The Renovation

[Mal's hotel room. 7:38 pm]

Mal's POV

Good progress has been made on the first day. The kitchen has been fully demolished and now is ready to begin getting it's new look. The two guest bathrooms have been demolished and are ready as well. The two guest bedrooms carpet has been ripped out and is ready for the flooring that will be delivered tomorrow along with the other materials.

Dylan and his crew left for the day and for the next few nights, I'm going to be sleeping in a hotel room a few miles away. I cannot stay there due to the crew taking out the bathrooms. I can't live there right now. But I was told that the remodel will only take four or five days. So I'm paying for the hotel room by using the lottery money so Evie won't know. However, I know I must use the debit card she gave me. She can check the bank statements anytime, and if she sees I'm not using the card and having fun like she told me, she'll know somethings up. And I cannot let her get suspicious or worried at all.

The hotel room I'm in is nice. It's different from the one Evie and I stayed in when we first arrived here, but still nice. It's mostly one big room, with the bathroom being in it's own room. But it is very spacious. A queen bed with a dresser across from it with a nice size tv sitting on top. And not far from the bed was a small round table with two comfy chairs. And the big thing is, since I'm on the second level, this room has outdoor access to it's own balcony that has a great view of the city.

I ordered some chinese takeout with the debit card Evie gave me and had it delivered to my room for dinner. After eating, I opened my suitcase which I packed with some of my clothes and other belongings that I'll need, and took out my nightdress. I took all my clothes off and slipped it on. After using the bathroom, I opened the double doors leading to the balcony and stepped outside. The concrete floor felt a little cold on my bare feet. As did the wind in the air feel cold on my body. Well, fall is approaching. It is going to get colder.

I returned back to the room and closed the double doors, plugged my phone in it's charger, set an alarm for six in the morning, turned off the lights, and laid in bed and soon fell asleep.

[Mal and Evie's home. 8:00 am]

Mal's POV

The next morning, it got cold. After watching the news on tv, I learned that this week is the start of some cold weather. After getting dressed and ready, I drove back to the house and arrived at the same time Dylan and his crew did. I unlocked the house for them, and the crew grabbed their equipment and got straight to work.

"Good morning. Getting cold, isn't it?" Dylan asked.

"It is. Well, it is late September, and fall is approaching." I said.

"Indeed. Now, Mal, while the guys are working in there, I'd like to talk to you more about your plans. I have a few questions." Dylan said.

"Go for it."

Dylan grabbed a clipboard and showed me some plans, including the ones I made up.

"Let's start with the kitchen. You said you would like to extend the living room wall against it out to give the kitchen more space?"

"I did. I would like to do that. Is there a problem?" I asked.

"I hope not. Follow me."

I followed Dylan into the house to the living room.

"It's a great idea, Mal. However, I'm concerned about something." Dylan said.

"What's that?" I asked.

"I'm hoping that wall isn't a load bearing one."

"Load bearing? What's that?"

"It's a wall that is structurally important. They hold everything above them, including supporting the weight of the ceiling. If we were to take it out, it could strain the other walls, and risk a cave in." Dylan explained.

"Oh no. So we can't move it?" I asked.

"No, we can. In fact, I thought we should take it out altogether. To give the kitchen an even more open concept. We can add in what they call a support beam. It'll stretch from one end of the wall to the other. Taking over for the wall that we'll remove. However, it's going to be expensive."

"How expensive?" I asked.

Dylan took a tape measure and measured from the wall where the kitchen ends, to where it begins.

"That's about fifteen feet, so I'm thinking somewhere between fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars."

My brows raised in surprise.

"Two thousand dollars?" I asked.

"I know. They are not cheap."

"Hold on, let me figure out something." I said.

I took out my phone and opened the calculator app. But just as I was about to start making a calculation, one of the workers approached us.

"Dylan, we got a problem with the plumbing."

"What's wrong?" Dylan asked.

"The pipes are getting corroded in the guest bathrooms. They will need to be replaced."

"What about the master?"

"We haven't checked yet. But we think they might be the same as well."

Great. I wouldn't doubt it if the pipes will need replacing in the master as well. Hell, might as well do the kitchen too. Although, I shouldn't have to worry about costs. I have two million dollars. Well, had. I got back on my phone while Dylan and the worker were strategizing a plan.

I planned on using no more than one hundred thousand for the remodel, but that probably will change. That's okay. It's for Evie, and nothing is too good for her. The other thing is, the first payment for the house will be due soon, along with our other bills: internet, gas, water, electricity, and trash. Okay, those are no problems. As long as I have enough to pay off the house, and save some money for later use, I'll be alright.

"Go ahead and do what you need to do. I have room in my budget." I said.

"Okay. That's great, Mal." said Dylan.

Dylan told the worker to order some new pipes for the bathrooms.

"Also go ahead and take down that wall and get that support beam." I said.

"Really, Mal? Are you sure? We're not going to go over your budget will we?" Dylan asked.

"No. My budget is two hundred thousand dollars. As long as we don't go over that, I'll be alright." I said.

