Because of Him

Mystery Neighbor

Adrianna

The 12:00 p.m. alarm I had set the night before blared from the phone. I groan as I move from my deep slumber to stop the alarm. I flipped myself over onto my back and stared at the ceiling.

It was Friday, which meant no lectures, no prying eyes, and it had been two days since my little incident. I was still very embarrassed. On Thursday, I felt horrible; I contemplated just staying home even though I had to attend two lectures. Or, you know, just staying hidden in a protective ball of comfort underneath my heavy-weighted covers in my room for the rest of the semester, but I couldn't.

One thing I could not allow myself to do was to fall behind on homework, no matter how boring and draining it could get, even if I felt abashed.

I had to admit I was scared of running into that stranger again. Part of me wondered if he really looked like Chris or if my mind was just playing more tricks on me.

And the other felt embarrassed as if I hadn't humiliated myself enough. A small part of me anticipated the moment we would see each other again in Professor Elaine's lecture room. I just hoped my body wouldn't react and cause a scene as it did that Wednesday.

I groan as I swing my legs off the side of my bed and sit up to stare outside my bedroom window. It looked like it was going to rain again. I pushed myself off the bed, and the feeling of the cold wooden floor beneath my feet sent a shiver up my spine. I was washing away any drowsiness that I had left in my system.

I start walking to my bathroom to get ready for the day, but I stop in my tracks when I hear the sound of a truck and faint yelling. I tiptoed to the window with the perfect view of my whole street. I quickly peeked out the glass and saw movers at the entrance of the cul de sac. I start to make my way back to the bathroom before it dawns on me that the house they were moving things into is Chris' house. The wooden floorboards creaked as I turned around to stare at Chris' house.

I remember my mom telling me that she thought we were getting new neighbors, but she conveniently left out the fact that they were moving into his house.

Curiosity flooded my mind, and the new neighbors piqued my interest. Though I wish nobody would ever move in, I wish that the house could forever be preserved and that nothing about it would change. But that was just wishful and selfish thinking. The house that was once full of life and was the home of my best friend could now be the home of someone else. Even though it was a painful thought, it had an even more beautiful meaning. 

I peel my eyes away from the movers hauling in hefty-looking boxes towards the front door. I made my way towards the bathroom with an ache in my heart.

After the long shower and performing some good dental hygiene, I get dressed in a comfy oversized gray sweatshirt and some blue and gray plaid pajama pants.

I grab my phone before I head downstairs to make breakfast. As I approach the kitchen island, I see a yellow sticky note next to 40 bucks.

Good morning, My LuvBug,

I had an emergency meeting to attend at the office. Here is a little money for you to get something to eat.

Love,

Mom

Mom having to attend emergency meetings wasn't anything new. She has always been so hardworking, partially due to the fact that she had to raise me by herself. She had momentarily worked from home for as long as she could when Chris passed but has slowly started to work more in-office hours.

I sighed as I crumpled up the sticky note and attempted to toss it in the trash. I failed miserably due to my lack of coordination. Athletics was never one of my strong suits. I walk over and put the piece of paper in the trash can. I grab a cup from the cupboard to get ice water from the fridge.

Incoming Call From Gigi<3...

"Hey, cutie," she said with a shaky smile.

"Hey? Are you okay?" I ask as I finish filling my cup with water.

"No, not really." I hear some shuffling of what I might guess to be her covers.

"It's been a rough first week, huh?" I sip my water and sit it on the kitchen island.

"Yes, for me and you both. That's Why I have an idea."

"Uh, Oh. I am scared." I prop the phone up and walk towards the pantry to find something to snack on. Giana started to beg me to come out after the past few days that we needed to blow off steam.

As reluctant as I am, I start to feel bad for the number of times in the past I have declined her invitations to such parties. Giana usually accepted my answer for what it was, but I could always see a glimmer of hurt in her eyes. I would then, in turn, try and find different activities for us to do that were far away from the party scene.

But this time, Giana did not take no for an answer. She started to tell me how she just needed a distraction from the huge fight she had with her family. I find a little bag of kettle popcorn chips and approach my phone.

"Tonight and only tonight. You don't have to drink; we can leave if you feel uncomfortable. Please, please, please," she said with a pouty face.

I groan. As much as she has been there for me, I didn't want to disappoint her.

I paced my kitchen floor about five times before saying an apprehensive "yes."

She starts to squeal through the phone, saying, "Thank you! Thank you! I'll be over at eight so we can get ready together. We are going bar-hopping!!!"

Both of my hands slide down my face as I groan again.

What the hell did I just agree to?