Chapter 25 – Christmas Eve part 3

Our housemates don’t want to wait until tomorrow to put down the rug, because they are curious to see how it looks. Moreover, they can see from Claire’s face that she can’t wait. Marc and Jean Paul carry the rug to the kitchen. They remove the chairs and push the table as far as possible to the cupboard. Everyone helps, except Mimi and Noa, who are still sitting on the bench in the living room.

Claire is delighted. “Now we won’t get cold feet when we sit at the kitchen table.

“I think there’s a cellar under here,” Jean Paul suggests. The others look at him in surprise. He shrugs his shoulders. “There was often a cellar under such an old house. I’ve been looking for the entrance a few times, but I can’t find it under all those blackberries. We really should start on the garden.”

“Next year,” says Claire. “Now first thank Marc for the rug.”

She gives him a big kiss on the cheek. At that moment, the spark flies between them. They look at each other for a moment and both know. He wants to hug her, but she quickly walks away to hang up the spice rack. Not in front of the others, Marc realizes. He catches a glance from Lisa. She knows her friend well and knows enough.

Jean Paul is well prepared and has nails and a hammer within reach. Claire holds the rack in the right place. A moment later, it is hanging. Marc hands over the spice jars while she puts them in the rack. Every now and then their fingers touch and the sparks continue to fly. They don’t show anything, don’t look at each other and continue working. Their cooperation is good, just like in cooking.

To distract attention, Lisa says: “I think everyone is satisfied.”

The others nod enthusiastically. “Shall we go back to the living room?” Lisa suggests.

A moment later, they have trays full of snacks and drinks on the coffee table. Claire slides as far as possible towards her friend on the couch. Lisa sighs and raises her eyes for a moment.

“As if we haven’t eaten enough,” Lana exclaims. She is someone who can keep eating and still stay slim, but she also has her limits. Still, she looks at the snacks with interest. “I think this will work,” she mumbles as she takes a bite of salmon. The others laugh as she closes her eyes in pleasure.

“Just keep eating sweets, then we’ll manage,” Claire says, laughing. “Shall we all play a game? I have a new deck of cards.” She gets up and proudly takes a box out of the cupboard.

“Yeah, great,” Lana exclaims. She loves games.

After a particularly successful evening, everyone goes to bed satisfied. Claire and Lisa lie awake for a while and talk softly to each other. In a year’s time, they have built a good house. With two extra tenants, things have turned out well financially and they can live comfortably. Things are also going well among themselves. You can see that from all the presents. Everyone is happy now. They have a good house.

“What’s going on between you and Marc?” Lisa asks her best friend.

It’s quiet for a moment. “Nothing yet,” Claire answers.

“I saw the sparks flying between you.” “We’ll see what happens,” she answers evasively.

They say goodnight softly and fall asleep with their faces together and hands clasped together and a satisfied smile.

See you soon in the new year. January 13, 2025 a real adventure begins!