I don't always remember to water the plants, let alone weed them. If I'm honest with myself I'd much rather be in the basement experimenting with great grandfathers work bench. Which is why I'm reading so many diy books at the library. I've already come to the conclusion that gardening is a nice hobby for those who like it, but it's really not something I'm into. It's hot out this summer. Mrs. Peoples told me their ac broke down which is why she brought their daughter out so late. I stuck around for the homework help. Honest I'm not a risk taker, but it was hot and I was very careful to stay close to shore. Summer holiday would have been better if there was a lifeguard around. The ocean water felt deliciously cool after spending half my morning scavenging. I know several different types of gem cuts, but the market is always paying top dollar for the heart cut gems. Who am I to argue with the market, if people would rather pay five or six thousand for a heart cut stone rather than a marquis or plumbob cut for a lesser amount. I cut my donation gems into the less valuable cuts, just to remind people that there are other styles available. The big summer excitement was the arrival and building of a movie theater. The owners also lease out the stage space to bands, very exciting. They also made some of the concession items available for folks walking by. In this heat a cherry snow cone is very tempting. The theater's arrival got me thinking about how it might be a good idea to own or invest in a business myself for a more stable income besides what I earn from my part time job and scavenging. The downside of renovating my home is the tax assessor upped my bills. Tara is always fun to do homework with. She's got a serious rebellious streak, so sometimes we end up laughing until we cry at made up answers to the questions on our work. I think of her and Colm as my best friends but haven't worked up the nerve to ask her to be my bff. Colm and Lydell however both overcame their nervousness and have asked me to junior prom. Getting Friday off for the dance won't be a problem, but how do I pick who to go with. They are both good friends and I don't want to hurt either of them. I'm eccentric, not evil. After school I hung out by the fishing pond. I just couldn't think. I was sorely tempted to ditch work and prom to go gem hunting. Then I spotted Mrs. Stone. I asked her if we could fish together. No I'm not into fishing, despite knowing how. Then I was so nervous that she'd see through me that I fished to far for conversation. Finally though I just talked to her. She gave me some great advice about being myself and just letting life happen. So I texted both Colm and Lydell and told them that as their friend I would meet them there. So glad I had talked with Mrs. Stone, granted I'm sure she has some interest in how the night will play out, after all Colm is her son. After a quick dash home I showed up to prom in an outfit that decidedly didn't leave any wrong ideas. Holy cow! I got crowned queen. That's not the only thing that happened. Lydell and I had a falling out almost as soon as I walked in the door. He asked if this was what I was wearing, and acted as if I should change into some mini dress. I made it very clear that I was there to dance and have fun with friends, not sneak off and make out or more under the bleachers. Colm was waiting for me by the punch bowl, his first words "You look nice, the red tie compliments your hair." I thought we were just having fun and goofing around, then the dj put on a slow song and instead of letting me dart off the dance floor like I wanted Colm pulled me closer and whispered in my ear. "I meant it earlier you really do look great, tonight" then he kissed me on my cheek before whispering "Natalya if you ever decide you'd like a boyfriend I'd really like to be that guy." Holy Cow! I'm over the moon. Colm the loner, Colm the author, Colm my best friends brother is in love with me! I might have snuggled a little closer, but I'm just a sophomore and not ready to commit to anyone but my own survival and Colm indicated that he understands that and respects my choice to not date just yet. It's a good thing that there was no school or work for me on Saturday. My head was so far in the clouds that I almost missed both a pink diamond and a moonstone while out gathering. That night I hid behind the learning annex of the museum to do homework. Mrs. Stone found me struggling with a couple of history questions and helped me. She didn't bring up prom or Colm, for which I was grateful, but I finally relaxed and called her Fern. Her lips twitched into a tiny smile and her eyes twinkled. As we finished my homework we struck a bargain, when I was finished renovating my home, I would donate a variety of cuts of some of the more expensive gems. In exchange Fern would help me restore the windows without replacing them, by stripping them down and repainting them. We both shivered as the cooler fall air heralded the coming change of seasons. It was very late when I finally crawled into bed, but I'd accomplished a lot of work that weekend with Fern's help. I moved great grand mothers bed and rug to the attic. Installed a set of proper stairs, some lights, and paneled the walls with simple wood panels. I'd refinished the fencing on the roof over the arboretum, which I was starting to think would be a good spot for a swimming pool. Got the upper level outer wall fully restored, and the gutters cleaned up. I'd also restored the upstairs wall panels and flooring, but there's a lot yet to be done with the lights and decor. I'd reached a compromise with the contractors. The heat and ac unit was installed outside near the back stairs to the kitchen, and the electrical panels were installed in the basement. This way I could access the fuse panel and circuit breakers easily during a bad snow storm, and repair technicians could easily service the hvac unit the rest of the year without tracking dirt or mud through the house. The last thing I'd done was move my bed to great grandmothers old room, it was now my room.
I could have moved in an at any time, but I wasn't ready. It's been a little over a year since great grandmother passed away, and slowly my thinking has shifted from the house being hers to it being my house. I got the floor redone as well as the walls. Fern helped me restore both the fireplace and dresser. Bought myself a new desk and chair, but cleaned up the old table that great grand mother and I used to dine at. I still need to replace the curtains, Fern recommended considering lace. She also recommended that I upgrade all of the fireplaces to fire proof. I was happy when I found some old kerosene lamps that had been converted to electric in the restore catalog. I'm not sure what next year will bring, if I'll still be here or not, I hope so. I meet with the social worker and judge from family court tomorrow, which is exactly four hours from now. Hopefully the fact that I'm on the honor roll and half way done restoring my home will be marks in my favor. I wonder if coffee is as good as everyone claims it is?
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