When Julie, Rodger, and Helen moved, they moved next to a family similar to their own; The Alvarez family. Mr. Alvarez was super sweet, and would constantly bake things for his neighbors. Mrs. Alvarez (who everyone called Sweetie) was very straight and pulled together, and was usually weeding in her garden or washing things. They had a son Julie's age named Rodrigo, but he preferred Rod. 

Julie's parents and Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez had a constant joke that Rod and Julie would get together.

Thing is, though, they both knew that wouldn't happen.