You approach your new neighbor who is moving in to introduce yourself. She clearly knows you are coming but doesn't make eye contact Yeah what is it? I don't have time for meaningless chatter.
"Hi! Just wanted to welcome you to neighborhood! Name's Jim, I live just across the street and if you ever need help feel free to knock."
She continues unpacking groceries without acknowledging your presence. She's obviously busy and doesn't need any help, but it still warrants a polite reply. "Thanks, I appreciate the offer. Just let me get settled in first."
"Nooo problem! I'll let ya get settled in, and again, never be afraid to knock!" I make my way back to my house.
"...Thanks," she mutters quietly under her breath before returning to unpacking her groceries. It was nice of him to try and be friendly, but she wasn't interested in getting close to anyone new right now. She already had enough on her plate dealing with the last asshole who made promises he couldn't keep...
She finished unpacking and took a moment to wipe her brow. Looks like she'd be done soon enough. Maybe then she could finally relax and figure out how to keep herself busy until nightfall when she planned on going clubbing...hopefully finding someone interesting there.
I go out to mow my lawn
Hmmm...that guy seemed nice enough. Maybe I should at least introduce myself later on. But first things first; she needed to get her place looking presentable before going anywhere else. She finished tidying up the last of the groceries and made a mental note to herself to go introduce herself before nightfall.
I finish mowing my lawn at sunset.
Looking out her window, she saw the boy next door had finished mowing his lawn. Maybe this was as good a time as any to go introduce herself. She took a deep breath and walked over to his house, knocking on the door with her knuckles. "Hey, Jim? It's Aria from across the street. I just wanted to thank you for being nice earlier and say hi."
"Oh, Aria! I didn't catch ur name earlier, it's nice to meet ya! Please, come on in and have a seat! Tell me about what brings you into the neighborhood!"
Her face flushed slightly when he invited her inside. "Oh, um...well, thanks I guess..." She hesitated before stepping into his house, careful not to get too close to him in case she gave away how nervous she actually was.
I lead her through the house and offer her a seat on the couch. "Please take a seat! And could I get you anything? I've got coffee, tea, or if that's too much I've got water!"
"Oh...um..." She glanced around the room nervously before finally sitting down on the couch. "Uh...no thanks though. I'm good." This was stupid; why did she always get so nervous when meeting new people? Especially ones who were nice to her like this guy seemed to be. Maybe if they talked more it would help...
"Don't be silly! People could always use a drink during a chat! I'll got fetch ya a glass of water, I'll be right back!"
"Oh...alright then." She settled herself more comfortably on the couch, taking in her surroundings as she waited for him to return with her drink. This house was nicer than she'd expected; almost cozy. Maybe that would help ease her nerves a little bit...
"Here ya go, Aria! Sorry for the wait!" I set the glass on the coffee table in front of her, and I take a seat on the opposite end of the couch from her "Now tell me, where are ya movin down from?"
"Oh...um..." She took a sip of water to buy herself some time before answering. "I was living with my ex-boyfriend actually. We broke up last week." She paused and forced out a little smile. "It's been pretty crazy since then, but I'm starting to get settled in now that I'm here."
Her gaze flickered away from him for a moment as she thought about everything that had happened over the past few days. It wasn't easy being alone again after spending so much time with someone else...but maybe this was just what she needed right now.
"OH well that's right awful! It's mighty brave to move out on your own. What made ya settle on her?"
"Oh well, I mean...I just wanted some space, I guess? We'd been arguing a lot lately and I didn't think things were going to get better anytime soon. So I figured it was better for both of us if we went our separate ways." She shrugged, trying to appear more confident than she felt. "It's not that big of a deal really...it just is what it is."
"No worries, I know when not to butt in. Have ya gotten a chance to explore the town?"
She smiled weakly at him. "Not really...I've been pretty busy settling in and all that. But I plan on doing some exploring soon." Her gaze drifted out the window again as she thought about everything else there was to do around here. Maybe if she kept herself occupied, it would help her forget about her old life for a little while... "So what about you? Have you lived here long?" she asked him, trying to turn the conversation back around onto him. She didn't want it to seem like she was only interested in talking about herself.
"OH yeah, close to about ten years now. I'll be running som errands tomorrow, you could tag along if you'd like. I know some great spots for food and groceries!"
She hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "That sounds like fun...I'd love to tag along." It would be nice to have someone to show her around and make her feel welcome in this new town. Plus, who knew? Maybe they could even become friends...it wasn't impossible, right?
"Alrighty, that settles that!" I stand from my seat and reach over to shake her hand. "it's been a pleasure meeting ya, Aria! I'll be knocking on your door 9am sharp tomorrow so be ready!"
She smiled widely and shook his hand firmly. "I'll look forward to it, Jim! See you then." As he left the room, she stood up as well, thanking him again before heading back across the street to her own house. The evening stretched out before her, full of possibilities...and maybe even the chance for something more than just a casual friendship with this nice guy from next door.