The Way We Were

The Way We Malibu House Shop

Mercedes loved California weather! It was hot (maybe a bit too hot) and the sun was shining. People looked relaxed. It was perfect!

Quinn loved the thought of wearing next to nothing. She'd get to show off the shape she'd worked so hard to obtain.

Mike loved that there was no mosquitos and the foliage was tamed enough where he didn't get a sinus infection just from breathing fresh air.

All three looked outside the realtor office's windows as people and cars passed by, marveling over their new home.

The realtor, a toothy smiled man, walked over with a list of properties. "I think these are a great start."

W.W.W.

Mercedes liked the closet and bathroom but the bedroom was a little small for three people to share. "It's beautiful."

Quinn wrinkled her nose. "Who painted it yellow? It looks dingy."

Mike only wanted to make sure they could put their bed in there. "How big is this room?"

Ted, the realtor, gave him the room's measurements.

Mike did the calculations mentally. Their bed would fit. "Is this an odd shaped window or is it a door?"

Ted grinned widely and went to open the door. "It's a door to a private balcony."

All four went out onto a large glass and tile balcony. It overlooked greenery and far away, the beach. "Whoa...!"

Ted beamed with pride. Got 'em! "Would you like to see the servants' quarters now?"

W.W.W.

"What's it look like?!" Laura's voice was loud.

"How much does it cost?!" Marc spoke over her.

"Is it a good investment?!" Marcy scoffed.

"Do you like it?!" Mal wanted to know.

"Guys!" Mercedes giggled into the speakerphone. "Can we talk?!"

"Eek! Go ahead, Mercy!" Laura had true excitement in her voice.

"It was a bit over budget but it's a good investment." Mike answered Marc and Marcy. "We offered to pay cash all at once if we could have an inspector come out the same day. Luckily for everyone involved, it's a great place."

"We'll send you pictures as soon as we take them." Quinn promised dutifully.

"We love it." Mercedes smiled.

"That's cute and all but how are you going to fill that house before classes start?" Marcy asked dryly.

"What?" The Trio panicked.

"You're going to have two houses. That means you have to buy stuff to decorate and fill that house. Unless you're going to pack up and move everything in the house every time you go back and forth."

"Don't you just love her?" Karou sniped.

"I do!" Mal declared.

"Ew!" Maddie shouted. "They're making eyes at each other!"

"What do you know about making eyes?!" Laura demanded.

It was dead quiet on the phone.

"Madeline Leigh Chang! Have you been flirting with boys?!"

"It's your fault." Marc assigned blame. "You kept saying how cute she was with her little friends. Now she likes boys."

There was coughing before laughter spilled over the line.

"Why are you laughing, Marcy?" Paris wanted to know.

Marcy couldn't stop laughing.

Mercedes' lips twitched. She knew why her little sister was laughing. "Guys, stop fighting! Marcy, we'll need your help. You decorated your house in a weekend. We need your help so we can have at least the majority done before we get back to camp."

"No problem, Big Sis."

"Laura, we'll need your design expertise."

"I'm here for you." Laura's voice was subdued.

"What about me?" Maddie piped up.

"We're going to need you to think of fun stuff to decorate a nursery with."

"What?!" Mike and Quinn looked at Mercedes as their family yelled.

She realized she was jumping the gun but they didn't have to react that way. "For the future. We're going to have kids in as little as five years. I want a basic nursery set up then whenever we do get pregnant, we can add little touches to make it homey. I can't wait to have kids!"

Quinn beamed. "Me either! I already decided; I want a little girl like Mickey!"

"Yes!"

Mike sweatdropped.