Chapter 22: "The New Beginning"

Taylor awoke to the sound of the seagulls and the distant buzz of the outside city from their window. They had just recently moved to San Francisco, and she still marveled at the sight of the view every time. The life on the other side of the city seemed to be full of potential, and she was ready to embrace it. Alex was awake, preparing breakfast in the kitchen, when I woke up. The smell of cooking breakfast and freshly brewing coffee permeated the apartment. Taylor got out of bed and decided to go to the kitchen. She smiled. “Good morning,” she said as she hugged him from behind, placing her hands at the small of his back. “Morning, love,” Alex said, turning to face her to give her a kiss. “I thought I would prepare a meal for both of us to help start the day right.” “It smells great,” Taylor replied, taking a cup of coffee. This was more of a general question and could also be stated as, “What’s on the schedule for today?” ‘What do you say we go to the farmers’ market?,’ Alex proposed. ”I’ve heard it’s amazing, and it can be entertaining to buy some groceries.” “That’ll be perfect,” Taylor said, emphasizing the last word. ”I’ve been wanting to go.” They had breakfast and planned their day ahead and how they were going to spend it. Taylor could not wait to see more of the city and spend their weekends to the fullest. They both paid the bills and prepared to leave after they had taken their meal. There was a good turnout at the farmers’ market. Stalls were arranged side by side along the pavements, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to hand-made accessories and other organic products. A sweet smell of ripening strawberries, fresh herbs, and baking could be felt in the air. “This place is amazing,” Taylor said, staring at the view before her. ”So many colors and smells. ” “And it is like a feast for the senses,” Alex too nodded in agreement. “We should take some strawberries and perhaps some bread if it is fresh.” They walked through the market, tasted different foods and wines, and talked to the sellers. Taylor stated that he liked the social aspect and the lively environment. This was very different from the rather serene and orderly farmer’s market they used to have in Seattle. It was after buying fresh produce from the market and packing it in their bags that they proceeded to Golden Gate Park for a walk. The large park was one of Taylor’s favorite areas in the city because of the greenery, the presence of lakes, and the lovely gardens. During the walk, they saw other people exercising on the grass and doing yoga. ‘Wow, that seems to be so nice,’ Taylor said, observing them. “We should join in sometime.” "Definitely," Alex agreed. ‘Maybe I should start stretching after all the moving and unpacking I have done’. They looked for a bench and took a seat at a nearby location close to the Japanese Tea Garden, where there was much less commotion. Taylor slowly rested her head on Alex’s shoulder while she had the sweetest smile on her face. The woman looked around and whispered, “I love it here. ” That is why it is possible to state that the idea is similar to the feeling of getting a new beginning. “Yes, it really does,” Alex said. ‘I am so grateful that we have decided to do this.’ Taylor looked up at him, and her cheeks turned red with love. “Me too; I have this sensation that we are creating something great here.”. “We are,” Alex said, kissing her forehead. ‘And that’s only the start,’" The remaining part of the day, they went around the park; they visited the botanical garden and the conservatory of flowers. Every new find felt like a new expedition for them. They both agreed that by the time they got home, they were both relieved and joyful in equal measure. That evening, Taylor decided to prepare a special dinner for them from the produce that they had bought from the market. She then switched on her music and proceeded to cook in the kitchen with so much energy. When she was busy cutting vegetables and cooking the meal, Alex joined her by laying the table and lighting some candles. There was a warm and welcoming scent to their dinner, which was prepared in the apartment. When all was prepared for them, they both sat down to eat and enjoy the good food and the romantic setting. “This is incredible,” Alex said, chewing on the roasted vegetables. “You are such a good cook.” “Thank you,” Taylor said a little shyly, which made her face redden slightly. ‘I wanted to make something special for us. ‘ “I knew you would be impressed,” replied Andrea, taking a sip of her wine. Of course, to new beginnings and to many, many more fantastic meals together. “To new beginnings,” Taylor repeated, and she touched her glass against his. Later in the evening, they sat on the couch, drinking wine, and sharing their dreams and desires for the future. Taylor was exhilarated when he understood that they had many things to be expected, and this made him happy. As the night got deeper, Taylor was even closer to Alex, enjoying the warmth of the night. ‘I’m so lucky we are here,” she whispered. I just get this feeling that things are going to work out. “It really does,” Alex embraced her and said. I am eagerly looking forward to how we will shape our future.” The following weeks were very active, and the young man tried to do many new things and go on many new endeavors. They cut short after Taylor got her new job; she immediately got to work and was making new friends. She appreciated the organization’s active environment, its high pace, and the tasks that were set. Alex continued to do well with remote work, identified a good place he could work from, and, more importantly, interacted with other professionals. On one Saturday, they thought of going on a tour of Napa Valley. Neither of them had, and they were looking forward to visiting the popular wine region as well as seeing the grapes. They hired a car and left early Saturday morning, and what they saw on their way was very attractive. Everything that they had thought of Napa Valley was true, and even much more than that. Vineyards of wine rolled to the horizon, and the thick aroma of grapes was wafting in the air. They visited several wineries, got to know the process of wine production, and tasted some of the best wines. “This place is magical,” Taylor responded as we sat in one of the vineyards, taking wine, chardonnay in particular. This place? I could spend all day here.” "Same here," Alex agreed. “It is so quiet and stunning.” For lunch, they had a picnic at one of the vineyards. They bought bread, cheese, and fruits at the farmers’ market. The weather was ideal, and they were really comfortable and relaxed with the beautiful scenery all around them. Thus, when it started to get dark, they returned to San Francisco full of energy and inspiration. The trip had been a perfect escape, and they had already been thinking about their next vacation. They also kept on going out to find more fun places in the city where they frequently went out and dined. They toured the Painted Ladies, went on a ferry ride to Sausalito, and went for a nature trail hike at Muir Woods. Every moment only piled up to the list of their wonderful moments of life. They went for a stroll one evening along the Embarcadero, and as Taylor looked at Alex, he felt a pang of affection for her. ‘I think we are living a dream,’ added she. ‘It is so perfect,’ Everything is so perfect. "Yes, it is,” Alex said, getting closer to her and putting his arm around her. “It’s all because of you.” Taylor smiled; there was a feeling of gratitude sweeping through him. ”There’s no way that I could have managed to do it without your help.” They paused there for some time and looked at the beauty of Bay Bridge and the glittering of the city. Taylor realized that this was only the first step in their relationship and was looking forward to what would happen next. They were holding hands as they walked home, and Taylor was invigorated and excited to face a new day. She understood that no matter what they would have to go through—challenges and adventures—they would go through them together, with love and determination. Starting over in San Francisco was only the prologue to a great story, and she was excited to continue the plot. Finally, they got into bed that night, and Taylor wrapped her arms around Alex, feeling so content. "Goodnight, love," she whispered. ‘Goodnight, Taylor,” Alex said before kissing her on the lips. The girls fell asleep, and Taylor was feeling happy and at peace. She was fully aware of the fact that, with Alex around, they could take on the world. This was the start of many more happy days to come in San Francisco for them.