Inside, the house was more beautiful than outside.  The flooring was dark hardwood but there were blue rugs strewn all over it, especially in the foyer where I was standing.  The walls were just white but the trimming was the same as the floor.  There were people everywhere I looked.  To the left was what looked like a living room, couches and chairs were pushed aside to make room for everyone dancing and talking.  The crowd mostly surrounded Ben.  I was surprised when I heard Smashing Pumpkins playing on the stereo.  To the right was obviously the kitchen.  I decided I would start there since the kitchen had been my home for as long as I could remember.  Glen had already left me alone.

I was engulfed in good smells and laughter.  My stomach instantly started to grumble when I smelt chocolate chip cookies.  I licked my lips when I saw some fresh from the oven.  Maybe they wouldn’t notice if I…

“Are you Spencer?”  I snatched my hand back and turned around so quick I was afraid I would get whiplash.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Ah, it is nice to meet you.  I’m Patty Montanio, your step-father’s mother.  You can call me Mrs. Montanio.” Her smile looked inviting yet her eyes were anything but.  They were brown just like Ben’s except hers seemed to bore through my skull nitpicking the hell out of my brain.

I decided against getting on her bad side and glaring back considering I would be staying in her house.

“Excuse her, she doesn’t play well with others.” A smiling, graying man came to stand behind her.  His smile reached his eyes and I immediately liked him.  I couldn’t help but giggle at his comment a little.  Even Mrs. Montanio cracked a smile.

“I’m Ben’s father, Archie.  You can call me anything but Mr. Montanio.”  I shook his hand.

“Spencer.  Can I call you Mr. M?”

“Certainly”

We all pretty much just stood around in the kitchen cooking food for dinner tonight.  It was Ben’s favorite, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and strings beans.  I met some pretty cool people too.  Maria Duarte was one of Ben’s childhood friends, Edward Dennison was the town doctor, Clarke and Sarah Lewis lived next door on the left, and Christine and Raife Davies lived next door on the right.  I was beginning to get nervous about me and Glen being the only teenagers here when they reassured me they all had children my age.  They said they were in the living room waiting for dinner to be ready.

Three more introductions, four little kids, and one spilled drink later, it was time to eat.  I was anxious about meeting the others. I have a bad habit of making bad first impressions.

10 years earlier… 

“Well hello there.  Who are you young lady?”

“My mom named me Spencer.  Who are you old man?”  As soon as the words left my mouth I realized how rude that probably sounded.

“Ben”

“Hey Spence!” I was slightly annoyed to be interrupted from my memory but smiled to myself at Mr. M’s use of my nickname.

“Yes sir?”

“Would you be a dear and go next door to get Ashley.”

“Sure but-”

“It’s the house directly to the right.  She’s a nice girl, don’t worry.” 

“Um, okay then.” 

“If you’re not back within the hour I promise to call the police.”  His joke and small smile are what finally eased my discomfort.

Standing on the porch of the Davies house, I lifted my hand to knock before I put it back down again.  This continued for a couple minutes until I eventually rapped on the oak door twice.  If she didn’t like me I wouldn’t put it past her to make my time here hell, it has happened before.  The knob turned.