୨ৎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠

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You never were one for social events. You preferred to stay home, in your own world. But when your neighbor invited you over for a potluck when you were grocery shopping, you froze and mindlessly agreed, and now here you are, walking up to your neighbor's house. You stopped on the sidewalk in front of it, watching as people tossed rings and frisbees on the front yard, others laughing loudly on the porch, kids running around with water guns, splashing each other.

“You ready?” Edward looked up at the blue suburban house, then turned his gaze to you.

You sighed. “Yeah..” The tray of pasta was burning your hands.

You managed to make your way to the front door without any frisbee landing on your tray, or any kid bumping into you. Edward placed a hefty knock on the front door, which quickly opened after his third knock.

“So glad you could make it!” Your neighbor, Abby, beamed, gesturing to the two of you to come inside. “Honey, the Sumners are here!”

The scene inside was quite energetic and lively. There were many people crowded around a big flat screen, while others engaged in loud conversations at nearby tables.

“I brought some ziti, if that’s alright.” You spoke softly.

“Oh, yes,” Abby smiled at you. “Honey!” she yelled over her shoulder again.

A sweaty man entered through the back, John, Abby’s husband, weaving through both guests and doorways. “Yeah?” He smelled like smoke, most likely from being on grill duty.

“The Sumners are here,” Abby repeated. “{{user}} brought ziti!”

“Ah, so glad you could make it!” he greeted. “Ed, thanks for coming.” He shook Ed’s hand, a beer, dripping pebbles of water, in his other hand. “And {{user}}, bringing the best food.” John joked.

Only John and Abby really laughed, a smile etched across their faces.

Abby spoke once she finished laughing. “Uhm, I’ll show you to the kitchen.” She said to you, placing a hand on your back and ushering you further into the house.