New Beginnings

First Day of School

Today's Monday and it's been a few days since the move. I was awoken by my early alarm as I had to make sure the boys were prepared for their first day of their new school. I moved a lot as a kid so I understand all too well how much it can suck being the new kid in school, especially when you come in the middle of the year. At least they know they have each other. I have 2 younger sisters but we have a big age gap of 7 and 10 years, so I didn't have them going to my school when we were younger. But I'm happy my boys will have each other to depend on in this new environment.

Unsurprisingly, Gabriel is super excited to start his day and make some new friends. Bellamy is more reserved, not to mention this is his first year of school as he's only in kindergarten, so he's a bit nervous. I made sure to make their favourite for breakfast; waffles. Who can have a bad day when you start it with waffles? We had a good morning but as it came time to get in the car Bellamy latched onto me and started wailing. He's so gentle and I wish I could stay home with him, but that's not helpful for him as it will only make starting harder, and I need to finish unpacking the last few boxes today as I start back at work tomorrow. It feels good getting into a routine again and I'm hoping the boys enjoy having a schedule too. 

Gabriel runs outside to the car and I have Bellamy on my hip while I lock the door. He begins to cry louder as we make our way to my car. I see Ally and her son Oz as she smiles at me sympathetically. I give her a wave and buckle Bellamy in. I head out to the school following the black car in front of mine which contain Ally and her son. 

I park and get the boys out, Bellamy is begging me to hold him with his tear stained face. I obliged and tried to remind him he can see his brother at break times and that I will be there to pick them up at the end of the day. He sniffles and puts his head into the crook of my neck. I see Ally and Oz make their way over.

I look over to them and smile. "Hi Ally." I look to Oz "You must be Oz! Hi buddy I'm Y/N, the new neighbour next door. This is Gabriel and this is Bellamy." Gabriel reaches his arm out to shake Oz's hand to say hello. Oz reaches back and says hi. I chuckle at Gabriel's formality, and Bellamy continues to stay in the crook of my neck not looking up.

Ally chuckles "Wow Gabriel you are quite the charmer, aren't you cute. I'm Ally."

Gabriel looks to Ally "Hi Ms. Ally." Gabriel smiles and then turns to Oz and explains he is in Ms. Shaw's grade 3/4 split class. Oz lights up and explains they're in the same class.

Ally looks at me and says "Wow so we really will be seeing more of each other." She winks and says "Not that I'm complaining." I laugh and blush a bit. "I wouldn't mind taking Gabriel to the gate to find his teacher. After all they are in the same class and Bellamy will be on the opposite side of the school so you'll have to make your way over there too." She looks at me and Bellamy sympathetically as she clearly heard his outburst this morning and can read his body language now, knowing it won't be an easy morning for me to drop him off. I turn to Gabriel to confirm he's okay with going to the gate with Ally. He beams and runs off with Oz after giving me a hug.

"Thank you so much Ally. I really appreciate it! I'll see you later then." I say. 

Ally lights up "of course honey, have a great day." I smile and walk over to the other side of the school.

Getting Bellamy into class was a bit difficult but we spoke to his teacher and she introduced herself and he seemed a bit better after meeting her and seeing the cool set up of the classroom. I reassured him once more I'd be here at the end of the day. He smiled and gave me a kiss on the check with a hug and went off to class. I headed back home to finish and last touches for the house before starting work tomorrow.

As I got into the driveway I noticed Ally on her porch again reading the same book it seemed. I made my way over.

"Hey Ally, thank you so much for bringing Gabriel in. He wasn't any trouble was he?"

Ally shakes her head "not at all sweetheart and I didn't mind, I saw the rough morning Bellamy seemed to be having and figured it would be easier on you if we brought Gabriel in. Plus Oz has been quite curious about Gabriel and really excited to meet him. I'm sure they're having a great day together".

I felt a lot more reassured hearing Ally speak about the kids and smile "that's great to hear I'm sure they are, Gabriel is really excited to make new friends here. Bellamy, I'm sure you can already tell, is quite shy and it definitely doesn't help that he has to start at a new school unfortunately..."

Ally nods "I totally understand. For the record he's super cute. Both of them look just like you."

I grin "Haha we get that a lot."

Ally smiles."What do you do for a living if you don't mind me asking? Do you have to be off to work soon"?

I beam, I've always prided myself on my career, and the topic always leaves me excited "Oh I'm a criminal defense lawyer! I actually start back tomorrow. I got some days off for the move. What do you do?"

Ally smirks "wow.. Criminal attorney huh? That sounds so cool, I can picture you doing that."

I look a bit puzzled "haha thanks? And it's really not as cool as it sounds" 

Ally playfully shakes her head "It was a compliment dear" she then winks. "And I own a restaurant in town actually."

"Wow that sounds amazing! I don't know many places in town yet, but I'd love to go sometime."

Ally lights up "oh I'd love to have you."

My lips tug upwards again "does that mean you'll be there when I go"? I question. 

 "Is that something you want sweetheart"? She smirks.

I nod, almost feverishly "I'd love it."

Ally smiles and I swear I see her eyes linger on my lips for a couple seconds, but I brush past the thought as she clears her throat. "Since you don't start work until tomorrow would you maybe want to come in? I can make coffee? Tea?"

"A tea sounds great." I say.