The Girl Next Door

Chapter One

James Wilson

My arms begin to hurt as I begin my final lap around the block. I feel the adrenaline rush through my veins that finally surges to my heart. When I see the faint outline of our letterbox I pick up the pace, lunging my arms and legs further and putting everything into that last 500 metres. As I reach close enough I take the sharp turn onto our driveway. Theres a thud on the garage door as I put my hands forwards to soften the impact. Breathing heavily, I turn to see an ordinary moving van. I remember the last family that lived there, a middle aged couple with two young kids. I make my way inside and look upon my little sister, Lilly, laying on the couch and watching the kids' channel. I give her a faint smile and then leave to join my mother in the kitchen who when seeing me says, "You're back early, did you have a nice run?" I nod and smile, grabbing an apple from a nearby bowl.  

"Dinner will be ready soon, don't fill up," she says flipping over a steak. 

I head towards the stairs, taking each gruelling step one at a time. Dinner has and always been a compulsory event. I am never to be late unless I have explained why and am permitted to be there every night. When we are all placed at the table, my father volunteers to say grace and we dig in.  

"How's training going so far James?" my father asks, raising his eyebrows slightly. 

I swallow the steak in my mouth and say, "Fine I guess. Coach is putting me quarterback this year" 

The smile and nodding notifies to me that I've got his approval.  

"Mummy, I saw the new people next door, they have a little boy. Maybe I can play with him," Lilly interrupts with a cheerful voice.  

"How about that? Well that's great Lilly. I should make some of my carrot cake to take over there tomorrow," my mother smiles.

The rest of night goes as usual, as the whole family sits and watch Finding Nemo. After it has finished, my father dismisses us both to bed and sleep comes easy that night.