I just lied to myself right there. And Dylan saw through me.

"I heard that this remodel is a surprise for your girlfriend while she's away for a work trip." he said.

"It is." I said.

"In that case, you'll have nothing to worry about. My crew and I will make this the house the best one you've ever seen. It'll look really nice when we're done." Dylan said.

The only best house I've ever seen.

"Thank you, Dylan. I'm counting on you." I said.

"Of course, Mal. Now, let's talk about the rest of the house. Let's go upstairs."

I followed Dylan upstairs to Evie's bonus room. A few guys were in there finishing up ripping out the carpets to prep the floor for the new hardwood.

"How's it going, guys?" Dylan asked the workers.

"Great. We're about ready to prep the floor." replied one worker.

"Excellent. Now, Mal. After the floors are laid, we'll update the window, paint the walls. and then bring in the built-ins for the walls." Dylan said.

"Nice. What about the furniture and decor?" I asked.

"That will be last along with the rest of the home's decor and furniture you ordered. Now, your bedroom..."

I followed Dylan across the way to our bedroom. When we got there, I saw the carpet had been fully removed and the three workers in here were about ready to lay the floors.

"It looks like they are about to start laying down the floors." Dylan said.

"Nice. I'm excited to see it finished." I said.

"The plumbing in the bathroom is good. No corrosion at all." said a worker who walked out of the bathroom.

"Excellent!" Dylan said.

I smiled in relief.

Another worker walked in the bedroom.

"Dylan? The truck is here."

"Alright! Mal, it's really coming along." Dylan said.

"I see that. This is exciting." I said.

I followed Dylan outside to the front yard where a semi with a twenty foot trailer was parked on the driveway. The truck had all the flooring, cabinets, vanities and other stuff for the kitchen and bathrooms. After everything was unloaded into the house, the semi left.

"Mal, there's not much else you can do at this time. Go ahead and enjoy your day. I have your number, so I'll call you if anything comes up. But come back at five tonight so I can walk you through what will be done." Dylan said.

"Alright, sounds good." I said.

We shook hands and I took my leave.

[Mal's hotel room. 9:22 am]

Mal's POV

I returned back to the hotel room and took off my shoes and my jacket. I laid in bed and noticed that Evie has not called me yet.

"She should be in Paris by now. I wonder why she hasn't called me yet. She said she would when she arrives."

Now I'm starting to get worried. Especially since she's farther away from here than Auradon. With no further delay, I dialed her number and proceeded to give her a call, not caring whether she was busy or not. The phone kept ringing and ringing, making me feel nervous after each ring. But then, the call was answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello, sweetness, it's me. Sorry to bother you, but I was getting worried. You haven't called me. And I'm sure you're in Paris." I said.

"I am. I'm so sorry, Mal. I've been sleeping ever since I arrived. The flight took a lot out of me. Gabi too. We've both been having feelings of jet lag and been sleeping since we got here. I'm sorry, Mal. I didn't mean to worry you." Evie said.

"That's alright, Evie. As long as you got there safely and you're alright." I said.

"I'm perfectly a-okay, Mal. How are you?"

"I'm good. Just laying in bed as well. Trying to think of what to do."

"I know one thing you can do." Evie said.

"What's that?"

"Enjoy yourself with those nude photos you have of me."

I couldn't believe Evie just said that.

"Evie! You can't be saying things like that! What if Gabi hears you?" I asked.

"Relax, Mal. She's asleep." Evie replied.

"How do you know? Are you two sharing a room?" I asked.

"We are. It's a nice big bedroom. But don't worry, Mal. I'm not sleeping with her. We have our own bed that is separated from each other."

"Right, I didn't think you were." I said.

"I'll send you some photos so you can see this amazing room. I even have a view of the Eiffel Tower."

"Wow, that sounds great." I said.

I then heard Evie yawn deeply.

"I better let you go so you can get some more sleep. When is the fashion convention?" I asked.

"It starts tomorrow morning. And it lasts for the next few days. Well, it is almost dinner time, I should get something for me and Gabi." Evie said.

"Dinner? What time is it over there?" I asked.

"About six thirty. Why? What time is it there?"

"About nine thirty. In the morning."

"Oh, that's like a nine hour difference. I'll have to keep that in mind when I call you." Evie said.

"Same with me. But I'll let you go, Evie. You will probably have a big day tomorrow. I want you to get your rest."

"You're sweet, M. Speaking of food, I hope you're taking good care of yourself and eating properly. Not just sandwiches and takeout, I hope."

Ooh, yeah. I should really get better on that.

"I am taking care of myself, Evie. I promise. I've been cooking simple meals and having takeout occasionally." I said.

"Good girl."

Evie then yawned again.

"Well, I'll let you go. I love you, sweetness." I said.

"I love you too, baby. Bye." Evie said.

"Bye."

