Page 9 of Falling For Us Again

Her eyebrows raised at my words. “What?”

“I just moved to town a couple of weeks ago, and I don't want to go to my quiet house.”

“I like quiet.”

“So, I assume I'm bothering you by talking.”

“Maybe.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just… Moving to a new town is kind of overwhelming. So many new people and making new friends.”

“I’m just kidding.” A soft look crosses her eyes. “I guess this town can be like that. You’ll get used to it.” She turns to look in the direction of her house again.

“What about you? How long have you been here?”

She shrugs. “My whole life. Nothing much changes around here.” Her eyes cloud with emotion, which she blinks away quickly, turning away from me. “But when it does, it’s drastic.”

I sense there is a story there, but I don't push further. “That sounds ominous.”

“Like I said, you get used to it.”

I kick some crushed stones with my sneakers. “Well, do you want to hang out with a newcomer in town or go home?”

She narrows her eyes at me, pulling her sleeves more tightly against her arms as if to protect herself. “I don’t know you. Why should I hang out with you?”

“Because neither of us want to go home?” I grin at her.

She doesn't argue this time and seems to be considering my offer. “Well, where would we go?”

“How about the new game store at the mall.”

“I haven’t been there yet,” she says, her eyes falling to the ground as she digs her shoes into the dirt.

“What? I could have sworn all the kids in town had been there. It’s so cool.”

“Nope.”

“Come with me, then, if you want to have a good time, or continue on your way home to a boring house,” I say, leaving the decision to her while I begin walking away without looking back. A minute passes before I hear scuffles behind me, and she starts following.

“I’m only coming with you, so you don't get lost.”

I smile to myself before turning to her with a bigger smile. “Thank you for your kindness.”

She smiles softly as our steps fall into sync.

“My name is Dylan, by the way.”

“I’m Jenna.”

The buzzing of the light bulb pulls me back into the present. It feels surreal to have Jenna standing in front me once again.

“The door is that way, Dylan.” She gestures in the direction of the door.

I ignore her. “Your lawn could use some help. It was like wading through a jungle.”

“That’s none of your business.” There's a coldness in her gaze as she crosses her arms over her chest.

“I could give you the number of someone in town or I could mow it for you later this weekend.” The words come out before I can stop them.

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