The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Five

Part Five

•••

The bruises on my nose heal quickly, considering how hard the ball hit me. Liam buys me this cream he claims is a doctor's recommendation—I don't quite believe him. There are so many ways to kill someone, so I hand it to my mother to test at the hospital.

I have trust issues when it comes to my health. Besides, I don't trust him. He's a walking lie. I can't blame myself for looking after my health and trying to stay safe.

I've always been an introvert, keeping things to myself. When I have something to confess, I write it down in my diary under the huge tree in our backyard. Spilling my feelings onto paper feels cathartic.

I prefer old-school journaling because I like feeling my words flow from my mind through my hand. My diary has a secure lock on it, so no one can open it except me. But somehow, Liam managed to break it open.

It's not that I don't trust my best friends; it's just better to keep things to myself. Two weeks have passed, and students still give me weird glances. I've heard rumors that I "accidentally" ran into the ball to get everyone's attention. How is that even possible?

I'm surrounded by empty vessels.

My brain hurts from thinking so much, and it's been so overwhelming that I've had to skip classes. I don't like being the center of attention—my social anxiety won't allow it.

When school ends, I stay behind because Lilly has her fashion classes, and I'm pretty sure my brother left me. Maya dashes out of the red brick building without a word.

I'm ready to punch her in the face tomorrow. She's my ride to school every day, so when she stays behind for her extra classes, I have no choice but to wait.

Lilly is the only person who offers to drive me to school. She's an angel with the heart of a golden retriever, and that makes her so damn special.

Adam has been my crush since eighth grade, and no one else has ever come close. He's the only boy I care about. I could watch him all day and never get bored.

Everybody knows I'm gay—I've been out for a long time, and most people are fine with it. Except for those who shove their crosses in my face in the hallway.

Liam was one of the first to accept me, besides my two best friends. My brother had a problem with it at first, but he eventually came around to the idea that his brother likes guys.

Having a crush on a guy at school is excruciatingly painful because they're straight. I'm sure some are in the closet, but Adam is as straight as a pole. It hurts to watch him flirt with girls, not knowing I'm madly in love with him.

Adam hasn't spoken to me since he took me to the nurse, but I treasure the happy memories we shared. It's hard to stay mad at him. My brain feels like it's going to explode from thinking so much.

Lilly's extra classes are on the same day Adam has track practice, and suddenly, the day doesn't feel so forced anymore. I finally have a reason to live and breathe again.

I make sure to keep a safe distance from him. Adam is beautiful—no doubt about that. His blonde locks dance in the soft breeze, and his tan body glistens under the sun.