New York

The day had finally come for me to leave Los Angeles and start a new chapter of my life in New York. At fourteen, I had accomplished what most my age could only dream of—graduating from high school early and preparing to study law at Columbia University. My bags were packed, and my mind was buzzing with anticipation and a hint of nervousness about what lay ahead.

I stood in the living room of my uncle Rick and aunt Dee Dee's home, taking in the familiar surroundings one last time. Rick had been a constant source of strength and guidance. Dee Dee had provided me with invaluable insights into tactical and strategic thinking. Their training had not only honed my physical abilities but also shaped my mindset, instilling in me a sense of discipline and resilience.

"Ready, kid?" Rick asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, a mix of excitement and sadness in my eyes. "Yeah, I'm ready. I'll miss this place, though."

"We'll miss you too, Alex," Dee Dee said, pulling me into a tight hug. "But this is a fantastic opportunity for you. You're going to do great things."

We walked out to the driveway, where a black SUV was waiting to take me to the airport. As we loaded my luggage into the trunk, I took a moment to absorb the scene. The sunny California sky, the gentle breeze, and the comforting presence of my family—it all felt bittersweet.

"Remember, if you ever need anything, we're just a phone call away," Rick said, giving me a firm handshake that turned into a hug.

"Thanks, Uncle Rick. I won't forget," I replied, my voice tinged with emotion.

With final goodbyes said, I climbed into the SUV and watched as Rick and Dee Dee waved me off. The drive to the airport was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. I reflected on the years spent in Los Angeles, the rigorous training sessions, the family dinners, and the moments of laughter and learning. I thought about my parents, James and Elizabeth, who, despite their busy schedules, had always supported me. Though they couldn't be there for my departure, their influence was deeply ingrained in me.

The plane ride from Los Angeles to New York felt like a journey between two worlds. I gazed out of the window, watching the landscape change beneath me. The sprawling suburbs and glittering coastline of California gave way to the dense urban expanse of New York. As the plane descended, I caught sight of the iconic skyline, the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the distance. It was a symbol of freedom, opportunity, and a new beginning.

Upon landing, I retrieved my luggage and made my way to the arrivals area. Chloe Hunter, my aunt and legal mentor, was there to greet me. Chloe was a successful lawyer and the owner of Hunter Law Firm. Her sharp mind and warm personality had always made a strong impression on me, and I was excited to live with her and learn from her firsthand.

"Alex!" Chloe called out, waving as she spotted me.

"Aunt Chloe!" I replied, a broad smile spreading across my face.

We hugged tightly, the bond between us evident in our embrace. "Welcome to New York," Chloe said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I hope you're ready for this adventure."

"I am," I said, feeling a surge of confidence. "I can't wait to get started."

We drove through the bustling streets of New York, the city alive with energy. Chloe pointed out various landmarks and shared stories about her experiences in the city. I listened intently, soaking in every detail. I was eager to explore my new surroundings and make the most of the opportunities that awaited me.

Chloe's apartment was a spacious, modern loft in a vibrant neighborhood. It was stylishly decorated, with large windows that offered stunning views of the city skyline. My room was cozy and well-appointed, with a desk, bookshelves, and a comfortable bed. It felt like a perfect blend of home and a space conducive to my growth.

"Make yourself at home," Chloe said, helping me settle in. "We've got a lot to cover in the coming days, but first, let's get you familiar with the area."

Over the next few days, Chloe took me on a tour of the city. We visited Central Park, Times Square, and the bustling streets of Manhattan. We explored the museums, attended a Broadway show, and enjoyed the diverse culinary delights the city had to offer. Each experience was a new adventure, and I felt a growing sense of excitement about my new life in New York.

Chloe also introduced me to her law firm. The Hunter Law Firm was housed in a sleek, modern building downtown. I was impressed by the professional environment and the dedication of the staff. Chloe introduced me to her colleagues and gave me a tour of the office, explaining the various departments and their functions.

"You're going to learn a lot here," Chloe said as we walked through the bustling office. "Law is not just about knowing the rules; it's about understanding people, strategy, and the nuances of each case."

I nodded, feeling inspired. "I'm ready to learn, Aunt Chloe. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

The first semester at Columbia starts one month later so I can take this time to accompany aunt Chloe to learn from her and visit the Hunter law firm.

---------------

It was a typical Wednesday afternoon at the Hunter Law Firm, and I was busy shadowing my aunt Chloe. There are still 2 weeks left for the start of Columbia Law School. The firm was a bustling hive of activity, with lawyers and staff moving in and out of offices, discussing cases, and preparing for court. Chloe had been an excellent mentor, guiding me through the intricacies of the legal world with patience and expertise.

"Alex," Chloe called from her office, pulling me away from my thoughts. "I need you to run an errand for me. Can you take these documents down to the mailroom and ensure they're sent out immediately?"

"Of course, Aunt Chloe," I replied, taking the stack of documents from her desk. 

The mailroom was on the lower level of the building, a quieter and less hectic part of the firm.

Behind the counter stood a boy about 18 years old, sorting through the mail with practiced efficiency. He had a focused expression, dark hair falling slightly into his eyes, and an air of determination about him. There was something strikingly familiar about him, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Hey," I said, approaching the counter. "I need to send these documents out urgently."

He looked up, and our eyes met. For a moment, it felt like time stopped. There was a spark of recognition in my eyes. My mind raced, trying to place where I had seen him before. Then, it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

The man in front of me is the young Harvey Specter. 

Harvey Specter is a central character from the TV series Suits. He is a senior partner at Pearson Hardman, a prestigious New York City law firm. Harvey is known for his sharp wit, exceptional legal skills, and commanding presence. His character is defined by his confidence, ambition, and strategic thinking, making him one of the most formidable attorneys in the city.

I remembered in the series, that Harvey was found by Jessica Pearson working in the mailroom. Then she found out about his talent and sponsored him for studying law,

"Hello", Harvey said, breaking me out of my stupor.

I chuckled, feeling slightly embarrassed but intrigued. "Hello, I'm Alex."

"Nice to meet you, Alex. I'm Harvey Specter," he replied, extending a hand. I shook it, still marveling at the uncanny resemblance.

"So, you work here?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground.

"Yeah, part-time," Harvey said, nodding. "I help out in the mailroom and run errands. It's not glamorous, but it's a start."

I handed him the documents. "Here, these need to go out immediately."

"Got it," Harvey said, taking the papers and setting to work. 

As he prepared the documents for mailing, I couldn't help but study him. The way he moved, his confident demeanor—it was all so similar to the Harvey Specter I knew from 'Suits'. It was uncanny, almost surreal.

"So, how did you end up working here?" I asked, curious about his story.

Harvey replied, shrugging. "I'm hoping to learn as much as I can and maybe get into law school one day and be one of the greatest lawyers. What about you?"

"I'm here with my aunt Chloe Hunter," I explained. "She's mentoring me. I want to become a police officer, but I figured learning about the law would be beneficial."

Harvey nodded thoughtfully. "That's smart. Understanding the legal system from both sides could give you an edge."

I smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this boy who was a character from my past life's favourite TV show. As Harvey finished processing the documents, I realized that this encounter was more than just a coincidence. It felt like a connection, a reminder that this world held endless possibilities and familiar faces in unexpected places.

"Thanks, Harvey," I said as he handed me the receipt.

"No problem, Alex," he replied with a grin. "See you around."

I left the mailroom and headed back to Chloe's office.