NEW NEIGHBOUR

Marvin Sinclair paused to check out what appeared to be movements in the next-door neighbour’s empty home alighting from his car after returning home from work at the end of his workday. He’d not seen any movement there since old Alex Robinson had died almost six months ago at age seventy-six though it was obvious someone must be caring for the property as landscapers arrived once a week on schedule to care for grounds and gardens then sped off after completing their tasks. Probably his estate executor who Marvin had never met had arranged for this.

The Sinclair’s had taken a caring interest in Alex Robinson after his wife died five years prior to his own demise as they assumed he had no family to care for him as he declined in health. He’d never mentioned family in all the years they’d known him. They’d always been on friendly terms from the time the Sinclair’s had moved into their new home. The Sinclair’s were given an invitation from the time they moved in to enjoy the Robinson pool and were often invited to share an evening meal at the pool by Elizabeth Robinson who enjoyed watching the Sinclair children Adrian, Miriam, Melvin and Brian enjoying themselves in the pool. After some time getting to know the Robinsons, the children would head for the pool following school each afternoon and Elizabeth would keep them well supplied with treats before they had to leave for home to do their chores and homework for school the following day.

There was another reason why the Sinclair children enjoyed visiting Alex Robinson. He had a fabulous workshop with the most intriguing equipment, and a computerized observation tower connected with a powerful telescope where he could study the heavens. Apparently, Alex had been an astrophysicist teaching in university before his retirement and his wife Elizabeth taught in the university MBA program. But the couple had retired to this delightful city with its heights away from the city on which the two families dwelt having excellent views over the ocean in the distance. The Alexanders were originally from Scotland and had been enticed to the United States because of Alex reputation as an astrophysicist of high repute. They retained their Scottish accent though it modified because of their long residence in the US.

Marvin moved toward the boundary of their property separated by a low hedge always immaculately manicured. There was a gap in the hedge which Alex had cut away so there was unhindered access between properties for the two families. Alex would often wander over after his wife died and be invited to join the family for the family evening meal. The children viewed Alex as an adopted grandfather as they saw more of him than their real grandparents who lived far away.

Marvin paused before crossing through the hedge gap to give closer inspection and saw movement around the swimming pool. He hastened to check whether unauthorized persons were casing the home for potential theft. Marvin felt well equipped to handle anyone who shouldn’t be there. As he stepped into the pool enclosure he came face to face with the source of that movement. The young man was in the process of removing the pool cover and preparing to fill the pool and he paused in shock to see Marvin hands on hip challenging him.

The young man spoke with a Scottish accent.

“Can I help you sir?”

“This house belongs to Alex Robinson and I’m wondering what you’re doing here young man. I’m the next-door neighbour and we’re keeping an eye on the place to see no one tries to occupy without permission.”

The young man smiled and nodded in appreciation at having such considerate neighbours.

“My name is Paul Robinson, and the executors of the estate have informed me that Uncle Alex bequeathed this home to me in the absence of children of his own. I was born in the US while my father worked here long ago but then returned to Scotland to take up an appointment at St Andrews University, Fife, Scotland. So, I’m a US citizen by birth but have been doing my studies at St Andrews as my family lives there. I recently graduated with a BSc in Computer Science and was anticipating moving on to a master’s program. I was surprised when the executors of uncle’s estate contacted me three months ago to say this house had been given me by my uncle. I didn’t realize the amount of equipment uncle had and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to return to the US to check it out. I appreciate you’ve been keeping an eye on it for the family.”

Marvin relaxed and moved to shake the young man’s hand in greeting.

“Why don’t you join us for supper this evening Paul. Your uncle was like a grandfather to our children, and we were totally unaware of any family connection though we have been very close as families since we bought our home here many years ago. During the final years after your aunt died Alex would often eat with us as he missed Elizabeth terribly and we tried to take the place of family for him, so we welcome you to our family also. We are happy to help you set up residence here.”

Paul looked at Marvin in surprise.

“I’m kind of grubby after moving things around so perhaps it would be best to refuse your generous offer this time but would love to have that invitation again some time.”

Marvin laughed.

“Go and shower young man. We will expect you at our home in half an hour and I’ll introduce you to my kids. You may have noticed that gap in the hedge. Your uncle and we have been using that to visit each other since Alex cut the gap there long ago. It’s the quickest way to our home. See you soon.”

When Marvin returned through the hedge he was met by his curious children. Adrian the eldest spoke.

“We went to meet you when we saw your car pull into the driveway and then you kind of disappeared. What’s going on next door that you decided to check out the place?”

“It appears we have a new neighbour at least for the present. We were unaware of Grandpa Alex having any relatives as he never talked about them, but it seems his family lives in Scotland where his brother is a university professor at St Andrews University. His nephew is here next door getting the home ready as it was left to him by will. His name is Paul Robinson. Paul was born in the US so has a US passport but has just completed his BSc in Computer Science and I’ve invited him to eat with us this evening, so we better get inside quick and add another plate to the table after reporting to Mom.”

Miriam was the first inside to report this excitement to her mother who nodded and indicated Miriam should reset the table in preparation for this visitor. Cynthia Sinclair was quite used to these last-minute invitations including guests bought in by her husband or one of the children and quite enjoyed having extra guests show up for a meal. There was always enough food to go around despite these surprise invitations. Brian the youngest of the siblings positioned himself at the window to check out the new arrival and welcome him in.

Paul Alexander let out a grunt of surprise as he reached to press the doorbell only to have the door suddenly fly open before he could reach the button. He was suddenly face to face with sixteen-year-old Brian who ushered Paul into the lounge where Marvin and the rest of his boys were seated. Marvin indicated he should sit and introduced Paul to those present.

Miriam paused from helping her mother in the kitchen and peeped around the corner of the corridor to inspect their new neighbour in the lounge. Her father ever watchful noticed the brief appearance and called to his daughter who paused and then entered the room for a closer inspection. About six feet tall, well built, confident but not her impression of a movie star in looks. Paul rose to greet her and spoke in his modified Scottish accent. Miriam found this jarring but smiled appropriately and nodded in acknowledgement.

“I hear you intend to major in Computer Science Miriam. I look forward to talking about our shared interest.”

Now this got Miriam’s attention, and she paid closer attention to their new neighbour. Computing was her passion and while she was actively pursued by the young men at college, she had no interest in any of them as they were good time addicts normal for that stage of life whereas she was only interested in talking about her passion for exploring what computing is capable of. Some day she intended to be one of the greats in research and so came across as opiniated to those around her including her brothers. Her mother Cynthia had gently tried to modify this attitude and point out that this kind of attitude would not sit well as she sought to make her way in life independently and cause her many disappointments and possible rejections as she entered the business world after graduating. She excused herself and headed back to the kitchen to help mom set up for their evening meal. Twenty minutes later Cynthia appeared to greet Paul and invite them all to settle for the meal.

Paul kept them well entertained as they ate together. He’d visited many countries and at age twenty-four was now considering his next move. Alex his uncle had left him not only the house but his considerable wealth, so he had the choice of achieving his ambition which was to complete a Master of Science in computer studies, and he’d use his new home as a base studying this chosen course in the US before considering employment. Perhaps he could even go into business and would think about how that could be achieved as he studied. The boys were in awe of Paul and eagerly accepted his invitation for them all to enjoy the Alexander pool once again once he got it working again.

TO BE CONTINUED

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