photograph ⇾ brad simpson [slow updates]

02

"Why did you want to go for a walk along the beach with me Gracie?" I asked as we walked side by side down the path that ran along the top of Brighton beach.

"I needed a break,  mum and dad were arguing again and my maths homework was stressing me out slightly." she sighed, looking out to the sea.

I was about to reply when suddenly Gracie changed the subject, "So what are these new neighbours like then?" she asked

"I don't know, I haven't met them."

"How the hell do you have their dog then?" she asked, confused.

"They are on holiday and remember they aren't my neighbours they are my grandparents!" I explained as we reached the park. We sat down on the bench, I pulled a ball out my pocket, took Jesse's lead or and threw the ball across the park.

"Did you see any pictures of them?"

"Yes, there was one." I said, smiling to my self as I thought about the boy in the picture. How sad that I find that boy cute yet I don't know his name.

"I take it they have a son then?" She asked, smirking.

"Yes," I nodded. "I don't know his names though but they should be back on Sunday so I'll probably meet them then."

"Yeah," she sighed.

"Gracie what's up?" I asked as Jesse ran back over to us. To be honest I'd kind of forgotten about her. Jesse dropped the ball down in front of me so I chucked it across the park again.

"Nothing." She replied watching Jess chase to ball across the park.

"Your lying!" I said.

"I am but it's not important." She explained.

"It is, because your upset about something and no one should be upset!"

"It's just my mum and dad, they just keep arguing and these mock exams are stressing me out." she sighed.

"Well once my parents are back you can stay at mine for a little bit! Just to help clear you head." I smiled pulling her into a hug.

"Your the best Bella!" She smiled.

"Jesse." I shouted, she came running back over with the ball in her mouth. Gracie took the ball out her mouth whilst I put her lead back on. We stood up, left the park and began to head down towards the pie for some food.

Finally we reached the pier and the shops down the street, we went and had a look around a couple of the cute little vintage looking shops and some sweet shops. After browsing for about 10 minutes we decided to get some food on pier, chips of course! As we began to walk down the pier I pulled my phone out and began to text grandma.

me
hi grandma, gracie and I are getting some chips from the pier for tea. would u like me to bring some back for u and grandad? Xx

grandma 👵🏼
ok darling and no thank you. grandad cooked some chicken for us both as he guessed you would both get some chips xx

I smiled at the text and put my phone away.

"Do you want chips then?" I asked, she nodded and we walked over to the shop.

"Two small chips to take away please?" I asked the lady.

"£4.50 please," She said as I handed her the money. "Here you go." She said handing us out food.

"Thank you." Gracie said. We headed home as soon as we got our chips, but this time we walked along the beach to help cool our chips down.

I walked up to Gracie's again to say goodbye and then I headed back my self. I finished off my chips just as I reached the end of the street. I chucked the rubbish away an walked down to Nat's house to put Jesse back but I was surprised when there was a car on the drive. I walked up to the front door and knocked on it instead of unlocking it with my key because it would be weird.

"Are you Bella?" The woman asked.

"Yes." I nodded.

"Oh hello, I'm Nat." She smiled.

"Do come in, we had to come back because my mum is ill so don't stand to close to her." She joked. I followed her into the kitchen where Jesse's food was already done for her, so I took off her lead and let her eat.

"Thank you for looking after her, even if it wasn't for very long."

"It's ok, I enjoyed it," I smiled. "Well it was lovely meeting you, I'll see you round."

"Bye, wait," she paused. "I'll get Brad to show you out. Brad!" she shouted.

"What?" He moaned as he walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Suddenly something in my brain clicked and I worked out who he was, the cute boy in picture. The boy with the perfect curly brown hair, the cute smile and the nice fashion sense. Finally I can put a name to the face!

"Bella this is my brother Brad," she said.

"Hi" I said trying not to stare at him.

"Hey," he smirked. "What do you want Nat?"

"For you to show Bella out." She said pointing at me.

"Come on then Bella," He smiled holding his hand out for me to take, which I did. He held onto my hand until we reached the front door, when he let go and used it to open it.

"Good bye Bella, it was lovely meeting you." Brad smiled.

"Bye Brad, it was lovely meeting you too." I said walking back next door.