House Hunting - Short Story

House Hunting

“What you up to Saturday?” Sophie asked as we enjoyed a brief catch up on the phone,

“House hunting again.” I sighed.

“Have you and Simon still not agreed on a house?”

“No! It’s getting ridiculous now. We’ve viewed 33 houses. I think even the agents are sick of hearing from us.”

“So how many are you seeing Saturday?”

“Um…4 I think. Unless Simon has added anymore to the list.”

“Well have fun.  Good luck.” Sophie said chuckling “I’ll text you and see how you get on.”

“Ok. Don’t hold your breath for good news. See you soon Soph.” I hung up feeling deflated. The house hunting was getting me down. I’d been so excited when we’d sold our house but now I was feeling a mixture of stress, impatience, and worry. We’d sold our house four weeks ago and I was worried the buyer would pull out and we’d be back to square one. I’d seen several properties I liked but Simon had found a negative in every one. Kitchen too small, no rear access, no scope for extending, garden too narrow, doesn’t like the road. The list went on and on. I said we would never find something 100% perfect and we needed to compromise but Simon seemed to be holding out for perfection and I was losing patience. I felt like sending him by himself as my opinion seemed to count for very little but curiosity always got the better of me so I went along.

Saturday morning as we arrived at the first house we were greeted by Toby one of the estate agents. He smiled warmly but looked resigned to failure. This was the fourth time we’d meet him and the ninth house he’d showed us round. I smiled and followed him into the house. It was a lovely semi-detached, three large bedrooms, decent sized garden, garage and kitchen diner that was a little dated but a lovely size with lots of natural light. I could see us living here but stopped my imagination from running away from me as I sensed Simon was not convinced. He was asking the agent questions about the boiler, roof and council tax band and I zoned out.  My phone beeped dragging me back. I shook my head and smiled as I saw a text appear ‘Are you looking for a new house? Need help? Text 1234 for more details.’ I often wondered where these companies got your details from. Their timing was immaculate but I was not in the mood to be replying to some spam. Eventually the viewing ended as we made our way back to the car telling Toby we would call him tomorrow with our feedback and made our way to the next house.

After viewing all four properties we went for lunch. “So what did you think?” I asked Simon hopefully as we found a table.

“I’m not sure. I liked the first one but something wasn’t quite right.”

“Mm. What about the third one the kitchen was beautiful and I loved the bi folding doors onto the garden.”

“Yeah that was stunning but the road was a bit noisy didn’t you think?” I gritted my teeth and wished I still smoked and could go outside for five minutes to chill out.

“I thought the road was fine. You couldn't hear a thing in the house. I really liked it.” I replied trying to remain calm.

“I think it was probably the best we’ve seen today but I’m not sure I’d want to commit and make an offer.” He reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “I just want it to be perfect. I don’t want to move again. It will be our proper family home.” He smiled. I knew all Simon really wanted was a family homelike the one he’d grown up in. We were planning on starting a family and he had good intentions but his need for perfection was grating on me. He failed to remember the fact his own family home had been extended, decorated, and tweaked over the years and he seemed to be remembering things through rose tinted glasses. His own mother had laughed and told me I had the patience of a saint as we’d filled her in on our house hunting adventures the week before. She’d told Simon to lower his expectations but the advice has fallen on deaf ears.

A couple of days later I logged on to my emails and a message jumped out at me. It said it was from Premium Movers 1234. I’d never heard of them but opened the email.  A property listing appeared and as I read the details a smile spread over my face. It was perfect. It was like someone had squeezed all our wish list components into one house. I excitedly called the number displayed and arranged a viewing and texted Simon.

We went that evening after work. I tried not to get my hopes up but excitement bubbled in my stomach as we pulled up outside. It looked lovely and even Simon was smiling. An agent appeared and we went inside. It was amazing. High ceilings, spacious rooms, decent garden, quiet location. I loved it. As the viewing ended I looked at Simon who was grinning. “Do you like it?” I said

“I love it.” Simon replied. I hugged him tightly and kissed him. “Do you want to make an offer?” He whispered in my ear.

“Yes. 100%.” I said feeling my eyes water.

There and then we offered the full asking price and the agent called the vendor who happily accepted. That night we cracked open the champagne and I relaxed for what felt like the first time in weeks. The next day I got a call from Toby. “Congrats on the house. You guys were quick of the mark. I didn’t even know it had come on the market. Who showed you round?”

