Part 1
Fingers of sunlight peaked out from the white tufts of clouds that drifted amongst the baby blue sky. A cool gust of wind ruffled through my hair, sending a bitter chill down my neck. December had already passed, delving us straight into the cold month of January. Summer was just creeping around the corner, and I yearned for warmth as I stood in the frigid cold. My mitted hands gripped the car brush as I dusted off snow from my mum’s car. The sound of vehicles driving down the road caught my attention, causing me to look up and inspect the situation. I stood there and watched a couple of moving trucks pull up into the driveway of the house across the street. After about a week or two, the place had gotten sold to some new residence.
Curiosity got the best of me, and I snuck some secret glances to see who these new folks were. A girl stepped out from one of the vehicles, her chestnut hair pulled up into a high ponytail. She looked around, absorbing her new surroundings. I couldn’t take my eyes off her- as much as I wanted to tear my gaze away, I just couldn’t will myself to do it. Who was she? I wondered.
Suddenly, a big golden retriever jumped out of the car, barreling its way towards me with a happy smile and a lolling tongue hanging out from its mouth.
“Bentley!” The girl ran after her dog, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Once the dog reached its destination, I found myself being covered in wet slobbery kisses.
“I’m so sorry! I promise he’s friendly,” she smiled apologetically, gently tucking her fingers under Bentleys collar to pull him away.
I bent down and petted Bentley on the head. “It’s okay, I can tell this guy is nothing but a big love bug,” I grinned, earning a sloppy wet kiss on my cheek.
The girl laughed, looking at me with a wash of relief.
“Thank you. I’m Scarlet, by the way.” She held out her hand politely.
I stood up, straightening myself. “I’m Nathan.” I took her hand, and shook it. “I’ve got to go, but hopefully I’ll see you around sometime?” Scarlet gazed up at me with her big green eyes, retracting her hand away with a smile. I nodded my head, shoving my hands into my pockets. “You can count on it.” I grinned. Her cheeks flushed again, but it wasn’t from embarrassment. Turning on her heel, I watched as she sauntered back to the house.
