Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"I'm hitting order right now! First up, gotta snag that trellis, your mom's got a thing for wisteria, perfect for guiding those vines... Then, I'll grab a few hydrangea pots. Come May, they'll bloom and have Sanford green with envy..."

Sanford was Norris' colleague. They taught different subjects but got along famously, as both were seasoned gardening enthusiasts.

Years back, Sanford had moved out of the faculty housing complex, snapping up a condo nearby.

Given it was on the ground floor, it came with a little yard, which he'd packed to the brim with flowers.

But due to the limited space, he could only manage small potted plants. Dreaming of lush, expansive blooms like hydrangeas was out of the question.

No sooner said than done, Norris whipped out his phone to scroll through Amazon. Suddenly, he paused, "Moving to the new place, what about this house then?" Roseanne replied, "Let's keep it."

"Is that necessary?" Norris noted how other teachers, upon moving, promptly sold their houses.

Given its prime location near Horizon Future Middle School, it attracted a lot of buyers, mainly parents relocating to be near their children's school.

And of course, the selling price was quite attractive.

Norris was sentimental about the old house, but considering the fortune they'd spent on the new villa, selling it could recoup some of the expenses. Roseanne knew what was on his mind, but still-

"Even if we're not living here, let's hold onto it a bit longer."

Norris, puzzled, asked, "Wait for what?"

"You'll see."

"Mystery makes the world go round..." Norris mumbled.

It wasn't that Roseanne didn't want to spill; it's just that matters like demolition... the less known, the better.

Leaks could lead to trouble.

Her insider info came thanks to Murray. His company had won a bid for a major mall development in Pinehollow, and Roseanne accidentally stumbled upon the contract in the study. Recognizing the familiar "Pinehollow," curiosity got the better of her, and she discovered plans to include the Horizon Future Middle School faculty housing in the demolition.

"Just got a call from the real estate agent, asking to drop by tomorrow for some additional paperwork."

Norris asked, "So, can I start moving some of the plants over tomorrow?"

Roseanne affirmed, "Of course, the villa's keys are with us. We just need to pick an auspicious day to move in."

Madge chimed in, "Then I'll pack some clothes and shoes to take over tomorrow as well."

...

When morning came around, Norris

and Madge were up with the birds. Norris was busy moving his favorite plants around, while Madge was packing bags filled with clothes and shoes.

Norris even called for a pickup truck, loading it with pots large and small, squeezing himself into the

passenger seat, "Anne, I'll head over with the driver. Once your mom's done packing, you two head to the sales office, and I'll meet you there."

"Okay."

By ten in the morning, at the sales office—

Odette was already waiting at the door, greeting them with a bright smile, "Roseanne, over here!"

"...And that's pretty much it for the paperwork, quick and easy." She explained as they walked.

True to her word, Roseanne and Madge were out of the VIP reception in no time.

"Madge? Roseanne?" Suddenly, a voice called from behind.

Madge turned. "Irving?"

Irving here, decked out in a

suit and wool coat, his slicked-back hair and shining shoes giving him more of an executive air tham Maddox, the actual boss.

"What brings you here?"

Madge started, "We're just..."

"How come you disappear the moment I turn around? I asked you to sit and listen..."

Oops! Abbey's complaint cut short upon spotting Madge.