Stranger with the Stars

Home?

The ride itself wasn’t too bad. I left before the sun rose, sneaking out before anyone could volunteer to join. The view along the route was filled with beautiful sights of rolling hills of pine. The sun peeking through the branches shining golden rays along the the few scattered travelers . Deer were sprinkled in the rest stop areas, causing whatever tourist around to stop for photos. 

Due to the time I left, it meant that there were less people to worry about squishing while getting used to handling Borus. He wasn’t difficult to drive, just a bit big. It didn’t take too long to adjust. I had to silent remind myself to never park in the front of anything ever. 

The few hours of the drive flew by like minutes. This was the most relaxed I had been in a few years. As the sun began to rise, I could hear the faint howling of wolves. It felt comforting, like they were welcoming me to their town. 

The town itself wasn’t very hard to navigate. There were a few main roads, with a lot of curvy ones leading to department stores and or other areas of access. The college was towards the northern area. I could see the students whizzing by on their way to class, always throwing a second look back to the truck. Borus wasn’t exactly the definition of ‘blending in’.

The directions to the house were pretty easy once my phone found connection. It was south of the campus by about 20 minutes via car. It wouldn’t be a long walk either if you didn't trail off too much staring at the beautiful trees poking out of every place. Wolfe Pine wasn’t a bad name. The houses lining the street were older, full of character. Children were starting to pop out of their homes, pulling their parents in towe to where a bus might come get them for school. A few people waved as I passed, I made sure to roll down my windows so they could see me returning the kindness back. It felt like a warm and welcoming place.

The house itself sat in the back of a cul de sac. I was ecstatic to see a wide driveway greeting me, matched with a very large two car garage. Pulling up, I spotted an older woman making her way outside. I decided to park on the side street to make sure I didn’t seem too aggressive with the truck. So far, I was loving the town and how it made me feel. I hopped out of the truck, landing on the ground with a thump.

You should learn to trust me. 

“Hello there!” The woman called out. I popped out from around the truck. I could see her confusion as she couldn’t see me until I got a bit closer. Her face brightened, giving me a tender smile.

“Oh, I almost didn’t see you behind that big thing!” She chuckled waving towards Borus.

“You must be Grace! I’m delighted to meet you! The truck was a gift from my father. I know it’s quite large, but I promise it rides as smooth as a Cadillac.” I beamed a smile back.

“I see, I just wasn’t expecting a pretty young woman to be the driver! It’s a pleasure to have you come see the home. Please, feel free to go ahead and take a look around. I’m going to go chat with some of the neighbors for a moment to let them know what’s going on. You know how nosey people can be.” She rolled her eyes. 

Of course, the neighborhood was waking up. A few people were staring from their driveways, giving questioning glances to big orange metal monster sitting on their street. I’m sure their thoughts were running with idea’s of who or what was here. 

Grace gave a gentle pat on my shoulder, shuffling her way down the driveway. I heard her call out to one of the nearby people standing outside, followed by a few greetings. 

It decided it was now or never. Taking a deep breath I hopped across the porch to the front door. There was a metal screen on it, the door behind was solid and heavy. Once turning the knob, I could see that the entryway was leading into a vast living room. The ceilings were tall, floor to ceiling it must have been the entire height of the home. 

 There was a staircase to the left of the entryway, leading up to two sets of doors mirroring one another. On either side of the top sat two master suites, both having double doors to enter. One had a bigger closet than the other. I secretly claimed that one for myself. I wouldn’t need two bedrooms to myself. Maybe I should consider getting a roommate or turning it into an office.

The floors were of a light gray wood that flowed through the entire home. All of the walls decorated with a gentle white paint. The windows were wide, creating a beautiful cascading light into the room. The bathroom had a shower and a tub set up. A double vanity pairs nicely with white countertops. 

The paint was clearly in need of a fresh coat, the lights throughout the home needed a good switching out to something more modern. Some tender love and care was first on the list of things needed to be done.

Back down on the main floor, there was a door into the garage directly under the staircase itself. The garage was quite large, having more than enough room for Borus and another vehicle. Maybe not another one as big as him, a good sized one would fit. His search light bar would come close to scratching the top, so it would have to be a gentle entry and exit. There were a few storage cabinets lining the back wall. 

The kitchen was towards the back of the home past the living room. On the left of the kitchen entryway, there was small outcropped space for a small laundry room. The right of the kitchen held a small island, with a lovely amount of counter space. The counters we’re darker than their cabinets, beautifully contrasting in the light of the morning sun. The appliances needed an upgrade, but from the gentle testing they worked just fine. The pantry was large enough to compare to a walk-in closet. 

I was in love. The home was perfect.

Off of the living room, there was a back door that lead into the spacious backyard. The back door also had the same metal screen matching the front. The backyard was lush with green grass and a large pine tree. I could somewhat see over the old wood fence, showing off into a field similar to what I saw on the drive here.

This is home.

The voice was back. It had been quiet for the past night or so. Whenever I tried to respond, I would only be granted silence in return. Maybe I was finally losing my mind. 

“Sweetie?” Grace called out into the home. I made my way back inside, remembering to lock the back door. Grace met me in the kitchen, paperwork in hand.

“Yes, ma’am?” I happily responded.

“Well, what do you think? Are you interested?” She gently tapped on the papers on the counter. The key on top. 

“I love it,” I raised my arms, spinning like a toddler in a new dress. I truly did love it. It felt right, it felt home. 

“Glad to hear it. It’s all yours. I just need some signatures and a deposit. I don’t expect the first and last month's rent, please feel free to be here as long as you choose.” She started signing her name on the contract.

“Would you ever consider letting me buy it off of you? I can see myself here for quite a long while.” I shifted from one side to another, biting my lip. 

Grace continued writing, as though the question was as easy to hear as the summer breeze.

“Absolutely. However, I ask for one year of renting first. That way you can truly decide if you want to be here. You’re not from around here, this will all be very new to you. Some of the residents will take some.. Warming up to. Others are as wild, as oh I don’t know. As wild as a pack of wolves you could say!” She gave a hearty laugh. 

“Deal!” I was barely able to contain my excitement. “I could give you the years worth of rent now if you’d be okay with that. I’d have to run to the in town bank to pull it out, that and of course the deposit.” I was beaming ear to ear. I wanted this more than anything.

“That’s quite a lot, are you sure?” She looked at me with gentle eyes, searching for any sign of doubt. 

“Absolutely. I’m quite serious. I could run there now. I’m not sure what kind of assurance I could give you to help ensure my return.” I searched my pockets, I had nothing physical I could give her, and I needed the truck to be able to go to the bank.

“No need dear, I trust you. Just take me with you to the bank so I may be able to help them understand what we’re doing.” She gently patted my shoulder, bringing back the warm smile from before. 

“Will you be okay climbing up into it? It’s quite high off the ground.” I could help but think of the lifting we did, silently cursing myself for not considering those with shorter bodies.

“I’ll be fine, I have a step ladder in the laundry room. Would you mind grabbing it and meeting me outside? Don’t forget to sign these few sections.” She pointed with the pen at the paper to the lease. 

I eagerly filled out the paperwork, while Grace made her way out front. She had the key back in her pocket, I didn’t blame her as she hadn’t gotten payment. It took a few minutes to find the step stool stashed beside the dryer. I ran out the door, making sure to lock what I could. Grace stood at the truck holding her hands together, looking up into the sky. She seemed to be taking in the warmth of the day.