July 1989

“Push me higher Eric!” I giggled as my best friend pushed me on the swing in his family’s backyard. We were just two four year -olds enjoying life. But we both knew that this was the last time we would see each other; possibly forever. “I wish I didn’t have to move,” I whimpered as we saw my mom approach us. “Mommy I don’t wanna leave!” I said, tears now streaming down my face.

She sighed and took me off the swing. “I know sweety, but this is a good opportunity for Daddy. Now say bye-bye to Eric; Daddy said everything is ready to go.” I started crying harder and threw my arms around Eric for dear life.

Let me paint the picture for you. Eric Staal and I were best friends since birth; being next door neighbors. My dad got a new job in Texas when I was four, forcing us to move.

”No! I don’t wanna leave Eric, Mommy! I love him tons!” I sobbed. Eric was hugging me back, so Mom had to pry us away from each other.

I looked at Eric through blurry eyes and saw that he was crying, too, and that two year old Marc, ten month old Jordan, and Mr. and Mrs. Staal had joined us. “Mommy, don’t let them leave!” Eric wailed from his father’s arms.

Mom then picked me up as well. “Alright sweetheart, say goodbye; Daddy is waiting.” Then Mr. and Mrs. Staal kissed my head lovingly; I was like their unofficial only daughter. I couldn’t even say anything I was crying so hard, so all I could do was wave as Mom walked us to the car. She put me in my car seat, got into her seat, and Dad drove away.

Present Day

That was the last time I saw any of the Staals in person; until today. My dad got transferred from Texas back to Thunder Bay, so we moved back. Luckily, we were able to get our old house, right next to the Staals, back. None of the boys knew we were coming back, but Linda and Henry did.

We were in the middle on unpacking the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Mom sighed and went to go answer it. “Jean! Come here,” she shouted. I put down the plates I had in my hands and went to the front door. When I got there, before I could say or do anything, I was tugged into a huge hug by none other than Linda Staal.

“It is so good to see you sweetheart!” she said as she squeezed me. “Your pictures didn’t do you justice; you look so gorgeous,” she said as she held me at arms’ length so as to look me over. I just blushed and hugged Henry. “Nancy, she really does look amazing,” Linda said as we all moved into the kitchen.

Everyone sat down around the table as the talking continued. “So, what are you guys doing here?” Mom asked as she made tea.

“As you guys know, the boys have no idea that you’re our new neighbors. We wanted to come over and invite you over tonight for a little barbeque. Eric, as you also know, just got drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes last week. We just wanted to have a little get-together for him. He’ll be so excited to see you, Jean, you have no idea. He cried for weeks after you guys left. He always got excited when he got your school and softball pictures in the mail.” I gave mom a look; she didn’t tell me she sent them my pictures every year; I just knew Linda sent us Eric’s school and hockey pictures. “I don’t know if you know this, sweetheart, but both your mom and I think you two are going to get married someday.” I scoffed at that.

“Seriously? I mean, you have no idea how much I love him and miss him, but I highly doubt we’ll even go as far as dating. Like you said, he got drafted by Carolina, so he’ll be moving down there in a few months. I’ll be staying here to start college, so I really don’t see how we could work,” I said, somewhat sadly.

Mom sighed at my negativity. “You know what they say honey; if it’s meant to be, it will be. But anyway, what time do you want us over?” she asked, turning to Linda.

She looked at her watch. “How about in about an hour?” she asked.

Mom nodded. “Sounds good, do you need us to bring anything?” she asked. “We can head over and send this one to get whatever you need,” she said, pointing her thumb at me.

I just gave her a look. “You expect me to shower, get ready, and go grocery shopping in an hour? You’re crazy,” I chuckled.

“We just need a few things,” Linda replied. “We just need some bags of chips, dip and some drinks.”

“There ya go,” Mom said. “So why don’t you jump in the shower now, get dressed and drive over to the store. Go now; you take forever in the shower.” I laughed sarcastically.

I then got up away from the table and headed for the stairs. Before going up, I turned back to the kitchen and the Staals. “I guess I’ll see everyone in an hour,” I said with a small wave, and headed up the stairs.

My shower only took twenty minutes, so I took my time getting ready. I had to pick out the perfect outfit. It was weird; I felt like I had to impress everyone when in reality I really didn’t.

I then headed to the store. It took me a while there though, because I obviously couldn’t remember where anything was. Eventually I got everything and looked at my watch. I was half an hour late. “Shit,” I muttered to myself as I drove off.

Eric's P.O.V.

We had just gotten the surprise of a lifetime when the Komis family, well almost the whole family, showed up in our backyard. I now honestly couldn’t contain my excitement to see my best friend. Marc and Jordan were excited, too, but not as much, obviously. Jared had yet to meet her, since they left before he was around, but he was excited as well. I was in mid-thought when we heard a car door slam. “That must be her!” Mom shouted. “Boys, go and see if she needs any help.”

I bolted for the front yard before she was even done talking. I stopped dead in my tracks when she emerged from her car.