“Um…do you know what I can’t remember his name? I didn’t realise it was one of your houses. We had an email from another company yesterday about it. Premium Movers 1234.”

“Oh that’s weird. Never heard of them. Maybe head office are using a new marketing tool and not told us.” Toby said “No worries. Main thing is you guys have finally found a house. I’ll get the paperwork sent out today.”

The house sale went through without a single hitch. We never did find out who Premium Movers 1234 were but I silently thanked them every time I opened the door to my new dream house.

Do you ever lose yourself? - Poem

Do you ever lose yourself?
You're not sure where you've gone.
Little things change or happen,
Months may past before you realise.

Raising children is hard work,
Rewarding and at times fun.
But it can also sap your energy,
Time no longer your own.

Relationships change,
For good & for bad.
Sometimes conversations end,
You wonder when or how.

Some days are full of positives,
Others full of grey.
Life can be a challenge,
Lonely, full, happy or sad.

The one thing to remember,
Is those little people are yours.
Your perfect creations,
Through the ups, downs and rows.

Emma xxx

Mother's day vs father's day

Mother’s Day vs Father’s Day

The morning breakfast –

Mum:

Kids wake you up at the crack of dawn. After much shoving, moaning & duvet hogging dad says “Let’s give mum a lie in.” He kisses you and you smile sighing deeply and spreading out in the bed. They all trundle downstairs. Few minutes later you hear cupboard doors banging and yells. “Where does mum keep the small saucepan?” Followed by “Quick sign this card. Where’s a biro?”

Eventually peace resumes until the smoke alarm goes off startling you. “Don’t worry just burnt the toast.” A yell up the stairs announces. A few minutes later the door bursts open. A lovely breakfast is presented to you. You appreciate the gesture but would have preferred another hour’s sleep. The kids drink most of your juice, eat half your toast but you smile lovingly as a bunch flowers are offered, your youngest gives you a beautiful card they made a school and your partner gives you a hastily wrapped package which is a CD of a group you only vaguely recognise.

Dad:

Kids wake you up at the crack of dawn. You quietly and quickly shoo them downstairs. Your partner barely notices. You give the kids some cereal, have a quick shower, nip out quickly to buy a newspaper and then make a proper breakfast. You take it upstairs were your partner enjoys the peace, paper and food and kids remain downstairs watching the telly. The present you bought is a new pair of trainers he’s been looking at for weeks.

The Day-

Mum:

Later you go to visit your own mum taking the youngest child with you. You partner gives his mum a brief call and then settles in front of the football. On the way you detour to get some flowers, a little bit of shopping and petrol. You tell your partner you’ll be back by 5 and then you can all go to your favourite restaurant for dinner. You don’t see his panicked face as you leave. At your mum’s you end up making lunch, doing the dishes and having a lovely chat.

Dad:

Later you go to visit your own dad taking all the children with you. You end up going to the retail park as the eldest suddenly announces he needs new football boots. Your partner is at home watching the football. He’s had a brief chat with his dad which mainly consisted of the football scores and an accumulator bet. You ring his favourite restaurant to double check the booking for this evening. At your dad’s you make lunch, go for a walk with the dog and have a nice catch up.

The Evening-

Mum:

You get home feeling tired and flop on the sofa. Your partner makes you a cup of tea and sighs. He’s forgotten to book the restaurant and they are not reserving anymore tables. Inwardly you seethe but outwardly say a takeaway will be fine. After a lengthy family discussion you settle on Pizza which is your least favourite. On the plus side your partner did remember your favourite wine although you suspect he popped out to get it earlier and no one has to drive. After pizza and wine you fall asleep on the sofa.

Dad:

You get home feeling tired and flop on the sofa. You offer your partner a cup of coffee. After a brief rest you all get ready and leave for dinner. Your partner is thrilled you got a table has several beers whilst you sip coke being the designated driver. Once home your partner kisses you, thanks you for a wonderful day and falls asleep on the sofa.

A few days later -

Your partner has booked your favourite restaurant as a surprise and you are genuinely touched. You have a lovely time especially as it’s not that busy. At home you sort out the washing and your partner puts the kids to bed before getting you a drink and you settle down to watch your favourite programme.

Emma xxx