For the “first time in more than 130 years” there are more young adults” choosing to live with their parents among people “18 to 34” years old (Domanski). Although I’ve been out of school for over ten-years now, I do think there are excellent reasons some Millenials are remaining at home. It isn’t just to mooch off their parents or cases such as in the movie Failure to Launch. For me personally, it’s been bad health.
When I finished university, moving out right away wasn’t an option at 22. Earning $34, 000 dollars a year as a receptionist wasn’t going to pay for rent and food, despite my BA in English. Moreover, I noticed a common trend, especially among young women, who chose to stay home and develop their careers before moving to their own place.
Many friends, and acquittances tried to earn enough money to live on their own first. They stayed home to pay off debts, earn a down payment for a house or condo, or waited until they eventually found the person they wanted to marry an or move in with.
This is what I want to focus on, in this post, those Millenials who have lived with their parents through University (or moved back in) to establish themselves in life and their careers. Sadly, it takes time and money for most of us to create the house or home of our dreams so beware your dream kitchen or living area will probably take a while to create.
8 Things You Should Know or Own After Establishing Your Career Before Moving Out
Credit: HouseBeautiful.com
A Decent Sized Bed and Bedding such as Sets of Sheets, a Duvet, and a Duvet Cover
Credit: Simple Bedroom – Housebeautiful.com
Hopefully by the time you’re in your mid-twenties the twin-bed has been upgraded for a Queen-sized or King- sized bed, whatever fits in your bedroom. But it’s often better to buy this ahead of time as it’s a major expense you don’t have to worry about later on.
Credit: Simons.com – Duvet Set in Vast Ocean Watercolor ThemeAs well, having a couple sets of nice cotton sheets for your bed is a wise purchase. Ensure you’ve bought a couple of regular cotton sheets that match your duvet cover or are neutral colored; as well as, a couple of sets of flannel sheets made of cotton for places with a cold climate. Although cotton costs more than microfibre, it’s much better for your skin as cotton breathes and will not cause you to break out or sweat to death in warm or cold temperatures. Check out these Solid Flannel Sheet Sets preshrunk, made from cotton, and on sale now at Simons.com. Also, take a peek at their Cotton 600 Thread Count Sheets in White or Gray which is an awesome start for sheet set colors as they go with pretty much any duvet set for spring, summer, and early fall.
Credit: Simons.com – Cotton Sheets in White or GrayMoreover, a decent duvet (whether it be goose down feathers, microgel, or polyester filled) is a must. Although goose down feathers will keep you warmer, many people can be too allergic to the feathers. In this case, a well-made duvet filled with polyester or microgel is the way to go. Also, if you’re a person who becomes too hot when they sleep having a non-feather filled duvet is cooler.
Furthermore, you can find a mixture of goose down and microgel duvets which I find work well, despite having allergies to goose down. As well, purchasing a nice duvet set, something casual and elegant, a more ‘adult set,’ is recommended for your new bedroom. Then, you can blend sheets, decorative pillows (etc.) all into this theme or your chosen color scheme.
2. Crystal Wine Glasses, Your Own Wine and Liquor, and an Elegant Bar Cart.
Credit: Thebay.com Riedel Vinum Red and White Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8If you’re like me, you enjoy the large wine glasses that are much bigger than the wine glasses of our parent’s generation. I found some excellent ones on sale one Christmas from Hudson’s Bay in Canada, that were 40 percent off and a great-make of crystal wine glasses. They’re both sturdy and elegant and can be found here RIEDEL Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8. You can also purchase a set of 4 Red Wine Glasses and 4 White Glasses here RIEDEL Vinum Red and White Wine Glasses (Crystal) – Set of 8.
Moreover, large wine glasses will do for any kind of wine white or red until you have the cash to buy smaller glasses for white wine or champagne. Having these around at home is wonderful for friends who come over when Mom and Dad are away and also for yourself on Friday nights. They’re one less thing you have to buy when moving out because they aren’t the cheapest thing to buy either.
Credit: Hometalk.com – Refinished and Repurposed Bar Cart
Moreover, if you’re like me, your wine and liquor stash at home was in your bedroom so if you know you’re moving out that year, collecting a few kinds of wines and liquors is a great thing to have for both you and the guests you will have at your new place. Also right before you move out, if you can find yourself an inexpensive but elegant bar cart, or piece of furniture that can be turned into a bar cart, this is an excellent purchase.
3. Bathroom Items – A Couple Full Sets of Soft Towels Good For Yourself and Male or Female Company along with Basic Hygiene Items for Guests
Credit: Simons.com – Mini Embroidered Mint Green Polka Dot TowelsHopefully, if you’ve made some money from working a couple of years, you’ve had enough of it to invest in a couple full sets of towels thinking of your color scheme. For instance, my duvet has colors of blue (as do my sheets) so I have purchased a couple sets of towels (4 of everything) for myself and in the future, for guests. You don’t have to use them all at once but if you see the right towels in your decor colors, at a good price, they’re wonderful to pick up and stash away until you’re moving out.
