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I woke up before my alarm went off and decided to go and take my shower now. I hoped that I was the only one up and debated on using the shower up here or going to the one that I have always used. I had taken my stuff out of there and locked it away in my closet just in case my mom decided to take that room away from me also.
I quietly snicked into the upstairs bathroom with all my stuff and locked the door. This bathroom was gross. Make up and hair everywhere, dirty clothes and wet towels on the floor and I swear neither of them flushes the toilet. And that is all I have noticed by just shutting the door and turning on the light. When I looked in the shower it was fairly clean so I turned on the water and while it was warming up I went to the sink. Um.. I think there was something growing in it so I decided to brush my teeth in the shower. I know gross but if you saw that sink you would do the same thing. I grabbed my razor, shower stuff and my tooth brush and tooth past from the bag I brought in and hung up my towel before climbing in the shower. I would make this as quick as possible.
I really didn’t need to shave but I like the smooth feeling it gave you so I made sure to shave once I felt the stubble’s. That was like one or twice a week. One I was done and back in my room I got dressed and put all my smelly goods on. I heard Landon and Lacey moving around so I knew they would be up and getting ready. I started to feel nervous about seeing our dad again. I mean the day at the diner was okay but now we were going to spend the day with him looking at houses. That meant we would be going places with him and being seen in public by people we knew. I know the diner is a public place and all but it was during school and not to many people were in there. Today we will run into people we know and there will be questions not that I would have to answer them but Landon and Lacey would. Would they tell them what has been going on at our house for the last nine years? Will they lie?
“Hey give us about ten minutes and we will be ready.” Landon said coming to my room in a towel.
“Okay” I said smiling at him. My brother was nice looking no wonder the girls all wanted him. And no I am not being sick or anything but Landon his handsome and has a nice body something I wish I had. He would be perfect for Holden.
While I waited I cleaned up my room and locked away all my stuff pocketing the keys when I was done. I even fit my new bed in the closet. My room felt as empty as it looked. It made me sad that everything I owned fit into one tiny closet.
“Where the hell is all of your stuff?” Lacey asked coming into my empty room.
“I put it in the closet.” I said lifting my back pack and putting it on my shoulders.
“Wow just wow.” She said shaking her head and leaving my room.
“She needs another five minutes.” Landon said coming in my room about five minutes later.
“That’s cool, we have time.” I said sitting on the floor in front of my closet door.
“I am going to ask a nosey question but I can’t help it. So how much money do you have?” He asked.
“Not a lot, my bills with out rent takes up one whole check a month and then with food and gas I send about another one so I get to bank maybe two checks a month. I put one in the savings and one in my checking so I could pay rent. My savings is for college and my checking is for things like a computer, my truck or clothes if I need them. So in my checking I have about a thousand dollars that I have been holding onto for about a year now. And in my savings there is about six thousand. I had to dip into it for tires and stuff for my truck. I don’t like to do that but I had to have new tires someone slit all four of them last year.” I said mumbling.
“Mom slit your tires.” Landon said looking guilty.
“I figured as much but with no proof there wasn’t much the cops could do.” I said with a shrug.
“I stopped her from putting sugar in your gas tank. Then when I looked you have a locked gas cap on it, smart guy.” He said.
“I also now have an alarm on it.” I said.
“Another smart move.” He said.
“I won’t even park in the drive because she could have it towed or something. If it is parked on the road she has no say so. It’s not abandoned and I don’t park in the same spot ever time so she can’t say that it’s in her way or anything.” I said.
“How did you come up with all of this?” He asked.
“I watch a lot of movies.” I said laughing.
“I bet you do.” he said.
“Let’s go guys, mom is being a bitch so before she makes her way down here we better get.” Lacey said from the door.
Landon and I both quickly followed her out of the house and to my truck. I unlocked the doors after turning off the alarm as we exited the house. We were down the street with in seconds of getting in the truck. It was a little crowded but not uncomfortable.
“You truck smells good.” Lacey said.
“Apple’s, I bought this stuff at Wal-Mart that you can spray your furniture with and added some water to it and sprayed my seats and floors with it.” I said smiling. I love the smell of apples and this is the only place I have to make it smell good.
“I like it, can I borrow it for my car?” She said taking a deep sniff.
“Sure, I will make you a bottle of it.” I said happy that someone likes it. Harvey hated it that is why we always took his car. I pulled into the gas station and hurry out to pump the gas. I washed the windows and checked my tires while it filled. Landon was laughing at me while I was doing this so I stuck my tongue out him. He just don’t get it, this truck is my baby.
“So do you know how to get to dad’s from here?” Lacey asked when I got back into the truck.
“Nope, but I bet you can tell me.” I said smiling at her.
“Yep, go like you are going to school but drive past it and keep going until you get to Marion St. turn left and it is the fourth house on the right.” She said smiling.
“Did you get directions or have you been there?” Landon asked shooting her a look.
“I got directions last night.” She said shaking her head.
