Heartbeats And Dimples: Love Next Door

PROLOGUE

As he went home from school, Alden observed the two moving trucks parked in front of the house across that had been for sale for three months. Currently, the property, which had been left by the previous owners who moved overseas, was bustling with activity as physically fit men lugged box after box inside. He paused for a moment, wondering who the new owners were, but the movers were the only people outside. Just as he was ready to leave for home, a girl in a wheelchair emerged through the front entrance. Her long hair was pinned back to show off her lovely face, but the oxygen hose on her nose warped her appearance. She was around thirteen years old. She had a yellow teddy bear in her arms. An older man, most likely her father, stood behind her. "Would you be fine here while we fix the house?" He said something that Alden heard. The girl grinned as she looked up. "Yes, Dad," she replied. I can read the book I have here. I'll be alright, so don't worry about me." Before going back inside, her father gave her a head kiss. For a few more seconds, the girl kept her face focused on the door where her father vanished, and then she picked up the book that was stuck to the chair's side. She pulled it open and began to read. Alden turned to go home, but the girl's eyes met his as he looked up. Alden had never seen brown eyes as expressive as hers. Her eyes reveal a new type of fortitude within her, even with the oxygen tubing wrapped around her nose. For a moment, he was enthralled, but then the girl turned back to her book. As though awakened from a trance, Alden blinked again. After giving a small shake of his head, he turned back to face his own home. Rebecca, the girl, looked up again when Alden turned to go home. Her new neighbor piqued her interest. Even with his spectacles on, he looked adorable. He appeared to be around sixteen. The child became interested in the new occupants of this house, which must have been deserted for a long time. Rebecca hoped he would be curious enough to come talk to her. Being alone all the time with only books to keep you company seemed incredibly lonely. Especially in a new community, one companion would ease her ordeal. She hoped it was the boy who lived next door. He appeared to be a decent man. Rebecca let out a sigh. "That's what happens when you read too much," she thought, "you start believing in fairy tales." With another sigh, she returned to her book and began reading. She had no idea that her wish would soon come true.

After much persuasion, Alden was able to persuade his mother to welcome the Mendozas to their neighborhood as a neighbor. The Mendozas had moved into the house across from theirs three days prior. He wanted to visit the girl again, but he was unable to do so for three days. The idea of someone so young being confined to a wheelchair attracted him. Being pent up in the house alone without someone to talk to must be lonely for her. Alden sincerely hoped to become friends with her and wanted to get to know her.

His mother said that their neighbors would still be fixing their house, so they postponed the meeting. Numerous things would need to be organized. It would take some time for their neighbors to be prepared to welcome guests because of the size of their house.

Alden thus had to wait for three days. When he got home from school every day, he would glance over their gates to see what commotion was coming from the neighbor's house. And he would rush to his mother every day to ask if they might come over. But his mother always said no. Every time he was annoyed, Alden would go up the stairs to his bedroom and pout. And he would always worry about what the girl would be up to. Was she going to be in her room? Is she going to read a book? Was she asleep? What kind of music is she interested in? What kind of book is she interested in reading? Every time, he would be thinking about these questions.

When he finally got home from school on the third day, he noticed his mother repairing something in the kitchen.

"What's all this?" As he observed his mother setting out some containers containing her unique pasta recipe, Alden inquired.

"I thought you wanted to welcome our neighbors?" His mom inquired.

"Seriously?" Alden questioned incredulously. To conceal the smile that slowly developed on his lips, he pushed his spectacles to the ridge of his nose. He would see her at last! This was what he had been waiting for for three days! Trying not to show his excitement, he thought to himself.

"Are you just going to stand there and smile stupidly?" His mother said. Or will you get out of your uniform and come greet our neighbors with me? Something you've been nagging me to do for the past three days, I might add."

Alden said, "Give me 10 minutes," and hurried to his room.

He threw his backpack on one side of the room, began hastily unbuttoning his uniform, flung open the doors of his wardrobe, and looked about for something respectable to wear. He was flinging shirts in an attempt to find the ideal one that would make a good impression.

Alden hurried back down with a minute to spare, dressed in sneakers, denim shorts, and a blue polo shirt. When he was within arm's reach, his mother gave him a bag that had already been packed. Pushing his glasses back, he took the bag and followed his mother out their front door and across the street to the house.

When Rebecca observed them go through their front door and head for their gate, she was staring out her window. She became restless.

"He's on his way!" As she began to pace her room, she thought. She was too excited to disguise it. She couldn't help becoming enthusiastic, even though she knew it was terrible for her. At last, she would be able to meet the enigmatic boy with the spectacles who lived next door. She had been hoping for it ever since they came here.

