Seven Days Back

by Ruth Hay

  By the end of the week she felt ready, both mentally and physically, to move on.

  “I can’t advise you, Val, until you have a clearer idea of what you want.”

  “That’s just it, Rhonda, I don’t know exactly what I want. I just feel I want something entirely different for this new phase of my life.”

  “Well, I feel obliged to caution you about making major decisions so soon after a loss such as you have had, Val.”

  “I have heard that said before. You need to know this decision is not sudden at all. During the long process of David’s last illness, I had plenty of time to think about my future and my recent holiday in the Lake District just confirmed what I had already decided.”

  “I am sure you are right, Val. I’ve never known you to do anything without due consideration. By the way, you look much better since your trip. It has done you a lot of good, I’d say.”

  “I feel the same way about it. It was exactly what I needed but now I need a new home and I need it soon. The buyers want a fast entry.”

  Rhonda had been prepared for this. She had brought a one-page summary of typical real estate questions for her friend to consider.

  “This page will guide you toward the right decisions, Val. I want to help you as much as possible. We can go around together later to view some of the options. Take a look.”

  Valerie glanced over the page. “This looks useful, Rhonda, and I am grateful for any help. Right now I want you to ask me the questions that you think are the most significant. I need a place to start from before I get too deep into the minor issues.”

  “Fine with me! When I worked in real estate, the key word was always Location. Let’s start there, but I warn you, it’s not as simple as it sounds.”

  Two lattes and a large muffin later, Valerie began to understand what her friend had meant.

  Location was still prominent in their discussion and yet, it depended on so much else.

  The bottom line was; how did she want to live now?

  Under normal circumstances she would have retreated to her garden with a glass of wine and deliberated about this for hours, if not days. These were not normal circumstances, however, and she did not have the luxury of long afternoons dozing in the sun while awaiting inspiration.

  She thought about Zoe. Decisions were her métier. She made them quickly and with assurance. Valerie needed to adopt some of that assurance.

  ‘All right! I know I want to be involved in something that interests me. Not full-time work, perhaps, but something to bring me into touch with people of similar interests. I will need to earn some money. From what you have been saying, Rhonda, accommodation on a smaller scale than my house is remarkably expensive these days.”

  “True enough! It never hurts to earn a little cash for unexpected emergencies.

  So, you want to be closer to life in town. What kind of work would you like to do?”

  Valerie was thinking this was another weighty question that functioned as a detour. How could she negotiate her way through the maze?

  Rhonda was unfazed by the dilemma. She forged on, trying to get to an answer.

  “Is teaching on your radar? London, Ontario, is an education hub, as you know, and you have plenty of experience to offer.”

  Immediately, Valerie sensed this was a backward step. It had to be all about moving forward, not back.

  Her expression of doubt told the tale. Rhonda moved on.

  “If that’s not appealing, think about something that has excited you, got your heart pounding and made the time fly.”

  Rhonda was doing her best, but Valerie had to make the decision before they could put the component parts in place. She recognized the importance of the last question. What would lead her in a new direction? What had captivated her interest? The coffee was cold by now but she took a sip and swallowed.

  “Rhonda, you might think this is crazy! I really did love my holiday. Not just the amazing week with my old friends but also the planning and the choosing locations to visit and the great dining experiences and how, if you put it all together correctly, it can create unforgettable memories.”

  Rhonda sat back in her chair as if a blast of heat had forced her to retreat to a safer distance.

  “Well! Now we`re getting somewhere! That`s what I call excitement. You should have seen how your face lit up just now, Val. Let`s explore that idea a little more.”

  Rhonda reeled off a list of possible careers related to travel and when she came to Tour Guide, Valerie stopped her.

  “Do you think I could become a person who conducts groups of Canadians on tours in England and Scotland?”

  “From what you have been telling me about your trip, it sounds as if you have already started!”

  Valerie’s heart was pumping. This idea felt so right. It would be a whole new enterprise for her.

  Her teaching experience would be an advantage, she could meet new people and it was a way to travel back to her roots in Britain without the huge expense.

  “How would I qualify for that job and where would I work from; on my own or in an agency?”

  “I don`t know the answers right at the moment, Val, but I do know we now have a better idea about where you need to live.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Think of it like this. It’s a type of work where you would frequently be travelling. That means you need a home where there`s security, snow clearing, and grass cutting provided. You could live in an apartment building, of course, but I don`t think such a big change would suit you. Other choices would be a new high-rise condo or a townhouse. The former are popular downtown but the outlying areas have a huge growth of townhouse complexes in almost every part of London. You would have your pick of new or old developments along those lines. How close do you need to be to shopping and hospitals, that kind of thing?”

  Valerie remembered the townhouse Brian and Victoria bought in the outskirts of Toronto. The buildings were crowded together with little outdoor space. They were new but not attractive with their identical facades. She would feel like a faceless cypher in such an environment.

