She beat the screen door on the neighbor's trailer with the same rhythmic knock she’d been using since her childhood. It was a pattern that hadn’t changed in almost twenty years.
The door hinges squeaked as it opened and Aunt Faye stood in the trailer, smiling wide. She was a stout woman whose weight gave way to a particularly jolly laugh. Like most days, she was wearing a cotton dress and shoes that hugged her tiny feet.
She was clearly happy that her goddaughter had paid a visit. It was written all over her face.
“Hey, Bean,” Faye said, her English accent formal and friendly at the same time.
“Hey, Aunty,” Sabrina said, pulling the older woman in for a hug. The two embraced each other as if it’d been years since they had spoken, even though it had been less than a day.
“I bet you have some news for me,” Faye said as they broke from their hug, her eyebrows arching into her gray wispy bangs.
Sabrina grinned.
“Come inside, love,” Faye said, stepping back into her trailer. “What are you waiting for?”
Faye’s mobile home was just two down from Sabrina's parent's trailer. It was larger in comparison and significantly newer. Because of that, it was also more elaborate and in much better condition. But the contrast wasn't something Sabrina had ever paid much attention too, especially because the place served as her second home. It was a spot where she’d spent countless days, and even nights, as a child, while her parents were away at work.
All of this time brought the two very close and eventually led to the woman earning the title of 'Aunty Faye.' In fact, the only technical relation between them was that Aunt Faye was Sabrina's godmother.
“Well, I suppose you didn’t get all dressed up just to see me,” Faye said. “Tell me how the interview went.”
“It went really well,” Sabrina said, taking a seat on a small couch across from the miniature chair where her aunt Faye often sat.
“I knew it would.” Faye's eyes sparkled with excitement. They were a unique shade of lavender that Sabrina had never seen anyone else have. “Tell me everything.”
“I got the job. I’ll be doing assistant duties similar to what I told you about,” Sabrina explained. “I'm kind of a trip assistant.”
“Trip?” Faye asked, shifting in her seat and frowning slightly.
“It's a travel position,” Sabrina said. “I didn't know all of the details when I applied, but I figured there would be a catch. Traveling will be fun, though, I think.”
“That sounds like a ball,” Faye said, her tone alive with excitement.
“Yeah, it really does,” Sabrina said.
“And so who will you assist?” Faye asked “What’s this person like?”
Suddenly the image of Marco in his soft linen shirt and glowing skin filled her head.
“He’s incredible.” The words spilled out before Sabrina could filter a more appropriate response.
Aunt Faye laughed and leaned forward. “Do tell.”
“I mean he seems great, at least from what I can tell so far.” Sabrina tried again, this time with a little more control. “His name his Marco and he's from some island in the Mediterranean. He’s a very wealthy person, which I guess is why he needs an assistant. But he’s also super genuine. I could tell after only a few minutes of us talking. He's definitely someone I think I’ll absolutely love working for.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Faye said. “And the pay is what you expected? There’s no catch besides having to travel?”
“No catch at all. Nothing so far anyway,” Sabrina said. “They outlined everything one last time right before I left, including going over the pay one more time. I’ll easily make enough to save for tuition.”
“Oh, Bean,” Faye said, her face melting into a smile of pure happiness. “Look at you.”
Sabrina couldn’t help but break into a smile of her own.
“I’m so proud of you,” Faye said.
“Thanks, Aunty. That really means a lot,” Sabrina said, and for the first time she felt her anxious emotions mellow into something controllable. She took a breath and appreciated the momentary peace.
“When do you start on this grand adventure?” Faye asked, settling into a comfortable chair.