Chapter 1: Hug
The first time they actually encountered each other was at the park, when they were six years old. Duncan Williams came for the sandbox, while Courtney Rivera came for the swings. They saw each other often (considering their mothers were very close friends), but never really talked to one another.
So the first time began like this: a usual day at the park, except the sandbox area was closed for construction. So Duncan decided to join Courtney on the swings she didn't notice him when he plopped himself on the swing next to her.
The first thing Duncan heard (besides construction people yelling and swearing at each other) was Courtney singing. Of course he couldn't hear all of it because she was swinging up and down, but the snippets he caught were sung very well.
When Courtney started losing momentum and slowed down, the first thing that came out of Duncan's mouth was:
"You have a pretty voice." He was stunned at what he just said, and it was apparent that Courtney was too. Duncan could tell because when she came to a full stop, she had an intrigued expression on her face.
"You think I have a pretty voice?" she asked. Duncan nodded slowly, as if contemplating whether to confirm this statement or not. When he looked up, he saw that Courtney was wearing an adorable smile on her face, along with her blushing pink cheeks.
"Well…thanks," Courtney replied with a grin. Duncan smiled back, and proceeded to swinging his legs back and forth to try and get as high as possible.
"I bet I can get higher than you on the swings," Duncan challenged with a toothy smile.
"You're on!" Courtney exclaimed.
And so the kids were on the swings all afternoon squealing when they had the excitement of jumping off the swings and landing in the grainy sand. There was a lot of laughing and some talking, but mostly it was just getting to know each other. And amazingly, the six year olds enjoyed spending time with each other.
By the time they had to go, Duncan and Courtney's mom were saying good-bye. Duncan and Courtney were waving good-bye also, but Courtney went up to him and gave him a big hug. When she let go, she scampered off with her mom, leaving Duncan blushing with a big smile and his mom.
Needless to say, this regular summer day was the beginning of a very interesting friendship.