If you know you’ll be leaving home soon, having other basics such as a matching shower curtain (if needed), a tooth brush holder, foaming hand soap, and spare hygienic items for guests such as body wash, toothpaste, mouth wash, shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, and deodorant, are great items to have. They do not need to be the most expensive brand but nice smelling drugstore brands. Extra face clothes are also items that are always needed!
Furthermore, ensure you have the cleaning products you like using, if you’re moving out soon. Choose ones that are environmentally friendly and won’t cause you to be choked-up by noxious chemicals. CLR Kitchen and Bath is a good bet for the main product to use in the Kitchen and Bathroom areas. It works for dusting too.
4. Dishes for Your Kitchen & Basic Kitchen Supplies
Credit: Bedbathandbeyond.ca – Wedgewood Butterfly Bloom 5-Piece Place SettingSome KitchenSupplies you can buy as you go along, each month, adding to your kitchen stash. One of the best things to have first is a set of dishes. They can be new, old, or inexpensive but having dishes and having enough of them so that when family and friends come over you have a full set of dishes ( 8 to 10 places settings) is important.
Additionally, if you’re getting married you might wait and ask for these on your Guest Registry; however, if you’re single and making enough money you might want to choose more affordable dishes for now. For instance, you can look at these place settings made of bone China called Wedgewood Butterfly Bloom 5-Piece Place Setting found at BedBathandBeyond.ca, better for wedding presents and special occasion dishes.
But for a much smaller price point you can look at Walmart.com and buy 8 to 10 of these Red Vanilla Freshness 4 Piece Place Setting, Service for 1, that won’t be so costly to replace if a child drops a few pieces. They can be mixed and matched and are made of porcelain.
Credit: Walmart.com – Red Vanilla Freshness Place Settings for 1 PersonIf you have your grandma’s or mom’s old dishes you might consider matching these with more modern dishes. For instance, my Baba gave me her old dishes that have bright pink flowers on them and gold around the edges. Finding white dishes with a gold trim to match with these dishes might help them seem less gaudy when an entire table is set.
Also, consider going somewhere that sells quality but not too expensive glasses that will last. You can go to IKEA but every time a glass slips or falls, it will shatter. Better to buy more durable glasses to start out with and not have to buy more later. As well, I find myself, often larger glasses or better than smaller ones as they encourage you to drink more water and are better for larger portions or alcoholic drinks.
Credit: Walmart.com – PACIFIC ROUND SERVING DISHES 6.3″ SET OF 4 MIXED PATTERNSAlso, although my Baba’s set includes these, serving dishes are important to have. They can be plain white and inexpensive and are significant along with cutlery (enough for company 8 to 10 people and doesn’t have to be pricey). Moreover, knives, mixing bowls, whisks, serving spoons, tea towels, oven mitts, spatulas, a kettle, a microwave, and other common kitchen items you’ll use often need to eventually be purchased.
They could include a Tassimo coffee maker, toaster oven, hand blender, mix master, and other items. You’ll probably need to buy basic items first, and add more expensive appliances to your kitchen as you live in your new home.
5. Painting Your New Place
Credit: Benjaminmoore.com – Idea for Living Room Painting Colors that are Neutral
Whether you’ve bought a new condo or home or are living in an apartment you plan to remain in a while, painting your new home can really make it feel like home. There is nothing more calming and homelike than having your rooms painted on your own, with friend’s and family’s help, or professionals, to make your place feel as if it’s yours.
If you have an apartment you’ll need to talk to the manager first before painting so they can approve the colors. Lighter colors that are more neutral in this situation are better choices as they’re easier for you or your apartment manager to paint over (if needed) when you move. Paint before you move everything in. Check out the article 10 Paint Colors That Will Never, Ever, Ever Go Out of Style on the House Beautiful Website.
Moreover, if you own your condo or home, paint your home whatever color you choose, but remember that once you paint the walls, it’s harder to paint them a second time when you have to move out all the furniture again or cover it up so it doesn’t get paint on it. Consider a color scheme that you will not become bored with. Feature walls (painting one wall a vibrant color or say covering it in a nice wall paper) is a good idea as you only have to change one wall later and not the entire room or space.
Credit: Housebeautiful.com -Rustic Living Room
As well, many people become sick of walls that are too bright quickly, especially in colors such as red or bright green. Keeping your paint color neutral or light, allows you to play with your home decor in other ways — with interesting artwork, dark or colored furniture, and decor items that are more unique and bright. Remember to buy good paint. Some of the best I’ve used is the Behr Paint from Home Depot that comes with a built in primer. Benjamin Moore is also a wonderful brand but more expensive.
