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Description
Chapter 2

  The ride to the house was only a good ten minutes. To me, it felt more like an hour trapped inside a toaster oven from hell. I almost sprinted out of the car when dad pulled into the driveway.
  Our new house looked just like the picture my father had shown me. The house was one story tall with an attic and basement. Just a small tan house with a picture window in the living room, three bedrooms, two and a half bath, a small backyard, and a garage with room for two cars. Nothing special. The moving van sat out front with movers waiting to help us. My parents helped them while my sister and I went inside to fight over rooms.
  As usual, I got stuck with the smallest room. Lucky for me my sister was almost eighteen and her room would soon be open for my taking. But I really didn't mind having the smaller room. I had a view out my window. Sure, trees and buildings were in the way, but if you looked carefully you could see a small part of the ocean. That alone made the room feel bigger than it was.
  Once the mover brought my things in, I started to unpack. I started with my bed and then moved on to the little odds and ends. I filled the shelves of my bookshelf with the books that Vince ad Wendy gave me. As I placed my snow globe on the top, an image of winter surged into my head. I saw the three of us making snowmen, building snow forts to hide behind during snowball fights, and sledding down the largest hill in town. Afterwards we would go to Wendy's and her mom made us the best hot coco as we watched Christmas specials on the floor by a warm fire, wrapped in soft blankets. If I had stayed there and never moved, that's what we would be doing.
  I shook the images out of my head. I would not allow myself to think about those days, even though they filled me with happiness. They hurt too much after, when I realize that I'm not going to do that anymore.
  Once I was halfway done I realized I was still in my sweater. I picked out a cooler, lighter colored outfit, then brushed my long, dark brown hair into a ponytail. It felt amazing to get out of that outfit. I flopped onto my bed, messing up my peach comforter. I rolled over onto my back and studied my room. It looked very plain, since there was nothing on the beige walls.
  After a minute I was bored of doing nothing and decided to see how the rest of the house was coming along. I rolled off my bed and headed to the kitchen and dining room. Nothing much had changed since the last time I'd been in there. Everything was still in boxes. I decided to see how the living room was going. Just like the last room, everything was boxed up. On the couch, my father was passed out. On the love seat, my sister was passed out. And in the recliner, my mom was asleep. I sighed. At least that was normal.
  I decided to go into the backyard and see what it looked like. To my surprise, the yard wasn't fenced on one side. There was a person in the yard next to ours swinging on a swing set. The person was a girl who looked about my age or younger. As soon as she saw me, she jumped off the swing and headed my way.
  "Hey! You must be one of the new neighbors!" She exclaimed cheerfully, her curly hair bouncing with her excitement.
  "Um, yeah. I just moved here from Indiana." As soon as I said that, my new neighbor's face showed she was now puzzled. "It's a state in America."
  Her face lit up with excitement once again. "Oh wow! An American! Well, you were an American, but you're not now. But still! This is so awesome!" She was frantic, waving her arms around and hopping around in circles. "You have to tell me what it's like there! Oh, but you must tired, what with moving and all." Her smile fell a little when she realized that.
  I felt the need to cheer her up. "I'm not really all that tired. Sure, I do want to take a nap, but I can never sleep as soon as I get to a new place."
  Once again, her face glowed with the same overpowering excitement. "Oh goodie! This is just wonderful!" She quickly grabbed both of my hands. "I can tell you and I will become close mates! By the way, I'm Grace!"
  "I'm Kristina. Nice to meet you."
  Grace smiled. "Just so you know, for future reference, you can come to me if you have questions on anything or anyone."
  "Anyone?"
  "Yep, anyone," Grace chirped, nodding. "This may be a pretty big town, but I know my way around places and know almost everyone. Oh! I know! Let me give you a tour around town and you can also tell me about the states!"
  "Uh, I don't know. I'd have to ask my parents first." Grace's kindness and hyperactivity was almost suffocating, but I could tell that she was a good person.
  "I'll ask them with you! That way I can meet the rest of your family!" Grace proclaimed cheerfully, pulling me by the arm into the house.
  I was in such shock that I couldn't stop her. She just walked in without a second thought. She led us right into the living room then stopped. My father was up now, unpacking, and was confused at the sight of someone he'd never seen before.