  “I think moving closer to the city will give me access to everything I might need now and in the future.

  I want to have a garage for the car and I see your point about maintenance when I’m absent from home. I have every intention to see much more of my family so I will need extra bedrooms for them. Brian is bringing my granddaughter Lynn to see me this fall. It would be good to have a bit of outdoor space for her but I’m not sure I want the responsibility of a big garden again. I would like to be settled by the time Lynn arrives, if possible.”

  “All right, then! Now we have a better idea of what you need, we just have to find the right location. The search is on!”

  Rhonda’s years in the London Real Estate market had shown her most customers don’t know what they want until they actually see it. She took Valerie on a tour of new developments, including one-floor, one-bedroom condo apartments (Not big enough), older apartments in heritage buildings downtown (Too noisy, small windows and not enough space) and even smaller, traditional houses in established neighbourhoods like Old South (Don’t want to deal with repairs and renovations).

  After two hours of driving around, they took a break for lunch downtown in the Covent Garden Market building. They secured a table and brought together their choices of food from different vendors, sharing the spoils in a picnic atmosphere amid the noise and chatter of people coming and going about their various weekend activities.

  Wiping the remains of a red velvet cupcake from her mouth, Rhonda proceeded to summarize their morning’s explorations.

  “You don’t like the new housing estates because they are too far out of the city and too raw.”

  Valerie nodded in agreement.

  “You want more bedroom space than most condo units supply.” Another nod.

  “You don’t like noise and older buildings.” Nod.

  “You want access to some outdoor space, i
f possible.” Two nods.

  “That’s about it, Rhonda. Doesn’t sound too promising, does it?”

  “It’s not impossible. It’s better to know what you don’t want as that defines the options left to you.”

  “What options are those?”

  “Don’t sound so defeated. The London market is booming. We’ve only scratched the surface so far and we’ve only been looking at locations and exteriors. It makes a big difference when you can see inside a place. That’s when you can visualize it as a prospective home.”

  “What’s next then?”

  “I have an idea. You said you were most familiar with the west end of the city as that has been your driving route from Kilworth. Let’s check out the housing available on the Byron end of Commissioners Road. You will be surprised at the variety and many are almost private, gated communities with all the facilities you need.”

  “Sounds good! Let me finish this lovely coffee and we’ll be off. I couldn’t do this without your help, Rhonda. You are a real treasure!”

  Valerie was surprised to see a look of chagrin pass across the normally cheerful face of her friend.

  “I hope this little expedition can make up for the neglect I have shown you since well before David was so ill. I have felt uncomfortable about those months when you were struggling on your own, Val.”

  “Nonsense! Don’t apologize! That’s all behind me now. I dropped the worst of the pain and guilt in the Lake District. In any case, I would have refused your help, Rhonda. I was too deep in denial and misery to want to see anyone. I had really isolated myself but I have learned better now. Friends are important in so many ways, especially as we get older and circumstances change around us.”

  “Well, this friend is going to find you a new place to live and I have a feeling it’s going to be today.”

  With that positive incentive, they retrieved the car and set off towards Byron, with full stomachs and full hearts.

  As soon as they crossed over Wonderland Road, Commissioners Road changed in nature. Valerie noticed the entrance to Rosecliffe Terrace on their right and remembered that Anna Drake lived there from time to time near her best friend Alina with her husband Philip. She made a mental note to find out more about the lady whose Ambleside apartment had been the scene of the wonderful week she had spent with her old friends.

  She was soon distracted by the series of walled sections fronting the road, leading to new, or nearly new, townhouses. Some were individual and others attached to their neighbours in groups of four. All seemed less raw in their settings among trees and grassy borders and because they were within a few blocks of Westmount Mall and the vast amount of shops and services further along Wonderland, they were not in the least isolated.

  “The small building site to our left here is still unfinished but as you can see, these townhomes are separated from their neighbours and they do have small garden areas at the back. They are brand new and if you should choose one unfinished you could get your choice of colours etcetera.”

  “I like the size of the site. It’s not too overwhelming but I don’t have time to wait until the final work can be done. I need something that’s ready to move into.”

  “Keep watching, Val, there’s a lot more choice in this area.”

  Rhonda was right. Valerie had never noticed how much property adjacent to the main road had been developed for these small enclaves of attractive homes.

  They sped down Snake Hill and as soon as the road levelled out, Valerie had a vision of herself with Lynn in the beautiful Springbank Park that was flashing past the car on their right. Storybook Gardens was there and walks down by the Thames with ducks and geese to be seen, swings, paddling pools and sand boxes for little ones and even a tiny train whose whistle rang out in the warm air as they passed.

  This was going to be the right place for her. She knew it.

  “Of course you know Byron. Good facilities here and the gas and hydro services have recently been upgraded. You’ll see many townhouse complexes on your right. This one here is built around an old mill. Most of them go far enough back to reach the same branch of the Thames that passes through the park.