Credit: Bejaminmoore.com – Benjamin Moore Aura PaintEnsure you buy enough paint to give the walls two coats if needed, or to go over spots that get scraped off later accidentally. Also ensure if you paint different rooms diverse colors, the colors flow into each other and do not create choppiness in your home. Warmer colors will also make a room bigger while cooler colors tend to make rooms smaller. Also painting the ceiling a dark color is not recommended as it causes the ceiling to ‘come down’ and make a room significantly smaller.
6. Displaying Art Work and Photographs
LauraRowStudio Vintage Art Print Marilyn Monroe Etsy.comAdditionally, for those of you who read my last interior design piece HERE, you’ll know I’m a big fan of purchasing art you like that is also more unique. I enjoy buying prints off Etsy.com because far fewer people will have these prints and because you’re supporting local and home businesses. Here’s an example of OldStyleDesign’s Alice and Wonderland Themed Prints and Frames.
As well, LauraRowStudio’s Hollywood Icon Prints are made from paintings of actresses such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Additionall, events such as Art Walks, craft shows, MakeIt.ca ” The Hand Made Revolution,” and other craft and design shows are fantastic for finding authentic art.
Moreover, if you’re a decent artist yourself it’s also more inexpensive to buy canvases, brushes, and nice paint to paint more impressionistic or modern pieces of artwork such as flowers, shapes, or picture’s you’ve seen but can easily mimic in your own artistic style. Also on Etsy.com I found some paintings of wonderful abstract art by MichelleDinelleArt on canvas. Below is an example of one of her works in a purple color scheme.
MichelleDinelleArt Purple on Canvas Etsy.comAs well, consider that when buying prints and works from local artists, you do not have to spend a great deal of money having them framed. Often, you can find beautiful frames yourself at the various home decor and craft stores to create a photo wall with various kinds of frames. In Canada, you can look at HomeSense in store or Winners in store to find various frames along with your local craft store. Another wonderful place to check out would be Ikea.com as they carry many kinds of frames instore and online.
Also, you want to think about what family pictures you want to show off and how you would like to frame those photos.
Since we are such a technologically based society and we’re always taking photos on our iPhones of our latest get-togethers, you can keep in mind an awesome concept for a picture frame below. It’s an intuitive frame I enjoy myself!
Credit: Auraframes.com – Digital Photo Frame – Blue and SilverThe first thing I loved about this frame was that it downloads your favorite and ‘best’ photos from your iPhone and Ipad. The pictures in your frame alter as you take new photos everyday. Moreover, what I adore about this frame is its unique technology that ‘curates’ your photos, meaning that none of your flawed or embarrassing photos will appear on the frame’s screen in your new home.
In addition, I adore the frames sleek elegant design found in three colors including Ivory with a Rosegold trim, Charcoal with a Black trim, and Crystal Blue with a Silver trim. The first color combination is my favorite! As well, the frame uses ‘smart technology’ so that along with photos from your Iphone, the best pictures taken by your friends and family, on their Apple devices, will appear on the screen of your frame. The current frame I have is about 10 inches high and almost 12 inches wide, but I’m hoping bigger frames become available.
Moreover this exquisite and modern frame, from Auraframes, is designed to be a classic piece of home decor to exhibit the wonderful times you’ve had with friends and family, as well as, the special moments that have, recently, occurred in your life. More information about the tech aspects of the frame are available on the products site. You can also watch the video about Auraframes and/or purchase a frame right here.
7. Changing Lighting and Hardware
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – Bistro Triple Sconces for Bathroom Mirror LightingSome of the most worthwhile changes you can make to modernize your condo or new home are to change your lighting and hardware before or while you’re moving in. You can change lights in the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom; as well as, faucets in the bathroom and kitchen.
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – Goose Neck Silver FacetIn the bathroom, you might want fantastic lighting over your mirror from these Bistro Triple Sconces with 5 available finishes. A Flushmount light on the ceiling might also be a good idea such as this Caden Flushmount in 4 diverse finishes. Sink Faucets such as these Lugarno 8″ Widespread Faucets in four finishes may be your thing. Or Lugarno 8″ Widespread Goose Neck Faucets may be more your cup of tea in diverse finishes as well.
Credit: Restorationhardware.com – BelleVille Pendant for Bedroom of Dining roomIn your bedroom, you might consider a more opulent kind of light such as this simple but elegant Simone Chandelier or the more decorative Paige Crystal Chandelier. For the dining or the kitchen, a modern put fabulous looking Chandelier to consider would be the Bellevue Pendant or the Explosion Chandelier. In addition for kitchen faucets, you can look at the Deck Mount Kitchen Faucet in four finishes or something more interesting such as the Moen Edison Mediterranean Kitchen Faucet in two available finishes.
