Twice Awakened

Chapter 8

I had gone to each room, drawing a diagram of the upstairs, main floor, and basement. Five bedrooms upstairs, two bathrooms, an office, and a sun room. On the main floor the living room, dining room, kitchen, a half bathroom, office, and a library. The basement was fully finished with, a bedroom, laundry room, an open area, and a fully finished bar area. I sat on the porch swing, thinking of basic necessities, such as, a bed, washer, dryer, pots, pans, dishes, and a few other things. I drew in each room, matching the artwork to complete each theme. Doodling in one bedroom from start to finish. From area rugs to the artwork on the walls to watch pillowcases and blankets would be on each bed. Starting with the master bedroom and the bathroom that was in there. Beautiful sunset oranges and reds danced across the walls, I could incorporate my favorite color for my bedspread and in little accents around the room. I choose the off white night stands on either side to incorporate the white sandy beaches here. With a walk-in closet there was no need for a dresser but instead place a vanity of the same off white adorn with shells from the beach. I also decided floating shelves for trinkets and my parents’ picture. On empty spaces I could find local artists’ works and hang them. For the floor I wanted to find area rugs that matched the sand but also had pictures of shells and other items you would find while walking on the beach. One for under my bed, the vanity, and by the bay window. I want to find a cushion of deep reds and oranges for sitting in the window looking out over the spacious front of the yard and to the ocean. For the bathroom, I wanted littler area rugs for it of the same aspect, a shower curtain of a sunset over the ocean, and red accents, such as, the toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, towels, and other odds and ends. I did this for every room matching the colors to the same objects to my room, except dressers in place of the vanity.

The living room I did the standard sectional, TV stand, TV, and floating shelves for pictures and trinkets. I added a rocking chair for when Granny Edna came one inside and one on the porch by the each swing. The sun room was placed beside the master bedroom. The outside wall was all windows, I added a Jacuzzi on one side, making notes to water proof the floor and making it a step down to be enter the sectioned area, a runner splitting the room from the door. It seemed tedious but I really wanted a Jacuzzi somewhere in my house. The other half, I had lounges and chairs to relax in while looking over the ocean view. The upper office I made into a game room, all consoles would be neatly in their place so guests or their children could have entertainment. The office below would have the typical desk, chairs, computer, clock, and TV. The kitchen I would find a special rack for one wall for all the skillets, pans, and pots to neatly hang. An overhead was already above the island so all I needed was the utensils and tools. One pantry I would have for all my baking needs and the bigger one I would keep canned foods, jars, and other food items.

I walked in and downstairs to the basement to study the open area. I was stumped it had a step down and wasn’t actual wood but concrete painted to match. It had rubber seals surrounding the area and a drain. Looking back at my notes I erased the Jacuzzi from the sun room and placed it downstairs. It was next to the back door so I found it much easier to place here with less remodeling and disruption of the house. The bedroom downstairs I made into a storage room, placing shelves on the walls big enough for numerous totes and boxes of various sizes. The bar area was self explanatory. Being eighteen I was of legal drinking age and decided to have Liz help me in that area.

My plans for the house were set, I wanted to go to some local places, and shop around. I was ecstatic and was loving every second of it. Glancing at the time I noticed it was already one and I was becoming hungry. I unloaded my clothes in my walk in closet, placing the items from my courier bag into the bathroom. I placed my keys on my lanyard making sure everything was locked before walking out the front door. As I turned around, a strange black car pulled up the drive, catching me a little off guard. A young man about my age was driving. It was hard to make out his features due to the tinting of the windows. I had walked down the six front steps and stopped, not sensing any danger. The young man stopped and stepped out with a puzzled look on his face.

“Is Mr. Abertee home?” he looked at me as if I had just intruded.

“No, I actually just purchased the house from him. He was all packed this morning headed to Zcythe.”

“Ah bummer. I usually cut his grass and noticed it is getting long.”

“Well,” glancing around I noticed the grass was up to about my shin. “how much do you charge?”

“Usually I mow the whole lot twice a week for $100” He looked at me with hope glimmering in his eyes.

“Do you wish to mow? I find that to be quite reasonable and will pay you weekly.”

“Yes, I would love to mow! I am Alex by the way. I live on that side of you in the little apartments. Are you new to Titant?” He caught my puzzled face.

“Yes, I have been here two days and I am still grabbing my bearings. Is it that obvious?” I gave him I side smirk causing him to chuckle a little.

“Just a little. Have you ate yet?” At the mention of eating my stomach growled causing my face to heat. “I take that as a no. Do you want to come with me?”

“You’re not a serial killer are you?” I teased knowing his answer.

“Only on the second Tuesday of every week.” His quirky joke got a chuckle out of me. I nodded and sent a message to Liz I was not going to be home for a bit. A placed my phone in my bag. I walked to the passenger side as he unlocked the doors to allow me in. He turned the car around with ease in the driveway and we set off on a little adventure to find food. “So what do you like to eat?” He glanced at me out the corner of his eye and awaited my answer.

“I am up for anything really. I love the restaurant that is joined to Granny Edna’s hotel.” he looked at me confused for a moment and realized I was speaking about the hotel right down the road.

“Lingini’s is an amazing restaurant.” He thought for a minute and his face lit up. “If you thought that was good I have the perfect spot!”

“Outlook I can’t wait.” I smiled.

“So, how’s decorating that mansion of a house going?” he asked trying to make conversation.

“Well, I have what I want on paper but now the fun part begins.” I bit the side of my lip thinking of where to possibly begin looking for everything losing myself in thought for a moment.

“Anya, hello….” He had looked at me with a slightly worried look. “You ok? I can help you with the local businesses I know. We can make a few visits if you want. I am totally free today.”

“Just lost in thought of where to begin. Sorry. That would be amazing but I don’t want to impede on your day.”

“You don’t need to apologize Anya, you're a little overwhelmed with everything and I totally understand. You are in a new place, a new home, and trying to figure everything out.”... .he smiled reassuringly. “ So did you bring the plans?” I nodded patting my bag. “Maybe, if you feel comfortable, we can go over the different items and the places I know .”

“That sounds like an awesome plan!”

As we rounded a few corners I had just realized we were in town. Alex was friendly, sweet, and caring. Not to mention he wasn’t hard on the eyes. He was masculine, his muscles showing with the tank he had on. His face was thin but rounded in the perfect way. His brown hair short and spiked. At home someone who looked like him stayed far away from me. It was a breath of fresh air to have someone other than Liz and Granny Edna to talk to. Someone my age and someone familiar with Titant. We headed around another turn and pulled into a little restaurant that looked like it had a ski aura about it.

“Here we are!” he beamed. I smiled taking everything in as we got out of the car. Staying close to him.