It all began with him in his front yard sitting surrounded by piles of dirt playing with his toy trucks without a care in the world. The sounds of chugging diesel engines brought distraction from his games. Across the street in the big white two story house where for as long as he could remember had been empty, moving trucks pulled up in front of the house.
Excited he turned to his mother exclaiming "Mommy look trucks!"
smiling endearingly at her son she replied "yep, it looks like we're going to have new neighbors"
"Yay!" He shouted turning his head back toward the house. Shortly after a second truck had turned off its engine a blue minivan cruised to a stop behind it. Bolting upright to his feet
"Oh! Ooh! Mommy there's the new neighbors can I go say hi?!" He asked near bouncing up and down from his excitement.
"Yes, Alex. Take my hand and we'll cross the street to say hi" replied his Mother. Swiftly he placed his small hand in hers. Just as he turned around to begin towards the blue van. A blond haired older woman stood beside the van, opening the sliding door to allow a little girl with blond hair to step out. It was at that moment he watched her as she in his mind touched down gracefully.
He felt his heart slow to a stop. Then rapidly speed up. She's so pretty he thought as he and his Mother crossed the street. While the adults greeted each other with normal social pleasantries. He found that he couldn't help but stare at her, his mouth slightly agape with all the awe one would if they ever witnessed something majestically mythical cross their path. He must have been so absorbed in basking in her presence he did not hear his name being called. It was only until his Mother gave his shoulder a quick shake did he realize she was talking to him.
"Alex say hi to Mrs. Blank and Kelly" She instructed. First he looked up at older woman and muttered a weak "Hi, Mrs. Blank" Then slowly he returned his vision back to the little girl who's quizzically stare back continued to mesmerize him. For a moment he was silent suddenly unsure of where his voice had disappeared so quickly, "Go on Alex say hi" His Mother repeated with a slight nudge.
Gulping loudly, "Um...Uh…" He stammered.
"Hi, I think you are pretty and I love you" He spoke clearly.
"Oh and my name is Alex" the once quizzical look rapidly shifted to repulsion.
"Ewww, I don't' want your cooties" She yelled retreating behind the leg of her Mother. Cocking his head to the side, he was confused as to what he had said wrong.
Both adults erupted into laughter, "Kelly that's not nice, Alex just likes you is all" Mrs. Blank lightly chastised through chortles.