7. Repurposing Old Furniture and Buying New Hooks and Handles
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Rose KnobAnother great thing to do when first moving out is to find old furniture relatives don’t want and repurpose it. Paint it and replace it with new handles that give the piece a whole new look. Changing hardware on old furniture passed onto you or that you’ve found, is a wonderful way to reuse it and change its design along with new handles on drawers and closet hooks throughout your new place. You can also find interesting hooks along with new handles for the kitchen and bathroom as well.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Glass Etoile Hooks in Pink or BluePainting with good wall paint works on furniture but you might want to consider the finish of the paint, whether you want the paint finish to be shinier or more eggshell and easier to clean. You can rub away some of the paint after it dries to give your repurposed or refinished furniture more of an antique and worn look. Remember to stay within your chosen color scheme and use colors of paint that are neutral or match this scheme when reprinting wood furniture. Also, sand your furniture down before painting it so the paint sticks.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Ceramic Handles in Light Pink or Light BlueAdditionally, you can use these beautiful delicate feminine handles for repurposed or refinished furniture called Entomology Knobs here with different knobs for different finishes of gold, silver, and bronze. Also, these Galaxy Knobs are more angular and geometric but still interesting and not so girly. Moreover, these Gardening Indoors Knobs are great to add color to a more neutral furniture piece.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Galaxy knobsFor interesting and beautiful hooks you might consider these Pronoun Hooks or you might consider simpler hooks in either silver, bronze, or gold in these Harvey Hooks or consider this Fretwork Hookrack as a sturdier piece near the door, in your bedroom to hang clothes, or in the bathroom to hang towels. These Glass Etoile Hooks are both pretty but sturdy as well.
Credit: Anthropologie.com – Pronoun HooksThere is also a plethora of handles available for making armoires, dressers, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets more interesting such as the Hammered Serina Handles in gold, silver, or bronze. As well, the Tangier Ceramic Handles in blush or turquoise are superb. Also lovely clear handles with silver called Glass Bubble Handles are pretty but less girly handles to choose. Especially, at Anthropologie.com there is such a variety of these hardware items to pick from in all kinds of fabulous designs and metal finishes.
8. Ensure Your Furniture Fits Into Your New Space: Measure 3 Times to Make Sure it Fits
Credit: Wayfair.com – Hampton Wooden Cabinet With Glass InsertWhen you move into your new place, you should make sure that any furniture that’s been passed down, found at garage sales, flea markets, or other places will fit in the rooms you want to put the furniture in. If you think it’s going to be too big, better to wait and not purchase the piece than to refinish or repurpose it and not be able to get it through the door or into a room.
Measure where you want certain pieces of furniture to go 3 times to get the correct measurements,jot the measurements on your phone and carry a tape measure with you, wherever you go, to ensure you don’t purchase the largest furniture in the store when your condo is a mere 800 square feet.
Credit: Chintz.com – Blue Floral Charlotte Fabric for Curtains or Pillow CoversAs well, when you measure for curtains measure 3 times as well to make sure you have them sewn the right length and width or to ensure you buy the right length of curtains and panels and only buy decorative items you love 100 percent and pieces that represent you, just as much as your artwork or photography does. A wonderful place to purchase fabric for curtains and have them made is Chintz.com. You can choose from an array of fabrics that suit your decor colors.
Chintz.com White Dupioni Silk for Curtains or pillowsThrows, candles, cushions for couches and bedrooms, pillow cases for cushions (and the insides), can all easily be found online and in stores, or on places such as Etsy.com.
If you plan to replace these items often don’t throw away your money on items that have little meaning to you or that you don’t like but buy because they are cheap. Wait to buy items that you love unless they’re inexpensive festive items such as for Christmas.
Also, remember you’re the one dusting your entire place now so don’t clutter it with too many knick-knacks, you’ll end up hating yourself later.
Credit: Bouclair.com- Candles and Decorative Vases
Remember to check out some of my past interior design posts under the category of the same name. Thanks for reading!
“She’s my girlfriend you can’t have her,” Tim shouted to the bulky idiot hitting on on Crystal.
“Maybe, she doesn’t want to be with you. She was dancing pretty sexily with me for a few songs there.” Brett, the bouncer, said laughing.
“She’s still my girlfriend we’re only having a fight right now. She was dancing with you to make me jealous. Isn’t that right Crystal?”
Crystal looked from Tim to her recent dance partner. “Yeah, I was trying to make you jealous Tim. But you know what, I liked dancing with Brett. He’s a friend and a talented dancer too.”
“What?” Tim shouted. The music in the bar was terribly loud.
“I said Brett is a talented dancer, but only a friend.” Crystal repeated.
Brett glared at Crystal, “What do you mean only a friend, you don’t dance with only friends the way you were dancing with me.”
Tim glared at Crystal angerily, “You were making out with this loser? Kissing him and letting him feeling you up?”
