She had to put her thoughts on hold as she pulled into the lot at the apartment complex where she was meeting Carmen.  As she stepped out of the car, she looked around at the little community of Redondo Beach.  The apartment building was several stories high and sat adjacent to large grassy hill where couples were picnicking, walking dogs, playing Frisbee.  Down the hill was a small boardwalk and a beautiful view of the ocean.  Not bad, she thought, nodding to herself.  Just then, she saw Carmen making her way towards her. 

“Hey…” she said, opening her arms for a quick hug.  “So, what do you think?  Pretty fabulous, huh?”

“It’s beautiful here Carmen.  So quaint.  I wonder if I can afford it,” she said smiling.

“Oh my God.  Wait to you see the apartment itself.  It’s awesome.  And don’t worry about the expense.  I’ve worked out a great deal with the landlord.  Come on.  Let’s go up.”

The apartment was on the fifth floor and as they made their way down the hall, Carmen began raving about the space once again.  “It’s on the corner, so we get a great view of both the ocean and the park!  The countertops are all granite, there’s new tile work and carpet throughout…I’m so excited!  I hope you like it Helena.”

“So far, I’m quite impressed.  Though I’m in no position to be choosy,” she chuckled.

Carmen hoped Helena would agree to move in.  She felt she owed her something and the least she could do was to provide a place for her to stay.  She would figure out more to do for her friend as time progressed.

The agent was waiting for them and showed them around the apartment.  It was quite spacious and Helena felt she could really make the most of it.  Carmen was explaining where she thought furniture would go and where she could set up her dj equipment.  Carmen didn’t have many of her own things to furnish the apartment, but Helena had quite a bit of her own in storage since the beach house had been fully equipped. 

Carmen pulled Helena aside after they had seen everything and all the details of the lease had been explained.   “So, what do you think?” she asked, holding her breath.