Truly Free // COMPLETED

2. Gray

I never considered getting to know my new neighbors until this second, but now I stand here face-to-face with a boy I don't know with a slobbery tennis ball in my hand. I could probably just throw it back, but honestly I'd probably not throw hard enough and it'd hit the fence and I'd look like an absolute idiot.

"Do you want this back or something?" I ask. What the actual heck. I'm looking at a boy who isn't particularly ugly and I ask what I'm pretty sure is the dumbest question on this planet. But I never said I was good with words.

"Yeah, can you throw it back?"

He doesn't seem fazed by my stupid question and just smiles brightly at me. I'm really surprised to hear him speak, because his voice is much deeper than I thought it would be. I really thought it was the dad outside. From this far away he looks really tall, too. He's got a neat head of dark brown hair some really pretty lips...

Suddenly I don't think I could talk anymore, rendered speechless by his good looks and happy demeanor, so I just ignore his question and walk over to fence and hand it to him. The boy drops it on the ground for his dog to pick up, wiping his hand on his jeans.

"I'm Gray by the way," he says. "We just moved in today and I guess I didn't make a great first impression, huh?"

Putting on my big girl pants, I smile back at him, hoping it not awkward.

"I'm Addison," I reply. "And it's fine. I'm just glad it was a tennis ball and not anything heavier."

"Yeah, I'd hate to give my new neighbor a concussion," Gray laughs.

I look behind me and see my mother standing in the kitchen working on dinner. She shoots me a look through the glass door and I know it's time for me to head inside.

"Well, Gray, it was nice to meet you, but I've gotta get inside," I say. "Good to know there's someone else my age on this street."

"Yeah me too," he smiles. "I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon. Have a good night then."

"You too," I reply, turning to head inside.

Once I open the sliding glass door, my mom turns from the sink and smiles at me, calling my dad downstairs.

"He's cute," she says before my dad enters the kitchen. "Ben, I think we should go over and meet those new neighbors tomorrow."

"LeAnne, since when did we meet our neighbors?" My dad scoffs. He's got a point.

"They've got a son that looks around Addy's age and I think they could be some good friends."

"Whatever you want to do, my love," dad says.

"Good," my mom smiles. "We'll go over tomorrow right after I bake them cookies or something. Addison you're coming too."

"Didn't I already meet one of them?"

"Yes but honey you look like a homeless person," my mom gestures to my old t-shirt and shorts.

"True," I sigh and join my dad at the counter.

"Now both of you get off your butts and help me make dinner."

"Yes ma'am," both my dad and I sat in unison.