Return to Me

Four

(Just a note, this chapter will be written in Italics, just indicating that the chapter is set in the past).

This day is the day I have been dreading for the past six months. I've tried every possible way to avoid this from happening, however, Mom and Dad were not convinced.

Today is moving day.

For the past 14 years (the entirety of my existence) I have lived in Bridgeport, Illinois. I have made friends and memories here, and now I'm expected to move across the country to Seattle, Washington! Washington!  What is great about Washington? It rains most of the year...or at least that is what I've heard.

Dad and Mom broke the news to us at dinner. Dad's job was being relocated, which meant we all had to go. Living on different ends of the country wasn't an option, and as much as I don't want to admit it, it would be pretty hard for us all to be separated (even though I did consider this option more than once and I just live with my grandparents, but it was a direct veto).

And what makes this even worse is that I'm starting high school this year! Starting a completely new school, with a complete different environment than middle school, and being the new kid. It's been hard on Jeremy too. This year is his senior year of high school; he's built his entire academic career in Illinois and he's also being ripped from all of his friends, but he hasn't been taking it as hard as I have. Maybe it's because he plans on moving back to Illinois next fall to attend college.

Music plays from my headphones as I aimlessly stare out the window of our mini van. Beside me, Jeremy is asleep and has been for the past hour and a half. I contemplate on taking a nap myself, but my stomach has been in knots since breakfast and I haven't been able to eat much. Mom assures me that it's probably just nerves and it will pass once we're settled into our new home, but I'm not convinced.

It's early evening when we finally arrive at the house. I didn't get to see pictures when Mom and Dad were looking, but the house looks very nice. The neighborhood looks nice and there are plenty of people around--it looks like it would be the place where a lot of block parties would be held. Dad pulls into the driveway and we all hop out. The never ending unpacking will begin soon and I dread it. This is the first time I've ever moved and I already know I don't like it and unpacking is going to be awful. However, as I step inside the house, the only thing I can think of at that moment is how much I miss home and all of my friends. I think Mom senses it because she instantly gives me a hug.

Day one in the new house has officially started. We were all up well after 12 am unpacking--Mom and Dad wanted to get most of the unpacking done last night--before we finally called it quits and went to bed. I had to admit Mom and Dad picked out a nice bedroom for me. I got the room with a small balcony extending out from the house and french doors lead to the outside. I decided to spend the morning sitting out on the balcony, looking out over the neighborhood, which I also had a direct view to the next door neighbor's house. Out on the grass, I saw Jeremy and another guy throwing a football--I think he lives next door.

I call out to Jeremy. "How is it that you've already made a friend?" he looks over at the sound of my voice, then he soon sees me and he waves.

"Hey! This is our next door neighbor, Jack. Him and his family came over to welcome us to the the neighborhood!" Jeremy replies and I look over to the guy he's with. I can't quite tell from up here, but he looks pretty attractive and about the same age as Jer.

I raise my hand up in a shy wave over to the neighbor guy and he waves back.

"Come on downstairs! We're probably going to grill out for lunch!" Jeremy calls before tossing the football once more.

Sure enough, we ended up grilling out for lunch and I met our neighbor's the Parsons. I learned that the family has lived there for most of their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Parsons had a lot in common with Mom and Dad as did Jack with Jeremy. The Parsons told us that they have two other sons, one is in his third year of college and the other is out on his own and soon to be married to a lovely woman; I know because they had pictures and were delighted to show us.

When lunch was over, I gave myself clean up duty and let everyone else talk and get to know each other. I gathered the dishes and went to the kitchen straight away, knowing Mom would want it clean and put right away. Setting it all on the counter top, I turn the faucet on and run some hot water before putting in the plug and adding a dollop of soap, watching it bubble up in the sink.

I turn at the sound of the front door closing and the sound of footsteps coming toward the kitchen. A moment later, Jack appears. He sees me and suddenly a smile appears on his face.

"Hey," he approaches, but stops a few feet away over by the island sitting in the center of the kitchen.

"Hey," I reply, shutting off the water when I see that it is full and place the dishes in the hot and bubbly water.

"Looks like our parents are getting along pretty well."

"Oh yeah, definitely. I can tell they like you all." I reply and vaguely wonder what Jack is doing in here.

"And what about you?"

"Hm? What about me?"

He smirks and rests against the counter, loosely crossing his arms. I can't help but notice the muscles in them and I quickly look away before he catches me staring. "What do you think of us?"

"Oh, well, I don't know quite yet. You've all had more time to get to know each other than I have." I say, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Well I'm sure we'll all be seeing more of each other, and then you'll have plenty of time to get to know us." he responds smoothly. There must be a reason he came in here, right? It's just the matter of finding out what.

"Of course." I nod and turn toward the dishes, almost forgetting they were there and begin to wash them. "Your mom's chicken was very good. The marinade was perfect and it made my mouth water a bit, if I must admit."

I peek over my shoulder and see Jack chuckle to himself--his smile captivating--what is he laughing at?

"Can I ask what is so funny?" 

He straightens at my questions, but I still catch a smile out of him. "Actually, my mom isn't the one who made the chicken. I did."

"You did?"

"Yes. I'm glad you liked it." he chuckles, his arms still folded.

"Oh, it was great. Have you thought of becoming a chef, or opening up a restaurant?"

"That's what the plan is after I graduate." he then goes on to me how he got into cooking and I find myself fascinated by it all as I continue to wash, dry and put away the dishes. Jack ends up helping me a bit, and although I didn't say more than a 'thank you', the help was very appreciated, and I was actually surprised he offered to help in the first place.

By the time we finished talking, I felt like I made a great friend. I never thought that I'd be friends with one of Jeremy's friends, and considering I'm fourteen and the guys are seventeen, I didn't think it'd ever happen. 

Shortly after, Jack remembers what he came in the house for--apparently my mom needed something and I helped him get it just as the last of the dishes were put away and the kitchen was clean.

"Well, thanks for helping me get this." Jack holds up the item my mom needed and starts to back out of the kitchen.

"No problem." 

He turns to leave, but stops in his tracks, seeming to remember something else. "I just realized I didn't catch your name."

"Oh, it's Rosie." 

"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Rosie." Jack smiles and I return one before he waves and leaves, the sound of the front door closing behind him once more.

Little did I know that years later, this same person would become to be so incredibly important to me.