As the blue car pulled into the driveway next door, Alfred could hardly contain his excitement at the arrival of his new neighbors. He watched from his bedroom window as a tall blond man opened the door on the drivers side and walked around to the trunk, popping it open and pulling out a large bag. A small woman stepped out from the passengers side next and opened the door to the backseat, leaning in for a minute before stepping back so that the person inside could step out.

A young boy, probably around Alfred's age, clambered out and rubbed his eyes tiredly, yawning so wide that Alfred couldn't help but giggle at his silly expression.

He had heard from his mother that the new neighbors had a son, which admittedly was the reason for his excitement. He was an only child, so there was never anyone around for him to play with. But now, all that was about to change!

Alfred jumped up from his place by the window and raced downstairs, almost tripping on his way.

"Mom! Mom! They're here! I'm gonna go say hi." Alfred was already tugging on his sneakers when his mom walked in from the kitchen with an amused expression on her face.

"Now, Al, don't you think you should give them a minute to get settled in first? They have come a long way, and are probably tired." chuckling softly as she observed the crestfallen look in his eyes, she bent down beside Alfred and placed a gentle hand on the back of his head.

"I'll tell you what mister. Once the casserole is done cooking, you can bring it over to the Kirkland's yourself and say hi then. How does that sound?"

Alfred immediately perked up at that and nodded enthusiastically.

"Okay!" Smiling brightly, Alfred bounded back up the stairs to watch out his window until the food was done.