So when she was done she rushed down and when she saw the amount he asked she stared at him with huge bulging eyes. ''Mr Jonhson, I mean Jack... This is too cheap. If I buy it for this price I would feel bad.''
He just shook his head and pointed at contract between him and his friend. ''I actually am just taking the money back. Look. I seriously didn't pay more than that, no need to feel sorry for me.''
Staring a the contract she realized that they just cleared it like that between friends. ''You mean you really will sell me this apartment for such small amount? Don't you want a bit more?''
On his face, a trace of loneliness could be seen. ''My wife died five years ago. My children never visit me and grandchildren I didn't see for years. What is the point of having money if there is no way to use it? Earning more? What for? ''
There was a moment of silence between them until she just accepted. ''God, but let me pay it fully. As I lived frugally I saved enough to pay you the full amount. Let's legalise the paperwork now.''
He stilled and just nodded. ''What time will be good for you?''
She looked at her watch and smiled. ''I will be done with the villa at 11 and then we can go and have lunch together as well. Let's celebrate this day.''
He looked at his clock and nodded. ''Fine. I will be at Cloud's office at 11, waiting for you. With his notarization, the contract will be legal and the apartment will be yours.''
On her way to the villa, she could see a strange occurrence. People were coming and going but she was not interested in their business and just did her job. Before leaving her employers pulled her to the side and gave her a fat envelope.
''Maria, here is money in advance for next one year plus end year and bonuses. We will be gone for a while and when we come back we will buy another house and hope you will work again for us. This is our thanks for your honest work.'' The woman knew Maria's honest nature and just pushed her out and slammed the door behind while yelling form indie. ''Go and have a vacation.''
Maria was completely flabbergasted as she saw the two people rushing out of their house with children, sitting in a big car and driving away. She never concerned herself with other people worries but knew that he was included in some muddy business so she didn't ask questions and just stuffed the envelope safely under her clothes. The bag was too easy to target.
As soon she was in her apartment she packed her two suitcases and went out the house right away. She had no plan coming back here. From today on she will sleep in her own house.
11 o'clock they met in Cloud's lawyer office and signed the contracts. She picked up the amount and paid in front fo lawyer with the signature of him and his secretary as a witness.
11.20 hey were in an apartment that was literally on the top floor. Looking at the old noisy elevator she still smiled happily. As the door opened she saw a narrow hallway and just two doors.
Jack pointed at the other door. ''This belongs to you as well. I will show you something not many people have.''
Instead of showing her apartment he opened the other door and made her completely flabbergasted. The whole floor was actually a humongous balcony. She looked at him in wonder. ''What is this about?''
He chuckled and took out set fo keys. ''Whole top floor belongs now to you. You had no time to read it as you saw only details to the apartment but actually he bought the whole rooftop. Here you can have your vacation anytime you want.''
She went to the other side of the rooftop and blinked at him. ''All in contract?''
Jack smiled and pointed at the door. ''Come I will show you your new home.''
Entering the other door she realized she had lots to do. Even tho the walls were clean in as it seems shortly painted into white, there was nothing inside... accept bathroom appliances.
Jack stood there completely frozen and turned to see her face looking difficult. ''Sorry, I didn't know that they took everything with them.
She shook her head and just checked the water pressure. He told her a few things. ''Actually, they have their own water collector and rain collector as the pressure in these buildings is very bad. So if you don't overuse the water you can have it for a long time. At least he left filters inside. And rooms are clean.''
Big living room, three smaller rooms, two bathrooms a kitchen and something like a pantry. And the view was amazing. She could see far away. He stood next to her and nodded. ''My friend lived here for twenty years. But his wife wanted to have a house for a long time and finally, he just gave up on this place and went to the suburbs where he bought a house with a huge garden.''
After they were done they went to a nearby eatery and ate some food but he didn't eat much as he had to rush home and sleep some as he needs to work again in the evening. Actually, he took this job only because he felt alone at home.
Checking the account over the phone Maria chose to buy some stuff online and knew that it will be delivered right away as they confirmed it. The most things could be bought in the nearby stores. But it was cheaper ordering online... she still didn't see the logic in it but still did it.
Not even two hours later a bed and beddings arrived, then service that brought her simple kitchen appliances. For living rooms, he chose a simple table and sofa. Movies and news she usually watched over her laptop and tablet so she didn't buy TV or such.
Looking at her shrinking savings she sighed. ''I will buy other things later, but what is most important to have now?''
Thinking about the one-room apartment she cringed. She always loved cooking but had no place for all the food. Internally she was still marked from the war so she always loves to have enough food around. She felt like a mouse or hamster.
Looking at the bulk prices of food and other things she stood up, looked through the other two rooms and then started buying bulk food. Something deep in her told her even if she doesn't eat it right away, she can eat it with time.
Then she looked at big open windows and sighed an ordered thick curtains. She loved the sight but that doesn't mean that she wants to be seen all the time.
When the last package was brought in, the men even applied the big curtains to her windows and as they left she finally plopped into her comfortable sofa. She loved fluffy comfortable things. Looking at her almost non-exsistant account she remembered the envelope.
She opened it up and smiled brightly while looking at one of the rooms. Maybe a freezer?
She ordered two more freezers, frozen meats and vegetables, solar panels as the electric bills lately soared to heaven and after all, she had now enough space for it and remembered to buy few more of the water filters. The water was after all most important commodity here.
Feeling like lazy hamster she took shower and snuggled in her new bed and beddings that she just washed and dried on the hot sun on the balcony. She had it all and more. All she ever wanted was right here and right now.
Her own home.
All that work was worth it. Thinking bout having enough food she was rethinking about taking some classes and maybe taking lessons for some jobs that she could do from home. Like accountant or similar. With new thoughts, her eyes closed and she went into a deep sleep not knowing what kind of things happening right at that moment.