Everlasting Tuck (2)

Chapter One

*BBBRRRMMMM!*

I heard an engine coming down the road through the woods and stop by the front yard. Who could it be? My mother was making me practice piano on a very old grand piano in the sitting room. I would do anything for an excuse to go outside, especially now being a good time seeing that she wouldn't yell at me in the presence of company. I quickly look to her face to see if she had noticed the sound, she hasn't.

I've been pretending to work out the counting in the tempo on Eagle Mountain Overture, and since mother never learned, she can't fuss. I slowly get up and walk to the nearest laboratory, I slam the door rather loudly, so as mother can hear me entering. Now, as quickly as my head lifted at the roar of that engine, I run to the foyer.

As I look out the window, I see a motorcycle parked by the gate and a young, slender man crossing the yard slowly, looking around, as if he didn't care about time. I feel so compelled to to run out to him and pester him with questions, but something is holding me back. The air around me was suddenly quiet. As if the whole world was waiting for something to happen. Just then he stopped beside my grandmother's grave, knelt down to read it, and raised again just to stare down at the tombstone with a faint smile. Did he know her? He couldn't possibly. She died the year I was born, and he didn't look much older than me. Even so, if he did, could he remember her?

I didn't realize it, but I had been so well involved in my thoughts, he was starting to walk away. I couldn't let him leave, I just couldn't. I quickly, but quietly open the door. He turned to face me, but the door hadn't made a noise. For a moment we just stood at the ends of the yard, just staring at each other. When I thought it had been about 15 minutes, which is much too long of a time to be staring, I slowly started to walk toward him, stoping in the middle of the yard. He then took a few awkward strides toward me and smiled. I cleared my throat hoping to break the silence, it didn't, so I asked, "Did you know my grandmother?" "Yes," he replied, "better than most, I think." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Oh, nothing in particular just that I knew her very well." "How could you have know her so well when you look quiet young. She died my birth year, and you look around my age," I pestered him. He simply replied, "You ask a lot of questions for a little girl who acts like she knows everything." I was quiet. Had he insulted me on purpose?

Suddenly, I heard my mother screaming my name. Seconds later she burst out the front door, I quickly turned to face her. "What are you doing outside alone?" she asked. "I was greeting your company, I presume," I replied smartly. She had noticed the boy across the yard. "Who are you?" she asked him. "Me? Oh, I'm Jessie Tuck. Nice to meet you Mrs..?" "Mrs. Jackson." she replied. "Now why are you here?" "I came to visit an old friend, but I see she's moved on, and I should be going now." "Wait!" I interjected, "Y-you should stay for dinner." I stuttered. I hate when I stutter. I could feel my cheeks flash hot with anger, but I could not let this get in the way! I can't let this boy leave. I'm compelled toward him. He is here, how can I let him go now? "Mr. Jackson is out for the week on business. You may stay for dinner if you would like." As she stomped back inside, I turned around to face him. "My name is Samantha," I said. "Nice to meet you, Samantha," he smiled. Silence. Not a world-wide, waiting-for-something-to-happen silence, but an awkward silence. "Can you play the piano?" I asked. "Yes," he replied. "Follow me then, I need help." He followed me inside to work upon Eagle Mountain Overture.

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This chapter feels short to me, but I felt it a good stopping point. Please comment, I would love for feedback! I feel horrible about it, but it's better than nothing.