Whispers

Chapter One : Eight Years Ago

"Charlie! Hailey! Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes. Come down and help Noah set the table" Marianne Parker called out to her eight year old daughter.

"Coming!" Charlotte 'Charlie' yelled back.

She'd shut herself and her new friend in her room as soon as they'd come back from school and were doing whatever it was that eight year old girls did.

Noah shuddered and continued to set the plates down on the warm yellow and paisley table cloth, making sure he set an extra plate for Hailey Pitcher, the girl who had just moved into Hope Springs. He had yet to meet her and wasn't really looking forward to it. Eight year old girls were interested in nothing other than dolls and he had little patience for them. He was grateful, however, that Charlie wasn't overly fond of Barbies and he hoped the new girl wasn't either.

He was a good boy. His mama had raised him well.He knew that girls were to be treated with utmost respect.

But even he could only take so much before his patience thinned. It was bad enough that Paygan Logan-yes,that was her name-from school seemed to be stalking him, asking him if she could hold his hand. Another shudder rippled through him.

He smiled as his dad walked into the kitchen, ruffling Noah's hair as he walked past to kiss Marianne. His parents were still grossly in love with each other even after being married for well over 11 years. They laughed when they saw him roll his eyes at them.

But Noah was secretly pleased. He loved his family. He wanted to be just like his Dad when he grew up. Well, he didn't want to be a doctor, like David Parker, but rather the kind of person he was. Strong, kind and loving. Being as smart as his dad wouldn't hurt either.

"How was your day, son?" his dad placed a hand on his shoulder.

Noah shrugged. "It was okay. Mrs. Jackson went on and on about some poet. Other than that, school was good. I got an A in Math"

His mom kissed his cheek. "Good for you. Keep up those grades and that bike is yours by Christmas." She promised.

Noah and his dad fist bumped. He'd had his eyes on that bike for a while now and could almost feel the gravel crunching under the wheels as he rode it.

"Who is Charlie's new friend?" Dad asked.

Mum looked towards the stairway before answering

"Vanessa Pitcher, Vincent Pitcher's daughter. He and his new wife just moved into the Masons' old mansion down the street. The woman is expecting her second child."

"New wife?" Dad's eyebrows rose.

Mum frowned "Not new, no. They have been married for almost a year now. Melissa Pitcher already has a daughter from her first marriage. A girl of about ten. She will be in your grade, Noah." She smiled at him.

"Hailey's mother passed away last year. It must be hard for her, especially when her father remarried soon after. But she is a wonderful girl." Mum continued.

Noah frowned "I thought you said her name was Vanessa?"

"I did. But she asked if we could call her Hailey, so I agreed. You should see her Dave. The girl has wonderful manners. If I didn't know how old she actually is, I'd say she was 12, the way she carries herself."

Noah looked grim. The last thing he wanted was a stuck up goody two shoes.

"Give her a chance Noah. You'll probably like her." Dad smiled at Noah expression.

"I don't need to like her, dad" Noah replied.

"Of course you do. She is your sister's friend" Mom quipped.