The Enemy Lives Next Door (bxb)

Part Twenty-Eight - Final Part

Part Twenty-Eight - Final Part

•••

I notice I smile a lot now. Safe to say, I'm content with everything I've got. Everything has happened so fast in these past months, and I've learned so much. From hating someone—specifically Liam—with a depth that it hurt, to loving him with all my heart, I've come a long way.

As I stare at myself in the mirror, a tear escapes the brim of my right eye. The beautiful maroon suit hugs me perfectly. My dark brown hair falls over my eyes, so I brush it back with my fingers.

With my brother now knowing about Liam and me, I wonder what the rest of the school will say, as they always have something to say when it's none of their business. If Liam doesn't want to come out and tell everyone we're together, I won't force him. He needs to make that decision on his own. All I can do is support him.

There's a knock on my door, and I jump a little, glaring at it.

"Dale, bro, are you done yet?" comes Gale's voice.

I roll my eyes. "Close your eyes!" I yell.

I hear him sigh. "Fine! You do the same!"

Hearing the door creak open, I smirk. "Okay, on the count of three, we're gonna drop our hands and rate our outfits."

Gale chuckles. "Isn't that what we always do?" he asks with a scoff. "Okay, three, two, one."

Dropping my hand from my eyes, I gasp when I see Gale. He's wearing the exact same suit as me. Gale's mouth opens. "What?" he asks, running a hand through his hair. "Again with the same outfits? Geez, you gotta stop this."

"Me?" I ask incredulously, jabbing my thumb into my chest. "You're the one always copying me! You need to get your own sense of style, darling, because one day you're gonna be on your own. Hopefully."

He looks exactly the same as I do, except for our shoes and hair. He has his disheveled on top of his head. As much as I hate to admit it, he looks really handsome.

Gale waves his hands at me. "Well, you always look better, so..."

I gasp dramatically, holding my hand over my heart. "Thank you, dearest brother, you don't look so bad yourself."

He smiles and, without warning, envelops me in a hug. "You're all grown now," he coos, "like just a few weeks ago, you were so little."

I laugh and wiggle out of his grasp. "First of all, never touch me again. Second of all, you're only a few seconds older than me, douche."

Gale winks at me and clicks his tongue. "Exactly, so respect your elders."

"Just get out now," I say, growing irritated. "You've done enough for one night. And please stay away from me; I don't want everyone to see we're wearing the same tuxedos."

He chuckles, scratching the back of his neck. He doesn't make a move to leave. "On a serious note though," he says after some time, "we know sometimes you don't get your way, and sometimes you can be very mean—"

I fold my arms across my chest. "What are you trying to say?" I ask, tilting my head to the side.

Gale smiles, looking sheepish. "I know you like Liam a lot, but please use protection tonight. We don't want any Liam juniors running around."