  "Eh... hello?" He said to Grace, then looked at me. "Kris, who is she?"
  "Dad, this is Grace. She lives next door." My dad nodded, but was still confused. "She wants to show me around town, you know, give me a tour."
  "Well, yes you can go, but that doesn't explain why she's inside our house." My dad was putting dishes away and dropped one.
  Grace caught it. "I wanted to meet you first. Some parents don't let their kids hang out with people they themselves haven't met."
  Father coughed and took the plate that Grace saved. "Thank you. Well I guess it's fine, but do you really want to do this?"
  "Yes, I do!" Grace replied happily.
  "Well, okay then, I guess. Have fun sweetie." Father waved goodbye and almost dropped another plate.
  "Later dad," I waved back.
  "Goodbye and thank you Mister...," Grace paused. She turned to me and whispered,"What's your last name?"
  "Dyer." I whispered back.
  "Mr. Dyer!" Grace finished.
  I could hear my dad chuckle when we left.

-------------------

  We walked many blocks to reach the main part of her tour. We started at our block, telling me who lived where and what they were like. Then we went to some of the smaller places, past small stores, telling me which ones were family owned or had the best snacks, and past parks. She told me stories of her childhood and I told her some of mine. She asked me many questions and I replied the best I could.
  "By the way," Grace asked after our talk of school, "how old are you? Like what grade are you going to be in?"
  "I'm fifteen, and going to be sixteen in nine months. I'm going to have to start over tenth grade."
  "Why are you going to have to start over?"
  "Because the education system here is very different. So, what about you?"
  She scratched her head. "I'm fifteen also, but I failed a year in school once and had to make it up, so I'm behind."
  "That sucks," I replied. "So, where are we going next?"
  Grace grinned. "I'm taking you to the most busy place here in this town."
  "Which is?"
  "The beach!" She exclaimed. "Our beach has people from towns over coming and going. We have a great beach for surfers, so that's the main reason it's so popular. This whole town is centered on surfing and surfing contests. I'm not a surfer, but many of my mates are."
  "Why aren't you a surfer?"
  "It's not that I'm bad at it, it's just that I don't like getting all wet and covered in sand. It feels icky," she shuttered. "But my mates enjoy it. I'm pretty sure there down there now."
  I raised an eyebrow. "Is that the reason you took me on this 'tour'? To show off your new neighbor to your friends?"
  Grace flushed. "N-no! Not at all! Well... Maybe I did. But I see this as an added bonus for you. You're going to meet new people thanks to me!"
  I sighed. "Well, I do have to thank you for that."
  We walked many more blocks before we reached the beach. The same beach which I passed not too long ago. It was around three now, but that was without the time difference. I was glad I slept most of the flight, but not so keen with the fact that I had slept through some meals. I realized then that I was starving. I hoped that they would be cooking out. I could smell someone's grill, and I could smell the mouth watering aroma of burgers.
  Grace led me to the grillers, two surfers, one male and the other female. Both were taller than me, and very skinny.
  "So Gracie, what's with the girl?" The guy asked. He was flipping burgers with one hand and scratching the back of his head with the other. Messing up his wet, shaggy copper hair.
  "Yeah, what's with the chick, mate? Not that I mind, just that it's a little odd." The girl asked, ringing out her long, strawberry blonde hair.
  Grace had a smug look across her face. "Well, if you really want to know, this is Kristina Dyer. She and her family moved in next door to me. She moved here from America."
  "Woah!" They both exclaimed. I felt a little strange, like I was some kind of new toy. I now knew how a goldfish feels.
  Grace decided it was time for introductions. "Well now, Kristina, I'd like you to meet my mates. This guy here is Aaron Smith. He's almost the top surfer in the area."
  "Hey!" Aaron growled. "I'm going to win the next contest for sure!"
  "Sure, sure," Grace said as she batted him away. "Any who, this girl here is Natasha Anderson. One of the top female surfers in the area."
  Natasha reached out for my hand. "Pleasure to meet you miss."
  "It's nice to meet you too, Natasha." I replied, shaking her hand.
