had collected earlier from the fridge in my mouth.

"No, it's no longer available but I've got one from KACE entertainment. They need a house manager for one of their celebrities so I heard. I didn't tell you because it's not your area of specification and besides, I can't let you do that kind of stuff. You deserve to do something way better and I'm still on the lookout for such."

"What! Why?" I screamed.

"Ouch, my ears." She winced. "There is no difference between a house manager and a Nanny or cleaner. Can't you see it?" She paused. "You're meant to be a public administrator." She said after a while. I could hear the ruffling of papers over the phone seems like she was searching for something.

"Well, since I can't get a job in my field of study, I can at least make do with what I have now while still searching." I countered.

"Kiara, are you sure?" She asked, concern laced in her voice.

"I can't remain jobless, Rosa." I whined, looking around my room. "It's freaking boring in here, I can't stand it and besides, I could utilize my knowledge as a public administrator in the job."

"This isn't time to joke around." She answered sternly. "It's not like your everyday kind of job, you'll be working for their celebrity and things could go wrong." She explained.

"What could possibly go wrong if you abide by the rules?"

"It's not just abiding by rules." She replied. "It's scarier and dirtier than the business world."

Tell me something I don't know.

"Babe, you can't talk me out of this one. Could you please send me the address?"

"I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, I'm telling you the plain facts."

"Rosa, how much is the pay?" I cut in.

"Don't you understand what I'm saying?" Rosa piped in.

I inhaled placing my fingers on the bridge of my nose to calm myself. "Rosa," I started, "I know you love me and I get that you're worried about my well-being but I need to do something badly. I can't keep sitting at home jobless. You of all people know that I need to assist my dad." I complained suddenly feeling like she was overreacting.

She inhaled and sighed. "Fine, I will send you the address but know that it's a part-time job."

"Oh, that's okay."

"Kiara, are you sure about this? You know I can always help." Rosa said.

"Rosa, I know you'll always help and I'm grateful but it's okay." I exhaled and lay on the bed switching the phone to my left ear. "Besides, you said it's a part-time job. I could always look for a side job."

She sighed. "Okay, I really can't change your mind."

"You've been sighing way too much and I know I'm not the cause. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine hon, just didn't get enough rest last night." She answered. "Hey, what are you gonna be doing this weekend?" She squealed, swiftly changing the topic.

I pulled my phone away from my ear. "You're going to make me deaf one day with your incessant squeals." I replied once I'd brought the phone closer to my ear. "Aren't you at work?" I asked.

"Then, you should always put my calls on speaker to save your ear and yes, I'm at work. Why?"

"You're obviously disturbing others with your squeals. Anyways, that's a very brilliant idea but in that case, you can't share top secret with me."

"Oh please." I could imagine her rolling her eyes. "You haven't answered my question young lady."

"I don't know yet, don't tell me you are planning to go clubbing."

"Hey, don't you dare judge me. You know one can only live once, I'm only trying to make the most of my twenties," She sang. "And I'm dragging you and my beloved Krystal along. Live Ara, live."

"Yeah, yeah." I laughed at her tone. "Whatever you say."

"Just text me if you and Krystal are free. See ya and I wish you the best of luck on your interview."

"Thanks love. Hey, you didn't get to tell me about the pay." I replied. The response I got was silence.

I shook my head realising she had ended the call.

That's typical of Rosa, hanging up when you need to get an important information. She calls me her best friend and I call her a sister. She is the closest person I could call a family besides my dad and sister. We met in UCLA as course mates and eventually ended up as roommates. Although she comes from a wealthy British family, she doesn't show it or care too much about it. She was quite indifferent and down to earth about her background. And knowing her, she would want to help me at her father's company but I couldn't take advantage of our friendship. So, I do usually decline but that doesn't stop her from helping subtly.

She had a rather bubbly and fierce side to herself and as much as she hates to admit it she was also sensitive. She isn't one to turn away when one is in need of help that she could offer. She was an angel in human form.