Strangers Again

Chapter One

2000

Do you remember the fairytales grownups tell us before we sleep? The one where a beautiful princess meets her prince charming but the princess dies and the prince charming saves her and they lived happily ever? My story kind of goes like that… 

One early morning, as I began to get bored while waiting for my breakfast, I stared out the window, waiting for something to happen, then suddenly, a moving truck parked in the empty house beside ours. I guess my mom noticed the big moving truck so she went over to the window and took a look at our new neighbors.  A red mini-van parked beside the moving truck, it was probably the new neighbors. A man stepped out, probably the father, and so did her wife, she assisted her daughter upon getting out of the mini-van. The daughter looked about eight years old, just like me. She wore this Big Hello Kitty bow on her head. I stared out the window for a while until my Mom called me to eat lunch, she prepared some Filipino food again, just so you know, I’m an Filipino American. My mom’s a Filipina and my dad’s American.

The next day, my mom drove me to school, before she actually leaves, we saw the new neighbors looking very confused. My mom and I approached them, wanting to help.

“Hello, we’re your neighbors and I can’t help but overthink if you’re confused with something, but if you are I’m glad to help.” Mom said with a smile.

“Sure, I really need some help. My daughter here, Rachel is going to her first day in a big school, we’re still getting used to the curriculum.”

“What grade is she in?” Mom asked the lady.

“She’s in second grade, Ms. Baker’s class.”

“Wonderful, my son, Jeremy is also in second grade and in Ms. Baker’s class,” Mom said as she turned to me. “Jeremy, can you help Rachel later? You two are going to be classmates.” Mom added

“That sounds very relieving, I’m Jane by the way, Jane Evans,” the lady said.

“I’m Luz McCallister. Why don’t we drop of our kids in their class and have some coffee maybe later or tomorrow.” Mom said.

“That’ll be wonderful Luz, why don’t you drop off by our house later, have some coffee.” Mrs. Evans said.

“Wonderful.” Mom responded.

            My mom and Mrs. Evans dropped us off in Ms. Baker’s class, Rachel and I sat together so I could help her if she needed anything. Ms. Baker introduced Rachel to the whole class and my friends, Khalil and Cat kept asking her questions.

            After class, my mom picked me up, Mrs. Evans reminded my mom about their coffee get together. When we reached home, my mom changed my clothes, she made me wore this Sesame Street Jumper and shoes, went over to their house. My mom knocked on the door and Mrs. Evans invited us in.

Mom and I went inside, their house was so cozy, we sat on their soft sofa and Mom and Mrs. Evans continued their conversation.

“Jeremy told me Rachel made lots of friends.” Mom said

“Well, that’s nice, Rachel, you should thank Jeremy for keeping an eye on you. By the way, how old is Jeremy?” Mrs. Evans asked.

“He just turned Eight two weeks ago.”

“Oh, Rachel’s turning eight two months from now, I don’t even know if we would throw a party, we hardly know anyone here.”

“I’m sure Rachel could make lots of new friends tomorrow.” Mom said