  "Please, call me Natie. 'Natasha' makes me feel like an old lady." She smiled.
  I then realized it was them I had seen surfing. They moved with such grace and ease. Now that I knew them, maybe I could learn from them.
  "Hey, Kristina, you want one?" Aaron asked, motioning to the burgers.
  "Ah, yes, I would. Thank you for asking." I grabbed the warm cheese burger from his hand. "And call me Krissy. That's what most people call me." I took a bite out of the food and could not believe how good it was.
  "I see you like it, huh Krissy?" Natie pointed out. All I could do was nod. "It's my special meat seasoning. Been passed down for years."
  "It's amazing!" I exclaimed after I gulped down a mouthful.
  Grace laughed. "That's the same face I made the first time I had one."
  I finished my meal, talking to the three of them about many things.
  "Oh, I almost forgot! Krissy's going to go to school with us!" Grace yelped.
  "Oh sweet! What grade ya going to be in?" Natie questioned excitedly.
  "Tenth." I softly replied.
  Aaron was pleased. "Sweet, same as us!"
  "I'm guessing you're all childhood friends?" I questioned.
  "Mhmm. We've been mates since we were little." Grace chirped.
  I nodded. "It's nice to get to stay together."
  Natie elbowed me. "Hey, Krissy. Cheer up. I know you must have had good mates back in the states, but don't worry. Hey, you got us now." She smiled warmly at me.
  "Y-you really mean it?" I was overjoyed.
  "Hell yeah! I might have just met you, but I already know you're pretty cool. And really nice for not running away from Gracie, because we all know she's nuts." Aaron chuckled, ribbing at Grace.
  "Hey, that's not cool!" She hissed.
  Natie put her hand on my shoulder. "I know we're a little crazy, and we come on a little strong sometimes. But you can count on us. So, mates?"
  I smiled. "Friends."
  "Okay, who wants to catch some waves before it gets too late?" Aaron grinned.
  I blinked. "I don't know how."
  Grace laughed. "Well, you might as well learn from some of the best!"
  "Yeah, we'll teach ya!" Natie chirped. "You're gonna need a board first though, so we'll go shopping this week, 'kay?"
  I nodded.
  "Good. So in the mean time, how about you let us show you how it's done?" Aaron smirked.
  The two of them hopped onto their boards in the water, moving into the deeper end with their arms. They stayed on their stomachs until a big enough wave formed. They hopped on their feet and rode the wave, curving and swerving. The light of the sun bouncing off the water onto their skin made them glow. It was amazing.
  "Their good, huh?" Grace asked.
  I nodded. "Yeah. But I know I'll never get that good."
  Grace giggled. "You never know until you try. You might be amazing at it."
  "I doubt that," I mumbled, watching them surf.
  The two of them at one point started goofing off, splashing each other. They looked like a couple, though I had a strong feeling they weren't. When the waves died down, they both swam back to shore soaking wet. Aaron shook his head dry like a dog while Natie tried her best to avoid the water coming off his head.
  "Well, what did you think?" Aaron asked me.
  I had a hard time picking out the right words, so all that came out was,"It was... awesome."
  He laughed. "Glad you thought so."
  Grace looked at her watch in horror. "Oh no. It's pretty late. We should head back now, Krissy."
  "Hey, I'll come with you guys." Said Natie.
  "Yeah! Sure!" Grace exclaimed happily.
  Aaron tapped his foot. "You forgetting about someone?"
  "Oops, sorry!" Grace laughed, not sorry in the least.
  We all headed to the place where this entire 'tour' started. I felt more like myself. I hadn't felt that way in a long time. I had Grace to thank for that.
  Once we got to our block, Natie and Aaron headed into Grace's house for dinner. Grace and I were going to talk to my parents once more to explain why we came back so late.
  "Hey, Grace?" I asked.
  "Yeah?"
  "Why did you really do all of this? I mean, it's really unusual to just take someone you met that day to all these places. I mean, you must have a reason."
  "I have a reason." She replied as she stared up at the stars.
  "Care to tell me?"
  She smiled. "When the time is right, I'll tell."
  "Okay, and when will that be?"
  She giggled. "You'll know."

