JANUARY: The first time we met was over a plastic truck in the sandbox. I fought for it, and you fought back. You were persistent on having my truck. ("Ahem, it was originally mine" you'd constantly persist years after the event) It led to us going home with at least three bruises and each a trip to each of our rooms for three days.
Later that week, my mom set up with your brother for us to meet up and apologize. We both looked away from one another, mumbling apologies. They then told us to play nicely while they relaxed.
I got a broken nose, you got a broken finger.
MARCH: Two months pass and my mom, dad, and your brother meet up with us tagging along. They watched us carefully that day. I began trusting you.
Me and you playing together becomes a weekly thing.
APRIL: Finally, I end up meeting Rose, your cousin, and you meet Jade, my twin sister. We avoided the girls all afternoon, but they kept finding us and making us play dress up. I thought it was fun after a bit. So did you.
My birthday comes up, I'm five, and I get a drawing from Jade, and a poem from Rose. I asked you what you got me. You gave me a red clay cracked heart, and say, "My brain"
I put your "brain" in a jar.
MAY: I get to see your house for the first time because I was staying the night. I saw the smuppets and got scared. We stayed in your room for the rest of the time.
You assumed that I thought your family was weird and creepy.
I said they are the nicest people I knew.
When I went home, I cried, because I didn't want to leave you alone with the evil smuppets.
JUNE: Summer break came, and all of our guardians pitched in so we could go to Disneyland. We couldn't stop smiling during the entire car ride, all four of us continuously chanting "Disneyland! Disneyland!"
The first ride was Rose's pick. She picked tea cups.
Jade went second. She picked meeting Donald Duck. She didn't really understand the rules.
You picked a roller coaster ride, and we couldn't go on it. You cried and pouted because you got nothing exciting, but your Bro suggested the Water Logs. You loved it.
Before we got to my pick, it began raining.
JULY: We were stuck in a hotel for two days, and we all entertained each other, waiting for the storm to pass. We played a game where we guessed what someone wanted to be when they got older.
Jade guessed at Rose's constantly, ("A book maker? A movie star? A singer? Someone who makes crayons!") but never got it. Rose refused to tell us, even when we all gave up.
We guessed at Jade's. When we finally gave in and she squealed out "To marry John!" And wrapped her arms around my neck. Then you yelled out that you were going to marry me. You two fought until Bro and Dad calmed you down.
When the rain finally let up, I was finally able to decide what I wanted to go on. I chose the Buzz Lightyear ride. We went.
I wandered off in line because there was a big fight between parents when a man pushed a kid. I was away from the group. I ran through the park, desperately trying to find you all once I realized I was lost. I wandered on the train tracks, and mom found me.
The last words I remember her saying was my name.
AUGUST: Even though I fully didn't understand what happened, I did know I wasn't going to see Mommy again.
OCTOBER: You and Rose always came over, and every night we had dessert with Rose's mom and your Bro. Dad kept making cakes.
Jade had to move in with Grandpapa because Dad couldn't take how much she looked like Mommy.
We four went Trick or Treating with your Bro. Dad was too sad, Rose's mom got funny and stumbly a lot, Grandpapa was too weak. Bro was the only okay one.
NOVEMBER: You came over while I was reading my first book. You took the book out of my hands, threw it away, and sat next to me.
I asked you why you had thrown my favorite and first book away. "I'm the only book you need"
We left one spot open at Thanksgiving.
DECEMBER: Jade's birthday was first. I gave her a candy ring as a "Wedding Ring"(I gave you one when she wasn't looking), you got her a Donald Duck dollie. Rose got her a poem.
Yours was next. I gave you a poorly cut out sword made with construction paper. Jade gave you a drawing of us all. Rose got you a poem.
Roses birthday is last. We all gave her poems.
Christmas came, and we all went to Rose's house for the event. We all were forced to dress nice in little tuxedos. When no one was looking, we'd yank at them. They made breathing funny.
On New Year's Eve, we all played with fireworks. We were told if we made a wish at twelve, it'd come true. We continued playing with the sparklers, and when they all died out, it was almost twelve.
We waited, and when it became twelve Jade cried out, "I want more sparklers!"
Mrs. Lalonde stayed over with Rose for the night. We both watched and listened to Dad sobbing at the staircase. Mrs. Lalonde comfort him with some funny smelling drinks and paps.