The Neighbors
As they walked across the street, Joyce whispered to Gilesto "Stop looking so depressed" and smiled brightedly as"Let's go say hi," Joyce declared.
"I'll be late to work," mumbled Giles.
"You'll be late, I'll be on time," Joyce replied.
"What about me?" Dawn asked.
Joyce got down, her dad slowly followed.
Dawn sighed.
they walked towards the house, boxes scattered on the lawn. An old silver Mercedes was parked on the drivway and in it was a stunning young woman.
"Welcome," said Joyce in her best "gallery" voice, "to the neighborhood. We're the Summers'. I'm Joyce Summers, this is my husband, Giles Summers, and my youngest daughter Dawn."
The woman observed them, then smiled, her red lips shiny. "Hello," her voice tinkled. Dawn never heard a ladie's voice who tinkled before, like small bells. "I'm Darla." then, smirking, "Harris, Darla Harris." Was she making fun of mom? Dawn flicked her eyes to her mom, who stiffened a little.
Joyce looked over the new neighbor critically this time. She didn't look older than 26. A military wife- the "Go Army" bumper sticker, the ginormous US Flag unfurling next to the front door, and the dog tags looped around the rearview mirror dead giveaways. Judging from the generous cleavage spilling from her peach top and stick-like body, she was a hussy. No doubt about it.
"Babe, where's the keys to the gun cabinet!" a voice boomed from the house. Some movers, lugging a black leather sofa paused at the doorway, then continued inside. Darla called out, "It's in the glove compartment!"
A tall man with slicked back graying hair, Daniel Harris had suspicious, critical eyes and a seemingly permanent thin-lipped frown. He stopped in front of the Summers', "Who are you?"
Joyce managed to keep a welcoming smile on her face, "My name is Joyce Summers, this is my husband and daughter. We live across from you."
Daniel nodded stiffly and introduced himself, "Daniel Harris-Marine Corps." He turned to Darla.
"Where are the boys?"
"They went to school."
"I thought you were going to go with them to help 'em enroll."
"They're big boys," Darla purred.
Joyce shifted uncomfortably at the innuendo. Giles looked on, a bored look on his face. Daniel stared at Darla, blinked then asked, "And Faith." Darla studied her nails, "With them I suppose."
Daniel shook his head, then turned to Giles, "Women can't live with 'em, might as well live without 'em."
Giles shrugged, "I suppose." Joyce jerked her elbow into his side. "Well, it was lovely to meet you. Come on dears. We're going to be late."