The Half-Blood Diaries

When Eric met Steve- 1965

3rd person

It was a sunny Saturday in Salisbury when Eric Johnson and his family moved into the nice house on Laurel St. They had just moved from London because his dad got a job in Salisbury. Eric was about to start first year at his new school and he had no friends now. All his friends were 2 hours away. For a five year old that can be sad. He had nobody to play with and he was all alone for the rest of the summer until school started. 

Steve MacMillan lived across the street and was playing with his younger brother Ricky when he saw the moving van pull up to the empty house followed by a car. Like any child, he stared out the window to see if they had a son he could be friends with. When Eric got out of the car, Steve put on a big smile. 

Steve ran downstairs with Ricky and handed him off to his mother. He ran out the door and crossed the street (looking right, left, right just as his mother taught him). "Hi, my name is Steve!"

Eric turned, "Hi Steve! I'm Eric!" he said, mispronouncing his r's.

"Do you want to be friends?" asked Steve.

"Yeah! I'm five, whatta bout you?"

"Me too! Can you play later?"

"Lemme ask mum," Eric replied. "Can I play with Steve later?" 

"Sure honey. Let's just unload the van first and then you can play."

"Ok, mum! See you later Steve!"

"Bye!" he replied.

Eric went inside with a smile from ear to ear. He had made a friend already! He couldn't stop smiling the whole time they unloaded the van.

It seems Steve couldn't either. He had gone back home and was so excited that he just continued to stare out the window waiting. 

3 hours later

Eric had finally finished unloading the van and ran to Steve's door. Steve saw this obviously and ran downstairs to meet him. Eric was about to knock on the door but stopped abruptly when the door was yanked open by Steve on the other side. 

They went to the back garden and played football for a long time and played tag as well. They would've played into the night if it weren't for Eric's mum calling to say that it was supper time. 

Steve said goodbye to his new friend and saw him out the door. "Bye-bye Eric!"

"See you tomorrow?" said Eric, hoping to play again.

"Okay!" answered Steve before heading back inside.

That summer day would be ingrained in both their memories for the rest of their lives.

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