Waking up in my new home for the first time, nightmare free, is exhilarating. Looking out the window, the sun is just starting to rise. I guess I did go to sleep early last night. Now that I think about it, I have no idea what time I went to sleep. I'll have to put a clock on the list. Maybe a watch.

Getting out of bed, I walk across the hall to the bathroom and brush my teeth before taking a quick bath. After I got back in the apartment last night, I unpacked my bags before passing out in my comfortable new bed. I thanked my good sense I thought to pack my soap and toothpaste along with my toothbrush or I would be experiencing serious morning breath right about now.

The clothes from my suitcase now occupy the top drawer in my dresser. It's a little empty, but nothing I'm not already used to. I'll probably have to get a few more things though, if only to not have to change through the same four outfits every week. I wonder if this building has a laundry room.

Back in my room, I find an empty page in my journal and start scribbling out a list of things I'll need for my new home. Walking from room to room, I determine the bare necessities I'll need to get by until I can find a job.  When I've got the essentials down, I go back to my room and get dressed.

A few minutes later, I'm downstairs in the mail corridor. I move to the box that corresponds with my apartment number and open it. Color me surprised when I actually find an envelope waiting for me. I stare at it for a moment, noticing only my name and new address on the front, before ripping it open. There are a few papers inside, all folded together. I wait until I'm back in the elevator to read them.

The first page is a letter from my dad.

Sang,

I hope you've settled in fine. The rent is $1,250 a month. I've paid the first three months already to give you time to find work. After that, you'll be on your own. I've included copies of your birth certificate and social security card. You'll need them for your future employer. The page attached to this is a bank statement. It will tell you how much is in the account associated with the debit card, as well as the pin number to access the funds. To withdraw the money, you'll have to go to the bank directly or you'll be charged a fine for a normal ATM. Use the money wisely, you're a smart girl. This will be our final contact. I've done all that I can. Be safe and stay out of trouble.

Dad.

I can't say that I'm shocked by the tone of the letter. My dad and I were never close. He'd always go out of town for business trips. That was usually when she was at her worst. When she knew he couldn't save me. During those times, I'd try and stay in my room as much as possible. Anything to keep away from her. After the shower incident, he stopped leaving as much, but that only made her more creative in her punishments.

The ding of the elevator signals my stop and I shake myself out of my memories. Walking down the hall to my apartment, I flip over to the second page and the amount in the account stops me in my tracks. According to this little piece of paper, this account has been open for as long as I've been alive. There's $10,000 available. I've never seen so much money in my life. I've never had so much money in my life.

"Sang?" I jump when at the sound of Corey's concerned voice. "Hey, it's okay. It's just me. Sorry I scared you."

I place my hand on my chest, lowering the hand holding the papers, and try to catch my breath.

"No, it's okay. I was just... lost in my head. That's all. I'm fine."

Looking up, I see that he's standing right in front of my apartment. If I didn't stop, I would've run into him. And pass my door.

"Did you need something?" I ask as he steps back, allowing me to open the door. He follows me inside as I drop the papers on the couch.

"No, I uh. I just wanted to know if you were ready to go shopping. If you still needed me to help, that is." He's rubbing the back of his neck when I turn to look at him.

"Oh! Um... are you sure? I already took up most of your time yesterday. I'd hate to keep you from... well... anything."

"Sang, I already told you. I'm free all day. Plus, I want to help. Please?"

"Why do you want to help me so bad?" I hate that it sounds like an accusation, but I'm stumped.

Don't get me wrong, I like being around Corey. He's nice to me. The first person to ever be so nice to me. But all this is just too much. Why would a handsome guy like him be so willing to drop everything he's been doing just to help a total stranger? It makes no sense to me. I need to know why. Maybe then I can just stop asking and accept it. But I need to know.

I guess I just want him to prove my step-mother wrong. I want him to show me that there are nice people out in the world who don't only do things for themselves. There's nothing special about me, so I know it's not just me. He's just this nice guy. He'd probably do it for anyone. But still, why me?

"I know that moving to a new place can be tough," he says with a smile. "Me and my friends, we've all been there. But you... Not only are you moving into a new place, but you also moved into a new city. A new state. And from the looks of it, you're pretty alone. I figured you could use a friend. I make a pretty good one if you'll let me. We all would."

I smile and nod as he walks over to me.

"Thanks, Corey." He takes one of my hands in his.

"Plus, it doesn't hurt to make friends with the prettiest girl in the building." He winks.

My answering blush is hotter than the sun. I have a hard time keeping my wits about me. He's just being nice. Don't get ahead of yourself.

I slip my hand out of his with a smile, taking a step back.

"I just need to grab something from my room. I'll be right back."

"Take your time. I'll be right here."

As I'm walking away, I swear I can hear him mumble, "Always".