Stain My Floors

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Tuesday, May 30

It's crazy to think in only two days, we will be on the road.

Do you ever have those events in your life where you know their coming, but you don't actually realize they're coming.

I cannot believe I am going to be buying a house in three days.

I had to finish cleaning out the house today. Ava wanted to to hang out with Sophia and Izzy one last time, and I wanted time to clean up the rest of the condo without any distractions.

I just realized from the residence papers I actually live in a duplex. I've been lying to myself all this time. Whoops.

Aunt Jen, Uncle Mike's wife called today. Mike was my mom's brother.

Jen has always been that aunt that I just really don't like because she's too perfect. Her job as a principal is my dream job. She has everything anyone could ever want from her family to her job. And yes, I am fully aware that's not a good way to judge someone. 

"Steven," she started out, "I know this is really short notice, but I have the opportunity to give out five leadership program scholarships, and we have five new teachers coming to school next year. I am offering this leadership program to each one of you." She sounded really excited about this. Then she explained that a private university is hosting this thing for a week, and I would be staying in their dorms. 

"Who's gonna watch Ava?" 

"We would be more than happy to watch her."

First of all, I'm not five, I don't need summer camp. Second, I don't want to leave Ava with Mike and Jen; she'll never want to leave.

"Also, you know we are already going to be gone the last week in June for that mission trip, right? I need to get the house remodeled and won't have much time, so--"

"You'll be fine. I'm requiring all five of you to do this, okay?"

I leaned back on the couch, running my hand through my hair. I faked a smile at the wall as if she was sitting right across from me. "Okay."

Ugh.

"Also, we got the cost of the house lowered." Then she told me how much. It was a lot better than I would've imagined.

"Thank you so much." I genuinely smiled at the wall. "Thank you, Jen." 

"Hey, no problem." I didn't really know what to say, so I decided to let her talk. "So are you ready to move up here?"

"Ready or not, here I come."

"You'll be a great asset to our school and community."

"Thank you."

"Oh, and by the way, your floors are now stained."

"How...?"

"We spent the weekend staining your floors."

What? Shut up. Then I realized she was serious.

"How did the realtor allow that?"

"We know him pretty well."

"You didn't have to do that."

"Eh, it was nothing. We also got the broken windows replaced."

"You have no idea how much of a relief that is."

"It was nothing. I know it's a lot of work to move, and I know that this isn't easy for you."

We talked a little more about the work that will need to be done to the house. 

I can't believe they put in the effort to stain my floors before anything was official. I'm in awe. 

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