Something New

Chapter 2

'Good morning!' I say when we walk into the house next door. It is messy, but that is normal in this stage of moving. Hailey and I look cute as always. This time we are both wearing dungarees, a white crop top, and white sneakers. She has her hair up in a messy bun, and I braided my hair back in a half up half down style.

'I see you are ready to work.' Mrs. Heckerly says. She seems excited to see us. 'I am so glad you could make it too, Hailey.' She says.

'Me too. Thank you for having me Mrs. Heckerly.' Hailey says.

'Have you girls had breakfast?' She asks.

'We had an apple each. My parents are still asleep, I didn't want to wake them.' I explain.

'I got some donuts and made some eggs with bacon. Grab some if you want.' She says. I look at Hailey and she nods with a smile. 'Thank you.' She says to Mrs. Heckerly.

I walk toward the kitchen. There house is exactly the same as ours is. And before they moved in here, Mrs. Williams lived here. She had to move to a nursing home, but before I came over and helped her often. I try to search for plates and start opening drawers and cupboards. By the last drawer another hand slides in front of me. I jump and turn around. My back is pushed against the counter, and I look into Jason's eyes, closely. He is so close, I swallow. 'Jason.' I say.

'Plates.' He hands me two plates. And he walks away.

'Thank you.' I say. Pushing myself away from the counter.

I scoop some eggs and bacon, and for each of us a donut on the plates. 'So, how do you like it here so far?' When I don't hear a response, I turn around. But he is not there anymore. He is sneaky, I didn't even here him when he was right behind me. I shake it off me and walk back to the living room. Where Hailey and Mrs. Heckerly are talking.

'Here you go.' I say, handing her a plate. 'So, where are we starting today?'

'In the living room, we are going to paint these two white, and then the back wall a dark gray.' She explains.

'Wait, isn't Jason helping too?' Hailey asks. Subtle.

'No, he has not been exactly thrilled about the move. It is pretty much just me for the all the moving stuff.' Her eyes look sad.

'Whenever you need help.' I say.

'Yes, just call us.' Hailey says too.

'Thank you, girls, that is kind.' She says.

I cannot believe that Jason doesn't even want to help his own mother with moving. Whether he likes it or not, that is just the decent thing to do.

We all pick up a brush and start painting. It is fun talking to Mrs. Heckerly about her past. She is a hairdresser and has the best stories to tell about her customers. When lunchtime comes closer, I offer to make sandwiches for us. 'Could you make one for Jason too, please? It is his favorite.' Mrs. Heckerly asks.

'Of course.' I say with a fake smile. She is too good for him. He doesn't even want to help her with moving, and she still thinks about him and his needs. I guess that is what being a mom is like.

I first give Mrs. Heckerly and Hailey their sandwiches. I walk upstairs toward Jason's room. I stop in front of it and hesitate. But knock on his door.

'Go away, mom!' He yells through the door. Thank god I am not his mother.

I slowly open the door. 'I am not your mother. I did bring you a sandwich though.' I try.

'Ugh, fine.' He waves me in. But it not like he really wants me to.

I throw the plate on his bed and turn around to stop bothering him.