“That pretty much sums it up,” Brett remarked.
“I didn’t mean anything, I was caught up in a moment. You really hurt me Tim. I can’t believe you slept with Stephanie. You told me she was only a childhood friend in town visiting.” Crystal retorted.
Tim sighed. “Well she is, you only saw us in bed together. You don’t know we slept together.”
“Oh, I know,” Crystal said with venom. “You were both naked and you were spooning her. Your clothes were all over our bedroom floor. And you both reeked of booze.”
“Yeah, so it was one night. We were drunk and it didn’t mean anything.” Tim said making light of the situation.
“Doesn’t seem like you were faithful to Crystal, Tim. Why would you have a naked women, who was only a childhood friend, in your bed if you weren’t sleeping with her? Honestly, Crystal isn’t stupid and neither am I.” Brett declared.
“Well, maybe Crystal shouldn’t be dancing and making out with her friend who is only a bouncer at this bar — or so I was told.” Tim argued.
Brett and Tim stared at each other angerily and Crystal was sure a fight would break out if she didn’t do something.
“Enough,” she said. “I’m going home Tim. I’m going to pack my things and be out of there by tomorrow. You cheated on me and we’re done.”
“My friend Shailene, has an empty basement unit she’s been trying to rent out,” Brett piped in helpfully.
“I can give her a call and tell her you’re interested. It was redone about a year ago, has one bedroom, a kitchen, sitting area, and a bathroom with a separate shower and a tub . . .”
“How much?”
“Well, since you’re a friend $850.00 and wifi and utilities are included.” Brett said.
“I’ll take it!” Crystal said, “As long as it’s not too far from work downtown?”
“It’s a ten minute walk from downtown.”
” Nice, thank you Brett. But so you know, just because you got this great place for me, doesn’t mean I’m into you that way.” Crystal said peering suspiciously at Brett.
“Yep, I completely understand.” Brett answered, knowing he’d win Crystal over in time.
Tim stared at Crystal and Brett aghast. “You can’t leave me Crystal after two-years?”
“It’s too late,” she said not meeting Tim’s eyes as the cabbie texted her; he was out front of the bar.
Crystal left and Brett patted Tim on both shoulders, squeezing Tim’s shoulders hard for emphasis. Tim shouted, “Ouch, you’re hurting me.”
“That’s the point,” Brett said gruffly. “Don’t ever cheat on a woman like Crystal again.”
John watched in horror as Talise swam towards him and Jordan in the Sirene Lake. John felt incredibly weak. He had been swimming all night and his energy to remain upright and hang onto the lifesaver, was fading fast. John and Jordan watched the evil sea witch Talise, finally come to bewitch or kill John.
John knew Talise would fight Jordan for the dagger as well. He was grateful Jordan had arrived from his sail boat the Faith, with Jasper and Rianne. Jordan and Jasper had saved John from drowning, throwing out the lifesaver for him to float on. Jordan with his own lifesaver and life jacket, had swam out to aid John. Jordan had promised his older brother to drive the black dagger through Talise’s heart as John knew, he wouldn’t be able to do it himself.
John had to hold back the tears from his eyes. His eyes glazed over as he saw before him the most awful sight he had ever seen, Nina’s body floating lightly in the water as Talise rose before them in her malevolence. She had further aged, but she had fortitude behind her haggered appearance.
Added to Talise’s terrible appearance was sharp teeth which John knew had recently bitten Nina. He glanced at Nina’s shoulder. Gleaming red bite marks with blood and a black tar like substance oozed out of the marks. Talise had bit Nina and poisoned her; she had killed Nina with her vile venom.
“You have my dagger,” Talise told Jordan angerily. She attempted to swipe it from Jordan’s grasp but Jordan was quicker than Talise. He was full of energy and adrenaline. Jordan swung the dagger at Talise, marking her face with a long jagged cut. Talise screamed, a terrible moaning sound. “Enough,” she shouted, her voice gravelly and hoarse.
Pausing before them, Talise smiled in-genuinely at John. He looked into her clouded green eyes and saw not evil, but tiredness and exhaustion. The same feelings were mirrored in John’s eyes. Talise held out her withered hands in a seemingly peaceful gesture.
“I want to make a deal,” she said quietly. Talise stared at John. Jordan and John looked back and forth at each other. Could she be trusted?
“What kind of deal Talise?” John asked. “You’ve killed Nina. How can I trust you? How can I ever make any deal with you? I loath you!”
“Nina is still with us,” Talise murmered. Her voice was hoarse and small. It had no power.”If Nina doesn’t receive help soon, she’ll pass on. Right now she is only dreaming. The poison makes victims lethargic before they die.” Talise explained.
“What kind of deal?” Jordan demanded again. Talise frowned at him, touching the cut on her cheek. It was bleeding down the side of her face grotesquely.
