The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Twenty-Four

Part Twenty-Four

•••

I toss and turn, Lilly's advice replaying in my mind. Her words echo in the quiet of my room, a constant reminder of my tangled emotions. The silver necklace Liam gave me catches the dim light from my nightstand. I reach for it, the cool metal a comforting presence against my fingertips. Memories of Liam fastening it around my neck flood back, warming me despite the chill in the air. I want that feeling again, that simple connection.

The determination that fuels me tonight is unlike any I've felt before. I need to talk to him, to clear the air and confess what's been gnawing at me. I don't want to repeat the mistakes Adam made, hiding crucial feelings and leaving things unresolved.

I slip out of bed, the floor cold beneath my feet, a stark contrast to the warmth of my room. The house is eerily quiet, the usual nighttime sounds replaced by my racing heartbeat. As I make my way downstairs, I push open the front door, greeted by the crisp night air. Liam's house is just a few yards away, its porch light glowing invitingly in the darkness. His car is parked in the driveway, a sight that twists my nerves into knots.

I climb the steps to his porch, my heart pounding with each step. My hands are clammy, so I wipe them nervously on my jeans. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and knock three times. The sound echoes in the still night, and I wait with bated breath. Silence stretches, the anticipation almost unbearable. I turn to leave, only to hear the door creak open behind me.

Liam stands there, his hair disheveled, clad only in brown boxers. His eyes widen briefly, surprise—or maybe something more—flashing across his face. He folds his arms, confusion and annoyance evident in his posture. The casual appearance, the intimate setting, and the fact that it's so late are all jarring.

"Dale," he says, his voice flat and weary. "What do you want?"

I brace myself for the confrontation, feeling the awkwardness choke me. "Hello to you too," I say, attempting an awkward wave. "So, what's up?"

Liam steps outside, closing the door behind him. His eyes dart back to the house, a sign that something is amiss. "You don't usually come by. I'm guessing this is important?"

This is it—the moment I've dreaded and prepared for. I've come to confess how I feel, but the words catch in my throat. "No, I... uh... just wanted to say—"

He cuts me off, frustration evident. "I don't have time for this, especially after you said some pretty awful things. Some people have feelings, you know."

"Yeah, I know," I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "I'm really sorry for what I said. I'm here to apologize."

I turn to leave, but the door swings open again. A stunning blonde girl stands there, her sun-kissed skin glowing with an almost ethereal quality. My stomach churns as I piece together the situation. So, he's with someone else. This is why he didn't have time.

"The movie's about to end," she says in a sing-song voice, her enthusiasm palpable. "Come on, you need to see the ending!"

I roll my eyes at her excitement, a mix of jealousy and embarrassment searing through me. Liam's gaze shifts between us, a silent acknowledgment of the awkwardness.

"Oh," I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam opens his mouth to speak but then closes it again, seemingly at a loss. I scoff, disappointment and frustration mixing into a bitter taste. I turn away, not waiting for him to call after me. My heart pounds with every step as I sprint down the road, the night air rushing past me.