Chapter 1-3

1 The Empty House 2 The Neighbor 3 The Backpack

The Empty House

 

Nick lived on a good street. There were several families nearby with teens just a few years younger or older, so on weekends and most days after school, there was usually someone to hang with or something to do. Usually, 'someone' was his friend Trevor, and the 'something-to-do' was usually skateboarding.

 

He was bummed that Mitch and Jilian, just three houses down, had moved away. He hoped another family with high school teens might buy the now vacant home. The ‘For Sale’ sign didn’t seem to be working very well. Nothing happened for five weeks. Then, on the last Monday in April after school, Nick saw an old station wagon parked in front of the house. The 'For Sale' sign was gone.

 

The Stranger

 

When Nick stepped out his front door the following Saturday morning, he found his friend Trevor skateboarding in his driveway, which was a good deal steeper than Trevor's driveway. It was late spring, and the morning was already warm. Just as his father raised the garage door to bring out the lawn mower, Nick saw their new neighbor do the same. Nick backhanded his friend on the arm and pointed out the new guy on the block. “I know,” agreed Trevor. “Let’s check it out.”

 

They jumped on their boards and rolled down the block. As they approached, a man with short, light brown hair, a goatee beard and wire-rim glasses walked across the driveway to meet them at the sidewalk. “Hi,” said Nick.

 

“Good morning. Are you the welcoming committee?”

 

“Guess so. I’m Nick. This is Trevor.”

 

On cue, Trevor gave his usual greeting: “Hey,” accompanied by a quick, backwards head-tilt.

 

“I’m Jude,” he answered. “Where do you fellas live?” Trevor pointed out his house on the other side of the street. Nick turned to do the same, and nearly groaned when he saw his father already on his way to join the meeting.

 

Trevor said, “You must have sneaked your moving van in at night. We didn’t even know you were moved in yet.”

 

“I didn’t need a moving van; I don’t own very much,” explained Jude.

 

“Oh.” Nick didn’t know how to respond to that so he asked the only question he could think of. “You got a family?”

 

“No, I don’t. It’s just me.” Nick’s dad stepped forward then, offering his hand as Jude introduced himself. “I’m Jude.”

 

“Hi. Name’s David - Nick’s father. Welcome to the neighborhood.” Then with a gentle hand on his son’s shoulder, he said, “C’mon, boys. Let’s give Jude a chance to get settled.”

 

“Oh, I’m fine. I'm grateful for the company. Come by anytime.”

The Backpack

 

On Sunday, the weather was just as nice. Nick and Trevor were out on their boards right after breakfast. “Hey, Nick.” Hearing his name, Nick looked up and saw Jude coming toward them.

 

“Hey, Jude. Heading out?” asked Nick.

 

“Just for a walk. I always go for a walk on Sunday. See you guys later.”

 

"Later," offered Nick, but he doubted that Jude heard him. Jude had a quick step; he was already too far down the street for any more conversation. Nick noticed the backpack that Jude carried. Jude walked perfectly upright, not bent forward like Trevor did when all his schoolbooks were in his backpack. So the pack wasn’t very heavy, but it certainly looked full.  “I like him.”

 

“What?” asked Trevor, as he attempted a three-sixty.

 

“Jude. He seems …I don’t know…cool.”

 

Trevor kicked up his board and followed Nick’s gaze. “Yeah. I guess so.” Trevor watched for a moment longer and nodded. “Yeah, he’s alright.”