“Well I guess the neighbors finally sold there house I wonder who we have the pleasure of living by this time” I say sarcastically to myself as I watched the last of the items from the Johnson’s house be put into the moving vans “hopefully someone who isn’t as judgmental as Mrs. Johnson.” Her husband was not so much of a prude I kind of liked him in a grandfather way, but yes my looks were rather dark, but that doesn’t mean I was a “Devil Child” as I over heard Mrs. Johnson say a time or two.

My usual get up consisted of converse or combat boots, skinny jeans or leggings, and array of band t-shirts. My hair was nothing special it was just brown and choppy looking its usually bright and colorful but seeing as my hair was dyng I needed to tone it down and just go plain for awhile I sometimes wear extensions with color so I don’t get bored with my look but here lately that’s as far as its gone, I have one lip pierced, my eyes change color from green, to blue, and grey so that’s a bit odd but nothing devilish. I guess her interpretation on what a normal girl should look like and what I think is beautiful is two different things but to each there own I guess.

I think I should go over there and at least say goodbye. As I hop up from my seating position on the roof I put my cigarette out and dust myself off, open up the skylight leading into my bedroom and lower myself in, I finally feel the edge of my desk and plop quietly onto it I hide my pack and sprits myself with perfume before I head out. If my mother knew I smoked I think she would have a heart attack, but thankfully I have hid this habit of mine and a couple others from her somewhat watchful eye.

I jog down the stairs and out the front door over to the Johnson’s house to only over hear Mrs. Johnson talk more nonsense not only about me but I guess the people who bought the house from them. “I can’t believe we are selling our house to another family with a child who is just as different as that little Natalie White girl” “its okay dear once we leave we don’t have to worry about any of that” I heard Mr. Johnson say to her.

I take this as my cue to knock on the slightly opened door *knock, knock, knock* “hello Mr. and Mrs. Johnson” Mrs. Johnson looks around almost horrified knowing I probably heard her. “Oh hello dear what do we owe the pleasure of your company?” Mr. Johnson blurts out before Mrs. Johnson could say anything to more then likely cover up her hurtful words.

“I just wanted to come over and say my goodbyes and tell you to have safe travels” I said “Well isn't that nice of you thank you so much” Mr. Johnson continued to talk while Mrs. Johnson just looked me over with her judging eyes. “I don’t want to lie either I also came over to ask you about the family who has bought your house.” I say this half looking at Mrs. Johnson confirming her thoughts on if I overheard her or not. “Well dear all we know is there last name is Iero and it’s just a woman and her son who looks to be about your age”

I think to myself my age? Hmm Mrs. Johnson also said he was “different” like I was. I wonder what he could look like for her to be so upset. I keep my thoughts short to seem attentive to the matter at hand.

“Oh well I guess that will be nice to have someone my age around.” I say to Mr. Johnson. “Be sure to be kind and introduce yourself when they arrive tomorrow will you Natalie dear?” “Oh yes Mr. Johnson I sure will, but I better get going my mother should be home shortly and you both should be on your way soon as well right?” “Yes you are right being sure to tell your mother we said goodbye and we are sorry we couldn't see her before we left.” “Oh I sure will I know she will miss you both” “As we will miss her too.” “Well goodbye and like I said before safe travels” “Thank you Miss. Natalie take care and stay out of trouble.” I say with a slight chuckle “I will.” As I walk out of their home and back to mine.

*A couple hours later*

Hmm I guess mom worked late today I wish I would have known that so I could have at least set something out for dinner to make. Just as I was about to get up and see what was in the refrigerator that was easy I get a text. I pick it up to see a message from my mom.

Mom: hey sweetie sorry I’m running late want some takeout?
Me: Oh heck yes!
Mom: Same as usual? Lol
Me: You know it!

My mom shows up some time later and as we sit down to eat our PF Changs she asked me about the Johnson’s and if I said goodbye or not. “Yes mom I said bye I promise Mr. Johnson told me to tell you that they were sorry they couldn't catch you on there way out and they would miss you terribly.” “Well isn't that just sweet.” I just looked at her eyeballing my food she hadn't given me yet. She kind of forgot the other point of our gathering at the table other then to debrief about the day.

“Oh sorry here’s your food.” She says passing me my container I just look at it as if it were a gift from the heavens. “I swear Natalie I don’t understand how you eat that stuff it looks so gross.” My mom proclaims talking about my Buddha’s feast “Well mom I’m sorry my vegetarian lifestyle doesn't suit you, but I happen to love animals.” “I do too especially when I eat them.” She says teasing. I just give her a rather indifferent look and dig into my food.

“Oh by the way mom the new neighbors should be here tomorrow sometime.” I quickly told her while I was thinking about it “Well that’s exciting do you know anything about them?” I give her a little shrug “Not really Mr. Johnson said it’s just a woman and her son and there last name is Iero.” “Iero I think that’s the last name of the new nurse who’s going to be working with us at the hospital, but she has a son that’s exciting sweetie maybe you’ll have a new friend now or is he even your age?” “I think so Mr. Johnson said he looked to be about my age.” I say as I take my last bite of tofu. “Well you’ll just have to introduce yourself tomorrow while I’m at work.” “I’ll see if I have time tomorrow I still have a little bit of homework to do.” I say as I throw away my trash.

My mom looks at me and smiles “How did I get so blessed with a good kid?” good kid I scoff inside my head only if she knew I laugh “I don’t know mom I guess good things happen to good people.” She just smiles and gives me a big hug I hug back only to think of more things she doesn't know and will probably never know or at least I hope she will never find out. I give her a kiss on the cheek to subside my thoughts and I tell her I loved her and I was heading to bed. She told me the same and we went our ways.

I jogged up the stairs and into my room locked the door and quickly undressed out of my clothes and took a long hot shower once done I dressed into my fluffy batman shorts and over sized black misfits t-shirt that fell off my shoulder a bit, but I didn't mind. I contemplated on going up to smoke before bed and thought what the heck why not so I stood on top of my desk and lifted myself through the skylight.

While outside smoking I couldn't help but to wonder who these Iero’s were and what made the boy so “different” like me. Is he into dark clothing or just socially awkward like me? I don’t know but the thought of this boy and who he might be kind of excited and scared me at the same time.

As I take the last puff of my cigarette I sigh and look across the yards to see the empty house. “Well I guess I’ll be introducing myself to these mystery people tomorrow.” I say to myself “Fingers crossed they are good people.” I hop up from my spot, dust myself off, and lower myself in. Once off my desk and finally in bed I couldn't help but drift off to sleep with thoughts on who this Iero boy was “maybe we will be friends just maybe.”

Notes

Sorry Frank didn't make it into this Chapter but he will for sure be in the next chapter. Also tell me what you think of Natalie so far.