Ghostly Love

A new friend

Everyone left at around 5 and me, mum and my brothers were left to unpack some boxes.

Well, I say my brothers, all they did was rummage around finding stuff they liked and then running off.

We decided to leave the big, heavy furniture to tomorrow and to just get small things into our room.

The removal van is coming tomorrow with our beds and some basic furniture but for now, I made a start on my room.

My walls were light grey with one brick wall at the back.

I had one of those windows where you could sit and read like I'd always wanted.

The first thing I wanted to do was hang up some fairy lights across the brick wall.

It was kinda tricky without anyone helping me but after a couple bruised fingers, I managed.

I decided against putting posters up for the minutes and just settled for hanging up the last family photo we ever got together, above where my bed would be.

I wanted my room to have an autumnal theme to it so yellows and oranges as I thought it would go with the grey really well.

Once I've thrown my orange beanbag into tee corner of my room I realise I'm all out of things to do.

I tie up my hair and head downstairs to see if mum needs any help.

"Mum!"

No reply.

I walk out into the decking at the back and immediately smile when I see where mum is.

For the first time in what must be years, she's laughing and messing around with the boys.

I'm about to go join them but decide against it.

"Mum needs sometime with just the boys." I say to myself.

Instead, I decide to check out the village which is only a 10 minute walk from here.

I grab my headphones and turn on some music, pull my shoes and a coat on, leave a bit for my mum and then I'm out the door.

The path to the village is beautiful. It's slightly sandy with the greenest trees and plants growing either side that I've ever seen.

Now it's my turn to feel calm.

I'm a fast walker so I arrive to the village slightly quicker than 10 minutes and marvel at the sight.

Right when I come out of the path there is a dip down to the sea but next to that are rows and rows of pretty little cottages and shops.

As I'm walking I spy a fudge shop where you can watch it being made, about 100 sweets and toys shops that I vow to take the boys to, and most of all, a library.

It's not too big, but it's perfect.

Inside and out it has an almost ancient look to it and the books inside are exactly my type.

I'm browsing through the detective isle when a friendly voice starts speaking.

"So you like detective books then?"

The voice belongs to a boy of about 15 with light blonde hair and green eyes.

"Um yer I do. Fun to see if you can figure out the murderer before the detective can."

"Has that ever happened?"

"There's always tomorrow."

He laughs at that. A proper big laugh as well. It feels good making someone happy like that.

"Well, if you like those sort of books then I definitely recommend this author." He says holding up a book with a gravestone on the front. "The way he writes is so interesting and there is always a killer plot twist at the end."

I take the book of him and read the blurb. "Yer this seems good. Only problem is I just moved here, like today, I've not got a library card or anything."

"Oh don't worry about that it's fine. My grandma actually owns this library I'm sure she won't mind a nice girl like you borrowing a book. She'll be glad that I've found a friend who enjoys reading."

We exchange numbers before I leave, thanking him for the book.

Well, I've been here for not even a day and I've already made a friend!

*
*
*

As I stepped into the house I smelt something I hadn't smelt for a while.

Lentil soup. One of dads favourite meals.

"Hey mum." I call out.

"In the kitchen love."

I walk in and see mum smiling to herself and singing along to the radio.

"How was the town? Is it pretty?"

"It's not just pretty, it's amazing. I made a new friend to!"

"Oh yer? What's his name?"

"Kian, his grandma owns the library and he gave me this book to borrow."

Mum stops stirring the soup and come and gives me a hug.

"I'm glad Alexis."

She pulls and awake and whips me with the tea towel.

"Now go call your brothers in. Teas ready."