Their Time.

Chapter 12 - Finishing touches

When my phone vibrates against my leg, I pick it up to see what it's about. I answered with a thank you because it was Lynx who texted that he had placed Veras' other luggage in my room.

I turned around to face her and explained, "The rest of your belongings are here. Do you want to unpack your belongings and find out what you want to do? If you like, I can assist you as well." We made our way up to my room, after she gives me a nod in response.

I silently begged Vera to tell me what to do, as I'd done nothing like this before. Which makes her laugh, and she asks me to help her sort her belongings into categories first.

We'd just finished sorting everything into its proper location. Now I have to choose whether I want to share a room with Holden.

I mean, we've slept in the same bed before, and I'm kind of habituated to our routine. We started putting away my bathroom items and clothes after deciding to share his room.

My books, art supplies, and school supplies were among the items left behind. Turning to Holden, unsure of what to do.

Eventually, he stated, "You can use a room near my office for school, and we also have a shed with shelving that is currently vacant. We can turn it into an art studio? Also, I have something planned for your books, but it will be a surprise."

"What about the other boys in the household? Would the amount of change in the house disturb them? Also, I understand you have a lot on your plate; I took you away from it the day before yesterday, and now you're here with me instead of working." I spoke in hushed tones.

"Vera, you need a location to complete your college coursework, and you deserve a space for your art in which you can be creative and joyful. In terms of your books, I have a plan in mind, but it'll be a surprise. We're going to make it happen, baby. I want you to feel secure and at ease while you're here." With love and dedication in his voice, he said.

We had finally cleaned out the room for my school work after 6 hours. Although there is still a lot of work to be done on the shed. The office is nearly complete.

Even if we disagreed over how much I wanted it to cost, he ended up letting me win. Which was a wise decision.

I don't need a large, costly office. I just need a place where I can focus while remaining comfortable.

That's why I went with a green and light brown color scheme and added plants to liven it up.

We cleaned out the shed of bugs, dust, leaves, debris, and trash, we fixed the shelves, and now we're figuring out what to do with my paint.

"Maybe we can get you a canvas stand and a comfortable chair to sit in while you paint?" Holden suggests.

To be honest, I don't think that's a horrible idea, so I agree and we work. After that, we put all of my brushes, paints, and canvases back in their proper places.

While I cleaned the windows and added some other items, Holden set up the canvas stand.

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We finally finished after another 2 hours of touch-ups and a lunch break, and I was extremely happy with it.

(Instead of the blue theme in the picture, it's green)

We both took a much-needed shower once we got back inside. I started thinking about how I might show Holden how much I appreciated everything he had done and was doing for me as I was in the shower.

Thinking back to when we were talking to each other about things we liked and enjoyed. I try to recall what he said.Nature, working out, running, and cooking are all things that he enjoys.

I don't enjoy jogging or working out, so that's a no for me. I could prepare a meal for the two of us and surprise him when he gets home from work.

He mentioned it as he's taken some time off work and won't be home as much in the coming days.

I dried off after getting out of the shower and put on a blue bra and short combination with knee-high lace socks. I stole one of his white T-shirts and wore it over my bra.

On my way to find Holden, I end up colliding with a boy's firm chest and squealing. Looking up to see who it was, I made a puzzled expression and tilted my head, unsure who it was.

Coming back from my thoughts, I saw him staring at me with a very intimidating, straight face. He raises a brow at me as I take slow, fearful steps backwards.

After another minute, he finally spoke up, saying, "Calm down, flower. I'm Holden's other friend, the one who wasn't with him when he met you the first time. Lynx is my name."

"Hello, I-um, good to meet you. I'm Vera." I stood up straight, trying not to appear afraid any longer. However, it turned out hesitant and quiet.

He turns and walks down the corridor into a room, giving me a nod. I went downstairs to find Holden after realizing I was still standing there staring at the door he walked through.

I ran into another person, except this time it was the black-haired screamer from the park that night. He's not as frightening as Lynx, but he exudes a menacing presence.