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CHAPTER 3

The house is old but is in immaculate condition. I wanted to refresh the exterior and modernize the inside with an open floor plan, a new kitchen layout, new countertops, new hardwood flooring throughout, new paint, and to spruce up the pool area. I also wanted to update the bathrooms, especially, the primary bath. I've always dreamed of having a insanely huge bathroom. I would envision the grey and white tiled floors that would run up the walls of the shower. An enormous soaking tub along the back wall, far enough to not be in the way, with glass shower doors separating it all from the rest of the room. The grey and white marble countertop underneath elegantly framed mirrors that reach the ceiling. The room would be spacious enough for a bench/ottoman and a full-sized vanity.

I can see it now, but my daydreams will have to wait. I need to change into more comfortable clothes so that I can get to work. Rummaging through the only box I brought from my previous place, I pull out a pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt. As I'm putting my hair into a high puff with a silk, plum colored scrunchie I found, the doorbell rings. 

"Eeek! That must be the furniture!" 

Excitedly, I run to get the door. The movers and Lowes will be here in about another hour. I open the door for the men and they begin bringing in various pieces. I was most excited for my bed. 

"I can't wait to sleep tonight," I whisper to myself. 

While the men work, I begin wiping down the kitchen. Even though cleaners had come and scrubbed the house from top to bottom, I am Patricia's daughter. Due to my mother's hypersensitive personality, I've inherited her need for extra cleanliness. Things just didn't seem clean to mom unless she cleaned it herself. Once the washer and dryer are delivered and connected, I take my new bedding out of the packaging and pop it in the washer before I make my way up to "clean" my room and bathroom. Hours later, I have a fresh slate to begin to unpack.

Once I have my room somewhat to my liking, I make my way to the library. One wall has a bookcase, standing from floor to ceiling, filled with books. I walk the wall, running my fingers along the spines of the hardcovers. Coming across one seeming to glow with a purplish hue. Taking the book from the case, I admire it. Squinting my eyes, as there is no way this book is glowing. I make a mental note to clean my contacts later. 

When I flip through the pages, the book doesn't smell like old paper. The scent is sweet and spicy at the same time, alluring making me feel drunk with need. 

"Ummm," the quiet moan is all I can muster. 

When I reach to place the book back in its place, I don't realize when a couple of pictures slip from between the pages. I put the book back in it's place and rub it's spine once more before moving to a smaller set of shelves on the adjacent wall. There are so many vinyls and an old record player. 

"I wonder if this thing still works", I voice aloud. 

Bending down, I play with the switches being careful not to break anything. It works. I turn it off before moving to the next case. Cameras! 

"I knew this stuff was included when I signed the contract, but I didn't get a chance to see them up close! Why would they leave such valuable stuff behind?" Some cameras look antique while others look fairly new.

When I finish my exploration, I walk leisurely across the foyer into the living room. Standing back, I take a look at the area. The men earlier did an amazing job assembling and positioning the furniture to my liking. I tipped them extra for being so patient with my indecisiveness. They gave excellent feedback and suggestions as well. 

Grabbing my hammer, nails, and measuring tape from a nearby table, I get ready to hang my favorite painting in the hall off of the foyer. After measuring to make sure it's centered to the wall, I begin to hammer the first nail in. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM echoes through the house. Moving over to the other side, I do the same thing. BOOM, "OUCH!"