I still remember the first time I saw her…walking across my yard from the house next door. Her dark red hair hung almost to the middle of her back, her eyes bright and green, full of curiosity and mischeviousness. She was wearing a pair of black denim overalls and she bounced as she walked over.
My mother was standing beside me as her and her mother approached. I felt my mothers’ hand on my back as she ever so slightly urged me forward to meet our new neighbours. “Nickolas…this is Mrs. Carter and her daughter Jessalyn.” I looked at the girl in surprise…the same last name as me? Our mothers must have noticed the look on my face. “Yes, they have the same last name,” my mother smiled, “Quite a coincidence I think.”
Again, I felt my mother pushing me forward, encouraging me to say my hellos. “It’s very nice to meet you Nickolas.” Her mother smiled; shaking my hand. I shifted on my feet and watched as her mother also urged her towards me slightly. I watched as the features on her face darkened with annoyance as she looked at me. Her green eyes darkening with irritation. “Jess, say hello to Nickolas.” She looked straight at me; took a step forward; reached out with both hands and shoved me backwards.
I stumbled back; my mouth in an “O” of shock and surprise as I fell, landing hard on my backside in the dirt. I looked up in time to see her put her hands on her hips as she leaned forward; “I hate boys!” she growled at me, “they’re gross!” then I watched as she spun around and ran back to her house, her red hair flying behind her.