Talise reached her hand out towards the black dagger chanting words under her breathe. A large stone floated out from the dagger, pausing in mid air in front of Talise. She manipulated the stone with her magic until it became a clear globe, appearing as if it were made of gleaming Crystal. The globe held a stunning emerald green light. The light was fluid, vivid and iridescent.
Talise sighed staring at Nina and then at John. She looked at Jordan and was about to speak when a giant tear dropped from her eye, landing in the Sirene. John and Jordan were surprised but suspicious.
“Get this over with Talise. You have Nina, now take me,” John said not caring for his life, now that he believed Nina would not be in it. Talise was lying as she usually did, John thought.
Talise gave John a half-smile. It did not hold the malice her most recent smiles had lately. John thought Talise’s smile was almost a sign of her attempting to fix the damage she caused. But he did not trust her, not for one minute.
” I have a deal to make with both of you. One deal for Jordan and deal for John.” Talise said with purpose. She turned towards John in the water.
“John, Nina is dying. I told her you could never break the curse. The truth is, I don’t know if you can. That magic is beyond me or what knowledge my Grandmother or the dark sea witch I stole this dagger from had. You can sacrifice yourself for Nina, I have no known antidote for the poison. I don’t know if you’ll survive. Even sea witches know little about death and resurrection.” Talise admitted to John soberly.
She peered at John through her muddied-eyes, appearing as if she was genuinely offering John a reasonable solution.”What is your answer John? You need to hurry and decide. Nina is leaving this life quickly. The poison is a powerful magic of it’s own. I cannot make any deal with you after I have made a deal with Jordan for the dagger.”
“Yes,” John said no hesitation. “I would freely sacrifice my life for Nina’s life.” Jordan looked at John in shock.
“There has to be some other way John. You can’t . . .you can’t leave your family for Nina. You could meet someone else someday. There is so much left for you in life yet . . . ” Jordan said begging John to reconsider.
John shook his head at Jordan, reaching up to grasp his brother’s upper arm. “This isn’t the end necessarily, Jordan. It’s always been my fate to sacrifice myself for the woman I love. You know this. It’s the only way to break the curse. I’m tired of being cursed Jordan. I never should have lied to you about my feelings for Talise all those years-ago.”
Jordan tried to say more but looking at John he knew his older brother’s decision was final.
John gazed up at Talise. “Please, Talise. Uncurse me. Break the spell. My life for Nina’s life. I have to say, I never thought you’d let me out of your curse.”
Talise looked at John waspishly. “It’s not so much I’m letting you free. As I told you, I don’t know how this works. I know only you are making the sacrifice required with real love behind the sacrifice. A curse is magic beyond me, beyond any witch once it is cast.” Talise chastised.
“It’s not that I want to save you or Nina, or not save you both. It’s more something Nina said. Maybe, I can start again? Maybe, there is a way out for me? A path out of this darkness I’ve cast myself into, becoming evil.” Talise shook her head. “I don’t know . . .” She stared at the lusterous emerald globe floating before her, before closing her eyes.
Talise began chanting archaic words. She put her arms in the air and drew the seawater to her. It formed a upside down dome around them, frothing, and rising. Nina’s body, nearly dead, rose into the whirls of water. The pink flush of the sky in sunrise, formed above them. The words Talise said brought John towards her. Raising him up in the water and sky as she chanted.
“Curse be undone. Price has been paid. Sacrifice has been given, sins atoned.” Talise yelled in her throaty dark voice now powerful and echoing across the Sirene Lake.
John felt the power of Talise’s words running through him. Then, he saw Nina’s eyes opening across from him as they both floated in mid-air with water surrounding them. Nina reached out to John and they clasped hands. John smiled at Nina.
“We’re doing it, we’re breaking my curse. Thank you Nina. I love you.” John told Nina. He gazed at her, drinking in the sight of Nina breathing, appearing healthy, and enchanting.
John memorized Nina’s beautiful pale blue-eyes, her soft creamy skin, her white blond hair, so blond even plastered wet to her head. “John?” Nina asked him. “You’re here. You’re alright. I was in this place, it was so beautiful with so many colours. I was sleeping and I’ve never felt so fantastic after I’ve slept. It was if I never felt any pain, as if everything was perfect. Except you . . . I had to come back for you.”
Nina sighed happily and smiled at John as they floated and Talise continued to chant archaic words. “I’ll miss you,” John murmered to Nina. His fatigued sapphire eyes were closing and he felt a peaceful sleepiness similar to the feeling Nina had told him about. Lethargy overwhelmed John’s body.”So many glorious colours, Nina.” John said in a sigh. He gazed at Nina one last time before closing his sapphire eyes and letting sleep take him into bright wondrous colours.
