A/N: I've been writing nearly every day now so I'm feeling more comfortable about being able to update fairly regularly. I'll aim for weekly and they will likely be on the short side, but I hope that isn't a huge issue.
When the towns grew further apart the farther she drove down the two-lane highway, she started to reconsider her decision to move to the middle of nowhere. Was the promised change of pace and the added benefit of a house three times the size of her apartment really worth the isolation and uncertainty? She wanted change, but uprooting her life, ending her two-year relationship with Josh, and putting hundreds of miles of distance between the life she knew and the one she was starting seemed drastic now that she had hours to think about her decision.
"I've made a horrible mistake," Kate murmured, worrying her lip between her teeth.
"In one mile turn left and your destination will be on the right," her GPS chimed.
It was too late to turn back now; she was just on the outskirts of her new home. A road sign indicating reduced speed for the next mile only made her heart race.
A large hand carved wooden welcome sign stood to the right of the street. The O in Hawthorne was painted to look like the sun with a river below it appearing to flow into the foreground. Kate was pretty sure there wasn't even a river anywhere near the town.
Driving further down the main street Kate spotted Apple Orchard Road where the house she blindly purchased was located. Turning left onto the street, she only had to drive a couple hundred feet before she was in front of her new home. Pulling into the sloped driveway, she leaned over her console to inspect the Craftsman-style bungalow. From the driveway, a set of six steps opened to the elevated front yard that was wrapped by a fence that looked more decorative than anything else. Though she couldn't see them from her car, she knew from pictures that three white washed, plank steps led to the front porch.
Kate parked in front of her detached garage so she wouldn't need to engage the parking brake on the steep driveway and got out of the car. The house appeared to be in good condition, and she was told that by the housing inspector, but still having not seen the house in person before she needed to confirm it herself. She walked behind the house into the tiny backyard that stopped only fifty feet from the back door by towering and unkempt hydrangea bushes. Kate could see she would need to touch-up the white trim around the windows of the three-season porch and probably update the rusty color of the rest of the house to a softer hue. Making her way along the side of the house and into the front yard, she stopped, her hands on her hips, and stared up at the house that was now hers. A fluttering sense of pride welled inside her, followed by memories of her mom. Her mom would be so proud of her buying a house.
A shuffling sound on the driveway forced Kate to fight back tears as a balding head came into her view. A man of about sixty, with a wide and friendly grin, climbed the steps to the yard, shaking a set of keys between his fingers.
"You must be Katherine Beckett!"
Kate smiled with hesitation, "yes I am."
"I'm Larry Owens, the realtor. It's wonderful to finally meet you in person!"
"Oh, hi Larry!" Kate shook his extended hand. "I decided to look over the house before I called you. How did you know I was here?"
"It's a small town, word gets around. Plus, I live across the street and I saw the U-Haul in the driveway." He winked. "I have your keys and I'm sure you are just dying to have a look inside."
Larry led Kate to the front door and handed her the keys. Kate unknowingly held her breath as she unlocked the door, pushing it open.
"As I told you in previous conversations, there is hardwood throughout, up-to-date appliances, a nice wood burning fireplace, and a finished basement." Larry stepped into the kitchen, pointing out a basket full of items. "My wife is the self-proclaimed Welcome Wagon and enjoys making these welcome baskets for every new person to the town."
"Tell her I said thank you." Kate eyed some of the food items she was given. "I probably wouldn't have time to go grocery shopping later, so this is much appreciated."
"Did you need help with moving your belongings in?"
"No, I hired some movers to be here in about an hour."
"That's good. I should leave you to enjoy your new space, but do not hesitate to stop by if you need anything. I am just across the street in the little blue house."
After thanking Larry and telling him she would see him again soon, she fell against her front door as she took in the little details the realty pictures failed to show. She was a home owner now and she allowed herself to feel a little happy about that despite the huge changes in her life still causing her much anxiety.
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