~ Chapter 29 ~ Episode 3 ~

Elliot and Naomi head straight home to begin packing. They have a huge tag sale and sell many of their un-needed items over the course of a few days. “That’s everything.” Elliot says as he loads the last box onto the moving truck. “Looks so empty in here.”

Naomi’s eyes get teary, she sniffles. “I can’t believe we’re not gonna sleep under this roof tonight. I hope we made the right decision. We made the right decision, didn’t we Ell?”

Elliot kisses Naomi’s cheek. “Of course we did. It’ll take a little adjusting but our new place will be ‘home’ in no time!”

“We better get going. We’ve got a lot to unpack yet and it’s getting late.” The Pickles take one last walk through around the house. “Oh, we forgot to pack up the books on our doorway bookshelf.”

“Just leave em’. The new tenant can have them or donate them.” Elliot clicks off the lights as they walk out the door of the Vlassic Villa one final time.

The door closes behind them.

Naomi and Elliot sit in their new home at their new kitchen table. “I’m so glad we’ve got everything unpacked. I never thought that truck was gonna be empty.” Naomi laughs.

“I know, I’m gonna sleep like a rock tonight.” Elliot replies. Just then his phone rings. (Ring Ring) “Hello?” he answers.

“Hello Mr. Pickles?”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Pickles, this is your realtor, Mr. Beans. Sorry to be calling so late but I’ve got some fantastic news for you. Your house has sold!”
“Mr. Beans, that’s great news! Thank you for calling to let us know!”
“Mr. Pickles, that’s not all. The buyer has asked to meet with you at the house in the morning if possible. Is that a problem?”
“No, that’ll be fine.”
“Great. I’ll let him know. Plan to be there for nine a.m. Goodnight Mr. Pickles.”

Elliot gets up and stares out the kitchen window. “What was that about?” Naomi asks.

“Our house sold.” Elliot tells her.

“That’s great news! That didn’t take long at all.”

Elliot hangs his head low. “Probably because there’s no real estate available in Willow Creek, ours was the only one.” he replies gloomily.

“Are you alright hunny? You seem down.”

“It’s just hitting me now that the house is officially no longer ours.” Elliot breathes deep.

“Awww Ell.” Naomi wraps her arms around her husband.

“The new owner wants to meet us in the morning at the house.” he tells Naomi.

“Why?” she questions.

Elliot shrugs. “No idea. Maybe to go over some details of the house or something. Or maybe they want us to get our books outta there.” he tries to make himself laugh.

“Hey, I have an idea.” Naomi says trying to cheer Elliot up. “How about we try out our new hot tub?! Let’s go get changed into our suits, c’mon Ell.”

Elliot and Naomi climb into the steamy water. “Ahhhh…this feels great! Just what my body needed after all that moving and lifting.” Elliot gestures for Naomi to turn. He slides behind her and begins to give her a massage. “That feels great Elliot. Yeah, that’s the spot, right there.”

The couple soak in the hot tub for a while, enjoying the fresh night air and each other’s company. “We should hit the sack. It’s been a long day and morning will arrive early.” After drying off and changing into pajamas, Naomi and Elliot climb into the only thing familiar to them, their bed.

“Goodnight Elliot, Goodnight Naomi, sweet dreams.”