The weight of disappointment hangs heavily in the air. Olivia’s frown deepens as she absorbs the news.
“What for?” Concern colors her voice as she responds, frustration is evident on my behalf. “It seems like you have the worst luck,” she laments, her words filled with a mixture of sympathy and annoyance.
“Tell me about it,” I say. A tinge of resignation seeps into my tone as I recount the reason for my dismissal. “They said I took too many sick days in my probationary period but it was because I had to take some time off when Emma got scarlet fever from preschool.”
The injustice of it all lingers in the air and Olivia shakes her head in disbelief.
“That’s so wrong,” she asserts, her expression mirroring her disapproval. “You said you had some things lined up?”
With a nod, I retrieve my phone from my pocket, my fingers deftly navigating through the screen to access the list I have meticulously compiled.
“Yeah, I’ve applied to a few retail positions in town. I’ve noted down the interview dates,” I reply, a glimmer of hope flickering in my eyes. Yet, despite my preparations, uncertainty clouds my mind. Seeking reassurance, I inquire hesitantly, “Are you sure it’s not too much trouble for you to have Emma?”
Olivia’s gaze sharpens, her reaction making it abundantly clear that my question is stupid. A hint of amusement tugs at the corners of her lips as she shoots me a pointed look.
“I love spending time with Emma. It will be fun,” she reassures me, her confidence unwavering. “Besides, the kids can play together. Blake is busy checking in on his businesses. He’s local now. He’s been house-hunting like crazy. You know, all those boring, mundane adult things. Ethan will be with me while he’s gone. I’m sure I can keep them both entertained in the day.” Her words carry an underlying sense of excitement, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie that awaits our children during their time together. It gives me the assurance that I need.
“Thanks,” I reply.
As Olivia’s words sink in, I find solace in the unwavering support of my best friend and the prospect of a playdate that will bring happiness and companionship to both Emma and Ethan. With a renewed sense of optimism, I breathe a sigh of gratitude, grateful for the bonds of friendship that endure through life’s ups and downs.
Chapter 2
Blake
This isn’t as easy as I expected, but I can’t give up already. I try to focus on the positives. First, I have found a great school for Ethan that knows about his circumstances and can give him the support that he needs. Second, Olivia is happy to let us stay with her for as long as we need. Ideally, I will find us the perfect home before the school year starts.
The decision to return to my hometown is a practical one. It’s also an emotional one because it’s a place that holds bittersweet memories and a profound sense of loss. But being closer to my sister, Olivia, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the shared struggles that haunt me and my son. I’m already looking at the sixth property despite only being back a few days and it’s wearing me down. The only problem with moving back here is that it means compromising. The pools are small and the gardens even smaller. Ethan is used to having a huge private rooftop garden with lots of space to run around and play. Even after looking at the best properties on the market and with no limit on my budget, there’s nothing close to Olivia’s house and the school that’s currently on the market. What I need is something close to her so that I don’t have to hire a nanny. Though I can afford it, I’d prefer family watching Ethan instead of a stranger. I know I’m being stubborn, but I feel strongly about it. I’m not going to compromise.
“As you can see, it’s a remarkable home,” the realtor, Elise, tells me as we step inside a large and spacious three-bed, three-bath. “Let me show you one of its notable features: the grand living room. Then through here is the dining room.”
I follow her, looking around the large hallways and rooms. It feels very cold inside. It’s got marble floors. All I can think about is Ethan falling and bruising himself. The high ceilings and large windows let in a lot of natural light which I like, but I can see into next door’s garden which means that they can see into here. It’s crowded too close to the other houses on the street. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Elise must see that I’m unhappy because she smiles at me awkwardly.
“It’s worth noting that the fireplace adds warmth to the space, and the custom-built bookshelves provide an opportunity for personalization,” she continues, hoping to reel me in.
I look around. It’s a nice enough room, but I’m not sure about the design. It feels a bit too grand and formal for my taste. I can’t imagine Ethan being comfortable here. It needs to be kid friendly. His well-being is my top priority, and the thought of him starting a new school in an unfamiliar environment without a comfortable home leaves me on edge. I need to provide him with a nurturing and secure space, a sanctuary where he can thrive and grow.
“The view is nice,” I admit. “But the place lacks the cozy atmosphere that I’m looking for. I don’t think this is going to work,” I reply honestly. There’s no point continuing the viewing.
I can’t help but be disappointed. I’ve asked to see the best properties in the area and all of them need work. I would have to hire contractors and builders and designers to make the place work but I want to be able to move in with no stress. Ethan has had enough upheaval lately.
Elise nods. “I’m sorry, Mr. Harrington, but this is the last one in this area. We’re going to have to look further out. There are some lovely properties in the Hillside Estates, but it’s an hour’s drive from here.”
I know of Hillside Estates. It’s full of magnificent mansions with sprawling lawns and meticulously maintained gardens. The properties are situated on large plots of land, providing residents with ample privacy. All of this would be wonderful if it wasn’t so far from Ethan’s new school. I don’t think it’s fair for him to be expected to travel for several hours a day when he’s already struggling.
I sigh. “Thanks for trying, Elise.”
“It’s okay, we can go back to the drawing board. I know you’ll find something that suits you. Let me make some calls and see what I can do,” she tells me. Elise accompanies me back to her office with plans for another arduous house-hunting expedition. Despite her efforts and the numerous real estate listings she’s emailed me, each promising a glimmer of hope, none of the properties feel like the right fit.
***
“No luck?” my sister asks as I arrive home several hours later. Her voice carries a hint of sympathy as I wearily enter her cozy kitchen, the soft glow of warm lighting enveloping the room.
Olivia lives in our mother’s house. It was where we grew up and it’s exactly the kind of place I’m looking for in a family home. But it’s Livy’s house now. I would never expect her to leave despite it being too big for her alone—I feel like she needs the connection to our mother more than I do. I’m happy to have my sister and my son. It’s enough for me. I don’t need the house. I want somewhere new that I can call my own. Plus, who knows, she might meet someone one day and settle down and fill it with children. God knows that she loves kids.