It felt nice to talk to her. Once again, I feel bad for lying to her, and I'll accept any punishment that might come to me. But after talking to Evie, I felt like taking a bath. So I started filling the tub with water and added bubble bath soap. I got undressed, but before getting in the tub, I looked at myself in the mirror. But mostly looked at my purple hair. You may recall, awhile back, that I thought about changing my look. Well, recently I haven't given it any more thought. Until now.

My hair is long, reaching down just past my chest. I said that being here is a new beginning. Trying to start a new life. Well, I don't need to try anymore. Because I already have a new life now. I fiddled with my hair for a little bit before having the thought of what Evie once told me.

"Don't change yourself too much. Remember, I love you for who you are. You're perfect to me."

I know, Evie. But I've basically cut ties with the Isle and Auradon, except for the four there I call family. Besides them, I no longer consider myself having any relation to my former home. I've had purple hair my whole life. And now, I've made the decision to have the purple go.

Later that day, I returned back to the house and Dylan walked me through what had been done. And man, did they make progress. New flooring was complete in the guest bedrooms and bathrooms.

"All your plumbing is good now. The plumbing in the kitchen had to be replaced a bit, but that's all taken care of." Dylan said.

"Nice! And I see that wall is gone." I said.

"Indeed, the new support beam is in the ceiling so now you don't have to worry about the roof falling in on you." Dylan said.

With the wall gone, the kitchen looks more open and inviting.

"A thin floor transition strip will be placed along the outer area of the kitchen, separating the kitchen floor from the living room floor, allowing a nice clean look." Dylan said.

"Okay. I was going to ask about that too." I said.

Dylan took me upstairs and showed me Evie's sewing room that had the new flooring installed. I chose gray rustic flooring for her room. I thought that would be perfect for her. Dylan then showed me our bedroom that had the new light gray flooring, which looked absolutely perfect. And the bathroom was completely bare, except for the new light gray tile flooring. If you're wondering why so much gray, well, it reminds me of a castle. A lot of castles are gray, and I know Evie wanted to live in a castle. Of course, she stopped caring about that for me, but I want to bring that feeling into our home. And I know she'll love it.

Throughout the next day, much more progress has been made. The flooring in the living room and foyer has been removed and replaced with the whitewashed hardwood. The guest bathroom is complete with the new vanity, marble countertop, toilet, and a showertub with a glass door and a light gray backsplash. And the half bath is complete with a new vanity, marble countertop and toilet too. I asked Dylan if the carpet on the stairs can be removed and replaced with the whitewashed hardwood, and then painted and he said sure. That can be done the next day.

The new kitchen floors have been installed with tile floors that have combined colors of gray and white with the bottom cabinets and marble countertops. Along with the spacious kitchen island. And with the floor transition strip, the two floors did look nice together. With so much progress that has been made, Dylan thinks we'll be done in no more than two more days. Which is awesome. I can't wait for the house to be finished.

[Mal and Evie's home. 10:15 am]

Mal's POV

It was now the fourth day of the renovation. And Dylan plans today to be the final day of building and tomorrow to be the day to bring in the furniture and decor, along with the belongings in the storage container. I arrived back at the house from earlier to see the crew was hard at work putting in the final pieces. The upper kitchen cabinets were getting installed as I walked in.

I walked around a bit to see what was going on. I checked out the master bath and immediately saw the new shower. It was set up like a box. The right side was up against the wall, the front was three inches off the floor, with a glass door, a glass window next to it on the left, then on the next side over was half a wall and half glass on top of the half wall, then on the back was gray tile with rock pebble backsplash. Bringing in that castle feeling even more.

The tub was rectangle shaped, up against the wall with built in jets. And it is big enough for me and Evie to share a bath together. Nothing special about the toilet, just new. On the opposite side of the bathroom was our large vanity that was I think around seven feet in length. A nice marble countertop with a large mirror above it with some fancy light fixtures on each side as well as in the middle above the mirror. A perfect bathroom.

"Nice job, guys. This looks fantastic." I said.

"Thanks." said a worker.

I returned downstairs and found Dylan in the laundry room that had the new whitewashed flooring installed.

"This is really amazing. I just checked out the master bath, and oh my god." I said.

"I know, right? I was impressed by it as well. You have great taste, Mal. You really do." Dylan said.

"Thanks. So what's up?" I asked.

"I was just about to go outside and check up on the porch. See how the progress is coming along with it." Dylan replied.

There's a few things I'm having done to the house I haven't said before. First off, go way back to when I had my first dream. There was a four seasons room. Well, I had the porch inspected, and it's up to code to be turned into one. So I'm having that done. But not just that, I got another surprise for Evie. I'm having a hot tub installed on the porch on the right side by the end. As Dylan and I walked out to the porch, I saw a few guys working on getting it setup.

"Your girlfriend is going to love you for that." Dylan said.

"I don't even know if "love" is going to be the word. I just hope I don't give her a heart attack from all of this." I said.

Dylan chuckled and began talking to another worker as I looked around. One section of the porch has been fully covered and completed and it looks nice. After Dylan talked to me a little more, I took my leave once more. I was excited to know that in seven hours, I'll be returning back to a newly remodeled home.