To where it bent in the undergrowth – Robert Frost (The Road Not Taken)
It was now December. Alfred had gotten away with avoiding most of his new neighbors but Katyusha, who was over all the time since she was Matthew's best friend. Katyusha was talking to Andrea.
"Mother wants to know if she can have a small birthday party for Vanya here since…"
"It's fine! I'm sure we wouldn't mind at all!"
The party was a week later. It was just Ivan and his family plus Alfred and his. Alfred found himself seated next to Ivan. He glanced at his plate, trying not to blush.
"Hello," Ivan said softly.
Alfred bit his lip.
"You are Alfred, correct?"
He nodded. They both sat in silence while Katyusha fed Kumajirou ice cream.
It was a summer day just after his 11th birthday. Alfred wandered outside past where he found Matthew, Kumajirou and Katyusha napping under a tree. He was so confused he ran to the tree house in the other tree in the front yard. Ivan was in there. He glanced down when Alfred ran up.
"Hello?"
Alfred glanced up into the pale face above him. He jumped into the tree and began to climb. He slid in the window. Ivan looked shocked.
"You're Ivan?"
"Da."
"What does that mean?"
"Da?"
"Yes."
"It means yes."
They stood in silence, just cautiously watching the other. Alfred tried not to be sucked into the other's violet eyes.
"Vanya!" Katyusha called.
Ivan climbed down the ladder.
Do I have any right to him just because of his nationality? Alfred thought. I should get to know him first.
Alfred's having second thoughts about avoiding him! Sad chapter next and then time jump.