“Smokin’ kills, you know.” Once again, I have no filter.
His hazel eyes look down at me and the left side of his mouth rises slightly higher than his right. “Is that right?”
“Yep.” I pop the P. “I’m a big believer in lettin’ people know how I feel about things. You might as well get used to it since we’re neighbors and all.”
He runs his tongue over his teeth. “Yeah? And how are you feeling right now?”
“A little too hot, if I’m honest.” I fan my face so he knows just how serious I am. It is warm just standing here under the summer sun.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re a strange girl. How old are you anyway, Goldilocks?”
I scrunch up my nose at the nickname. “I’m eleven and my name is Alina, not Goldilocks. Ah-lee-nuh. But if you start being a little nicer, you can call me Lee.”
He tugs on a strand of my hair, then brushes past me.
“You’re the same age as me!” Lily squeals. “This is so cool. I can’t believe that we’ll be in the same grade. Have you lived here your whole life?”
“Born and raised.” I bob my head.
“I think it’s the prettiest place I’ve ever seen,” she sighs. I smile at her, but I look past her, hoping to catch another glimpse of her brother walking down the street.
Lily rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry about Mr. Grumpy Pants. He’s thirteen, so he’ll be in middle school. We won’t have to worry about him raining on our parade! You wanna come inside?”
I nod, following her into the house. I look back one more time in Chase’s direction. He has sad eyes and I feel like maybe he needs someone to make him smile.
I can be that someone.
Happy with my decision, I dance my way through the front door and into Lily and Chase’s life.
Daddy did always tell me I would dance straight into trouble.
Summer turns into fall, bleeding into winter, and before I know it, the springtime flowers are blooming. Becca, Lily, and I hang out nearly every day. The two of them got along instantly, bonding over their love of fashion, and their heartbreak over NSYNC being on a “temporary hiatus” but never getting back together. It doesn’t hurt that Lily gushed over Becca’s curly red hair and emerald green eyes. I saw Becca’s eyes light up in approval when they first met. She soaks up attention like grass soaks up the morning dew.
It’s Wednesday after school, the only day Becca can’t play with us because her mama makes her go to church. Lily and I lay in the grass eating cherry popsicles, letting the spring sun soak into our skin. If I try hard enough, I can almost pretend it’s summer. A shadow comes over me and I shield my eyes to see who it is.
“Hey Goldi, looking a little pink right… here.” Chase pushes his index finger into my cheek.
I smile back at him, even though he’s still calling me Goldi. I’ve tried for months to get him to open up, but he’s built up a brick wall and nothing but a wrecking ball is gonna get through. Still, whenever he’s near, my body starts to hum and I crave his attention in the worst way.
“Want a popsicle?” I hold out mine to showcase how delicious they look, the ice-cold goodness dripping down the stick and onto my hand.
“Nope, I came to get Lily. Sam and Anna want us to come home, say they have something important to talk about.” He rolls his eyes like he’s annoyed.
“What do you mean?” Lily pushes her bright-pink sunglasses off her face. “Something important? You don’t think they’re going to make us leave, do you? We just got here!” She pouts, gnawing on her lower lip.
“No, Lil, I don’t think it’s anything bad. They seem pretty excited, so it must be good news.” Chase smiles, but to me, he looks a little nervous. Lily dashes inside my house, saying she’ll be ready to go in just a second.
I don’t know much about the homes they’ve been in before, but I don’t like to bring it up. There are not many times Lily shuts up, but you ask about her past and she clams up and looks about as lost as last year’s Easter egg.
Chase lies down beside me, sighing like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.
“How you feeling today, Goldi?” He says this every time he sees me.
“This popsicle is makin’ my mouth too cold,” I complain, throwing it on the grass.
He smiles at my answer and then gets quiet.
“You know,” I say in a whisper, “if you need someone to talk to, I’m always here.”
He scoffs. “You’re a kid, Goldi. I’m not gonna complain to you about my issues. You just keep being a good friend to my sister. Promise to never leave us, and I’ll take care of you both. How’s that?”
“Hey!” I push his arm. “You can act as grown as you want, but you’re a kid, too. Plus, Daddy always tells me I’m an old soul.” I puff my chest out in pride. “And ‘sides… you two are the best thing to happen around here, other than Becca. Where would I go?” I raise my arms and look around. “I’m your friend, too, not just Lily’s. Don’t forget that.”
“Yeah, okay. I hear you. But I’m good, I promise.”
I lean closer, placing my fingertip to his chest. “You can try to fool the world sad boy, but you can’t fool me. I see you.”
He opens his mouth like he’s about to say something, but before he can
