“ no, golly gosh, don’t even worry about it, cutie pie. wow ! so many brothers, it’s totally fine though,everyone around can be loud from time to time. i’m magenta, by the way. nice to meet ya ! ”

“Golly gosh? Aren’t ya’ th’ cutest little thing! Oh yea, m’ family’s pretty big in general, you should see pictures ‘a family gatherin’s. I’ve got like.. at least 13 cousins just on m’ ma’s side alone. ‘nd the majority are boys! ‘s nice t’ meet ya’ Magenta. That’s a real neat name ya’ got there, bet ya’ get that a lot. M’ name’s Dory. Like th’ fish!”

“Don’t worry about it. I gotta know, though why do you have a habit of getting barbecue sauce on your.. you know? Is that a southern thing? I’ve only been there once, did I miss that part of southern culture?”

“Well, ‘s a funny story. All right, I guess it really ain’t that funny. I wanna say it is a southern thing, but it could very well just be a Frampton Family thing. Ya’ see, every time m’ family gets together -- ‘n I mean my entire family, extended cousins ‘n all -- things get a little crazy. This last time, m’ cousin ‘nd I went chasin’ our pot bellies and basically I crashed inta’ the food table sendin’ things flyin’ everywhere. BBQ sauce included. So I guess it’s a southern thing if ya’ go t’ a Frampton gatherin’.”

“Wha–? Oh, no worries. I wasn’t trying to interrupt, so, uh, I’m sorry.”

“’s no problem at all! I probably shouldn’t have been talkin’ so loud anyway. I didn’t disturb ya’, did I? I’m real sorry if I did. I gotta’ learn that m’ neighbors ain’t a mile down th’ road anymore.” 

“Yo, I have a stellar idea! Let’s climb the roof and see if we can see all the fireworks n’ shit! I’m already a little gone, but I’ll provide the booze! Halloween’s just another excuse to get wasted, so what do you say?”

“...That don’t sound so safe. I’m all for it though, what’re we waitin’ for? Ya’ ain’t gonna like.. pass out up there though, right? Don’t think I’ll be able t’ carry ya’ down. Might have t’ leave ya’ campin’ up there, so I’ll bring ya’ a blanket, just in case.”

“No, it’s fine. You were obviously having a really.. in depth conversation.”

“’In depth’ ‘s one way t’ put it, sure. Was I bein’ too loud? ‘m sorry. I get a little intense when I talk about family gatherin’s. Don’t help either that I was talkin’ t’ my Nana ‘nd she’s losin’ her hearin’. Anyway, ‘m sorry if I bothered ya’ or somethin’.”

He shifted slightly, making more room for the girl to sit comfortably. He turned to face her as she spoke, his features shifting to hopefully appear more welcoming. “Thank you.” He said softly. “Yeah, it’s something I really enjoy doing.”

Her expressions were soft and grateful as the boy moved over a fraction. “Well you’re real good at it,” Dory nodded her head in encouragement. “’s one of my favorite songs, too. Would ya’ start over? I think you’ve got a real relaxin’ voice.”

        “ oh !! don’t worry, i’m sorry– did i interrupt your call ? ”

“No, no, not at all! M’ Nana was there, anyway, she should know th’ story. Was I bein’ too loud, though? Sorry ‘bout that. Growin’ up with three brothers’ll do that to ya’.”

A soft pink dusted his cheeks as he glanced at the girl. “Thank you.” Lex’s smile turned sheepish. “I kind of forgot where I was.”

“’s no problem. We all get stage fright,” the blonde reasurred, slowly making her way from the doorway of the porch door to where he sat on the deck outside. Letting her legs dangle over the edge, she looked over at him, “Do ya’ like singin’? You’re real good at it. Got a nice voice.”

“Uh … alright. Uh, its fine. I guess. Hey, um. I’m Avery, you must be new around here. Don’t think I’ve ever seen you around.”

“It.. wasn’t what it sounded like, I promise. It’s real common where I’m from t’ engage in fights that involve condiments. ‘s nice to meet ya’, Avery. M’ name’s Dory. I just got here t’day, you’ve got a good eye on ya’. Got any tips for the new kid on th’ block?”