Next-Door Neighbors Part One

“Hello! Good evening!”

A woman is hurrying towards me from the driveway next door. I’d guess she’s thirty-something, with dark, shoulder-length hair, dark eyes, and a pretty smile. A little boy and little girl trail behind her looking shy.

My neighbors! I can feel my cheeks stretch into a smile. “Good evening!”

“Welcome to the neighborhood! I’m Carmen, Carmen Herrera.” To my surprise, she hugs me and kisses my cheeks. “I’m sorry I haven’t been over sooner to welcome you. My mother was sick, so I’ve been out of town. My husband Oscar was in over his head with work and the twins.”

“Oh, no! I hope your mom is okay?”

“Yes, thank God.” She hands me a loaf wrapped in cellophane and motions to the kids to come closer. “Dulce de Leche banana bread. And these are our twins, Emilia and Emiliano, better known as Emi and Emile.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Amy Munro.” I grin at the girl. “So we’re both Amy, although I’m pretty sure we spell our names differently. How old are you?”
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She grins back, showing dimples and looking a lot less shy. “We’re eight. I’m the oldest by three minutes.”