And now what?

11. The BBQ

The sun was just peeking out from the clouds as they drove up to Aunt Bella's house. Annabelle and Luke were looking forward to the afternoon, after having such a depressing couple of days, looking at awful houses in the rain, being able to relax at Aunt Bella's seemed like walking into heaven. Even the weather had cleared up!

 As they got out of the car Aunt Bella and Uncle Jacob came around the side of the house and gave them all big hugs, 'Great to see you all again,' they gushed, 'Come round the side we're in the garden, since the weather is clearing we thought we would risk a b.b.q.!'

 We all walked round to the garden, they had music playing in the background, the b.b.q. was smoking and there was a large tray of covered steaks, sausages and burgers ready to go on. Sitting round the table were their neighbours with their children Ben and Jessica who were similar in age to Annabelle and Luke. Perfect, as usual Aunt Bella had thought of everything, even friends to play chill out with.

 'Annabelle, Luke, you remember Ben and Jessica don't you?' asked Aunt Bella

 'Yes of course' answered Annabelle, 'Hey' she said turning to Jessica.

 The children sat around the table chatting for a bit, after about half an hour they asked to go to their house as they had more to do there, everyone agreed and they headed off.

 Bella turned to Grace,' I thought we might need some adult time to talk things through' she said,

'Now come and sit down next to me and tell me all about theses houses, let's see if we can sort one out for you!'

 It was already turning dark when Annabelle, Luke and Grace finally got into the car and started headed home.

 Everyone felt relaxed but tired.

 They arrived home and got ready for bed,

 'Annabelle, Luke' Grace called her children over, 'Just before you go to sleep I want to tell you that your Aunt Bella, Uncle Jacob and I spent a long time looking at the brochures of all the houses we viewed yesterday and the one we looked at this morning and taking into account factors like pricing, proximity to the school and to the art gallery and general condition of the house we thought the apartment overlooking the park would be the best investment. Now before you argue,' she put her hand up as both Annabelle and Luke had opened their mouths to protest, 'I know it's small, not much bigger than this one, but it ticks all the boxes, it's in a nice block of apartments, low rise, easy to maintain and close to the school. Considering our options it's perfect.  It's also vacant and within six weeks when all the paper work is complete we will be able to move in. I can afford to pay in cash so we won't have a mortgage to worry about which means with my wage we will be able to live fairly comfortably and from next year I'll be able to continue with your school fees myself. What do you think?'

 'I don't like the apartment but the houses were worse, so I guess I'm ok with that' answered Luke.

 'I hated all the houses and I didn't much like the apartment, it's small and god only know where I'm going to put all my things, for a start the wardrobe in my room was tiny, but at least I do get a room to myself so fine, if we have to, although I don't understand why we have to make a decision so soon, can't we view other houses, a bit bigger and nicer?'

 'Sorry darling,' Grace took her daughter's hand, 'I know this is very difficult for you. At your age having to make so many changes, but please remember it's difficult for me to, and also for your brother.  I want to buy now, while we have the money, please believe me, this is the best apartment for us, it will be fine, I promise'

 Annabelle looked a little dubiously at her mother, 'Fine whatever, if that's what you want I'm fine with it.'

 They both got up and headed for the bedroom.

 Grace stayed on the sofa for little while. Well she was making progress. Their home had been sold together with their car and a few other assets which had been sufficient in the end to cover all of the company's debts. Sufficient money had been left over to buy the little car and now this apartment. They wouldn't have anything left over but with her wage from the art gallery and taking into account the reduced expenses, the apartment would be a lot cheaper to run than their old house, Grace felt she could manage. The school fees were expenses but if she budgeted carefully she should be able to manage.  She also knew that Bella and Jacob were there for the children and if she was a little short for the school they would help.

 Life was going to be very different but for the first time she started to feel positive, it wouldn't be so bad. They could manage.