Summary: Bernie and Serena are buying a home of their own. With Jason's help, they just might find where they belong.
Notes: Last post before the semester picks back up tomorrow! Hope you enjoy!
There was much to discuss, much to plan. The logistics of it all were somewhat dizzying. Moving in together was not something either of the women approached lightly. It was a commitment they'd been anticipating, and while it was something they both wanted, they were both rather anxious about it. Although they'd stored a few of their own belongings at each other's place, neither Bernie's flat nor Serena's house felt like a shared home. And, as much as Bernie appreciated the independence, and Serena her house, the next step in their relationship was becoming ever-clearer to them.
Jason had bookmarked all of the places that he'd given his stamp of approval, all within the parameters that Bernie and Serena had laid out: within 30 minutes of the hospital, no fewer than three rooms, a garage, and with a backyard. And so, after days of scouring the internet, Jason presented the women with over 15 different listings. Together, Bernie and Serena sifted through photos, prices, locations. On the upside, they agreed on nearly half of the homes. On the downside, because they were so close to the city, they would all cost a pretty penny to own. Between the two, though, they were confident that they could find the "right one."
It was nearly impossible to meet with an estate agent. Every time there seemed to be an opening, either Serena or Bernie were called into theater, trapped for at least six hours. By the time they were finished, they'd lost their time slot. Finally, however, after weeks of cancellations and many apologies, Serena, Bernie, and Jason visited the first home on their list.
It was a modest dwelling. It fit all the criteria. The walls were white and the fireplace made of stone. Wood floors, carpeted stairs. The kitchen and the dining room were combined, though it made for a rather stuffy space. The bathrooms were shower only, no tubs. And half of the windows were frosted. It wasn't unattractive, by any means. It just wasn't the one.
The second home was a bit more comfortable. Two floors. Off-white paint. Carpeted living room, separate dining room and kitchen. From the master bedroom, one could see a faint silhouette of the city. But still, something was missing. There was a formality to it all; imagining a life there proved to be a bit more difficult than it should have been.
By the fourth house, Jason had begun to ask Serena and Bernie why they were being so picky. As the sun had just begun to lower behind the horizon, he was also growing a bit hungry. He didn't understand why neither of them like the third option, as it was exactly what they had described to him. He was beginning to get a bit restless, bored of it all. All of the places they'd seen would do just nicely, he thought. If you asked him, Serena and Bernie were just being snobs.
Alas, when they arrived at the fifth location, Serena knew the moment they stepped over the threshold. Bernie did too, Serena could sense by the blonde's slight intake of breath; it wasn't a gasp, really, so much as a self-assured inhale. Wood floors in the living room, with a brick fireplace and a mantle for photos. The kitchen was lined with linoleum and the counters were made from granite. Attached to the dining room was a wooden deck that outlooked the backyard.
Upstairs, the master bedroom had its own washroom, as well as a walk-in closet big enough for both of them. Although it didn't have the same view as the second house, the tops of trees for miles proved to be just as breathtaking. While Jason waited downstairs, jaded to the whole bit, Serena and Bernie exchanged a silent smile and held hands.
"Well, what do you think?" Serena asked, her heart pounding rapidly.
Bernie gestured down the hall. "There's enough space for the kids," she mused.
"Even with Jason in his own room. Providing they don't all descend upon us at once," the shorter of the two chuckled. She followed Bernie back down onto the first floor, where Jason was (im)patiently waiting for them by the fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back.
Their estate agent, far more gracious than Jason, turned to the women with a hopeful smile. "Right, well, I don't think we'll need to see any more, do you?" Serena asked Bernie, though she already knew the answer.
When Bernie shook her head, the agent cheered. "Fantastic! If you haven't any questions, we can get started on the paperwork!"
Jason was quick to follow, as he was eager to go off to dinner. Serena was next, in a bit of shock that this was finally happening. After giving Bernie a gentle kiss, she disappeared into the dining room, where the agent began explaining what each document meant. Bernie, however, stayed standing in the living room, her hands in her pocket. She scanned the empty room and quietly imagined what it would look like with furniture; she pictured Cam and Charlotte sitting together on the couch, Jason in his favorite chair, Elinor stumbling through the door, late to the party. She thought of the many holidays and birthdays they would share here, the celebrations of life and happiness. And then, in the midst of the slideshow that played in her mind, she imagined Serena and herself, standing beside one another, her arms wrapped around Serena. Bernie was finally home.