Wednesday 17th
Dear Diary,
Nick and I chatted over a work out. He was really pumped up this morning.
Then I spent some time in the garden. I think if I could have my choice of anything I would want to be a gardener. It really grows on you.
Alena enjoyed a game of BlicBloc. She's quite a geek at heart so it's nice she has the time to indulge.
I waited for our new resident. It was a beautiful morning and it was great to have a few minutes just to take it all in.
Then I spotted her. She was milling around hesitantly. I called her over.
She quietly announced herself. 'Hi, I'm Mulan." I welcomed her warmly.
As we stood talking I sensed a fragility about Mulan. Something intangible, but there all the same.
I asked her about her trip and all the usual small talk. She laughed self-consciously and said it was fine.
I sensed that quality again. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Mulan was certainly no wilting flower, a strong lady with a big heart... and yet... this... sense of something else. I needed some time to think it through.
We got to talking about the centres 'rules' and other things. Mulan really laughed when I told her to watch out while using the bathroom. Made me laugh too. This certainly was a crazy place to live in at times.
As we went in for the 'tour' I sincerely hoped Mulan would find what she needed here.
Nick came over to say hi. He's so sociable these days. In fact I can't even remember the last time he let his temper get the better of him.
Colt was staging a charm offensive on Kira, flexing his muscles and doing all that sweet talking.*sigh* I prefer to call it what it is, bragging. Thing is the girls fall for him like a stack of dominoes.
Mulan and Bo really bonded over chess and favourite authors. I think Bo might have shared a few mixology recipes too.
As I went out to check the mail Pearl arrived around the corner. She looked lovely.
As I looked up at her, something clicked. Future self: this was definitely a moment. Definitely. I suddenly felt differently and I don't know what it was but I've never felt this way before.
Jon arrived for a visit. I asked them both in.
Later on I caught up with Mulan and Colt playing out a challenge game. The concentration was palpable.
Mulan won and felt pretty good about it too. Colt wasn't too thrilled to have
lost not won. Apparently Brooks don't lose.
Mr Landgraab had popped over and was getting into some weight training. Colt and him seemed to have found some common ground. Nice.
Or not. I guess polar opposites just aren't destined for friendship anytime soon. Thing is with Colt, he's so darn charming that it takes a second or two to realize he's actually insulting you. He's turned it into a real art form.
Mulan decided to join Geoffrey.
Then curled up with a book which she said is one of her favourite things to do. I guess that's pretty good as we've got a ton of books.
Geoffrey was still trying to figure out Mulan's winning combo and Arianna was telling the frogs a story.
As I did some late night weeding, I caught Colt doing some housework. Apparently rubbish is a man's chore, dishes aren't. As long as he's chipping in, I don't care what chore he picks. I'm just glad he's doing something.
Well, I think I'm sleeping in the chair again tonight. Now that I can drink some 'health' drinks etc it's not such a big deal. I'll write more tomorrow.
Matt.
p.s. Mulan Rampart has been very kindly lent to me by Shewolf13. You can find Mulan's incredible tale in her
Cornerstone: The Rampart Legacy story. Thanks wolf!
