A House Of My Own

Water

I'd managed to sleep in and woke to a bright sunny day. I got dressed into my gown, one I'd made but never got around to stocking for the shop. It was long and silky but the amount of fabric meant it was very expensive to sell and likely wouldn't do well. I went downstairs to make myself a cup of tea. Setting the kettle on the gas before doing the washing up from the previous day.

                                ***

With the kitchen cleaned I settled in to the dining room table,wishing my couch would arrive soon, and began to check off the tasks I'd finished and some I still needed to get done. I'd managed to get through a big lot of supplies yesterday and went online to order another shipment. I'd also decided I would go into town today and buy some veggies to plant a small garden.

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on my door. Assuming it was my couch or bed, I rushed to open up for them to find Dorian, in the doorway, the wagging tail of Blue right behind him.

"Oh, good morning Dorian, how can I help you?" I asked, confused as to why he was here.

"plumbing" he responded. Gesturing inside to my sink.

"oh, huh. I didn't think you'd heard me, um, thanks. Are you sure it suits you to help? I'm sure I can find a company in town" I rambled as he let himself inside and stooped to begin rummaging around under the sink.

He didn't reply, which didn't surprise me. But I put the kettle on again and offered him coffee or tea, to which he responded "coffee" and continued his work under the sink.

Not wanting to get in his way, I finished the pot and took my cup out into the shed with me where I worked on replacing the green dress and making another few of the fast selling pieces. I didn't notice when Blue came to join me until she lay her head at my feet while I worked. It felt good to have some company.

                                 ***
It must have been a good few hours before I heard a knock on the shed door frame, the door had been propped open by my dress form.

"Uh, it looks like you'll need to replace some things in the gas heater so I can come back when ya'v got 'em but other than that it's workin' fine. Replaced your washers and the washer tape, cos it was mouldy and cleared out the blocked drain from the tub, last owner was hairy." he stayed quitely while scratching his beard.

"D'ya make all of these?" he asked, suddenly noticing the racks of clothes around.

"yes", I nodded. "it's just a small business of mine, I enjoy sewing. That's what I was doing in the woods yesterday, taking photos for my website." I replied shyly.

"Did Blue ruin that green one?" he noticed the stained dress lying crumpled at the edge of my trestle.

"It was my fault for climbing around like a teenager again without looking around" I sigh "But Im busy replacing it now, after all, I've got to get an income somehow."

"Speaking of, what do I owe you?" I asked, suddenly realizing Dorian might expect some payment.

"Nah, my dog ruined your product, only fair if the plumbing is payment."

"oh, no I couldn't do that, really, I can clean the dress and use it myself, it's not a big loss, are you sure I can't offer you something?" hoping that he would accept, I'd feel a bit embarrassed if I'd forced him into fixing my water for free.

"No, ma'am" was all he said and left the doorway, whistling for Blue to come with.

I rushed after him as he walked back inside to pick up his stuff.

"please, call me Day at least? I'm only 26, ma'am makes me feel old"

"Hmm" he answered, showing himself out. "I've left my home phone number on the fridge for when ya've bought those parts and the list of part that need replacin' is there too.

"Thanks" I sighed, waiting till Dorian and blue had disappeared among the trees.

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