  They are older homes, but many have been updated and there’s a pretty fast turnover since there is a plentiful supply. Also, Val, this style is popular with single women and seniors rather than families so it is usually a quiet environment. Further along, nearer Oxford, there is a vast estate by Sifton called River Bend but as you don’t play golf, I doubt it would suit you.”

  “I am getting a good feeling about this section, Rhonda. It’s a very convenient area and I like the sound of these townhomes. Can we find some for sale so I can get a look inside?”

  “Let’s look for Open House signs. We can probably see those today. Any others will require an agent and a phone appointment. It’s the weekend so our chances are good.”

  They drove in and out of various complexes looking at Open Houses until Valerie’s head was spinning.

  Some were in need of serious upgrades, some were not well planned and some were in a poor position. They were moving ever further west toward Oxford and the fast road back to Kilworth when Rhonda drove through portals named Stone Gates. There had been a sign right at the road side advertising an Open House. They drove slowly around the looped street and saw well-maintained property, side by side. There were only a small number of homes in the complex and as soon as they entered, it was quiet and sedate. Following the loop they arrived at the section furthest from Commissioners and Rhonda breathed a sigh when she spotted the lone house at the end, next to a forested area. It was the one with the Open House sign.

  “You are in luck, Val. That’s the best choice in the whole place. It’s separate but not far away from the nearest one, and unless I’m seriously mistaken, this property backs onto the river. Fingers crossed that it’s in good condition!”

  With that fervent thought, they parked the car in front of the double garage (Good storage, short driveway) and made their way through a wrought iron gate and a small but floral, walled garden (Sheltered and easily maintained) to the open front door. Rhonda rang the bell and a young man responded quickly, arriving with a page of sale details in his hand. He appeared from the kitchen which was to the left of the main door and could be seen through a large window (Light kitchen, good floor space, nice flooring).

  Ronald Frame welcomed them inside. He had been thinking of closing up and leaving early. It had been a slow day and his mind was on his hot date later with Trish. When he saw the two women, he brightened up. This could be his chance to show that idiot, Bendon, back at the office, you don’t have to be fifty to sell a house.

  Valerie and Rhonda exchanged a glance when they saw the layout of the townhouse. Inside and to the left was the stair to the basement but to their right was a charming room looking out on the front garden which was set up as a den but would serve as an office or television room.

  Rhonda knew this meant the major rooms were oriented to the back of the property and benefited from the outdoor views. She smiled to herself and nudged Valerie’s arm.

  A short hallway with a closet and powder room to the right, led directly into a large room lit by a huge window with a bench in front of it inviting the visitors to sit and enjoy the view of lawn and woods descending toward the river, concealed by the variety of green, summer foliage. Ronald Frame claimed to have ventured down the slope and seen the actual river.

  Valerie was immediately charmed by the sight of a series of bird feeders strung along the forest edge. She had fed birds in Kilworth for years and their songs were a welcome part of her outdoor life.

  When the women turned to survey the main room, they were not disappointed. It was a square shape which easily accommodated a dining table near the kitchen entrance and a handsome stone fireplace on the left wall, placed so that a resident could watch both the flames and the view from the window.

  Valerie was saying to herself, “Perfect!” but she had been cautioned not to sho
w too much enthusiasm.

  There was ample space for a variety of both comfortable seating and small tables in the room.

  A wooden bookcase stretching from floor to ceiling stood against the right wall. In this wall was the door to an equally spacious bedroom, again with a window to the rear. A double closet and a convenient bathroom completed the bedroom facilities.

  “What’s been done in the basement?” asked Rhonda. The young man replied that it was fully finished by professionals and consisted of a separate apartment with bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and living room with some kitchen facilities. This was in addition to the usual laundry and furnace rooms, both sectioned off from the living quarters.

  He led them downstairs and Valerie saw he had not exaggerated. There were only two small windows but the area had been decorated in bright colours to make best use of the available light. Everything looked new downstairs. It was an ideal place for visitors.

  “Was the decorating done recently?”

  Ronald responded to Rhonda directly. He sensed she was the more involved woman and had a good grasp of the essentials.

  “The lady who lived here had a companion, a cousin I believe, who moved in with her about three years ago. The conversion was done then.”

  After seeing a momentary haunted look flash across the other lady’s face, he rushed to assure them that the owner was still alive and had moved to a one-floor apartment in Stratford with her cousin.

  Valerie nodded her head and waited for a cue from Rhonda.

  “Ronald, my friend and I would like to take the details and go outside for a look around. Is that all right with you?”

  Ronald smartly made himself scarce and the two women returned to the driveway in silence waiting until they heard the screen door close again before they grabbed each other’s hands and did a dance of joy at having found such a good candidate for Valerie’s new home.