White Night

Chapter 1: Wake Forest

I gaze out the car window as we pass by numerous trees.

My family decided to move back to the town I was born in, Wake Forest. We moved away to Florida when I was 10 and on my 16th birthday my parents made the announcement about us moving back. I'm not sure how I feel about going back. I don't have many friends but the ones I do have, I'll miss.

"So, AK," my dad looks at me from the riverview mirror "how do you feel about getting some ice cream at your old favorite spot?"

"Of course!" I feel myself smile as the scenery to Stacey's pops into my head.

An old 50's style type diner that served burgers and the best ice cream. I hope it has stayed the same. As a kid I had many friends, so on the weekends our parents would give us money and we'd ride our bikes to the diner.

The town only had a population of 802 at the time so for 8 year olds it was safe. The welcome sign to Wake Forest came to view; population of 1,022 it read. I guess the town will have to change that to 1,025 after we get settled into our new house.

Our house isn't new actually. It was our old house and my first home. My dad was so surprised when he found out it was on the market. The realtor turned out to be his old best friend from high school.

"Remember AK. We are having dinner with the Gola family tomorrow." my mom turns around in the passenger seat to face me.

"Mom please stop with the brow wiggles. It's weird."

She laughs "Sorry. I've seen pictures of your long lost best friend and I've got to say honey, he's cute."

I think back to my old best friend Seth. We practically grew up together but after I moved, we lost touch. I guess we were both busy with life and other things. The Gola family was always there for my family and my dad was best buds with Seth's dad.

As we drove through the middle of Main Street, little memories came to me. Soon we arrived at our house and I took a moment to admire it. The structure hadn't changed but the color was definitely different.

Did the last owners really like that peachy color? Hopefully the inside was still the same.

My dad quickly unlocked the front door to reveal the unchanged inside. Some appliances were new in the kitchen but everything else remained the same. "I'm so happy to be back." my mom says as she gives my dad a hug.

"Me too hon." I make my way upstairs to my old room and set my essential bag down. I missed this place more than I realized.

"Alison-Klaire! Come down please!" my dad's voice echoes off the house walls. I head down and hear some new voices at the front door.

A boy my age and a woman have a plate of cookies in their hands and offer them to my mom. "Hello! Welcome to the neighborhood!" the woman smiles "We're the house on your left; Maya and Kole."

The boy gives a slight wave and smile at the mention of his name. His teeth are so white in comparison to his carmel colored skin. He must spend days out in the sun doing something to be that dark.

The parents start talking about basic things while Kole and I kinda stand there awkwardly. He takes a step forward and puts his hand in front of me. "I know I was introduced but this is the only way I know how to say hi to someone new." he laughs.

I smile and shake his hand "Hi. I'm AK." He nods while looking a bit distracted "Alison-Klaire."

I give a confused look "How did yo-"

"Good hearing." Kole says.

Well, that answers that question. Kole stares at me again and I shift, unsure of what to say now.