Reagan

"We can't, Aiden's here and my parents are on the way."

"Tonight, leave the window open."

Though she seems reluctant she nods, and just like that, I'll be alone with Dainy tonight. I head back to my ride while my mind recalls the first time, I saw Dainy.

I’d never forget the day when the Hallows moved in, my best friend Lucan and I were ten. We were flying my helicopter around my house. It was Lucan’s turn when he tripped over one of the fountain rocks and lost control of the remote.

The helicopter went over the fence and got caught in the tree next door. Lucan was inspecting his bruised knee, that was going to swell up like a roasted marshmallow. I’d never say a thing about it though, it wasn't our way, we were boys not sissies.

I left him alone to go get the helicopter and stopped short when I saw a tiny girl with open waist length light blonde hair already climbing up the tree to fetch it.

Waiting at the bottom, I scratched my head and watched her steadily climb up the thick trunk.

When she got my helicopter, I expected her to throw it down, I even lifted up my hands ready to catch it, but she didn't. Surprising me she stuffed it under her t-shirt. More than half of the body didn't fit, but it was enough to secure it until she got back down to the ground.

My friends would've teased her by doing that but I was raised differently. My dad taught me to always see the bigger picture and I did. The girl was smart.

When she landed a few feet away from me, she pulled my toy out and turned to face me. She had to look up ‘cause I towered over her even then.

Her brown eyes were small and her chubby cheeks were all pink and flushed.

I stuck my hand out for her to give me my helicopter so I can go, but she took my hand in her free tiny, dirty one and shook it, “I'm Dainy Hallow, nice to meet ya.”

“Reagan, ah, Reagan Orniel.”

Her curious stare made me blush, even then she was so confident, making her sound older than I thought this tiny girl was, "How old are you Dainy.”

“Eight n a half, and you?”

“Ten, can I have my helicopter back.” Her smile was way too bright when she handed it back to me.

Then I noticed we were still holding hands and quickly took mine back.

I walked away that day without a backward glance and stopped only for a sec when she yelled, “It was nice meeting you Reagan.”

I didn't respond but shook my head smiling, the helicopter dangling from my hand.

The sun seemed to shine brighter when I got back to Lucan sitting in the same position, I left him, “What you smiling at?”

I laughed at my best friend’s grouchy face, shaking my head, “Nothin’.”

He got up from the floor, dusting out his shaggy black hair and frowned at my smiling blue eyes, “Don't nothing me Orniel spill it.”

I looked over the fence at the tall tree shaking my head, “Nothin’ let's play.” And that was the first time I met Dainy Hallow.

Jumping into my Rover, I drive the one minute it takes to get to my front gate. The three-meter-high bronze gate opens when I press the button attached to the driver's door.

Going around the mermaid fountain, down the driveway which splits into a four-way fork, I carry on straight toward the main house. The vibration in my pocket doesn't go unnoticed as I sling my bag over my shoulder slamming the door with my size ten Jordan's.

Without checking the I.D, I bark, “What,” to the other end of the line.

“Hey, Reagan, It's Lizzy.”