Work Text:
Decluttering
It's the start of the new year, the perfect time to go through spaces in the home and get rid of things that no longer belongs in your life. Isobel had always thought of herself as very intentional with her belongings, making sure that she's only keeping things that are useful and meaningful to her. But still, with her busy work schedule, it has been a while since she went through the rooms in her brownstone apartment.
She started in her bedroom. She only kept a few books, some paperwork, and extra chargers on her left bedside table which she sorted through. The couple of books that she decided to keep and the extra chargers were easily moved to her preferred right side. She moved the paperwork to her office and donated a few books.
Her walk-in closet wasn't really full to begin with. Going through her closet, she managed to get rid a few clothes. Some of them no longer fit like an old blazer, an animal print blouse that she considered too loud to wear in the office, worn out sweats, leggings and yoga clothes, and even a dress that she wore on disaster date.
She found it easier to get rid of shoes since she values comfort more now over vanity. One of the casualties was the black high heels that she used to love but now make her feet hurt. What she is going to keep is the more practical black flats that she used on that first date and was paired with her flowy green dress. She thought she could wear that tonight when she asks Jubal to stay for dinner as a 'thank you' for his help.
In the master bathroom, she got rid of products she's no longer using, samples to try but didn't get to, and expired makeup which cleared off a drawer and a shelf in the cabinet behind the mirror. Not much to do in her office except put away the paperwork from her bedroom and shred some documents and random flyers.
She got rid of more books in the living room. The empty shelf allowed her to display the special framed photo of their memorable beach getaway, with the beautiful sunset and something glinting in the background.
Now working in her kitchen, Isobel got rid of some appliances she's no longer using like an old coffee maker that she already replaced with something that Scola recommended and veggie chopper that broke. In the end, she had two trash bags full, a few boxes for recycling, and a couple of boxes for donation.
"Are you sure you're getting rid of all these stuff? What would you do with the empty spaces?" Jubal asked, hands on his hips and eyes looking at the piles.
"I'm thinking of getting a housemate. Know anyone interested?" she asked with a wink. Jubal chuckled as he went out carrying one of the boxes.
Washing her hands on the kitchen sink, she felt him wrap his arms around her, pressing his chest against her back. His hands joined hers under the water, threading his fingers with hers, and continued washing their interlocked hands. He whispered, "Want me to make dinner tonight?"
She grinned. "I was just about to ask you because the bottom shelf is ready for your pots and pans."
After washing, Jubal grabbed a fresh hand towel from the drawer and dried their hands. He then brought her left hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. "As you wish, my lady."
New year - the time to let go of the old but also welcome new things and new developments in life like that diamond ring on her finger.