The Dark Path (Part 1/2)

The New Kid In Town

7 years later...

[Archer's POV]

"Come on, Archie! Don't you want to see our new house? It's big enough for you to run around in." my mom said with a smile.

"Mom, why couldn't we just stay in our old apartment?" I whined.

"Archie, that place was to small for a young man like you. If dad finds out that you're still in the car, he's not going to be happy,"

I sighed as I got of the car. When I was inside, I looked around in awe. Wow, mom wasn't kidding. This place was huge. I began running around to see how big this place was. The kitchen was enormous with an island in the centre. I found dad in the living room putting the pillows on the sofas.

"Like the new place, Archie?" my dad said to me.

My dad smiles a lot. It's became such a usual thing on his face that when he's not smiling, he still looks like he is. He always looked so approachable. Mom always said so.

"Yes, dad. Where is my room? I want to arrange my room the way I want it, please."

"Sure thing, kiddo. I'll show it to you soon but first, we have to get ready. Some of our next-door neighbours are coming over to welcome and help us."

Neighbours? I don't want neighbours to come over. The last time we had neighbours, they brought terrible kids along. They bullied me and threw my toys all over my room. A few of my favourite toys even broke beyond repair. No matter how many times I complained to my parents, the neighbours made my life terrible. It was because of those kids that I became a bit scared of other kids. I never had any friends because if this.

There was a doorbell sound, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"I'll get it!" my mom shouted from somewhere in the kitchen.

When I went to the front door, I saw a middle-aged couple greeting my mom. Behind the man's legs was a young boy with smooth dark brown hair and eyes to match. He was apparently asking a lot of questions.

"Excuse me, auntie. Have you finished unpacking your stuff? May I please help? Oh please, oh please. Oh please."

My mom looked down at him and grinned. "Oh, Kelly, I didn't notice your son there. Such a handsome young man." My mom kneeled down so that she was the same eye level as the bizarre boy. "How thoughtful of you. It's okay, you don't need to help us. What's your name?"

"Miles. Miles Alexander Vance, miss at your service. I'm sure need some help. Right?" the boy said proudly.

"Oh, such an adorable boy. It's okay you don't have to trouble yourself." my mom replied.

"Okay. I understand. Do you have a pool at the back? Can I come by your pool sometime? I can come on Saturday...and Sunday...and maybe during the school holidays. Say, do you have a Jacuzzi? I've never been in a Jacuzzi. My dad always says its bubbles are powered by someone's farts. Do you think they smell? Would the colour of the water in the Jacuzzi change?"

I was speechless. This boy was liked the complete opposite of me. I hardly talked whereas this boy, Miles, seemed as if I never stopped to take a breath in between sentences.

"Well, Miles. You seem like a very a nice boy. Why don't you meet me son, Archer, here?"

For the first time, he looked at me obviously too occupied with his questions before this to notice me.

"Hello, there." He extended his hand for a handshake. I took few steps back and held my mom's hand. His hyperactiveness was so high, I found it scary.

"Come on, Archie. Shake Miles' hand. He won't bite." my mom said with an assuring pat on my back.

I looked at everybody. Miles' parents were watching me and so were my parents, my dad who had appeared just then. I felt it was rude not to shake Miles' hand so I shook it.

"You don't shake a lot of people's hands do you, errr...Archie?" Miles said.

"My name's Archer Garth Steele."

"Wow, nice name. Say do you have any toys? Can I play with them, please?"

I gulped. Another kid who wanted to play, and possibly break, my toys. Before I could reply, Miles spoke first.

"Don't worry, Archer. I won't break your toys. I never break any toys. I have my action figures at home and I make sure that they are in perfect condition."

I felt relieved. Maybe this Miles kid wasn't like the others. Still, I followed him into my room. I was scared to play with him at first but soon enough, I found myself playing pretend with Miles.

This could be the start of a wonderful friendship. I hope.