Julia's POV
The elegance of their home. Our house has the same design and type as ours, however, it is more lovely and spacious here, "Baby Shan would be in the room first, so he can rest; it also has air conditioners."
I followed Mrs. Anderson into a bedroom. The room was also big, and I noticed a kid sleeping. "Just lay him down on the bed," she said and I agreed.
After putting Shan to rest in the single bed, I went downstairs and stayed with my parents in the living area. Mrs. Anderson eventually joined with their son on the drop. Once I realized that he must be my classmate who is Anderson, I was flabbergasted.
"This is John Anderson, my son," says the mom. She welcomed us and her son, "Here are the Avery family, John. These are a lovely couple, your Aunt Judy and Uncle Immanuel are here to greet you. Also, their lovely daughter -"
"Julia," John Anderson interrupted his mother. Before he said my identity, I was caught off guard and my heart skipped a beat. Did he remember me?
"Did you guys know each other?" Mr. Anderson asked from the dining room as if he had overheard our conversation.
"Not by a long shot. She is just a new classmate who arrived earlier," he replied with a shrug as if he didn't care.
"It's extremely lucky that my daughter already knows someone," says my mother. They all chuckled as Mom muttered as if she'd been very pleased. I sighed and subconsciously rolled my eyes.
"Come on, let's eat," she says. We entered the dining room and took a seat. Mrs. Anderson prayed first, then began to eat.
We continue to discuss academics and everything until they bring up a topic relevant to their life. They talked about themselves, which is completely bland and uninteresting.
John suddenly tapped me on my shoulders, I immediately turned my attention towards him, "Are you willing to go out with me? Let's go for a stroll and I'll show you around the town," I nodded and advised him first to seek permission from my mother, as she might not allow me to leave.
"I hate to intrude, but I'll just ask for everybody's permission if it's okay for us to just go out," John said, drawing everyone's notice to him. "I mean, since it's just 7:00 p.m., I can just go around and show her out. Is everything all good with it?"
My Mom and I exchanged glances, and he turned to my father, asking for his approval. I saw he nodded, and Mom agreed as well.
"Alright, as long as you don't have much more than ten p.m., you should be good. It's a curfew, too," Mrs. Anderson concurred.
We immediately stepped away from the dining table when I realized I needed to check on Baby Shan, "Let me check on Shan. He is in your sister's room."
"Sure, I'll come along with you. Faith is the name of my sister," When I heard her name, I smiled. Faith is a truly lovely name.
We headed upstairs and into his sister's room together, where I found the two of them still sleeping. Faith, in particular, has a charming look.
Mrs. Anderson had told us that she is a gifted child. She is only two years old, yet her acts are the same as a five-year-old as if she has matured as a two-year-old.
I saw John glanced at me when I looked at him. When we both stared, there seemed to be some kind of electricity flowing, which I find weird.
Everything seemed to freeze on until Shan started to cry, at which point I realized what had happened. I pulled him up and carried him to a comfortable position "Shhh. It's okay, honey; I'm here."
He didn't stop crying so I look over John, "Come on, John, I'll take him to my Mom first, he seems to be hungry."
He smiled and nodded, "That's all fine. I'll be waiting for you."
We left the room, but I noticed how sheepishly he smiled as he walked away.
John's POV
I can't seem to stop thinking about Julia while I wait for her.
I had previously considered her to be fantastic. She is, in my opinion, a wonderful person.
To be honest, I felt embarrassed while I was with her since it felt like there was some type of electricity in her twinkling eyes that I couldn't explain.
I also managed to forget about Kate's pain once I was around her as if I hadn't just gone through a painful break-up.
I adjusted myself as I looked at the door and saw Julia come out and approach me, "I apologize for keeping you waiting. So, how about we get started?" She was kind, and it was clear that she was looking forward to our trip.
"There's no need to apologize. It's perfectly OK," I started it with a smile on my face. When she nodded, I yanked her around the city.
We live in Camella Homes and have lived there for approximately a year. We walked to this small town and showed him the routes and detours till we were both dumbfounded.
I had no idea where we were because I figured we were just strolling around until I realized we were at the Grand Palace Restaurant.
We walked a little too far, and it was a little uncomfortable. I didn't know where to begin, but I attempted to break the silence.
"Do you think you'll like it here? I am talking about here in Butuan City. Butuan and Davao City are not the same."
She smiled and nodded "Yes, indeed! This is a nice place to be. But it's not too crowded, and I'm missing my friends," she explained, "At school, others are nice as well, though not everyone, and I made a new friend, Queen."
As she went on, I nodded "Regarding your friend named King, I have the feeling that he loves Queen but suppresses his feelings. But don't bother, it's just my crazy instinct. It's all due to the way he teases Queen."
I stopped and turned to face her, saying, "You sensed it as well," we both chuckled, "I usually try to persuade King to confess to her, but he refuses. Perhaps it's because Queen is a nerd and King is a well-known basketball player."
"It was the same at my old school; you'll be lucky if you're not famous and dating a hunk."
It was as though I felt something in my body as she smiled, "Good thing and I'm not like them," it's something like sparks again.
"Really?" she questioned sarcastically before abruptly leaving me as she walked away quickly.