Description
Chapter 2

  The ride to the house was only a good ten minutes. To me, it felt more like an hour trapped inside a toaster oven from hell. I almost sprinted out of the car when dad pulled into the driveway.
  Our new house looked just like the picture my father had shown me. The house was one story tall with an attic and basement. Just a small tan house with a picture window in the living room, three bedrooms, two and a half bath, a small backyard, and a garage with room for two cars. Nothing special. The moving van sat out front with movers waiting to help us. My parents helped them while my sister and I went inside to fight over rooms.
  As usual, I got stuck with the smallest room. Lucky for me my sister was almost eighteen and her room would soon be open for my taking. But I really didn't mind having the smaller room. I had a view out my window. Sure, trees and buildings were in the way, but if you looked carefully you could see a small part of the ocean. That alone made the room feel bigger than it was.
  Once the mover brought my things in, I started to unpack. I started with my bed and then moved on to the little odds and ends. I filled the shelves of my bookshelf with the books that Vince ad Wendy gave me. As I placed my snow globe on the top, an image of winter surged into my head. I saw the three of us making snowmen, building snow forts to hide behind during snowball fights, and sledding down the largest hill in town. Afterwards we would go to Wendy's and her mom made us the best hot coco as we watched Christmas specials on the floor by a warm fire, wrapped in soft blankets. If I had stayed there and never moved, that's what we would be doing.
  I shook the images out of my head. I would not allow myself to think about those days, even though they filled me with happiness. They hurt too much after, when I realize that I'm not going to do that anymore.
  Once I was halfway done I realized I was still in my sweater. I picked out a cooler, lighter colored outfit, then brushed my long, dark brown hair into a ponytail. It felt amazing to get out of that outfit. I flopped onto my bed, messing up my peach comforter. I rolled over onto my back and studied my room. It looked very plain, since there was nothing on the beige walls.
  After a minute I was bored of doing nothing and decided to see how the rest of the house was coming along. I rolled off my bed and headed to the kitchen and dining room. Nothing much had changed since the last time I'd been in there. Everything was still in boxes. I decided to see how the living room was going. Just like the last room, everything was boxed up. On the couch, my father was passed out. On the love seat, my sister was passed out. And in the recliner, my mom was asleep. I sighed. At least that was normal.
  I decided to go into the backyard and see what it looked like. To my surprise, the yard wasn't fenced on one side. There was a person in the yard next to ours swinging on a swing set. The person was a girl who looked about my age or younger. As soon as she saw me, she jumped off the swing and headed my way.
  "Hey! You must be one of the new neighbors!" She exclaimed cheerfully, her curly hair bouncing with her excitement.
  "Um, yeah. I just moved here from Indiana." As soon as I said that, my new neighbor's face showed she was now puzzled. "It's a state in America."
  Her face lit up with excitement once again. "Oh wow! An American! Well, you were an American, but you're not now. But still! This is so awesome!" She was frantic, waving her arms around and hopping around in circles. "You have to tell me what it's like there! Oh, but you must tired, what with moving and all." Her smile fell a little when she realized that.
  I felt the need to cheer her up. "I'm not really all that tired. Sure, I do want to take a nap, but I can never sleep as soon as I get to a new place."
  Once again, her face glowed with the same overpowering excitement. "Oh goodie! This is just wonderful!" She quickly grabbed both of my hands. "I can tell you and I will become close mates! By the way, I'm Grace!"
  "I'm Kristina. Nice to meet you."
  Grace smiled. "Just so you know, for future reference, you can come to me if you have questions on anything or anyone."
  "Anyone?"
  "Yep, anyone," Grace chirped, nodding. "This may be a pretty big town, but I know my way around places and know almost everyone. Oh! I know! Let me give you a tour around town and you can also tell me about the states!"
  "Uh, I don't know. I'd have to ask my parents first." Grace's kindness and hyperactivity was almost suffocating, but I could tell that she was a good person.
  "I'll ask them with you! That way I can meet the rest of your family!" Grace proclaimed cheerfully, pulling me by the arm into the house.
  I was in such shock that I couldn't stop her. She just walked in without a second thought. She led us right into the living room then stopped. My father was up now, unpacking, and was confused at the sight of someone he'd never seen before.
