two doors down

new neighbour

"im going out dad" i call through the house, a backpack on my shoulder looking for my father, "dad?" i question walking into our living room to see my father passed out on the old couch a half drunk beer in his hand 3 others scattered on the coffee table.

i sigh and roll my eyes so sick of his shit grabbing an empty bill envelope scribbling a message that i was out and leaving it on the bench. on my way out i take out the bins and bottles in the kitchen. shoving my keys to the bottom of my bag i walk up and out of my street to the main roads.

it was only 4pm and people were out walking dogs, going to 711 etc. many cars filled the streets including a moving van, which was cool i guess. our town was smaller so the news of a new neighbour would spread fast and most people would know who was here by the end of the week.

i walk all the way to the edge of town sitting under a small bridge in view of the main highway. watching the sunsets from here was always amazing and it got me away from spending time around my father.

he has been like this for as long as i can remember, we didn't grow up with much money or food in the house. it was much different to other peoples childhoods. so when i was younger i occasionally "stole" a sandwich or two from grocery stores. i only did it twice when i was really hungry, the 3rd time i got caught.

3 years ago

"oi stop right there" a female store worker yelled after me after i had stuffed one of those packaged sandwiches under my jacket. i snapped my head at her before sprinting out of the isle. "get back here" she raises her voice chasing me. i rush past random customers who get out of the way confused. before i can leave however a hand wraps around my upper arm. she stares at my face the anger slowly going away

"your just a kid" she states obviously, i dont say anything and just stare back at her scared shitless. she lets go of my arm "go" she whispers, i stare at her shocked and confused

"w-wha-" i just stood there staring at her.

"go, i never saw you" she says taking a step back. i mumbled a thankyou before rushing out of the store.

i stayed in my spot eating an apple i got from the school cafe working on an art project i had due tomorrow. i looked up from my sketch book what felt like a couple minutes later but i saw the sun beginning to set, i knew i would be in deep shit if i got home when the street lights were on so i packed up my stuff quickly shoving it all into my bag. before checking the ground where i sat and walking back home. towards the other side of town.

eventually i did make it home on time it was only 530 so i wasn't out for long. as i was walking down the street however i noticed a moving van parked outside one of the houses.

it was a nice house 2 bedroom 2 bathroom as far as i knew, small but comfortable. i continued walking down the street as the house came more into view. i couldn't see anyone yet however the garage door was open and there was a few boxes around the truck. just as i was close enough to be infront of the house i hear a female voice curse and a ball goes rolling down their driveway.

before it could roll any further onto the road i picked it up, locking eyes with a woman in her early 30's, i passed the ball back to her.

"here you go ms" i smiled thinking she must be my new neighbour. i was right after she smiled and explained how she had just moved to the neighbourhood.

"yeah its definitely different to the big city but its nice, quiet" she informs and i nod. we talk back and forth for a bit until someone came stumbling out of the front door

"hey aunt lizzie, where do you want this" a pretty blond questioned looking up with a confused expression and a brown cardboard box in her arms.

we make eye contact and that's when i recognise her. Her name is rose i think she is in 2 of my classes. she seems to recognise me as well.

a/n

first chapter, i have some ideas for this story so uh yeah

should i really be starting another book. no. oh well.