It was a searing hot summer day when I first laid my eyes on her. The cool breeze gave me a moment to get a good look. She was swinging on a set which by the looks of it really wasn't meant for someone as old as her. Well... not very old as the phrase would suggest, but more my age in comparison to a young child. In that instant I remembered her, more specifically the moment I heard of her. She was the hot topic of the previous school day among my friends.

The New Girl. So that's who everyone was talking about at school. I know because I've never seen her around this neighborhood, adding to that nobody ever really goes to that playground set anyways besides the mothers with their newborns.

Carefree, the way she just swings away with no regards to what people could criticize her for. Joyful, with that adorable looking smile, am I smiling too? Well that's quite embarrassing, gotta hide it quick. Can't help myself really, especially with her dark brown hair flowing freely in the soft breeze with every crest. She looks as if she likes it here, I'm glad for her.

I wonder where in town she lives?

Did she just look at me? Oh no, pretend you weren't watching! Keep walking, keep walking... Wipe that sweat off, no wait! Don't wipe the sweat off. She's gonna see you do it! If she asks, just say it's a hot day.

"Hey."

She greeted.

"Hi."

She smiled when I responded. I tried to do so as kindly as I could.

"I'm willing to bet you go to Willard Bach Secondary too, unless you're a man who looks younger than his actual age. You live around here?...This neighborhood I mean."

She asked. I nodded in reply.

"Yeah, all my life... my name's (Y/N). (Y/N) (L/N). You're the new girl, right? My friends were talking about you a lot back there at school."

I said, gesturing the way I came.

"A day there and I'm already famous?"

She laughed a little, I did too. This conversation is already as awkward as is.

"What can I say, pretty girls attract them like moths to the flame."

Melanie's eyebrows were raised as she smiled a little.

"Your friends think I'm pretty. That's nice of them."

"Yup, The Supreme Council of Nice Guys."

I replied.

"Hopefully not those kind of 'nice guys'."

She joked, adding air quotations to the remaining two words.

"Are you kidding? We practically gave birth to them."

I added on. We both laughed.

"As if, you don't seem like the type."

Melanie said.

"I hope not, if so that would suck. Oh, and thanks for the compliment." I made sure to thank her.

"No problem, Happy to compliment you, (Y/N)."

She gladly remarked. I just smiled back, trying to ignore my heart almost popping out of my chest.

"Yeah. Um. See you later. I gotta get home soon homework and all. Nice meeting you, Melanie."

I said, waving a little.

"Have a good one!" She called, giving me a peace sign.

She could not see it, but my interior self was panicking it's pants off. Of course I feel a little embarrassed whenever I talked to someone of the opposite gender. Whether not not I had something I was able to say. But nonetheless Melanie was quite gorgeous her eyes especially. They drew me in, hypnotized me. Not so much as so prevent me from becoming speechless but enough to reel in my full undivided attention.

I looked back at her one more time to see that she was heading back to the swing set. Going back to what she was doing even after catching someone staring and entering a full conversation with said person.

Mysterious. I like mystery. You've made a great choice coming here, Melanie. I'd love to have more... moments with you in the near future.

So sweet, so... joyful. Full of life.

But since you're new here, maybe I'll keep a wary eye on you. After all, there are a few shady characters you wouldn't want to be involved with in this place. You're new here and you're still adjusting, I'll respect that. But for our sake, I'll make sure to keep you safe. It's always preferable to have someone watching over you. Sort of like a guardian angel. Except I'm admittedly not much of an looker myself. Nevertheless, it'd be best if I was able to quickly take some steps to try and dull my introverted personality. All for you of course, beautiful.

Welcome to Little Valley, Melanie. You'll like it here.