  "Eh... hello?" He said to Grace, then looked at me. "Kris, who is she?"
  "Dad, this is Grace. She lives next door." My dad nodded, but was still confused. "She wants to show me around town, you know, give me a tour."
  "Well, yes you can go, but that doesn't explain why she's inside our house." My dad was putting dishes away and dropped one.
  Grace caught it. "I wanted to meet you first. Some parents don't let their kids hang out with people they themselves haven't met."
  Father coughed and took the plate that Grace saved. "Thank you. Well I guess it's fine, but do you really want to do this?"
  "Yes, I do!" Grace replied happily.
  "Well, okay then, I guess. Have fun sweetie." Father waved goodbye and almost dropped another plate.
  "Later dad," I waved back.
  "Goodbye and thank you Mister...," Grace paused. She turned to me and whispered,"What's your last name?"
  "Dyer." I whispered back.
  "Mr. Dyer!" Grace finished.
  I could hear my dad chuckle when we left.

-------------------

  We walked many blocks to reach the main part of her tour. We started at our block, telling me who lived where and what they were like. Then we went to some of the smaller places, past small stores, telling me which ones were family owned or had the best snacks, and past parks. She told me stories of her childhood and I told her some of mine. She asked me many questions and I replied the best I could.
  "By the way," Grace asked after our talk of school, "how old are you? Like what grade are you going to be in?"
  "I'm fifteen, and going to be sixteen in nine months. I'm going to have to start over tenth grade."
  "Why are you going to have to start over?"
  "Because the education system here is very different. So, what about you?"
  She scratched her head. "I'm fifteen also, but I failed a year in school once and had to make it up, so I'm behind."
  "That sucks," I replied. "So, where are we going next?"
  Grace grinned. "I'm taking you to the most busy place here in this town."
  "Which is?"
  "The beach!" She exclaimed. "Our beach has people from towns over coming and going. We have a great beach for surfers, so that's the main reason it's so popular. This whole town is centered on surfing and surfing contests. I'm not a surfer, but many of my mates are."
  "Why aren't you a surfer?"
  "It's not that I'm bad at it, it's just that I don't like getting all wet and covered in sand. It feels icky," she shuttered. "But my mates enjoy it. I'm pretty sure there down there now."
  I raised an eyebrow. "Is that the reason you took me on this 'tour'? To show off your new neighbor to your friends?"
  Grace flushed. "N-no! Not at all! Well... Maybe I did. But I see this as an added bonus for you. You're going to meet new people thanks to me!"
  I sighed. "Well, I do have to thank you for that."
  We walked many more blocks before we reached the beach. The same beach which I passed not too long ago. It was around three now, but that was without the time difference. I was glad I slept most of the flight, but not so keen with the fact that I had slept through some meals. I realized then that I was starving. I hoped that they would be cooking out. I could smell someone's grill, and I could smell the mouth watering aroma of burgers.
  Grace led me to the grillers, two surfers, one male and the other female. Both were taller than me, and very skinny.
  "So Gracie, what's with the girl?" The guy asked. He was flipping burgers with one hand and scratching the back of his head with the other. Messing up his wet, shaggy copper hair.
  "Yeah, what's with the chick, mate? Not that I mind, just that it's a little odd." The girl asked, ringing out her long, strawberry blonde hair.
  Grace had a smug look across her face. "Well, if you really want to know, this is Kristina Dyer. She and her family moved in next door to me. She moved here from America."
  "Woah!" They both exclaimed. I felt a little strange, like I was some kind of new toy. I now knew how a goldfish feels.
  Grace decided it was time for introductions. "Well now, Kristina, I'd like you to meet my mates. This guy here is Aaron Smith. He's almost the top surfer in the area."
  "Hey!" Aaron growled. "I'm going to win the next contest for sure!"
  "Sure, sure," Grace said as she batted him away. "Any who, this girl here is Natasha Anderson. One of the top female surfers in the area."
  Natasha reached out for my hand. "Pleasure to meet you miss."
  "It's nice to meet you too, Natasha." I replied, shaking her hand.