I drove following her directions. When I turned on to Marion St. I was nervous as hell. Part of me wished we had more time to get there but I knew that I would just feel the same way. Landon pointed at the house and I stopped and parked on the side of the road across from our dads house. I pulled the keys and got out taking my back pack and putting it in the cab. I made sure I had my wallet and my phone before hitting the lock’s and the alarm. I followed them up the steps and too the front door.
“Hey guys, come in. I am just about ready.” Dad said opening the door. The house was small both inside and out but for one person it was perfect. We entered into the living room that had a sofa, TV and one chair. Really not big enough for all of us to sit comfy but it would do.
“This is a nice place.” I said breaking the silence that was killing me.
“Thanks, do you guys want anything to drink? I have soda, water and juice.” He said.
“I’m good.” I said and Landon and Lacey copied me.
“Well give me a minute and we can head out. There is three places I would like to look at before we stop for lunch.” He said before hurrying off somewhere.
“Hey look, there are pictures of us from when we were little.” Lacey said walking into what I assume was an office. She was right there was pictures all over the place of us. Most of them we were from when we were young like before he left but I did see some from right after he left. I don’t remember them being taken and it was like when we were all still kind of getting along. I caught myself smiling at one where we were all running around the back yard. I think it was when Landon and I were chasing Lacey with worms.
“I remember that. You two are so mean.” Lacey said coming up behind me.
“I still can’t believe you were afraid of a worm. I mean you are like fifty times bigger then it.” I said chuckling.
“Oh man that was a fun day.” Landon said laughing behind us.
“I don’t think so.” Lacey said pouting.
“You guys ready?” Dad asked chuckling behind us.
“Yeah” The three of us said.
“Let’s go, the first house is on the other side of time by where you live now so since it is the farthest we will check that one out first.” He said. I was really hoping to check my house out first but owell.
We all got in dad’s car. Lacey sat up front and Landon and I sat in the back. I was behind dad and Landon behind Lacey. The drive was honestly not that long so we pulled in to a drive way about eight blocks from our house and the house in front of us was a cookie cutter replica of our house minus the third floor. Linda Bass was the lady showing us the houses and she was a little to excited for my taste. But I followed the others through the house and listened to all she had to say about it. It was just like ours but all the rooms were different colors. I could tell by the looks in every ones but Linda’s face that none of us liked it.
“Well why don’t you talk it over while we head to the next place and you can tell me what you think.” Linda said to our dad.
“I can tell you now. We don’t like it we are looking for something different. Plus there isn’t enough rooms.” He said straight forward.
“Okay, well the next house is different and I think you will like it.” she said never losing her smile.
We followed behind Linda on the way to the next house. I started to get excited when we turned down the road my dream house was on. When we got closer the three of us started to sit forward a little and look intensely out the window. I almost sighed out loud when we passed it. Three houses down we turned into another drive I was hoping we were turning around but we didn’t.
“Okay so this one is five bedroom and it has a basement that can hold more rooms.” Linda said as she unlocked the door. It was old and smelled old. Lacey covered her nose the minute we were all in the house. Landon coughed a couple times but schooled his face.
“I don’t think this is the house either.” Our dad said holding his nose.
“Yes, of course.” Linda said looking green.
Well all hurried out and waited for Linda to lock up before we piled back into the car.
“That place smelled really bad. How can the sell something that smells so bad?” Lacey asked.
“Sometimes things go on the market without them really checking them out. To me that smelled like something died inside.” Dad said.
“All the more reason not to buy.” I said from the back seat of the car.
“Well we have one more house to look at so I am hoping that it is a lot better then the last two.” He said smiling as we pulled in to my dream house.
I was out of the car and half way to the door before I realized I had left everyone behind and needed to wait for Linda to unlock the door. Landon laughed at me because I was bouncing while I waited. I honestly think that dad and Linda were making me wait on purpose.
“Okay here we go.” Linda said finally unlocking the door.
The door opened into the kitchen but the whole first floor was like one giant room. All open and beautiful. I ooh’d and Awe’d everything. From the spacey country but updated kitchen to the eating area with the built in booth. I loved the living room because it had an awesome fire place. The house was all done in a dark brown hard wood flooring that I loved. There was a stair case that lead up to the second floor where four bedrooms and three bathrooms were. One of the four rooms was the master suite and it was sweet. Big enough to have a big bed and a small couch in it. The bathroom was too die for. Double sinks, huge shower and a garden tub. i was in love with this house. The other three bedrooms were nice size and two shared a bathroom while the other had it’s own. When we made it up to the third floor I was a little disappointed not to find any more rooms. But this area had potential.
There was a three car garage attached to the house a swimming pool and a huge back yard. We looked through a couple of the out buildings before we made it to the apartment.
“This is a four suite apartment with shared living and kitchen areas. It is a little weird but it has in house parking and a small patio and back yard area.” Linda said as she unlocked the door.
Okay, I admit it was a little strange but we walked into the garage area and there was enough room for at least six cars and off to the right of the parking area was half of a glass wall that looked into the living room, dinning area and the kitchen. I could see a set of stairs so I looked up.
