Light Me Up

Ella’s pov

Leaving everybody I love and moving to the other side of the world is definitely harder than I’ve ever imagined. Life is going to be very different without being near my family. New York is going to be a new beginning. Although I’m a little nervous about moving to the other side of the world alone, I’m also excited to make new memories there.

“I will definitely miss you a lot mum” I told my mum pouting a little while giving her a big hug. Then I turned to my side and hugged my brother and my dad. “Don’t land your ass in any trouble there, I can’t travel all the way to New York to save you” my brother said trying to lighten up the mood and I just flipped him off not in the mood to argue with him.

That’s when I heard the announcement about the departure of the flight. “This is the final boarding call for passenger Ms. Ella booked on flight 372A to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately”. That’s when the reality that this is really happening now sinks in. “I promise I will be fine and I’ll take care of myself,” I told everyone and hugged my parents one last time before rushing to gate 3.

I made it to my flight right at the time before the gate closed. I eagerly sat at the window seat and stared at the cloudless blue sky. For the first time in my life, I felt proud of myself. I had always had an easy life. Though my parents are not very rich, they had always provided me everything that I need. I had always felt protected and safe when I was at home with my parents and my elder brother

But ever since I was young, I had always dreamed of being independent and explore the world by myself. That is why after finishing my degree in journalism I decided to move to New York to start my life fresh. I was offered a copywriter position in one of New York’s prestigious magazines. I drifted off to sleep while anticipating my new beginning in New York.

“On behalf of Qatar Airlines and the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day”, with that, my flight landed after dreadful 23 hours. After collecting my luggage I walked out of the airport and got in a cab. I felt like all the muscles in my body had gone numb after the long hours of flight.

After 30 minutes, finally we reached my apartment. “Home Sweet Home”. I looked around my new home excitedly. It looked exactly like it was in the picture. So, thank god it didn’t turn out to look so bad in shape. I have heard many people being cheated on when looking for a house to rent. I looked around the place that I will be staying for some time now. But my housemate was nowhere to be seen. When I texted her yesterday she said she would be here when I reach home. Shrugging I started unpacking my things. There are a lot of things to settle before my work starts. So me being me, I started to chuck all the clothes in my closet. Hey, don’t judge me I had a long flight.

Mia’s pov

“Sir, I am sorry but the event should have finished an hour ago,” I told my client tiredly. I am a freelance photographer who aspires to be a travel photographer. I had completed my Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Photography. Though I grew up in an orphanage, I still managed to get through college through my hard work and determination.

“I am sorry Mia, just a few more minutes,” said the host of the event. I sighed and nodded my head in defeat. I had no other choice than to finish this event as I am depending on this event to pay my apartment rent this month.

That’s when I remembered my new housemate. “Shit!!! How did I forget about Ella? She asked me for a favor to show her around” I grumbled and shoved my hand in my pocket. “Perfect my phone died” I facepalmed myself and kept my phone in my pocket. Then I continued to take photos of the annoying species who is holding me back for so long hoping for this dreadful event will end soon.

I know that the life of a freelance photographer is not easy but it is worth it. I have always been passionate about taking photos. It captures the moment and emotion perfectly that can be kept and treasured forever. I always feel satisfied and content when I take a photo of someone and see the smile on their face when I show it to them