2. The next steps were a blur. It happened so quickly!

The next steps were a blur. It happened so quickly!

It was time to put the plan into action and ‘put the feelers out’. Gary’s best friend had been offered a job in Quebec City, Canada and was waiting for things to be processed before he and his wife moved there. We discussed how Gary could ask his friend if he could forward his work portfolio to the company – this is nothing unusual in the gaming industry. With no hesitation, his friend was more than happy to help Gary out. So, the next day, Gary arrived back from work, ate his tea and locked himself away in the computer room to update his work portfolio. Gary being a perfectionist, worked hard over a few hours to get it just right. Once completed, he forwarded the online link to his friend. This was then forwarded to the gaming company. Canada is five hours behind the U.K time. Although Gary’s friend sent the email straight away it was the end of the working day there. There was nothing more Gary could do. We both curled up together on the sofa with a warm cup of tea to unwind. There wasn’t much unwinding when all we spoke about was Canada, Canada, and Canada. The butterflies in our stomachs were becoming more noticeable and bigger now. This was really happening. All we needed to do was be patient. Anyway Gary wouldn’t get a response until next week. It was getting late at this point so we put on our PJ’s and lay in bed. We gave each other a goodnight kiss and said "what will be, will be." 

The next day, Gary returned from work, as usual, and I had the tea on the table ready, as usual. With a bemused expression on his face he told me he had received an email from the company. I was in shock that within less than 12 hours he had a response, but wait, what did the response say? Gary went on to tell me he had been asked if he was free for a Skype interview on Monday – in a few days! Wow... that was a bit quick for ‘putting the feelers out’. I was extremely shocked and nervous at this point. I couldn’t get my head around the fact that I’ve had to fill out long application forms, attend interviews, and have reference checks and criminal checks for jobs. This would take months for me to find and start a new job. He replied that evening and, as simple as that, the interview had been arranged for Monday.

On the Monday, Gary ate his tea pretty quickly. He freshened up, got the IPad ready and it was the wait for the Skype call. It was booked for 8:30pm British time. It was 3:30pm in Quebec City. He still had 30 minutes to wait which involved checking his appearance in the mirror, emptying his bladder twice and checking the room lighting for the call. We both were watching the clock 8:27pm, 8:28pm, 8:29pm. Then the Skype music filled the living-room, I quickly jumped up, shut the door and sped to the bedroom. This was like no other job interview – this was our future!

Sat on our bed, I tried to read a book. Every time I heard a laugh or loud talking my eyes would glance down the hallway towards the living-room door. I deliberately left the bedroom door open so I could try to hear what was being said. Not that I could. Even though Gary was doing all the hard work, I felt every emotion he was going through. It was as if I was waiting in line for my own job interview. For nearly an hour I had butterflies, nerves and excitement. I stood-up, then sat down.

It went quiet and I couldn’t hear any more talking; our life changing interview was over. Gary immediately ran into the bedroom. He was buzzing with excitement but was nervous. Trying not to get ahead of myself, I was the proud girlfriend and had a good feeling about it all; so did Gary. However, we reassured each other that what will be, will be. It had been a great experience and when Gary has an interview with another company he’ll know what to expect now.

We didn’t have to wait long for an update. The next day Gary had an email asking if he was free for another Skype interview on the Wednesday. Oh no, we had to, I mean Gary had to go through this again. At least it didn’t say nope, not interested. Surely, that’s a good sign, right? A few days went by and Gary went through the Skype interview with different team members this time. Yet again, we had to wait for a response.

On the Friday, I was doing the routine of cooking tea. There was a beef casserole in the slow cooker ready and waiting for Gary’s return. This meant I could sit on the sofa and hog the T.V to myself before he got home. This didn’t last long though. Our flat was on the second floor, which was the top floor in our block. Where I was sat, I was overlooking a park through the French doors and a Juliet balcony. That day the park was filled with lively children on the playground and people walking their dogs. This was my favourite spot in the flat where I could watch the world go by. I thought; I am going to miss this view, if we go. Rather than watching T.V, I was looking out of the window daydreaming about life in Canada, again? In my personal and work life I had many changes happening at the same time too. My health was not good as I was experienced pain in my lower back and stomach area. As a result, I had been off work for two weeks and there was no sign of me going back anytime soon. Everyday tasks of driving and walking were difficult. There were ongoing medical investigations and it was suspected the pain was related to my womb. Any growths, i.e. cancer, were ruled out, however at the age of 27 years old I didn’t know what my chances were of having children anymore. After completing three long and stressful years at University and becoming a Social Worker; I was facing the possibility of giving the career up. Gary was very supportive and was encouraging me to leave my job to prioritise my health. This was difficult for me to digest. Gary and I had only been together just over a year and I was a strong independent woman; how could I possible rely on my partner to financially provide for me? Everything I was and was going to be was quickly changing. Whether I was in the U.K or Canada, I didn’t know what my future held for me anymore.

All these thoughts were running through my head. Then I heard Gary slot the key into the front door. Right away I snapped out of the daydream. Once inside, he stood in the doorway of the living-room and didn’t look his usual self. Instantly I thought "crap, he’s heard back about the job and its bad news." With a sad tone he said "I got an email. I didn’t get the job." He handed me his phone so I could read the email. He told me to read it whilst he went to the toilet. So with concern I started to read it.

‘Hi Gary, we are really pleased to offer you the job…’

What? Oh my goodness…I was really confused at this point. Read it again...

‘Hi Gary, we are really pleased to offer you the job…’

And again…

‘Hi Gary, we are really pleased to offer you the job…’

My brain would not register what I was reading. At this point after hiding in the hallway, Gary reappeared. Still in shock I asked "You got the job?" Straight away, we flung our arms around each other and were overwhelmed with excitement. Within an instant, without any hesitation, it was decided we were moving to Canada!