The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Two

Part Two

•••

I wake up with Adam occupying most of my thoughts.

So, it's safe to say today is looking promising. If a picture could speak a thousand words, the one with Adam in it would probably use every dirty term in the dictionary.

And if I'm not drooling over him wearing those shorts again, I'm considering the urge to swipe that picture from the trophy cabinet.

My eyes zoom in like a camera lens, focusing on less-than-appropriate places. I probably look like an idiot standing there, gazing at Adam's photo with what could only be described as an intense, lustful stare.

How can he look so handsome and innocent at the same time? Sue me for being in love.

"You seriously need to stop doing that," a familiar voice says behind me. I turn around to see my best friend, Lilly, hands on her hips, scowling as she snaps her fingers in front of my face. I blink, annoyed she's interrupting my daydream. I was getting to the good part.

Skeptically eyeing Lilly, with her blonde hair gleaming, I respond, "need I remind you that Adam saved me from the clutches of evil and carried me to the nurse in those strong, muscular arms of his? What am I doing wrong? It's not a crime, you know."

Lilly grabs my elbow and drags me away from the trophy cabinet. I glance back at the picture as it fades in the distance.

"Get yourself together. This is our senior year!" Lilly scolds, trying to sound serious. She knows how I feel about Adam. "Forget about boys. We need to focus on our inner beauty and how the universe connects with us."

I gasp melodramatically, pressing a hand to my chest. "How dare you speak about Adam like that! You have no idea how much he means to me. He's an angel sent from heaven. This is my territory, so deal with it."

Lilly rolls her eyes, but I catch a hint of a smile she's trying to hide. "Let's not do this today, okay? Maybe the universe is telling you to be more content with yourself. Maybe you need to try those Zen Buddhism techniques."

"Please don't start with the universe this early in the morning," I say honestly as we head toward my locker. "Everyone and everything can suck it. Literally. Also, I need caffeine."

Lilly laughs, covering her mouth as her shoulders shake. She places a hand on my shoulder. "You're very optimistic this morning. Besides, it's not the end of the world."

I stay silent the rest of the way. Maybe I don't want to admit she's right. Or maybe I'm just insecure about talking to Adam and asking him out.

We reach my locker, and I fumble with it, trying to snap it open. It won't budge. Things are irritating when I don't have caffeine. Where is Maya when I need her?

"You know," Lilly says cheerfully as she leans against the locker next to mine. I hum, indicating I'm listening, while I struggle with the locker. "I applied for summer school for fashion and I have an interview next week! I'm so excited!"

Just then, Maya arrives, and as if by magic, my locker decides to open. Her presence must have been the key.

Maya, with her icy blue eyes and charcoal dark hair stopping just below her shoulders, is a stunner. She grins widely, holding out my cup of coffee. I accept it gratefully. Then she envelops Lilly and me in a soul-crushing hug. I yelp from the sudden contact—hugging is not my thing. Unless it's with Adam.