Something New

Chapter 1

When I was younger, I always thought I knew wrong from right, good from bad. Everything was black or white and there was a clear boundary between the two sides. Life was easy like that! But now, everything is difficult. There is no right or wrong, there is no bad or good. Life has a lot of gray area, it's not just black and white. When I see him climbing through his window, sneaking in, I still wonder on what side of the border he belongs.

He and his mother moved in next door, three days ago. I haven't really talked to either of them. When they arrived, the woman introduced herself quickly after her son walked in the house without saying anything. Dad and I were working on the flower garden, so we talked for a few minutes with Mrs. Heckerly, as we found out her name is. From the moment they moved in they have been private. And we tried.

I knock on the door, holding the tray of cookies. I baked them together with my mom, they are our special welcome-to-town cookies. It has always been a good icebreaker whenever someone new comes to town. The door swings open, it is him. This is the first time I have seen him up close. Right at that moment I know he is trouble. He is handsome, I will admit that. There is no reason to deny that. Some might say he is an angel fallen from heaven. The way he dresses doesn't help. He is wearing shorts with a shirt. He is tall, and looks like he some muscle. he has dark brown hair, and his eyes are hazel. So simple, yet so attractive. He has this I-don't-care attitude that I can't stand. However, I know all the other girls in school have been waiting for fresh meat, and he happens to be the tastiest of all. It is exactly what they have been looking for. But there is something about him that tells me he doesn't care for all the attention, he is surely to get.

'Hi, I am Hope. I live next door.' I point toward our house. He doesn't bother to look. 'I came by to welcome you and your mom to town.' I hand him the tray. He just looks at me, and nods, takes the tray and closes the door in front of my face. I have to admit, that hurts a little. What did I do to deserve that?

'That is not how you treat people!' I hear the voice of a woman coming from the house. I assume it is his mother. Then the door opens up as fast as it was shut.

'I am so sorry! I thought I raised him better than that.' It is indeed Mrs. Heckerly. She is wearing what looks like and old shirt with white paint stains on it and sweatpants. Her hair up in a messy bun. The boy looks a lot her, except for his eyes. Mrs. Heckerly's eyes are a greenish color, and they stand different than his, happier almost.

'Don't worry about it!' I tell her. 'I don't know what he did with it, but my mother and I baked cookies for you and your son. Welcome to town!' I say.

'That is so sweet! Thank you! His name is Jason by the way. It might not seem like it now, but he is a nice kid.' So, his name is Jason. That is one thing I know about him, except for the fact that he is extremely rude.

'I'm sure.' I say. 'Are you painting?' I ask, looking at her shirt.

'Yes, I had to start somewhere.' She says.

'Well, if you ever need any help, I don't mind helping. My parents and I moved here four years ago. I remember how much it can be sometimes.' I offer.

'Thank you... Hope was it?' She asks, and I nod in agreement. 'I really appreciate it. So far, we are doing fine. I am almost done for today. But tomorrow I could use some help painting downstairs.' She says.

'Okay, I will be back tomorrow. Have a great day. Enjoy the cookies!' I say and take off.

I walk through our front door. Mom and dad are sitting at the kitchen table, trying to solve a puzzle. 'Hi sweetie, how was it? Did you make a new friend?' Mom asks.

'Mom, you don't make friends in a day.' I say.

'You do!' Dad defends mom. He always does that.

'You are sweet!' I tell him. 'To answer your question. He threw the door in my face. Mrs. Heckerly is very kind, though. I am going over there tomorrow to help paint.'