One Scooter was awful on walks, slow grumpy and not great with other animals so we mostly just let him out in our backyard. On top of that it was about to get dark and usually by now Dad had thrown on pajamas and was watching some dumb fishing show on TV.
“Sure I guess so.” Giving him a weird look.
My Dad laughed. “What? I’ve been watching Dog Whisperer reruns at the office. I feel inspired.”
“Ok, that means that you have to get the collar and leash on Scooter.”
I laughed as I watched Dad chase our Airedale around the kitchen table for about five minutes.
“Ah ha!” He yelled in victory holding up Scooters bright blue leash. “Let’s go guys.”
Mom waved at us from the porch and we took off down the street. When we’d gotten a few blocks and Scooter had fallen into his stride I asked. “So why are we really walking the dog?”
My dad gave me a sheepish grin, “Well the truth is I wanted to check out the neighbors a little closer before your Mom started pushing casseroles on them.”
“It’s oatmeal cookies actually.” I grinned
“What? I missed oatmeal cookies? Cody you have got to do a better job of looking out for your old man. Were they the chocolate chip ones, with the walnuts? Or the Cranberry ones?”
I shook my head, “Nope plain old raisins.”
Dad made a face he hated raisins. “Well that’s alright then.”
We reached the end of our street and then crossed to the opposite side walk so we could walk past the Peterson house. The moving truck was gone and in its place was a late model black pickup truck and a giant black Lincoln town car.
“Wonder if they make a living driving people to the airport?” Dad asked.
“Or funerals.” I said the big black car was giving me the creeps.
All the shades were pulled tight and there was a dim light seeping through the upstairs window. The Victorian had a partial third floor with a little tower room that overlooked the street and that window was open wide. As we watched we saw a young girl appear in front of the window. She was very pale with long black hair and an old fashioned dress. She looked down and our eyes locked.
I suddenly felt dizzy. Her eyes were this weird shade of green, sort of grayish but really bright all at the same time. I don’t know how long we sat there staring at each other. She seemed so lonely like she was trying to communicate with me somehow, but I didn’t know what she was trying to say. My dad broke me out of our staring contest by nudging me.
“Might want to wave at her son.” He said.
I felt myself blush and dad and I gave her a hearty wave. She twitched her hand at us nervously and stepped away from the window.
On the walk home Dad decided to give me a hard time.
“So she was kind of cute?” Dad said.
I shrugged. “Yeah, I guess if you like the Wednesday Adams look.”
Dad shook his head. “Well considering all the heavy eye contact I’d say you do.”
Man! Parents can be annoying. “She just surprised me, that’s all. I mean the house is creepy, their cars are creepy and she’s kind of creepy.”
Dad gave me a disapproving look. “Son, from what your Mom told me that girl is really sick. She just moved to a new place, has no friends, and very little chance of making them since she will be home schooled. I think you need to make an effort as a neighbor, and,” He said scruffling my hair which I hate! “As a pretty good kid, to get to know her. Who knows you might end up friends, and like your grandpa always said, you can’t ever have too many friends.”
I sighed Dad’s lecture had made me feel pretty bad. “Ok I’ll try. When Mom and I do operation cookie delivery tomorrow I’ll make the effort.”
“Thanks son. Though I still think if your Mom really wanted to impress the neighbors she should ditch the raisins. Now a snicker doodle, that says “welcome to the neighborhood”.
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