• “So what’s ye’re name? Perhaps ye’ll tell me when I ask ye this time…?” she asked. He blushed a bit, seeming more embarrassed than upset. “…I’m Topher Cohan. Who are you?” Her eyebrows raised and she uncrossed her arms. “Rhoswen Finola ó Súilleabháin,” She stuck out a hand. “But ye’d best call me Rho or we might have a bit o’ trouble.” Topher laughed a bit, reaching out and shaking her hand. “Alright Rho. So, where do you live?” Smiling, Rho nodded her head in a direction out of the trees, and began walking out, glancing over her shoulder at Topher. When she saw he was following her, she smirked and took off running, her red hair streaming behind her. Sometimes, she had trouble controlling her competitive side. Soon, though, she heard steps thudding next to her and looked to her left to see Topher easily keeping pace. He smiled a toothy grin and waved. Rho smiled back and laughed, racing Topher all the way back to her house.

    By the time they got there, they were both red in the face and out of breath. Rho opened the door, inviting Topher inside. “Mam, Da, I’m back. I brought a friend with me,” Rho’s mother poked her head out of the kitchen, smiling. “Ah, Rhoswen, good te see ye. I’ve made something te drink if ye’d like, it’s on the counter in here. Be polite now, ye and ye’re friend, we’ve guests over.” Rho nodded at her mother, motioning for Topher to follow her to the kitchen. She poured them each a glass of the punch her mother had made before following her mother into the living room, Topher close behind her. He nearly dropped his punch as he entered the room. “Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?” he asked. “Oh! Topher, what a surprise! We were over here to see the ó Súilleabháins. What are you doing here?” asked his mother. Rho swallowed her mouthful of punch and spoke. “I brought Topher home te meet me parents. We’re friends.” The two children looked at each other and nodded before looking back at their parents, who laughed. “Ye two can go play, if ye’d like,” said Rho’s father. “We won’t stop ye, promise.” He finished with a laugh. The two children looked at each other again before heading into the kitchen, finishing their drinks, and racing off into the yard. Rho smacked Topher on the shoulder. “Ye’re it, Topher!” He laughed and took off after Rho, who let out a surprised yelp and began to run away.

    “So,” began Topher’s father, looking out the window at the two. “So.” Said Rho’s mother. “I think we might have some new best friends on our hands.” Rho’s mother nodded. “I think we just might.” The parents laughed and continued their conversation as Rho and Topher chased each other outside.