Nina blinked. She found herself hanging onto John’s lifesaver in the Sirene. Jordan was next to her holding Talise’s dagger hanging onto his own flotation device. Jordan was staring angerily at Talise who swam in front of them. Jordan was ready to thrust the dagger through Talise’s heart.
“Where’s John?” Nina asked Jordan confused. “I was sleeping after Talise bit me, then I saw John and he said his curse was broken. But where is he? Did he die as Talise said he would?” Jordan looked at Nina sadly. He didn’t have to say a word. From Jordan’s expression, Nina knew John had sacrificed himself for her.
Nina began to cry in earnest, then she noticed the beautiful glowing emerald ball floating mid-air and in front of the sorry figure of Talise. Something strange had happened to Talise. She no longer looked wrinkled, aged, and terrifying. She didn’t have her pointy teeth. She appeared to be only a little older then Nina. Her arm where Nina had dug her fingernails in was bleeding profusely and so was a deep cut on her face.
Talised looked at Nina with her slightly glazed, emerald green eyes. She looked to be wearing a lusterous green bikini but in the water Nina could actually see a matching fish tail. “You’re a mermaid.” Nina said. “I never saw your tail before, the waves and water hid it well. What happened Talise? Why are you young again? Where’s John?”
“I broke the curse Nina,” Talise whispered. “I’m extremely weak and have little of my magic left. I need to do one more thing. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything for John. I tried. I told him before he sacrificed his life for you, curses once made are a magic beyond any witch. I didn’t know if he would die when I told you earlier he would. I’m not sure he is dead . . . I don’t know what happened to him. He’s not here anymore, that’s all I know.” Talise drooped in the water exhausted.
She raised a finger towards the glowing green ball in front of her. “Jordan, you and I have a deal to make. One last exchange. This glowing orb is my soul. It’s yours for the dagger.”
“What are you going to do with this dagger Talise?” Jordan asked. He was shaking he was so angry at Talise for John’s death.
Talise opened her mouth and smiled at him. The smile was a funny smile. One Nina had never seen on Talise before. “Here my soul, take it Jordan.”
The transparent globe hovered over to Jordan. He put the dagger in his hand grasping the lifesaver and reached for the globe. It sealed itself on his Jordan’s hand, forming a silver ring with a beautiful emerald, on Jordan’s middle finger. The emerald was priceless and as the light of sunshine touched it, Nina saw something liquid move beneath the emerald stone. She thought the liquid must actually be Talise’s soul. Jordan was in awe of the ring.
“What does this mean Talise?” Jordan spat out. He gazed back to John’s sailing boat and waved to Jasper and Rianne on board. They were anxiously watching Nina, Jordan, and Talise. They couldn’t tell everything that was going on. Jordan wouldn’t let Jasper come out to help them because he had Sam and Eric to think about. Jasper had refused to let Rianne come out, Talise had already broken her arm.
Talise sighed, her body beginning to float more than stay upright in the water. She didn’t answer Jordan. Jordan didn’t trust Talise and Nina knew it. She was going to tell him that the situation was fine. To let Talise go, but she was too late.
Jordan used the lifesaver to bounce off of and lunged at Talise. He grabbed her head by her wavy blond hair piercing her clear emerald eyes with his electric blue; he thought the emerald on his hand was the same colour as Talise’s striking eyes.
“Don’t Jordan . ..” Nina cried out. “It’s okay, she isn’t a threat anymore. She . . .”
John raised the dagger above Talise who gasped even in her weakness.” Do it,” she told Jordan. He gazed at her now beautiful face and torso, struck by her loveliness, her natural beauty. “Do it Jordan. Avenge John. End this. Don’t look at my beauty, it’s how John fell for me. Sea witches we’re both light and dark magic and they’re will always be darkness in me . . .” Talise regarded Jordan and waited for the dagger to strike.
With all his anger and loathing, Jordan raised the dagger and plunged it through Talise’s heart. She screamed in pain and writhed as the dagger went through her chest. ” Thank you for the trade, Jordan.” Talise whispered so quietly Nina could barely hear her speak.
Jordan regarded the dagger sticking out of Talise’s lifeless body. Blood poured out from her wound into the waters of the Sirene. A fixed half-smile was on Talise’s lifeless face. Jordan closed her bright emerald eyes and pulled the dagger from her body.
The dagger had transformed, it was no longer a black instrument of wicked magic. It had turned a shiney silver. A lapis luzila trail of stones were inlayed in the hilt of the dagger and ancient symbols were etched in the blade of the dagger.
“It’s not evil anymore,” Nina shouted surprised. She shocked herself with the strength of her own voice. “Talise wasn’t either but she wanted you to kill her because she wanted to atone. She gave you her soul Jordan. I’m not sure why exactly but she saw something in you. . .” Nina remarked.
