Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
I weave through the crowd and approach the exit, and as the heavy wooden doors to the station swing open, I’m greeted by my first glimpse of the city itself.
The late January sky is a brilliant blue, and the air is warm and fragrant. There’s a busy plaza sprawling before me, and ornate buildings with colorful facades line the streets.
My lips curve at the locals wearing their winter coats. It’s twenty three degrees celsius - back home, this is our summer!
I pause for a moment, letting it all sink in.
This is my new beginning.
Shaking myself from the moment, I spot a row of taxis parked nearby. I approach the first one, the driver rolling down the window with a curious expression.
“Hola,” I say, my Spanish halting but determined. “Necesito ir... aquí.”
I pull out my phone, showing him the address of my apartment.
The driver nods and gestures for me to get in. “Vale, señorita. Suba.”
I climb into the backseat, the worn leather seat warm from the sun. My Spanish might still not be the best, but it’s certainly an improvement from when I first landed in Madrid.
As the taxi pulls away, I glance out the window, taking in the streets of Valencia as they pass me by. It has a different feel from Madrid; calmer, but no less alive.
It doesn’t take too long to arrive at my new apartment, a small, four-story building tucked away on a quiet street. I thank the driver as I exit the vehicle before the landlord - an elderly man with a warm smile - meets me at the door.
“Señorita Olivia,” he says, handing me the keys. “Bienvenida a Valencia.”
The apartment is small and traditional but incredibly charming, with terra-cotta tiles, whitewashed walls, and wooden beams across the ceiling. There’s a cosy looking sofa in the living room, a tiny kitchen with a pretty view out towards a tall church and even a small balcony that overlooks the street below.
It’s not much, but it’s mine for the next twelve months, and it’s certainly the fresh start that I wanted.
After unpacking a few essentials, I head out to stand on the balcony, soaking in the sounds of the city. I quickly video call Laura to show off my lovely view before I head out to one of the nearby bodegas to grab some essentials. It’s not the most exciting activity, but I’ve got a big day ahead of me tomorrow, so I plan on relaxing, getting to know my new apartment, and having an early night ready for my first day at work.
Chapter Seven
My nerves jangle as I clutch tightly to my handbag and walk through the school gates.
The building is modern and bright, with artwork pinned to the walls and a cheerful buzz filling the halls. The pupils don’t seem particularly interested in me as I make my way through towards the main reception, chattering amongst themselves in high-pitched voices.
Honestly, I’m thankful for the lack of attention.
I don’t have to wait long to be greeted by Sarah, the teacher I’m replacing. She can’t be more than a couple of years older than me, with long brown hair that frames her face in soft waves, a friendly smile - and a huge baby bump.
“You must be Olivia,” she says, shaking my hand. “Welcome to the team!”
“Thank you so much,” I say, returning her smile. “Oh, and congratulations! I hear you’re about to start a new chapter yourself.”
“Yeah, it’s been a whirlwind,” she says, resting a hand on her rounded stomach. “I moved here a few years ago to teach, met my now-husband not long after, and... well, here we are!”
“That’s amazing,” I say genuinely.
“You never know,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “Maybe you’ll follow in my footsteps and settle down here.”
I snort out a laugh as I shake my head. Not that I want to go into too much detail, but… “I wouldn’t bet on it. I’m currently swearing off men after a particularly bad experience with my ex.”
“Ouch,” Sarah says, sympathy on her features. “Well, never say never. Spain has a way of surprising you.”
With that, Sarah begins to show me around the school, introducing me to some of the other teachers as we make our way round. Most of them are too busy to do much other than look up and smile in greeting, but I understand.
The plan for the next few days is to shadow Sarah before beginning to take control myself. Her first class of the day is a group of thirteen-year-olds, all wide-eyed and curious as they file into the room and see me sitting in the left hand corner behind Sarah’s desk. She introduces me to the class, and involves me as and when she can.
By the second day, I think that I’m starting to find my rhythm with the structure and routine. The kids seem incredibly enthusiastic about my presence, and their energy is infectious as they try out their English phrases with me. I’m pleasantly surprised at just how advanced some of their language is, although I really should have given them more credit considering most of them have been learning since they were tiny.