“There is a bridge.” I said pointing up.
“So flipping cool.” Lacey said heading for the door that lead into the apartments shared rooms.
“As you can see it is a smaller version on the main house. Everything is set up about the same minus the third floor. There is no third floor.” Linda said as the three of us headed to the stairs. When we got up the stairs there was like a little sitting area and a huge closet that could be a fifth room because it was bigger then my room at home.
“Let’s cross the bridge.” Landon said. I ran to catch up with them. Dad and Linda were just making it up the steps when we started across the bridge. Lacey opened the first door we came to and it was a nice ass room. It wasn’t huge like the master suite at the main house but it was big. The bathroom is a smaller version of the master bathroom as well. I was in love. We checked out the other four rooms and found that they all looked like the first one just different views outside.
“So what do you guys think?” Dad asked as we all stood on the bridge looking down.
“I love it.” The three of us said at the same time. That made us all start laughing.
“Well the main house only has four bedrooms in it so we would be short like two rooms.” Dad said. I looked at Landon who looked at Lacey.
“The three of us could always live out here. I mean didn’t Linda say there was intercoms and security out here?” Lacey said.
“True, but we could always rent this out and it would pay the bills for us.” dad said.
“We’ll only be here for a year.” Landon said.
“I wish you guys would go to school somewhere close.” Dad said looking sad. It broke my heart.
“We could I mean there is a couple really good schools with in a hundred miles of here and two of them are like twenty miles away.” Landon said.
“Yeah, I was planning on going to one of them.” Lacey said.
“Well, if we get this does that mean that the three of you would be moving in with me? Because if not I could rent this place out and set up rooms in the main house for you. I want to buy this house because I see away to expand it.” He said. That is what he does he builds things.
“Can you give us a minute?” Landon asked.
“You can take all the time you need. I am going to go talk to Linda we will be over in the main house.” Dad said smiling at us. His smile didn’t reach his eyes and that hurt.
“Okay so what do you two want to do. I already know I am moving whether we get to live out here or not.” Lacey said.
“I will go if Landon goes.” I said.
“I am not staying at our house by myself. I feel bad for mom because we are all leaving her. But she needs to see what Lucas went through when she decided to tell us all those lies.” He said.
“So we’re moving in with dad?” Lacey asked.
“As soon as the paper work goes through and he is ready to move. I say we don’t say anything to anyone until then.” Landon said.
“Deal” Lacey and I said together.
“You know it is creepy how we do that.” Lacey said laughing.
“Yeah” Landon and I said together making us all laugh.
We went through the apartment one more time before we headed to the main house to do one last tour of that also. Dad and Linda we talking in the kitchen went we were finished.
“So what do you think?” Dad asked while Linda went out to her car for something.
“We love it, we would like to live in the apartments at lease three of them. If you want to rent the other one out that is fine with us as long as the person is cool.” Lacey said.
“I was thinking about that. I gave Linda my first bid and she is calling it in. I signed all the paper work while you guys we out side. It could take a little while but I am hoping that it will be as soon as school is out or right before.” Dad said.
“We want to keep this on the down low.” Landon said.
“I agree, but I will have to let my lawyer know. That way when you move out of your moms she doesn’t try and stop you.” Dad said.
“As long as she doesn’t know then we are golden.” I said.
“Okay, I also want to make sure you guys don’t think I am trying to buy your love or turn you against your mom. I loved her even after she kicked me out. It took me years to get over her. I didn’t like how you guys were getting treated and I tried to stop it all but I couldn’t and then I legally couldn’t.” He said.
“Mom turn us against her, not you. And we know this house isn’t just for the four of us. You have a chance at happeness again so this is for your future just as much as it is ours.” I said.
“True” He said with a blush. He must really love his girlfriend. I can’t wait to meet her.
“Well, If you guys are done here, I really should lock up. I won’t hear anything back for a while but it all looks promising.” Linda said.
“Okay, we were are heading for something to eat. You have my cell number if you need to get a hold of me.” Dad said.
“I sure do. I honestly don’t think we will hear anything until Monday and that it is even a little soon. The people who bought the place did so to flip it and they will want to make sure all their cost are met plus be able to pocket what they can.” She said.
“I know the guy who did the work.” I said smiling.
“Really, maybe you could talk to him.” She said smiling back.
“Nah, I think whatever our dad offered will be far. This is something that pride needs to deal with.” I said laughing.
“Yes, men and there pride.” Lacey said shaking her head.
“Shut up.” Landon said chuckling.
“We will talk soon, I hope.” Dad said shaking Linda’s hand while they both were still laughing.
“You bet.” She said holding the door open for us to leave.
We piled into dad’s car and headed off to some place to eat. When we got to the restaurant he handed me my new phone. It was one of those Iphone’s I have always wanted. I hugged him and thanked him before finding Holden’s number in my old phone and sending him a quick text with my new number. I kept my promise.
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