Nina glanced at herself. She had no bruises or bite marks. She was full of energy and life. Then she remembered John was probably dead. Was he really? She wondered. Talise said there was power in a curse beyond the witch. Maybe somehow John was alive?
“Do you think John is alive somewhere?” Nina asked Jordan bluntly. He looked at her briefly. Jordan was staring at emerald ring on his hand. He tried to remove it, but it wouldn’t come off. Jordan let his breathe out through his teeth and shook his head at Nina. She swore he wiped a tear from the edge of his dark blue eye.
They both stared at the body of Talise. A beautiful mermaid sea witch, who had passed on, after becoming and overcoming great evil within her.
“She had a long life at least,” Nina remarked. “In the end, she made the right choice. It took her a long time to do it, but she did do it.” Nina rambled convinced Talise was redeemable. Jordan was so angry still and Nina grabbed Jordan’s hand with the ring on it, holding the dagger.
“I told Talise she could get her soul back, that she had hope. She said it was too late for her. Maybe, in the end she wanted a clear conscience facing death. I think she thought their may have been hope for to live a normal life.” Nina remarked.
“She’s an evil bitch. I don’t care how pretty she looked before I stabbed her. She had it coming for everything she has done. She is responsible for all the agony John experienced through his curse, everything my family went through. Talise gave you a concussion and almost killed you with her poisonous venom. She cursed John and so is responsible for his death, for him trading his life for yours. I can never get my brother back Nina. How do I explain this to Mom and Dad? How do I tell Jasper and Rianne?”
“I think you should wait a while first,” Nina said. She didn’t know why she said it, but she felt something on the edges of her mind.
“Why?” Jordan spit out.
“I have a feeling . . .I can’t explain.” Nina remarked.
Jordan and Nina watched Talise’s body flow away from them, both of them breathing the freshness and warmth of the morning air. In a sudden movement, the sea bubbled around Talise’s corpse and took it down underwater, into the Sirene’s heart; it was Talise’s burial.
Nina realized Jasper was towing her in on the lifesaver. A half an hour or so later, Jasper and Nina were huddled together on John’s sail boat, recounting the events of the night and morning, to Rianne and Jasper. They were both stunned by Jordan and Nina’s shortened explanations. There were somethings neither Jordan or Nina wanted to talk about yet.
Nina knew she should be crying but all she felt was numb. She hung onto a possibility. It was all she had.
“These rocks are cool,” Tanya said climbing on-top of a stack of rocks. “I wonder how and why they are formed like this?”
Tanya’s friend Crystal chimed in, ” Yeah, I wonder too. But we’re in the middle of nowhere and have no phone reception so we can’t even Google the answer. I’m questioning why my friend Tyler told me we should take particular directions to see these specific rocks.”
Suddenly, before Tanya and Crystal’s eyes a building appeared. It was all glass but the inside was filled with millions of books and scrolls.
Crystal tried to pronounce the word on the front of the building. “It’s a li–brary,” Tanya said. “It’s where people used to research before Google and the Internet. I’ve never seen a library. I remember my Grandma telling me she went to the library as a girl.” Tanya said in awe.
Tanya and Crystal opened huge wooden doors. There was a sign up that read: ‘Quiet Please’ and everywhere people were studying books made of paper. Some people were even reading scrolls and ancient books with velum pages. “Do you think we can find information about those rocks here?” Crystal wondered.
Tanya smiled. “I can see why my Grandma thought a library was paradise,” she said before asking a man at the front desk where they could research rock formations.
I have chosen each gift and I’ve done so carefully. I hope you like them and use it to treat yourself.
I have written down each name on tags of gold that gleam. I’ve tied on the tags with ribbon that glitters in red beam.
Every present inside the gift bags are wrapped in gold and silver wrapping paper. Or placed gently within tissue paper, of Christmas colours galore.
And tissue paper light as a feather is leaning out of every gift bag. In a crushed rose of tissue colour, in gift bags that are special;
This year there’s a reindeer theme and their is plaid and reindeer horns used; for every good girl and boy, there is the finest chocolate to ever coat your tongue.
There are your favourite presents, the ones you hoped you’d find. There are also receipts should you change your mind.
And the Christmas lights shine white and glow off ribbons of red and gold. And angels made of crystal and glass dance on green branches soft.
And balls of deep-red and gold float inside the tree, while scenes of the nativity fill gaps inbetween.The Christmas Eve night has been set, and the presents rest beneath the tree.
We are only waiting for the night of magic to come. Peace on earth goodwill towards all, health and happiness abound.
We are only pausing but for the coming of a Saviour, Christmas Joy. We are looking forward to the Nativity where something unexpected happened.
Where a baby boy who was a heavenly King came to live among the poor and meek. While humanity expected a regal birth.
He showed us all that joy comes not from expectations, from silver, gold, or expensive things — joy comes from within, in your heart and it believes.
Mandibelle16 
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