The Oasis and The Island

Chapter 27 - Don't Look Back In Anger

Lisa hated to wake early on a Monday. But it was for a good reason. After a perfect lazy Sunday with Jennie she waited for her fiancé to leave for work and got dressed. Besides the meeting, she had a lunch with her future father-in-law. It was her last day before she would return to work but if everything worked well in her morning meeting, maybe she wouldn't need to do that anyway.

With a wide smile she left the meeting and headed to her apartment. She read some emails and did a little research. At noon, Janney Kim was waiting for her in his car outside her building. He took her to a very familiar address. Going down the street of her childhood house, Mr. Kim parked his car in front of a small, white, one-story house. He got some takeout food on the back of his car and invited Lisa to get in the house.

"So what do you think, kid?" He said as they entered the front door, heading to the kitchen.

"It's a very nice house, Janney." Lisa said looking at the small but still messy house.

"This is my new home." He stopped and looked to the walls with pride. "Kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, just perfect for me."

"I like it." She looked back to him. "I'm just curious about the location."

"You were right, this is a very good neighborhood. And I got a really good price for this house, but not just for this house." He placed the bags with the food over his kitchen counter.

He disappeared in the living room returning with a simple key in his hand, showing it to Lisa. "I also got the haunted house, and for a very good price."

Lisa raised her eyebrows "What?"

"Yeah, kid. Your old childhood home belongs to you again, and to Jennie."

"But how...?"

"Well, I sold the house in Minnesota to one of the rookies. It was enough to buy this little one and to add some to the other house; your house. I got some of my savings and Jennie's part of her mother's inheritance." He tilted his head to the side. "Technically it's my house, but I will transfer to you as soon as you two get married."

"I don't know what to say, Sir... Janney."

"You can thank me." He smiled for her. "And give me a hug."

Lisa blinked twice before she opened her arms embracing her future father-in-law. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, kid." He released her. "We've got a lot of work to do on it. I can give you a hand, but you need to be able to afford the cost of remodeling."

"Of course, this is just perfect." Lisa giggled. "I got a deal from a publisher, they bought all the rights to my books and they've already given me an advance to write another series."

"Really? I'm so happy for you, kid! Come here and give me another hug."

After another tight hug, Lisa had a small tear falling down her face.

"I hope Jennie likes it too. The house doesn't really make a very good first impression."

"We can fix the house before we show her. Jennie loves surprises."

"Do you think it's possible?"

"I'll make some research. The house really has a solid structure, you're not going to have to spend much, maybe 50 grand or so."

"I can afford that." Lisa nodded, still smiling like a goof. "And pay for the loans too." She sighed. "And quit my old job."

Mr. Kim patted her shoulder; beaming with pride.