She was aware of their approach. That morning, Mrs. Faulkerson went to her mother as she was reading a book outside in her wheelchair.

"Hi!" exclaimed the woman next door. She came up to her mom, who was outdoors gardening as she took a break from repairing the interior of their new house. They introduced themselves and shook hands. "My name is Rio Faulkerson and I live next door with my son Alden."

Her mother said, "Mary Anne Mendoza," and pointed to her. "That's my daughter, Rebecca."

Rebecca acknowledged the newcomer with a brief wave in their direction. She pretended to read again, but she was still listening in on their talk.

"Do you need help with anything?" After the chitchat was over, Rio inquired. "My son and I don't really mind helping out."

"Well," said her mother. One room at a time, we're repairing everything. Rebecca needed to be comfortable, so we started by fixing her room. We've been ordering takeout ever since we arrived because the kitchen needs a lot of repair."

When Rio said, "I have a great idea," "I'll prepare my special pasta dish for you. Compared to the takeout your family has been eating, it would be a difference.

"I wouldn't want to impose..."

"Nonsense!" Rio promised. "I would be delighted to do so. Furthermore, I don't think Rebecca should continue eating takeout because it's not healthy. Do you not agree?

Mary Anne sighed as she turned to see her daughter. She was concerned about Rebecca's diet. Her doctor has been advising them to avoid it because it is unhealthy. She had no choice but to order takeout for her family because she still couldn't fix her kitchen. Rebecca was trying to help as much as her weakened condition would allow, putting up a brave front. She always smiled reassuringly at you and never grumbled.

Rebecca suffered as a result of this action as well. She was so out of breath from the five-hour drive from Bulacan to Santoria that they had to start giving her oxygen as soon as she arrived to help her breathe. She never objected, though, and cooperated when they forced her to sleep outside while they fixed the interior of the house to make it habitable.

"Yes," Mary Anne said, putting an end to her daydream, grinning at Rio. I truly appreciate that. At least we won't be eating greasy fries and tasteless burgers. Thank you.

"Don't mention it," Rio said. "I'll prepare a meal for tonight. I'll stop by with my kid to provide the food.

"Why don't you and your son join us for dinner?" Mary Anne recommended it.

"What?" Rebecca instantly regretted her comments and gasped. Her mother gave her a troubled look while the other two women gazed at her. Rebecca instantly searched her mind for a way to respond, "I apologize. This is a very startling story. I lost myself in the present.

"You're reading Harry Potter, sweetheart," said Mary Anne, raising an eyebrow. You've already read the series three times. In a novel that you know by heart, what might surprise you?

"Dumbledore's death always surprises me, mom," Rebecca replied sarcastically. "It's one of those climaxes that you really can't get over even if you read it over and over and over."

Her mother simply "hmm'ed" an answer while maintaining an elevated eyebrow. Mrs. Faulkerson's lips formed a smile, which she covered to conceal it. "Anyway, as I was saying," Mary Anne said, turning back to her and carrying on their talk. Come to supper with us. Since we're new here, we could really need some buddies. Furthermore, Rebecca is in dire need of a friend. I hope it's okay with your son.

"It was actually my son's idea to reach out to you," Rio laughed in response. "He's been pestering me to welcome you to the neighborhood."

"I'm liking your son already," Mary Anne smiled in response. "I beg you to come to dinner with us. Having at least one friend present would be fantastic.

"If you insist," said Rio. "We would be honored to join you for dinner."

Rio claimed she had to begin preparing their meal, but the two women continued to talk. However, after learning that they would be joining them for dinner-that HE would be there for dinner-Rebecca blocked their conversation. She was shocked to learn that it was his idea in the first place. He would nag his mom to come see us, but why? Was he interested in becoming friends with her, or was he just curious?

They crossed the street to Rebecca's house now. To relax, she inhaled deeply a few times. She consistently checked on her health throughout the day. In order to avoid needing oxygen while their guests were there, she took care to avoid overexerting herself. Her goal was to leave a positive impression. She desired Alden's approval. She really wished to become his buddy.

She rushed out of her room and down the stairs as the doorbell rang out of sheer excitement. When she arrived at the first floor, she was a little breathless.

"Rebecca!" Her mother sobbed with fear.

Just as she turned to face her, Rebecca said, "I'm all right, Mom. Just a little breathless.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, mom," was her response. "I promise."

Before opening the door, Rebecca inhaled deeply a couple more times.