It was the kind of neighborhood in Pleasantville. White picket fences, friendly neighbors, pretty white two story houses...that was until I moved in the neighborhood I guess. I don't know, I think I say that because of what happened that summer. It was hot and of course I was dead set on planting flowers that day. I should have checked the weather map but I did not. Saturday came and it was pushing 95 degrees.
I was one of the younger women in town, almost twenty. It was obvious after about a week or so of living there, the nice neighborhood of Santa Monica. That day I had chosen to wear my short blue Jean shorts that were really made of felt material, with the appearance of jeans and a pink short sleeved shirt. I decided to be barefoot since I really didn't care if my feet got dirty. That's what soap and water was for.
I got all my flowers out of the garage where I had stored them when I got them the day before, and placed them on the dirt of the flowerbed where I would later plant them.
"Hello there..." Came a pleasant male voice behind me.
Looking up I saw a man who couldn't have been more than fifty. He was considerably taller than I but that was because I was still on my knees and he on his feet. He had blonde hair going grey at the temples and light brown eyes. He had sharp black glasses and wore jeans and a polo shirt as well as a kind smile as he continued to look down at me waiting for a reply. All I was thinking was 'How the fuck are you wearing jeans in this heat?'
Getting up I smiled, stuck out my hand and said hello.
Shaking it he said "I couldn't help but wonder why I haven't seen you in the area lately. Are you new here?"
"Yes I just moved from Washington state about a week or so ago."
"Why did you move?"
"I wanted a change in the weather."
"Ah."
I paused. Should I tell him the other reason? That I had to escape the place that had too many memories? Too many painful ones? No, I decided. I'd leave that out. But it slipped off my tongue anyways.
"My father died a few years ago. I tried for these three years to be strong but it seemed like everywhere I went he was with me."
"I understand. I'm very sorry," And with his words he gave a sympathetic look. There was something else.
Was this man checking her out? No he couldn't be...
"Well I hope to have a sort of fresh start here."
"I'm sure you'll love it. The people here are quite cordial," he stated, pushing up his glasses. His eyes narrowed as he spoke, a gleam in his eye visible. It was interesting because I felt I imagined it.
"I'm sorry," the stranger spoke. "I think I missed your name my dear."
"Kimberly Olsen. And you?"
"Karl Ricardo, it's a pleasure."
"Likewise."
He smiled and said he needed to be getting back to business he was doing inside and walked off towards his house next door.
"Karl?" I called. He turned.
"Your my neighbor?"
He grinned and nodded. "I believe so!"
And he disappeared inside through his garage. Karl's house matched the appearance of mine. Two stories, garage, walkway lined with flowers.
It was going to be nice here.
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