Construction work for a whole week? But Lisa, what is this story?
Didn't you see the notice next to the elevators? They're doing renovation work on the building during the holidays, so there's going to be a lot of noise and dust for a week.
But I'm not on vacation, I'm staying here, I'm working. It's going to be unbearable between the noise and the smell of paint, I won't manage.
If you want, you can come stay at my place.
That's nice of you, but it's going to be cramped in your apartment.
Listen, it's just for one week, it's not about living together. Think about it and let me know; if it can help you, I don't mind making a bit of room for you.
*************
Cat, you look worried, what's going on?
Oh nothing, just a setback that's messing up my plans, that's all.
Tell me, maybe I can help.
During the holidays, for those who are taking them obviously, there's going to be renovation work in my building, so noise, people coming and going, paint smells for a week. So I'm going to crash at Lisa's place so I can work, otherwise I won't get anything done.
So that setback is already solved, but you still look worried. What's the real problem then?
Well, Lisa's apartment is about the same size as mine, so two girls in there already, it's going to be complicated. And on top of that we both have to study for our exams. I'm hesitating between going back to my parents' place and coming back when I need to be in person at the hospital. I don't really know how I'm going to do it yet, but it does stress me out a bit.
Can I suggest something?
Yes, of course.
Okay, think about it before answering, but why wouldn't you come stay at my place?
At your place?
Yes, at my place, in my apartment. I'm not there during the day, so you'll be quiet to work. It's not bigger than yours or Lisa's, but there's probably less stuff, so you can spread out, it doesn't bother me. It's a bit farther for you to get to the hospital, but it's still closer than your parents' place.
Uh… and we'd live together…
In a way… but just for a week.
But…
But what? Do you have a better option? Peace and quiet, space, and me only in the evening and at night, that's paradise, isn't it?
When you put it that way, yes.
Why do you look hesitant?
It's just that you're completely catching me off guard. I really hadn't thought about that at all.
But does it appeal to you or not?
Yes, totally. It actually makes me really happy that you suggested it. But aren't you afraid I'll discover your secrets? Hidden stuff?
No, I'll tidy everything up before you arrive, and you already know I look like a mess in the morning before my coffee, so I'm not worried at all.
Okay, that works then. So in three weeks, I'll show up with my suitcase.
**********
Three weeks later
Welcome to your place! So, I cleared out a closet for you so you can put away your clothes, and I tidied up my desk so you can spread out however you like.
Thank you, that's really sweet.
I also did some grocery shopping this afternoon so you wouldn't have to go out to buy food. And a friend told me that his girlfriend eats a lot of sugar while studying, so in that cupboard you'll find about ten thousand calories to keep you going.
You're a sweetheart, you really thought of everything, I see.
************
Ten days later
Hello, I'm home!
Hi, my love!
I love coming home now. Why is your bag in the entryway?
Well, I've been here for ten days now even though it was supposed to be just one week. I went back to my place this afternoon and everything is finished, it doesn't smell like paint anymore either, so I can finally move back home.
But you can stay a bit longer if you want. There's no rush.
No, I also want to get back to my own place. I'm not going to squat at yours forever either. Otherwise we'll end up killing each other. You were adorable to give me so much space, but you need to get your place back too, we can't stay here together for too long.
Too bad, I would have liked that…
Don't pout, we'll definitely have other chances to do it again.
Yeah, you're right, let's just enjoy our last evening together!
*********
One month later.
Would you have two hours to give me this week? I need to take you somewhere. Kisses.
Ok for Thursday afternoon, whenever you want. Xxx.
*******
So, what is it? A surprise? I can't wait to see.
All the better, you won't be disappointed.
It's not my birthday… it's not our anniversary… it's not a special time… so in whose honor is this surprise?
Does it necessarily have to be a special date for a surprise? I can't make you one whenever I want? We're going to have to change the rules then.
Yes, of course. You're a confusing guy.
I hope so. I don't want you to go looking elsewhere if there's better.
No risk.
There, we've arrived. So once we're parked, you'll close your eyes please, while I take you to the right place, ok?
Ok. So much mystery!!
Watch your step, there are three stairs, and then we take an elevator. You're holding up ok?
Yes, I'm fine. Are we almost there?
Yes, in thirty seconds. I open the door and… there you go, you can open your eyes.
????? Ok… an empty apartment…
So here, this is the living room. Pretty big, right?
Yes, indeed, and very bright.
Exactly. And there, a nice bathroom with a bathtub like you like.
Hmm hmm.
We're exactly fifteen minutes from your campus by bus, I checked.
Ok.
So, what do you think of it?
It's a nice little apartment.
Is that all? You don't look thrilled.
Marc, I'm sorry, but I don't understand why we're here actually. What is this place you're showing me?
My love, let me introduce you to our future home!
What????
Our apartment, the two of us. We can move in at the end of the month if that's ok with you.
Sorry??? But no, it's not ok with me. Not at all. I'm going home.
Cathy, wait. You can't leave like that. Wait for me by the car. Cathy, what's going on? You're angry, I don't understand why. We'll find another one if you don't like this one.
We'll find another one??? But I don't want to find another one.
I wanted to please you, this one met quite a few criteria that matter to you.
But Marc, wouldn't you have forgotten something important by any chance?
A separate bedroom, yes I know, but we don't have the means yet.
NOOOO! Are you kidding me or what? Take me home right now, or I'll take your damn bus to I don't know where.
Get in, let's go.