Woooooow!
I followed her up because she ran. All of a sudden, I stumbled on a rock!
"Even though there is no water, why are you swimming there?" Julia cracked a sheepish smile.
I seemed a little astounded by her because I had no idea she had this aspect of her. That was a superb one!
"You're going to pay for this, Avery! Argh!" I was joking, and I stood up and shook the dirt off my hoodie and jeans.
"Are we now on a last-name basis? Okay, ANDERSON, it's fine with me. I'll pay in full," she made me chuckle since she was emphasizing my surname.
"Are you a player of the basketball team?" she inquired cynically, "As to what, exactly? Benchwarmer?"
I acted to be surprised. I know she's joking, yet, "Please excuse me. Ever since I've become the best shooter in the universe. I've always been active, that I've been well-known since I was in 8th grade," I told her proudly.
"So, that indicates you're dating someone because most basketball players have a girlfriend," she said, putting her arm around me as if I were simply a cool mate.
My jolly expression turned completely serious after hearing it. I haven't even thought about Kate all night, and that isn't it. Since the breakup a month ago, this is the first time I've felt so alive.
"Perhaps we shouldn't talk about that anymore," I suggested as she glanced at me.
Her smile faded slightly, and all she did was nod, "Okay, that's enough. That was below the belt and I'm sorry," her voice sounded softer as if she were an angel. She started to look around, "So, where exactly are we right now?"
I grinned and imagined where we would be heading "Hey, come on! We're going towards my favorite place," I said and then yanked her away.
We easily walk to the Capitol and keep heading to Hugot Coffee shop.
"Welcome to the city of -"
"Welcome as well," I said quietly. As my friend saw me at their coffee shop, he was blown away.
"Amazing! What are you doing in this place? Shouldn't you just be weeping right now? Have you moved on, ...?"
Then he spotted Julia, he stopped and just seemed surprised.
Even I was confused as to how he looked astonished when he looked down, and why he acted that way.
"What happened to you, bro?" I asked as soon as I glanced, I can see my hand was still holding hers.
I reverted it immediately because I was uncomfortable and didn't want my friend Derek Jones to think something else.
"Anyway, this is Julia Avery," I said, "She's our new next-door neighbor. Julia, this is my friend, Derek Jones," I said as I gazed towards her.
"Hello," Julia said with a smile, "It's nice to meet you," she said.
"It's also great to meet you. Come on over here, grab a seat, and maybe order something," As Derek suggested, we sat at a two-person table.
"Awesome. Derek, can you show me where your restroom is?" Derek indicated the direction of their restroom. Derek came up to stand with me as Julia walked away.
"Wow! That was quick. Is this your new chick?"
"You moron, she's simply my neighbor," I laughed, "she's my friend."
"Let's admit it, bro. You've been thinking about Kate, so you're just in denial."
"Oh, dude. Can you please shut up?"
Julia came to the table and spoke with Derek, "It is quite comfortable here. But is there anything restaurants over there?" She indicated a different place outside.
"There are a few fast foods and restaurant alternatives. Calda Pizza and Ice Factory is a pizza and ice cream parlor in Calda, California. The Backyard Restaurant is located on the opposite side of the road. There are numerous restaurants in this area."
"Did you know that his family owns and operates this restaurant?" Julia was flabbergasted when I told her the story.
Derek handed us the menu and stated, "Our family owns this and our house is just nearby."
"What do you want? Have you already decided what you want to order? Don't worry, I'll pay it," While deciding on the menu, I reassured her.
"Okay. Then it's just the dessert. Ice cream mixed cookies and cream," I gave a nod.
I turned to Derek while clutching a list, "Just two ice creams, bro; you know what my favorite flavor is." I muttered something, and Derek walked out in front of us to serve out our orders.
Derek sat on the other side of the table after the ice cream was delivered.
"Can you tell me where you're studying?" Derek enquired about Julia. Why isn't he informed of it? Maybe he was absent from class yet again.
"Agusan High," she replied, smiling at him as she ate her ice cream.
"Is that right? What strand are you taking? Isn't it nice at school, even though the path is a rocky one?"
When he inquired, I quietly hit him on the shoulder, "Ooh my! Bro! What was that for?!"
"Why do you keep on asking? Where were you at school this morning?" I inquired.
"I didn't go to school because I was late for class. Last night, there were a lot of customers, so I stayed up all night," With one hand on his back, he said.
So there you have it. Isn't he incredibly dedicated? Hopefully, I will also be a hard-working person.
"And that's the reason. She is our new classmate in our class. Didn't you see it in our group chat if that's the case?"
Derek's eyes widened as he fixed his gaze on Julia, "Oh, my bad. That's what they meant about the transferee."
"Yes, that's me. I'm the only new student and transferee in the school. By the way, please add me to the group chat. Are you the only one working here? I mean, you work at all hours of the day and night?" Julia asked as she ate.
"It would only happen once. I'm overloaded, especially at school. I don't work on weekdays as there are so many assignments, especially projects. My parents are resting temporarily, so I only worked last night. Now, as they've left for a party, I'll work today, but promise, bro, I'll go to bed early today so I can get up early tomorrow."
"Good luck with that," I remarked, and we resumed chatting.