(Untitled Book)

Chapter 1

     I had moved into my grandmother’s house just before I graduated high school in May. The thought of living with my mother another day sickened me. The date is October 3, and for some reason it felt fairly significant to me. I’ve always loved the season of autumn. Watching the grass change from summer green to autumn brown and tan. The leaves on the trees flourishing into beautiful shades of yellows and oranges and yellows and reds. They shed all over the grass, covering the earth with color, which the grass can no longer fulfill. Most days the sky looks grayish blue, and coldness fills the air. But today, the sun has come out from behind the clouds and the darkness in the sky. The sun fills the air with warmth of autumn, and sunbeams let off a tint of yellow.

     I roll over on my left side, turning away from the window, taking in last moments of the warmth under my covers. It was a Thursday, and I had work to attend. I slowly drag my slothful body from the bed and make my way to the bathroom. 20 minutes later I emerge from a hot shower, and I am almost functional for the day ahead. I slowly smooth lotion over my face before getting dressed. Fortunately, I do not wear a uniform to work. I slip on a pair of black skinny jeans, and white flowing tank, and a striped cardigan. I straighten out my long dark hair and decide to leave it down. I gently plush up my face with foundation and a little bit of blush. I brush my teeth before I am grabbing my handbag and brown boots to head downstairs.

     My brother woke up hours ago for school, and my father is already locked in his room working on his computer and taking calls. My grandma is downstairs in the kitchen as usual. But instead of sitting down and reading the paper, I find her staring out the window.

“What’s so interesting out there?” I ask her as I grab a muffin and plop it into the microwave.

“We finally have new neighbors.” She says simply. “That house should no longer be neglected.”

I poor a glass of milk as the microwave beeps. Walking toward the table, my grandma joins me.

“I’m glad the bank took that house and cleaned it up. I hope the new family will have better luck with that house.” My grandma says to me as she sits down. She turns on the television and watch’s the morning news, and I continue to eat my breakfast. 10:30 I am out the door, and off to work.

     As the garage door is closing, I see from the corner of my eye a fairly build, tall man. I slowly emerge from behind the tree and I know I am spotted when the shuffling stops and the box he was holding makes a small thud on the moving trucks bottom. I look over my left shoulder and a friendly smile has appeared on the man’s face. I walk across the short distance where my yard ends, and his begins. The man meets me halfway. As he closes the distance, his features become clearer. His skin a light natural tan, making his white teeth illuminate. His hair cut just above his ears, dark brown. His jaw line, very firm and defined, as well as his check bones. He had piercing stormy green and blue eyes. He couldn’t be older than 40.

I extended my arm and introduced myself. “Hello, I’m Amber Ridgeway. Welcome to the neighborhood. Sorry I don’t have one of the cliché home made pies.” I give a friendly smile as he shakes my hand.

“Mark Colfer. That’s quiet all right, considering I really don’t like pie.” He continues to smile at me.

“So where did you move here from?” I ask genuinely curious.

“Chicago, Illinois. Our second son left for college a couple months ago. My wife, Elizabeth, and I decided it was time to move away from the busy city and settle down in the suburbs.” He slowly explained.

“Well, wonderful. I hope you two settle down nicely here. I’m on my way to work, but if you need any help with anything, let me know.” I give a friendly smile and start to back away to my car.

“Thank you Amber. Have a nice day at work.” He calls after me. I return the favor in a small wave before I climb into my red wrangler 07’ jeep.