The Neighbors
I couldn't help myself I just had to go across the street. When Grandma had written the list in the back of the book, she had said a few notes of things to look for. Beside one of the names had been written -
"Blue, Orange, Stole Thornton, Has a thing for sideburns, Insane, Great Cook." Not to mention when I was flying into town I could see the hedge said Hebe in the front yard. So I'm guessing that the ginger bombshell was Miss Smith.
There was a spark in her eyes when I introduced myself. She said Hello and left the covnersational ball in my court. Being related to several big named people, I already knew how to handle myself verbally so it only took me a moment to recover. That moment was completely ruined when she spoke up again.
"Are you always in such a good mood? I think I'd like to get to know you to learn your secret."I was a little stunned to say the least. I could feel attraction for her and when you're a dynasty founder, that certainly helps things along.
"You must be Hebe Smith.""And you must be a new dynasty founder." Her next words also threw me for a loop. How had I only just learned of these things when it seemed like everyone else already knew about them. The taxi driver on the way to my lot had mentioned me being a founder, too. It didn't matter. I confirmed that yes I had come to Union Cove to start a dynasty.
She spent the rest of the morning surprising me with comments I didn't expect. She already knew all the requirements having apparently done it once or twice herself. I explained how I was planning on doing all the family portraits. I didn't expect her to poke a hole in my logic by asking who would be doing mine.
"I don't know. I don't want to make someone learn painting just to take my portrait."That's when she laughed at me. No, not just laughed. She almost fell over in a hysterical fit of laughter that would have made Santa and all his elves jealous. Her friend peaked out of the house to check on her. With a slightly pointed look, she turned back into the garage to pretend she wasn't really listening.
Once the fits of giggles stopped, Hebe and I resumed the talk we were having. I got to that point where I decided I wanted to ask her to move in. I talked about how I valued her prior experience and I thought she and I could help me get started. I had a big open lot that was full of potential. Every time I was about to say the magic phrase, she interrupted me though.
After being stopped from asking eight times, I finally looked her in the eyes.
"Does this mean you don't want to help me? Do you find me offensive? "
"No. But you keep forgetting to ask me to go somewhere first."
"Why would I do that?"
"So we can sell my car and get a bed, of course!"
"But I don't want to sell your car. That would be using you and I don't want to use you. I was just offering you a chance to mold the beginning of my dynasty."The laughter was starting to bubble up inside of her again. I could see it.
"Stop. You can't really be serious."
"Of course I am!"The laughter could have probably been heard by the people at the beach.
"If you think I'm sleeping in a field ever again, you're more insane than I am. And that's saying something. " Blue fingers wrapped about my wrist and she dragged me out to the street before I could say another word. Next thing I knew we were racing along the streets of Union Cove to the diner. As soon as we go out of the car, she rounded on me.
"Now ask. Now. Now Now Now Now.""I won't sell your car."
"Oh yes you will."
"Not if there is a midas touch in the elixir shop."
"Deal but there won't be. Now ask me."
"Fine! Would you please do me the honor of moving in with me?"
"Yes. Now let's go so you can sell my car."
"No! I won't sell it. Go to the elixir shop and find that midas touch I know is there."
"Fine. We'll go to the market so I can prove that you should just sell the car."Many hours later under the light of the moon, I could hear my roommate mumbling under her breath in her sleep. Not only had she found a midas touch but also a wish enhancing serum for me. It was available within the first eight restocks that we had agreed to. Of course, in all our arguing, Hebe had forgotten to pay attention to time. By the time I was done using my golden finger on all the statues I could, we were both falling over exhausted. So with a chip on her shoulder, she begrudgingly accepted that her first night in my household would actually be spent out on the open field with the hum of the refrigerator singing us to sleep.
With the warm glow of victory and smugness, I woke up the next morning to get the builders working on the house. Hebe suggested simplicity. I had offered her the chance to live in a well put together home with plenty of amenities and all she kept saying was keep it simple. It will be better in the long run. Just keep it simple.
The new house isn't palatial but it fits all of our needs. Especially since she brought her cat, Sideburns along for the journey. I hadn't planned on enslaving any animals to help either but she said she wouldn't come without him. The woman is so... interesting I swear she's actually painted sideburns on the side of the fluffy animal's head.
Here are a few shots of the rest of the house.
When I asked her why she had gotten the bathrooms built this way, she had the nerve to tell me it was a "Manly" idea and to just go with it.
(Sadly it would be some time before I realized she wasn't questioning my masculinity, just pointing out my ignorance.) She was a little miffed that I had been right on two different accounts but I made sure she got her own bedroom and that her car was available for her to drive wherever she wanted. Now it was time for me to begin my artistic career. I have not decided on a career but I do know what my skill will be so with a house already started, I had nothing left to get in my way...
... except for my complete lack of talent.
