I met Jeff last summer. I still remembered the day the family moved in across the street. They attracted pretty much attention because we hardly got any newcomers in this neighbourhood. I would say, this was a tedious place and everyone simply followed the same regularity every day. There was really nothing special going on around here. It was possibly a place where people would like to leave instead of moving in. I wasn't so positive about having a new neighbour at first. They could be a bunch of freaks for all I knew, just like most kids at my school.
"Jane, wake up." Mom woke me early in the morning, only to tell me how enthusiastic she was about meeting this new family. I, of course, had no time for all the bullshit she was throwing at me. I mean, gosh, it was only seven and man, I was having a summer vacation. I usually slept until twelve during holidays.
I made an uncomfortable turn and buried my face into the blanket. Not catching the slightest hint of my behaviour, she went to draw the curtains and let the light seep in. Now, that was really wicked. It always got me up. I snorted and sat upright, still yawning and rubbing my half-closed eyes.
"What the hell, mom." I grunted.
"I don't care for that language you're using, sweetheart." She said, hands on her hips. "Look, our new neighbours moved in yesterday and the least we can do is to greet them."
"Yea, right, the least I can do is go back to sleep now and join you in the afternoon." I rolled my eyes and lay back down on my bed.
"No, you're getting up right now." She pulled off my blanket.
"Ugh." I groaned and leaped out of bed. Why was she making such a fuss about some new stupid neighbours? Why did we have to greet them? Geez, and I thought there were enough people to welcome them already. They wouldn't miss us anyway.
Dad was already up reading newspapers. He was always up early even when he didn't have to work. He took a sip of his hot coffee and smiled at me. I was more like a walking dead, to be sure. I could barely open my eyes properly. With my consciousness still drifting off to my reveries, I gobbled down a grilled cheese and egg sandwich, a carton of milk and two greasy bacons.
"Get moving, Jane. We're going to drop by their house right now." Mom said, picking up a box wrapped in shiny blue papers. Phew, did we really have to give them a gift as well?
"How about Dad?" I asked.
"You and Mom go. I'm staying here." He said.
"Look, Jane, after we're done, you can come back and continue your sleep."
"Fine." I pouted and followed Mom obediently. We strolled down the street and crossed a road, finally arriving at our new neighbours' house. Undoubtedly, Mom was the one to ring the bell. I was still half-sleeping, in fact. Mom nudged me with all kinds of gestures showing how I should look more energetic and earnest. I shrugged it off and made a grimace.
A young woman opened the door and immediately her mouth curved into an endearing smile. She was in her late thirties, I guessed, quite a charming woman, more like the classic type of housewife. Her neatly combed natural brown curls made her look at least a few years younger and her gorgeous sapphire eyes were blinking with so much anticipation. She was wearing an apron and she looked rather stunned at first by our sudden appearance. I tugged Mom's sleeves, only to get a disapproving look from her.
"Hi." The woman spoke, still smiling fervently.
"Hello there, we live across the street. Welcome to the neighbourhood." Mom said, handing her the gift.
"Why, thank you so much, er..."
"I'm Mrs. Arkensaw. This is Jane, my daughter."
I made a silly face and waved at her.
