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At nine-thirty, they headed over to Russell’s. To keep the children busy, Tim projected the new house video on the big TV screen. The pictures of the pool and backyard were met with squeals of excitement.
“This cottage-like building will be my apartment,” Tim explained.
Immediately, Brianna protested. “I don’t want to sleep there. I want to be with Debbie.”
“You’ll have to ask Ms. Erin for her permission to be Debbie’s roommate.”
Brianna turned to Erin. “Please, Ms. Erin, please.”
“Yes, Mommy we want to be roommates.”
“All right. We’ll have this big room for Debbie and Brianna, and the one across for Rachelle and Becky. You’ll share the bathroom in between.”
The two girls jumped up and down hugging each other, and then Erin.
“Thank you, Mom.”
“Thanks, Ms. Erin.”
The wood-paneled bedroom in the basement, with its built in bunk beds and desk, adjacent to the entertainment room, retained David’s attention.
“Mom, can I have the bedroom in the basement?”
“You can’t be all by yourself in the basement.”
“Why not? I’m a big boy. I’m not afraid, and I’ll keep Chip with me. When I have friends over, we won’t disturb anyone. Please, Mom, please. I love that room.”
“All right, big boy. If you insist.”
“I insist. Thanks, Mom.” Erin received a bear hug from her eldest child.
“If David is using the room in the basement,” Rachelle started, “can I have a room for myself?”
“You sure can, sweetie.” Always aware of their difficult time, Rachelle had never asked for anything, and Erin was happy to please her. “And Becky can have the one across from the twins’ bedroom.”
“The bedroom on the main floor with its attached bathroom will be yours, Mom,” Erin smiled at her mother. “You won’t have to climb stairs continuously. It’s conveniently located near the family room and the kitchen that’s modern and spacious.”
“Yes, you’re right. A very nice room.” Sitting on the couch next to Russell who held her hand, Teresa certainly didn’t display the excitement Erin expected. “Why don’t you jump into the pool while I cook noodles and meatballs for lunch?”
Tim and Russell led the children to the pool but Erin lingered in the kitchen to help her mother and chat. “You don’t seem thrilled with the move.”
“Oh, I’m happy for you and the children. But I have a lot of thinking to do. Russell has asked me to move in with him.”
“What? You just met a month ago.”
“But we’ve been together every day. We get along famously, and we both need companionship.”
“I understand, but at your age I’d think you’d want something more permanent than to move in together.”
“Exactly. That’s why I hesitated. Besides, you still need my help with the twins.”
“So?”
“I won’t say yes, and I won’t say no.” She pursed her lips. “I’ll keep delaying until…until I get a more solid proposal.”
Erin chuckled and kissed her. “Mom, I like how you keep your feet on the ground. You’re an inspiration.”
“I guess I’ll move into the new house for a while, but I’ll keep visiting Russell daily.”
