I slowly made my way down the stairs rolling my oxygen tank behind me.
Step by step it clambered loudly down onto the hardwood.
I had always felt bad for it jacking up the floor, but my Mom insisted she was going to get new flooring anyways.
Probably after I was gone.
After I had made the "year long" trip down the steps I strode for the kitchen out of breath.
Huffing and puffing I took a seat at the bar and watched as my mom pulled out some grape jelly from the fridge.
In front of me rested peanut butter along with a stack of four pieces of bread.
Peanut butter and jelly had always been my favorite.
I know, I'm such a little kid.
"Ding! Ding!"
The door bell sounded.
Without a word my Mother hurried for the front entryway of our little home.
I didn't know she was expecting anyone.
I heard the door creak open and seconds later I could hear a gentle voice.
"Hello, ummm I'm a little new to the neighborhood. I'm looking for a Scarlett Johnson?"
As soon as I heard my name I stood from my seat and walked for the front door.
I turned into the entryway to see a tall boy towering over my mom.
He had curly thick brown hair and pale skin.
I met his eyes seconds later, they were a chocolate hazel.
He was wearing a green and black flannel paired with black skinny jeans and the black ink of a guitar was apparent upon one of his muscular forearms.
Beautiful.
He flashed a smile in my direction revealing his pearly whites.
I timidly approached them and once I stopped a foot away the boy spoke.
"Hey, I'm Greyson Ford. I just moved in a few doors down and wanted to meet some neighbors!"
He told me happily, his cheeks almost seemed to be turning a shade darker as he held eye contact with me.
How did he know my name?
"So, you don't know Scarlett?"
My Mom questioned almost as if she had read my mind.
"People talk a lot around here and someone mentioned her."
He said shyly.
"I just wanted to be friendly, that's all. I mean I know I'll be going to school with her, just wanted to make some friends."
He smiled.
He probably heard the gossip about my cancer.
I hoped not.
He met my eyes again and I smiled a real smile.
I noticed my Mom get giddy at the sight of my expression.
It had been so long since I had smiled for real.
"Well that was awfully kind of you."
My Mom spoke up after a few quiet moments.
"Would you like to come in for some lemonade and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"
I found myself asking.
A little shocked with myself I dropped my eyes.
I could feel my own cheeks warming up at that point.
"I would love to!"
Greyson practically sang, and with that my Mom stepped aside allowing the tall boy to enter our home.