Chapter 3 The Encounter

It was still 6 a.m. in the morning when James heard his Father taking a shower in the bathroom.

Still sleepy and tired from yesterday's journey James managed to get up from his bed and went straight to where he kept his toothbrush to brush his teeth.

Few minutes later Albert entered into the room as they slept in the same guest room and said "Good morning, You are already awake?"

"Yes dad, good morning I am already awake and I can see that you are preparing to leave". He replied

"Well it is a six hour journey and you know if I leave late I'll definitely arrive late so it is best I leave early so I don't get caught up in traffic." Albert said.

Joe was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast so the whole family could eat before they went to their various daily activities.

"That's it's right that dad." James replied as he walked to the kitchen to greet uncle Joe who was preparing them breakfast.

"Good morning Uncle Joe." He said

"Good morning James I hope you slept well" Joe replied

"Yes I did, although I am still a bit tired from yesterday's journey." James replied.

"Well as you can see I am already preparing breakfast for today so everyone gets to eat and have the strength for today. I'll be leaving for my work very early this morning while your dad will be traveling back. You'll be left all home alone. so take care of the house and do what is necessary like a little chores and above all feel free. My house is also your house." Joe said

"No problem I'll do all you said." He replied

"That's my boy!" Joe answered.

Few minutes later the family was gathered in the dining room all eating breakfast. They had a lights breakfast to kick start the morning (Oats).

Not up to 30 minutes Albert was done and set to go same thing applied with Joe who had to resume at the eatery for his morning shift.

"Bye uncle Joe! Bye Dad!" James said as he escorted them out of the house.

James then went back into the house to watch some TV and relax.

About an hour after, he had a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he said as he walked towards the door to open.

Behold it was a pretty young blonde hair girl of his age or a year younger.

Astonished by her looks, James became speechless.

"Hi, is Joe around?" She asked

"No he just left for work about an hour ago." He replied

"Okay tell him I came to see him when he gets back." She said

"And why did you come to see him if I may ask?" James asked

"I'm his neighbor and I needed some help in changing my room bulb. It's got blown and I was looking forward to him assisting me to change it since I am not good at those stuffs." She said

"Oh okay I could help you with that." He proposed.

"Really? That would be so kind of you if you can." she said.

He then stepped outside of the door and followed to her house which was opposite Joe's.

"You leave here alone?" He asked.

"No I live with my parents but they are currently out of town and will be back in 3 days time so you could say I live here alone for now." She replied with a smile.

"By the way, my room is this way". she pointed as she went towards the pointed direction. James also followed her.

She then pointed her hands up and said "This is the blown bulb I need your assistance in changing."

"Alright! So where is the new bulb so I can get it replaced for you." James asked

"It's on the table over there." she said as she went to go get it beside her bed.

"Is there anything I could stand on because I am not tall enough to reach the height of the lamp holder." he said jokingly.

"Yeah sure! let me go and get you is stool to stand on." she replied as she went into the kitchen quickly to get one.

"There you go" she said and dropped the stool beneath the the lamp holder which hung on the ceiling.

James climbed and got her bulb replaced in no time.

Still standing on the stool, He called out. "Try switching on the bulb let's see".

Click... She switched it on

"Yay it's worked!" she said with joy.

"Thank you so much for the assistance I really appreciate your kind gesture." She added

"By the way I'm Anita how about you?" She asked

"I'm James." he replied.

"Okay James, Nice to meet you and thank you once again for helping me change my room bulb." Anita said

"It's nothing". he replied as he made his way towards the door.

"Leaving already?" she called out

"Yes I am" he said even though deep down he didn't want to leave but needed to act cool and not suspicious.

"No do not be in a hurry I was just about having some snacks. You could join me I insist. At least to repay you for your kind gesture." she said.

"Alright then" James replied as he sat in the living room thinking about how he could make his next move on impressing her.

"I don't really see Joe with visitors. Who are you to him If I may ask?" Anita said while bringing in some chips.

"Well he's my uncle so we are really close and above all we are family." James answered

"Oh I see! that's interesting." she said.

"So where do you school?" James asked.

"I just finished high school this year. I'm looking forward to entering college." She replied

"And what do you intend to study in college if I may ask?" James said

"Music. I really have a passion for music and I sing so well. My dream is to become a highly recognized singer someday." Anita said

"That's a really good career." James said with a smile on his face as he crunched his chips.

"This chips taste really good! Did you make them yourself?" he asked.

"Yes I did and thank you for the compliment." She replied.

"How about you, where do you school?" Anita asked.

"You and me are in similar shoes. I just finished high school this year as well and want to enter college soon to pursue my career as a doctor." He answered

"Oh a doctor!" she said with surprise.

"Dr James I have a slight headache do you know what I could use? she asked jokingly.

"Hahahahaha" James laughed.

The discussion went on for over an hour and that was when James said "Thank you so much for the snacks. Your chips really tasted nice." he said.

"Thank you too for changing my room bulb. I guess I'll see you around." She replied

"Yeah sure! You definitely will." He said as they both walked towards the door.

"Bye Anita!" James said

"Bye James!" she said with the warm smile on her face as she closed the door after James left.