Seven
Emma
Today’s the day.
I thought about doing this next week, but the second we had the keys to the house, everyone wanted to move in.
So, Saturday it is.
Despite the moaning and groaning from the kids, we’re all at the house bright and early.
“Once your beds are in your rooms, you can have a lie down and stop complaining.” My words echo in the still empty house.
Jason crosses his arms.
He’s tired. We all are. The excitement levels at moving into our new home are at a high, and last night was an exercise in futility when it came to sleep.
“Come here.” I open my arms to him and he falls into them. “I’m sure if you want to have a nap, you can have a sleep in the back seat of the car.”
He eyes me warily. “But I want to see the truck and get my own bed.”
“I know, baby, and the movers will be here soon, but there’s a lot for them to unpack. It might be a while.”
Jason lets out a sigh.
“Tell you what. If you don’t want to sleep in the car, the couch will be here soon and you can lie down on that, okay?”
“Okay.” He rubs his eyes.
“Come on, bud. I’ll get you settled into the car.”
Noah leads his little brother away and I draw in a deep breath.
It’s going to be a long, tiring day.
Minutes later, the deep rumble of a truck engine alerts us all to the movers being here.
Slowly, the house begins to fill.
Everything’s labelled clearly, so once the movers get into a rhythm, each box goes to the right room and before too long, Jason’s snoring on the couch.
It’s so weird that even when we’re not unpacked, this house feels like home.
The best part of all is my room.
Before we left, I ordered myself a new bed. This is my fresh start. I’m not sure if I’ll ever share it with anyone else, but right now it’s all mine.
But before I can take advantage of my new bed, there’s a million other things to do as I go from room to room and make sure everything’s where it needs to be.
By the time I’m done, I head back downstairs. Jason’s busy setting up his room, and I drop to the couch, tired, but happy.
“I made your bed, Mum.” Bailey flops onto the couch beside me and rests her head on my shoulder.
“You didn’t have to.”
“I know, but the bedding was right there, and you must be tired.”
“Thank you, my love.” I pop a kiss on the top of her head.
