I was living by myself for many years and had saved up a bit of cash. Quit my job that I was no longer satisfied in and decided that instead of blowing it all on rent, I would have to enter a share house, to split costs and have some much needed time off. It was refreshing to think about how wonderful it would be to make new friends and live in a house full of people again!
I searched for houseshare available online. Saw some photos online with dark wooden floors, and decided that this house looked nice. Sent the landlord a message, and introduced myself, as I was aware that I would need to know that we would all get along if we were going to share space with each other. He responded telling me that I was welcome to inspect, and later on that week I did.
I'll never forget landing on his doorstep, him opening the door, and the absolute look of suprise on his face when I extended my hand to introduce myself. The house was warm and inviting, and the bedroom I was after was absolutely perfect-I was getting the masterbedroom!! (He was living downstairs in his own containable quaters, and had room for two renters living upstairs.)
The house was beautiful, and I felt like I was at home. I knew the room was mine after I had left and it was offered to me straight away.
After moving in, I decided one morning that we should all get to know each other, (myself, him, and one other housemate). I offered to make my ultra thick pancakes. He showed up, at 6.30 with the sun rising bright and early, other housemate did not.
I recall whilst cooking away everything that he said, and I felt compelled to "read into him". He put on a really tough front, but I saw past it straight away and called him out for being a big softy. He later on revealed that this converstaion scared the hell out of him, but he wanted more, as no-one had every seen through him like that.
We would sit on the balcony and watch the sun setting. He would have a beer, and I would point out the local wildlife. I mentioned that I had always loved chickens, ducks and geese. He said that he always loved the idea of having farm animals. "I'll build you a chook house." He said. I laughed it off thinking he was just being nice.
The very next day he was building a chicken coup. It became increaasingly obvious to me that in the little things we were saying and doing, our long term goals and interests, that we were incredibly compatible. I dismissed this though as I was more concerned about the whole 'dating your landlord' thing and what a mess that could be!
We had established a wonderul frienship, with some very light flirting. I was very drawn to him, and I could sense that he felt the same way. I went on a week long cruise with some family members, and I remember hugging him before I left as I had kindly asked to be dropped off at the dock.
Whilst on the cruise I had made some lovely friends, but my thoughts kept going back to him. I was so excited when I was finally in range enough to receive a message from him-a photo of himself and a stuffed toy of mine enjoying a beer together in my absence. The butterflies in my stomach and smile on my face confirmed what I was deep down very aware of, and finally able to admit.
When he picked me up from the docks once my holiday had ended we were both super excited and smiley. So happy to see each other. He leaned it when I was showing him photos and I was catching stars in his eyes. We spent the day watching movies together, but the real treat was just being close to each other!
The sun set on us both that day. Once he had put his arm around me I knew it was safe to snuggle in and wrap my right leg around his left. The warmth was shared, and a year later, we are still very much in love. :')