I Lie For A Living

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

It was barely three hours into the journey, and my whole body was already starting to get a little restless. I looked out the window and saw trees and rows of houses that passed by quickly in a blur. Kids were running outside in their front yard, playing tag with each other, squealing with joy as grandparents were seen sitting on swings that were in their front porch, their cold, stiffed fingers wrapped around a cup of steaming hot velvety liquid while keeping an eye on the kids.

All the houses looked alike, with their similarity in size and style, neatly manicured lawn, picket fence that's been painted on a crisp white colour and a wide welcoming porch. Everything looks so pristine and proper. And for a moment, I wondered whether if I would ever fit in.

A few moments later, the car slowly crawled into a stop. I peered out the window and saw another similar house.

"This is it," my mother said. "We're home."

Home, I thought. But the word sounded so foreign to me as I got out of the car and took a good look at the house in front of me. It was exactly identical with the other houses that we passed by. Right down to its white picket fence and porch.

I gingerly took a step towards the house, my fingers lightly skimming along the fence that has recently been painted on as I slowly followed the fence, walking to the front door.

The wind blew gently, making my hair tickle my face. I looked up towards the sky and thought how peaceful it was. Maybe, just maybe, I could grow to like it.

Suddenly, my neighbour's front door burst opened and a small petite lady dressed in a simple blouse and skirt, with a flowery apron tied to her waist came speed walking out the front door, carrying a large trash bag with a cross look on her face. She must have heard us making some noise as she suddenly halted in her footsteps and looked up at us with a surprised look on her face.

"Uh, hi there?" I said stupidly, not knowing what to say.

She shook her head gently as if to dismiss a thought and quickly smiled at me, her frown lines disappearing. "Hi, I'm Mrs. Dawson. You must be our new neighbour."

My mom suddenly materialised beside me and startled me as she spoke. "Well, hello there," my mom said as she smiled warmly and put her arms round my shoulders. "My name is Tina. And this is my daughter, Katrina."

"Hi Mrs. Dawson," I said politely.

"You look just like my son's age!" she beamed. "Owen!" she called out. "Come and say hi to your new neighbours!"

After awhile, a boy that looked way younger than what his body size indicates he is, came shuffling his way out the door. He slowly made his way to his mother and stood next to her.

"Hi," he says shyly, looking at the ground.

He had dirty blonde curls that were slightly jutting out through his beanie and he wore clothes that looked entirely too big for his small frame. He slouched and he had a set of dull grey eyes that was hidden behind a pair of thick black glasses that kept sliding down his nose.

I fingered the hem of my shirt nervously as I gave Owen a slight smile and a small wave. "Hi," I replied softly.

"Well, it was nice meeting you people," my mom said, "But I'm afraid we have to start unpacking." She gave them an apologetic smile as she put her arms around my shoulder again.

"Oh. Thats alright. It was nice meeting you too, Tina. Maybe perhaps we should have dinner together sometime, and get to know each other?

My mother gave her a small smile and replied, "Yes. Yes, of course we should."