My Neighbour

one

Riley

"Here's another box sweetie" Dad said placing another box in my bedroom, I smiled at him allowing him to continue to leave
We started moving in about 3 hours ago and I'd like to say I'm doing well, I've built my bed, filled my draws with my clothes. Sorted out the wardrobe
Now all I have left to do is unpack the boxes as Dad finds them and hang up some photos
I wasn't so keen on this move but I guess, everything happens for a reason

"Alright baby, this is the last one" Dad said handing the last box
"Thanks Dad" I said as he placed a hand on my shoulder
"Do you want to come with to meet the neighbours, your mother is convinced that the neighbours across the road have been inviting us over since we got here" He chuckled
Ah my mother, the social butterfly
"Yeah sure" I smiled dusting myself off as I got up off of the floor
I walked downstairs only to see my mother fixing her hair in the mirror that had been delicately placed in the hallway. It most likely won't be staying there
One thing I've learnt about my mother is, don't get too comfortable with the layout of the house, she'll change it quicker then you can say boo

"Come on" Mum ushered as Dad and I sniggered at her urge for social activity, Dad and I most certainly would be happier sitting at home doing nothing but watching TV. It's rare mum will ever let that happen
"Hiii! We just moved in across the road and thought we would come and introduce ourselves" Mum said, I gave a dad a look that he copied. He'd been a pawn in mum plan, she never got invited
"Oh do come in" The woman said probably not too sure what to make of this all, I can't blame her. My mum is a handful at the best of times

"It's lovely to meet you! That beautiful house has been empty for some time" The woman said making both Dad and I flash out usual fake smiles to please mother
"I'm Gale, this is Harry and our Daughter Riley" Mum said making us all waving as she introduced us all
"Well I'm Deborah, my husband Mario is at work, and the Kids are upstairs. Hold on a second" She said before calling up the stairs making a small 13 year old girl come down followed by a taller dark haired boy
"This is James and Piper, kids these are our new neighbours, Gale, Harry and Riley" Deborah said pointing to us all individually
The pair nodded, Piper smiling while James smirked in my direction
"Now as much as we'd love to stay. We should get unpacking huh Gale?" Dad offered being my saving grace once again
"We would love to have you over sometime for dinner" Mum said making me sigh looking at Dad knowing his escape card did not in fact work
"That would be lovely!" Deborah said making me and Dad flash our social smiles again
Over the years we've learnt to perfect them 

"James honey do you go to the high school in town?" Mum asked instantly making me want to slap myself in the face 
"Yeah" He replied
"Thats amazing! you could show our Riley here around" She said pushing me forward, he looked me up and down smirking
"No Mum, it's fine. I think I can handle a small town school" I replied stepping back
"Nonsense! James you'll help her won't you!" Deborah said making James nod still smirking
I shook my head before stepping slightly behind my dad
"We best get going, we don't want to take up anymore of your afternoon" Dad said placing his hands on mums shoulder pulling her back lightly. Giving her that extra nudge to say, it's time to leave
"It's lovely meeting you all" Piper said making me turn back to look at her with smile that she happily returned
"See you tomorrow Riley" James smirked making me roll my eyes as I finally managed to exit the house