Autumn Comes And Goes

Starting Afresh

Alarm's ringing. Avery is pissed off. She  somehow lands her hand on the alarm button.
"Five more minutes ..."
Avery opens her eyes and looks at the alarm clock.
"Sweet Jesus! It's 9 already! "

Avery gets out of the bed,  follows her morning routine,  makes two mugs of coffee and heads to her dad's room. He is still sleeping.
"Wake up dad!  Good morning "
Her dad wakes up after a few tries.
"Good morning Avy. You calling me in this early morning,  what's wrong?"
"it's not early morning dad,  it's 9 in the morning.  Get up,  we got work to do. "

She hands the coffee to her dad.
"See you downstairs"
"Yeah, I'll be there in five minutes "

Her dad comes downstairs.
"Hey,  you started already?"
"Well,  yeah just, unpacking the cartons."
"Pass me the scissors honey"
"Here. Dad,  how are we going to finish sorting the dining hall by noon?  This is plenty of work. "
Avery leaves a heavy sigh. Her voice drenched in dissapointment. 
"Don't you worry Avy,  we'll get the work done,  just keep your faith form and hands steady. "

Avery still unsure.
"Dad,  I have a very good idea.  Why don't we take help from our neighbours?  In this way,  we'll also get to know them!  What say? "
"I support your idea Avy, but,  aren't they busy? "
"Oh dad,  just keep your faith firm. They'll surely help us. "

Without saying another word,  Avery runs out of her house and goes to the first house to her right.

~Avery rings the doorbell~

~A pretty woman in a blue dress appears~

"Yes? "
"Um,  hello,  I'm Avery Thompson from your next door. We just moved here. "
"Oh that's why I say,  why do I not recognise you. Anyway,  I'm Mrs. Twombly. "
"Well,  you recognize me now, Mrs. Twombly. "? "

"Now tell me dear, why are you here?
" Actually Mrs. Twombly,  me and my dad are sorting out the house. It's a whole lot of work and we needed help to finish the whole work within a day.   So I was wondering if you could help us?"
Avery's not sure about all she said is enough or what. Mrs. Twombly gives her a smile.
"You need help right?  We'd love to help. "
Avery can't believe what she just heard. This lady in front of her,  got convinced that easily? She thanks Mrs. Twombly with utter gratefulness.
"Thank you very muchMrs. Twombly. We really needed that. "
"That's okay Avery. Tell me, when do we come by? "
" After two hours or so.

---

They finish almost 2/5 of the unpacking till 12:00.  At that time, the doorbell rings.
~Aver rushes to the door~
"Coming! "
"Hello,  Avrey"
It's Mrs. Twombly.  She's not alone. She brought a whole crowd of people with her.
"Mrs. Twombly,  you're here. And,  you're not alone,  "
"No. I'm not. I brought you guys some help. "
"But they're like, 50 people! "
"Well,  they're all your neighbours. "

Avery is still surprised.
"You guys,  come in! "
All the people gather inside. Avery,  her dad and Mrs. Twombly in the centre.
"Alright, now.  Let me introduce you to your neighbors. "
Mrs. Twombly indicates at the people and introduces them one by one.
"Okay,  this man in white shirt is Matt,  then there's Miranda,  Mr. Oberon,  Mr. and Mrs. Hooke,  Ms. Ariel,  Peter,   Mr. Johnson, Heifer,  Zack...."
Mrs. Twombly introduces almost 45 people to them.

"And that young man standing I'm the middle of the crowns is my son,  Neil."
Neil steps forward and stands beside his mom.
Avery didn't notice him before.  Standing right before her is a man with hazelnut eyes that reminds her of the autumn. He has a perfect nose,  and thin lips. His semi curled medium short hair look like twined vines.
It's not only Avery who's checking on Neil.  He's checking on her too.  The girl facing him is not too tall. She's got ocean blue eyes and hair up-to her waist, all braided.
"Um, hi. "
"H-hi. Nice meeting you. "
"Nice meeting you too. "
They both greet each other awkwardly,  then it's finally time to work.

All of the people work hard. Avery,  Zack,  Simone and others are handling the dining table. Zack's grip slips and a leg of the table stabs him.
"JESUS -"
Neil rushes to them.
"You guys look like you need help. "
"Yep,  some help would be very nice actually. " Says Zack.
Neil silently helps and once the table's been set,  he mixes with the test of the crowd.

It's almost evening. The finished most of the work. While every one is leaving, Avery Cathe's an eye on Mrs. Twombly. 
"Mrs. Twombly, you guys have been  such a good sport! "
"Neighbors help neighbors,  always remember that. You worked hard too. Okay now,  I'm getting late,  I'll see you later honey. "
"Good evening Mrs. Twombly! "

---

The next day neighbors arrive. They are a lot of people but Avery's eyes search for Neil. He's nowhere to be seen.
"Hey Zack,  did you see Neil? "
"No,  he's not here. He actually had some work to do, so he couldn't come."

They complete the work of the house. The word 'success' glittering in each of their eyes.
Mr. Thompson gathers everybody for a short 'thank you speech'. Avery standing right next to  her dad.

Right then,  Avery notices Neil Standing by the door.
Avery's ocean blue eyes meet Neil's hazelnut ones.  An unknown shiver runs down her spine.
Neil gestures to Avery
"Hey,  come on here. "
"Over there? " Avery asks in the same way.
Neil gestures by is hand for Avery to go there. Avery robotically slips out of the crowd. She finds Neil standing on the doorway.

He leads his hands to the road.
"Let's walk outside and talk. "
"Sure.

---

                                                         (TBC)

Hey guys,  this is my first writing,  sorry the chapter's so short!  Should I write the chapters longer?  Let me know in the comments. And do read further! 

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Much love,
Rehnuma Kabir.