  "Please, call me Natie. 'Natasha' makes me feel like an old lady." She smiled.
  I then realized it was them I had seen surfing. They moved with such grace and ease. Now that I knew them, maybe I could learn from them.
  "Hey, Kristina, you want one?" Aaron asked, motioning to the burgers.
  "Ah, yes, I would. Thank you for asking." I grabbed the warm cheese burger from his hand. "And call me Krissy. That's what most people call me." I took a bite out of the food and could not believe how good it was.
  "I see you like it, huh Krissy?" Natie pointed out. All I could do was nod. "It's my special meat seasoning. Been passed down for years."
  "It's amazing!" I exclaimed after I gulped down a mouthful.
  Grace laughed. "That's the same face I made the first time I had one."
  I finished my meal, talking to the three of them about many things.
  "Oh, I almost forgot! Krissy's going to go to school with us!" Grace yelped.
  "Oh sweet! What grade ya going to be in?" Natie questioned excitedly.
  "Tenth." I softly replied.
  Aaron was pleased. "Sweet, same as us!"
  "I'm guessing you're all childhood friends?" I questioned.
  "Mhmm. We've been mates since we were little." Grace chirped.
  I nodded. "It's nice to get to stay together."
  Natie elbowed me. "Hey, Krissy. Cheer up. I know you must have had good mates back in the states, but don't worry. Hey, you got us now." She smiled warmly at me.
  "Y-you really mean it?" I was overjoyed.
  "Hell yeah! I might have just met you, but I already know you're pretty cool. And really nice for not running away from Gracie, because we all know she's nuts." Aaron chuckled, ribbing at Grace.
  "Hey, that's not cool!" She hissed.
  Natie put her hand on my shoulder. "I know we're a little crazy, and we come on a little strong sometimes. But you can count on us. So, mates?"
  I smiled. "Friends."
  "Okay, who wants to catch some waves before it gets too late?" Aaron grinned.
  I blinked. "I don't know how."
  Grace laughed. "Well, you might as well learn from some of the best!"
  "Yeah, we'll teach ya!" Natie chirped. "You're gonna need a board first though, so we'll go shopping this week, 'kay?"
  I nodded.
  "Good. So in the mean time, how about you let us show you how it's done?" Aaron smirked.
  The two of them hopped onto their boards in the water, moving into the deeper end with their arms. They stayed on their stomachs until a big enough wave formed. They hopped on their feet and rode the wave, curving and swerving. The light of the sun bouncing off the water onto their skin made them glow. It was amazing.
  "Their good, huh?" Grace asked.
  I nodded. "Yeah. But I know I'll never get that good."
  Grace giggled. "You never know until you try. You might be amazing at it."
  "I doubt that," I mumbled, watching them surf.
  The two of them at one point started goofing off, splashing each other. They looked like a couple, though I had a strong feeling they weren't. When the waves died down, they both swam back to shore soaking wet. Aaron shook his head dry like a dog while Natie tried her best to avoid the water coming off his head.
  "Well, what did you think?" Aaron asked me.
  I had a hard time picking out the right words, so all that came out was,"It was... awesome."
  He laughed. "Glad you thought so."
  Grace looked at her watch in horror. "Oh no. It's pretty late. We should head back now, Krissy."
  "Hey, I'll come with you guys." Said Natie.
  "Yeah! Sure!" Grace exclaimed happily.
  Aaron tapped his foot. "You forgetting about someone?"
  "Oops, sorry!" Grace laughed, not sorry in the least.
  We all headed to the place where this entire 'tour' started. I felt more like myself. I hadn't felt that way in a long time. I had Grace to thank for that.
  Once we got to our block, Natie and Aaron headed into Grace's house for dinner. Grace and I were going to talk to my parents once more to explain why we came back so late.
  "Hey, Grace?" I asked.
  "Yeah?"
  "Why did you really do all of this? I mean, it's really unusual to just take someone you met that day to all these places. I mean, you must have a reason."
  "I have a reason." She replied as she stared up at the stars.
  "Care to tell me?"
  She smiled. "When the time is right, I'll tell."
  "Okay, and when will that be?"
  She giggled. "You'll know."