The Big City
by PaintOFM
Fresh out of college, after tireless interviews and a couple second interviews I finally landed a 'techie' position at a well-known financial company, only catch, I would have to relocate 2 hours from home. As a courtesy, the company was going to give me a stipend for 4 weeks, to help defray living costs while I looked for suitable living arrangements.
After the first week of getting settled in at work, I started researching the local area for a 'cheap' apartment to start with. I went and looked at several, that were within walking, certainly within biking in good weather. All that I looked at were at least twice what I thought I could afford. Monday when I was back at work, my Supervisor stopped by, with a couple tasks to start with, he asked if I had any luck with my housing search. I told him what I had found, and asked if he had any suggestions where to look that might within my budget. He was able to give me a couple ideas, several miles beyond where I had already looked. At lunchtime, when I was searching online one of the guys on our team, Jon, stopped by and asked how I was settling in. I explained the housing issue, asked him for suggestions. Pretty much told me the same thing my Super had said.
After another unsuccessful week and weekend of searching, I did not find anything suitable. Jon stopped by my desk Monday morning, asked if I had any success. I told him not. He grabbed a chair, pulled it up sat down, he explained he lived with his Mother, about 45 minutes out of town, and she had an apartment above their 3 car garage that was empty, and for rent. When I asked about the rent, and about the commute, he told me he drove to a park-n-ride about 2 miles from home, and caught an express bus into town. The monthly rent plus a monthly bus pass, were about what I was thinking I could afford. We arranged that I would drive him home Thursday after work to check out the area, and the apartment.
After work on Thursday, Jon and I, headed out. The drive was fairly decent, no major traffic issues noted, arrived at the park-n-ride so he could pick up his car about the same time his bus was pulling in to the station. I waited, and proceeded to follow him home. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, his Mother met us. She introduced herself as Alma. She was quite friendly, immediately headed toward the side door of the garage that led upstairs. On the way up the stairs, I noticed what a very, very petite lady she was. They/She showed me around, a very spacious one room, nice big bedroom with a walk-in clothes press, and the bathroom, was fairly big also, no tub, just a big walk-in shower, and an eat in kitchen with fairly modern appliances. (no dishwasher) She was trying hard to 'sell' me on the place and the little 'Burg where it was located, at the end of the tour, she told me that she had dinner waiting for the three of us, because she figured I hadn't had a good meal since I had been in town. By the time dinner was over, I told her/them I was very interested, and she said fine, asked when I was moving in.
That weekend I left work early Friday headed home to rent a trailer that I could tow with my Ram to bring back the essentials. Jon reminded me to let him know when I would be arriving Sunday so he could get a friend or two to help unload and carry up the steps. As I was backing the trailer into the driveway Sunday just before dark, Jon, and Brad, introduced as Jon's Boyfriend, were there ready to get started. As the three of us got finished Alma showed up with Pizza and Beer for the four of us.
These living arrangements are going to be okay I am thinking. As I got settled into the routine, Jon and I often carpooled to the park-n-ride.Things were good in the 'hood. From time to time, Jon would tell me he was going to have some friends over, asked if I would like to join them. I typically refused, I really didn't feel comfortable or people-y. One Saturday, I was on my way to the local grocery, Alma was on her way to the garage, she asked where I was headed, when I told her, she was going the same place. She asked if I wanted to travel together, I accepted as long as she would let me drive. As I opened the passenger door on my truck, I decided she would need the stool my Mom used to get in when she rode with me. Alma was shocked I was prepared like that way. During our excursion, she told me Jon and Brad were having a party and she was getting the 'eats' and beverages for the event. She asked if I was going to be there, I made up a lame excuse as to why I would not be able to attend. The entire trip, in typical mother mode, she insisted I reconsider attending. After we got home, I helped her carry her things in, as i was leaving she said, if you are uncomfortable due to Jon and his friends lfestyle, not to be, no one would try to initiate anything.