Years Past

Age 9

Age 9, Mitchie's P.O.V

I sat outside in the front yard coloring on the sidewalk. My dad had bought me some new chalk since I was gone and now I was coloring everything I could. Most of the kids who were outside rode bikes in a nearby park. I sat in the grass drawing the house and my dad and mom. No baby.

"Mitchie!" I heard someone scream my name that it startled me. I jumped before I saw a boy run over. I smiled, dropping my chalk to run and hug the boy. "I haven't seen you since..."

"Three weeks ago!" I laughed, hugging an old friend tightly. "Shane what are you doing here?" I asked as his mom and brothers hopped out of the car.

"You didn't hear this from me, but we plan on moving here."

"Really?" I asked as he nodded.

"My dad's company made him transfer here, like your dad. A few others are moving too, but I'm the only one you know."

"I'm so glad." I smiled, hugging him again before pulling him into the grass next to me. "Want to draw?"

"Sure." Shane took a white piece of chalk and began drawing circles as his younger brother quietly did the same thing.

"Hi Nate." He said nothing. "Do you guys want to go swimming?"

"Maybe later. My dad dropped us off so we can stay here while my mom and him move in."

"No one told me you guys were coming."

"Well now you know."

"I do," I smiled, quickly drawing a line through Shane's drawing.

"Gosh Mitchie, I didn't miss you dotting my 'I's'."

The boys and I played in my backyard, kicking the soccer ball around every few feet before Nate accidentally fell in the pool. My dad forced us to come inside.

"Where are your friends?" Shane asked as him and I sat in my room. His brothers were playing the game in my parents room down the hall.

"I don't really have that many. We say 'Hi,' and that's it."'

"Bummer."

"I'm use to being alone." I whisper.

"Well you're not alone anymore. You've got me."

"Oh joy," I hit his arm as he pulled away. "And that stupid baby soon."

"What baby?"

"My mom is pregnant."

"I thought you wanted a brother or sister."

"I thought I did. But...things will change. I don't like change." I pulled at my comforter before Shane hopped onto the floor.

"You have X-fighter swords?"

"Huh?"

"These!" I watched as my friend lifted my old gift from Alex up into the air. I smiled.

"Yeah. But you can't play with them."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so that's why."

"I let you play with all my stuff."

"But these were from a friend," I slowly pulled the swords from the boy's hand, holding onto the plastic for a while before placing them down.