A Small World

Chapter 1- 10 Years

"Derek, I want you to meet Bethany. She's our new neighbour." Derek's mom said looking down at his six year old son.

"Hi Bethany. I'm Derek!"

"Hi!" Bethany waved shyly.

"Bethany, how about you guys go play in the backyard?" Bethany's mom suggested.

Bethany hide behind her mom's legs shaking her head no.

"Oh come on! It'll be fun! We have a swing set!" Derek smiled and grabbed the five year olds hand leading her to the backyard he knew of so well.

***

"Derek! Please don't do that!" Bethany pouted

"Why shouldn't I?" Derek teased holding up her barbie doll right above the toilet.

"Because that's my favourite barbie!!" Bethany whined trying to snatch the doll from the eight year old's hand.

"On one condition!" Derek demanded.

"What..." A little seven year old Bethany asked.

"You have to kiss me." Derek smirked.

"EWWW!!!! But your a boy." Bethany made a nasty face.

"So?" Derek stood there head strong.

"Boys have cooties!" Bethany whined

Derek lowered his hand holding the doll a little lower..

"Ok fine! I'll kiss you, now just give me Barbie!"

Derek smiled in accomplishment and gave her the doll.

"Now, give me my kiss!" Derek walked closer to Bethany.

As he leaned in and closed his eyes. Bethany opened her eyes and ran away.

"HEY! That's not fair!"

***

"She's kind of pretty if you ask me."

"Dude, that's gross. She lives across the street from me." Derek said in disgust.

"I'm just saying she's kind of pretty. Too bad she's a loser that doesn't say a word." John said looking over at a 12 year old Bethany Mota who was sitting a few tables away from them in the cafeteria.

"Are you sure she's not mute Derek?"

"I'm positive. I see her talking to her sister all the time at her house. Plus she was never mute when we were kids."

"Hm, strange." John shrugged. "Why did you guys stop hanging out anyways. There's photos of you guys around your house from when you guys were little right?"

"Dude, you should know what happened. I got into dance. She became a loser. One day we just stopped talking I guess. Plus when I think about it. If we were to still be friends. My reputation would be ruined."

"I guess your right."

***

"I can't believe my little boy is leaving me!" Mari gushed looking at Derek ready to leave for London to advance in dance.

"Mom! I'll be back before you know it!" Derek whined as his mom pinched his cheeks.

"Now Derek, go to the kitchen and say bye to the Mota's!"

"I never even talked to them. I only hung out with Bethany when we were little. There's no point!"

"Derek Bruce Hough. You go say goodbye to them right now! They are very close family friends who came by just to say goodbye to you!"