Chapter 12: move in

I paid the bill, stood up, and gave her our first official kiss in public.

We went to the cinema to watch a movie, but she got so scared she cried and almost peed her pants. We left before it ended and went shopping instead.

We got her a full wardrobe she’d outgrown a lot of her old outfits along with bags, shoes, and new human hair of different types.

When we got back, we packed all her old clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry and donated them to a less privileged home.

She went back to her hostel for a few days afterward. That was when I realized just how big my house was. For the first time since moving in, I checked the other two rooms. They were extremely dusty I’d totally forgotten I had three rooms, not one.

I called a cleaning agency to deep clean the entire place, then replaced all the furniture. I had a plan.

I didn’t like being separated from my girl. I loved having her around. Her being gone for just two nights made the whole place feel empty. Yes, I was no longer calling it a “room” I moved around the condo more often now, mostly because of Ann.

That night on the phone, I told her to move in completely. My space was big enough for a family, we were in an official relationship, and I was serious about marrying her.

The condo was in a private estate, located in an urban area right in the middle of the city and not far from school. I’d bought it because I didn’t want to rent off-campus or stay in the boys’ hostel.

Me: “Princess.”

Ann: “Daddy.”

Me: “Why don’t you move in with me? The house is big enough for us, even if we were to start a family.”

Ann: “But is it okay? Would it be inconvenient?”

Me: “What do you mean, inconvenient? If I can’t live with you or tolerate you, what’s the point of being with you?”

Ann: “Wait ‘tolerate’ me? Does that mean I’m annoying?”

Me: “Nooo, baby. My sweet, soft Princess could never be annoying.”

Ann: “Nobody likes me. The world takes me for granted. I feel like an outcast…”

Me: “No, no, no, baby. I love you, okay? So, so much. I wish you could read my mind.”

Ann: “No, you don’t. You said you tolerate me.”

Me: “Okay, cutie, I’m sorry. I’m coming to pick you up now. I can’t stay one more night without you. The moving company will bring your most important items here the rest we’ll sell or give away.”

I jumped up, grabbed my keys. I was still in my pajamas, but I didn’t care I was going to get my baby.

I brought her back to the house. At the parking lot, I blindfolded her, then guided her inside. When we reached the parlor, I removed the blindfold and turned on the light. She covered her eyes until they adjusted, then opened them.

Ann: “Wow, baby… you changed the whole theme of the parlor? It’s beautiful.”

Me: “Yeah, I did. I hope you like it.”

Ann: “Obviously. It feels like home.”

Me: “You’re right. Our home.”

She walked around, gently touching the expensive antique pieces, then moved to the paintings, tracing the artwork with her fingertips.

Ann: “Babe, you must have spent a fortune setting this up.”

Me: “Not really. Just five thousand dollars.”

Ann: “Babe, that’s a lot… for a student.”

Me: “Well, I can afford it. I’m not just a student I’m a business consultant. I consult for at least five businesses weekly, and I get paid per appointment. You’re the only one I’ve told, though not even Mike knows. If you could keep it secret, I’d appreciate it.”

Ann: “Pinky swear, pinky swear, mouth locked. I won’t leak a sentence to the world.”

Me: “You don’t have to pinky swear, babe. I trust you.”

Note to the younger generation, to single people:

Life is too short. Be with intentional people, or stay single. I promise you , you are not asking for too much when it comes to love. It’s just that some people can’t give you what they don’t have.

It’s okay not to be in a relationship. Don’t feel pressured. What is meant for you will surely find you.