Lover in the Window

From the Ground Up

"Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves."

– Adrienne Clarkson

August 8th began as any day began around the Wells house. Eli took a long shower, brushes his teeth, and goes downstairs and to make breakfast. This time he made bacon, eggs, and toast for his sister. It was just them too, they sat down to eat, and afterward Eli done the dishes.

"Thanks for cooking for me." Said Evelyn as she sat at the kitchen table, reading a newspaper like the days of old.

"You're welcome," Eli said while washing soap off his favorite plate.

It's the least I can do for having been a prick for the last week. Thank you for putting up with me.

"Can I ask you something off subject?"

"Sure," She leans an ear listening attentively.

Eli pulls up a chair next to her, and picks up some pages she'd tosses on the table. Eve only likes reading the main head line. Its currently MAN ROBBED WITH KNIFE.

Eli starts thumbing around with his pages. "What are you wanting to do in the long term. I mean money wise?"

Eve looks up from her page and bit her lip. "I have thought about it. I know I don't want to work. I feel like I enjoy having it more than anything. What are you thinking about?"

"It's only going to last so long."

"It'll last longer if you keep expenses low," she says. "But on the other hand, I want to have a life worth living. I like clothes. I like cars. I could have those things at will for the rest of my time. Thanks to mama."

"Well, I've been thinking about it. I want to build a proper house for myself. You know what I mean."

"I hope you want it on top of that smoking heap out there," She points toward the window where there is still a fluffy trail of black smoke lingering across the yard.

"I think that's a great place. I mean, honestly, mom only had it built for us anyway. This house is big, beautiful, and has a ton of history. You might want a family one day. Eventually we won't be living together but If I build across the field, we will have plenty of space. We could be neighbors forever." And, I could always protect you. He thought but didn't say.

"I think that's a wise decision. I'm glad to see you finally using that thick skull," she starts laughing and aims back over at the front page of the newspaper. She flips it over to page 2-3. Eli grins and returns his gaze to his paper. He was reading the classifieds. RENT: Two story brick house on marrow road - $650/monthly - Single wide trailer on Cambridge Avenue - $450/monthly. His eyes rolls down the page. FOR SALE: 4 Bedroom House - $61,000, 15% down, negotiable. - 2001 Viking Recreation Vehicle - $35,999, - Half Acre lot with sturdy building on Albany, call for price.

Half acre lot with sturdy building on Albany, call for price.

"I think I'm going to make some calls today. I definitively need some quotes if we are going to make it happen. I hate doing this shit. Mom always done the logistics."

"We are the grownups now, bub. It's hard to believe it. I hate getting old." Eve throws her paper on the table, raises up her phone, and starts texting. "Ocean will be here in a little while. You don't care if Luke comes by?"

"It's not my right to decide who you have in your house, Eve, are you two talking - like talking?"

"Do you think we should?"