Stumbling Through

The Reed Family

Chapter Six

 

I walked up Dove Road, looking down to the roughly scribbled down directions. Number 8. I looked up and down either side of the street spotting the small cosy looking beige house to my left.

Stuffing the already crumpled piece of paper in my pocket I approached the house, skipping up the front steps before ringing the doorbell.

It felt weird knowing that I was visiting Derek’s house. Surprisingly he didn’t live too far from me, thanks to Google maps it hadn’t been too hard to find it. However thanks to my Uncle’s terrible handwriting it was more of a task then it should have been.

I swung back and forth on the balls of my feet and it wasn’t long until the door swung open to reveal a middle-aged man. I grinned up at him, about to ask for Derek when he interrupted me.

“Are you here for Spence?” He asked cheerfully. My smile depleted and I gave him a confused frown, wondering if I had written down the house number wrong.

“Uh…no.” I said. “Does Derek live here?” I asked, scratching the back of my head. “Or do I have the wrong house?” Man that would be embarrassing.

His eyes grew in surprise. “Oh.” He said doing a double take. “Yeah he does. Sorry.” He stepped back opening the door, allowing for me to step inside.

I thanked him quietly side stepping past him. “Sorry.” He apologised sheepishly. “I’m so used to cute girls knocking around for Spencer.”

I shifted uncomfortably on my feet. “Um that’s fine.” I said with a shrug, figuring Spencer was the brother Derek had told me about. “Uh is Derek in…?” I trailed off feeling a bit awkward with us just standing there.

“Oh right. He’s probably in his room, I’ll go fetch him.” I smiled gratefully to him.

“Thanks.” I said relaxing a little as he walked up the stairs leaving me alone.

My eyes started to scan over the hallway I had been left in. There wasn’t much. There was a coat rack and shoes piled on the floor beneath and a small rectangular table holding the house phone, mail, and a bowl of keys, and other personal effects.

“Hi.” The voice startled me.

I looked up to see a tall blonde woman with a wide smile. “Are you waiting for Spencer?” She asked, making me frown.

Was that what everyone assumed. “No. Derek.” I answered.

She looked just as surprised at the man before. “Oh right.” She laughed. “I’m Julie.” She introduced, with a motherly smile.

“Willow.” I said offering her a smile back. “Are you Derek’s mother?” I asked, tucking some of my hair behind my ear.

Her smile lessened and she shook her head. “Step mother.” She answered, a saddened note to her voice.

“Oh.” I said awkwardly. I was saved the awkward situation when Derek appeared at the top of the stairs, looking dishevelled.

“Hey Willow.” He said with a wide smile.

I answered back with one of my own. “Hey.” I beamed happily.

“You can come on upstairs.” He offered. I sighed in relief nodding my head.

“It was lovely meeting you Julie.” I said before turning to scurry up the stairs. “Your room?” I asked once I reached the top. Derek smiled with a small blush and pointed in the direction of his bedroom.