Stepping off the train, Stephanie found herself alone on the platform and felt the usual sense of relief that escaping from curious eyes brought her. It wasn't that she minded being different—in fact, it was quite the opposite—but she had never gotten used to the sideways glances and outright stares from passers-by. So it was with a mixed feeling of excitement and trepidation that Stephanie had farewelled her parents at the city's crowded train station, her mother planting a warm kiss on her forehead and her father ruffling her hair teasingly.
They were the two people she loved the most, but their exalted positions in their respective businesses meant she was always left with a babysitter of sorts when they were inevitably pulled away for some 'power party', as they were jokingly called. Stephanie's logic was that they were just being protective of their only child and so never complained, even as she approached the age of fourteen. But with two last-minute business conferences stretching over most of the summer holidays, one couldn't be found in time and her uncle Milford jumped at the chance to see her again.
And thus, with her two bright red suitcases in either hand, Stephanie began the walk across LazyTown to her uncle's house. In spite of being struck by the wacky designs of the buildings around her, she couldn't help but notice the dismal state of the sports field and the broken basketball ring; the absence of kids running and playing making her frown. More than ever, she'd wanted to make friends here, friends who wouldn't care about the colour of her hair or what she wore. Bowing her head and sighing resignedly, she trudged across the street, not realising she was nearing her uncle who was waving madly at her and the boy standing stock-still at his side.
"Hello, Stephanie! Over here, Stephanie!" he called, heedless of the oven mitts on his hands and the frilly apron tied around his waist. "There you are!"
Looking up, she flashed a smile and increased her pace.
"Hi, Uncle Milford!" she grinned, placing her suitcases on the ground and wrapping her arms around him. "I'm so glad to be here!"
"And I'm so glad to have you! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time." he said, patting his bulging stomach contentedly. "How was your trip?"
"It was okay, I like riding in trains!" she replied, shrugging cheerfully.
"Oh, and before I forget, let me introduce you to Scott," Milford said, gesturing to his right. "I just know you two are going to be the best of friends."
Cocking her head questioningly, Stephanie turned and blinked in surprise. A lean, yet toned boy of about sixteen years of age was standing silently with his hands in the back pockets of his jeans and his penetrating green eyes locked on hers; calculating, evaluating. She found herself unable to move or avert her eyes, her mouth suddenly dry and her heart thumping in her chest. What drew her to him, even when she didn't know a thing about him? What was this fluttering sensation in her stomach? Then he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and the moment passed.
"Pleased to meet you, Stephanie," he said affably. "I'm Scott. And if I may?"
Stephanie swallowed, letting out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Yeah?"
"I like what you've done to your hair."
At this, Stephanie ducked her head and giggled, covering her face with her hands to hide the blush rising to her cheeks. For reasons unknown, she couldn't help but feel comfortable around this young teen looking at her bemusedly with his head tilted, not sure whether to laugh or apologise. Looking up, Stephanie smiled at him, her eyes shining.
"It's always been like this."
Watching on, Milford drummed his fingertips together with satisfaction, pleased with himself for sparking the friendly chemistry between the two.
"Let's get you to your room." he finally said to his niece. "I'll take your suitcase..."
"Oh no, it's okay!" Stephanie insisted, looking away and bending down to pick to pick them up. "I've got them."
Milford turned to Scott, whose gaze was now fixed on a point behind him with his eyes narrowed.
"Strong girl," he chuckled. "Oh, do you see something? There's been a tiny little kitten scampering around lately, climbing up trees and whatnot. I should really do something about the poor thing."
Scott blinked.
"Sorry, I must have zoned out for a second. I'll go help Stephanie with the door; it looks like her hands are a bit full don't you think?"
