Guidebook ↠ Shawn Mendes

Chapter 1: Next Door Neighbor

Step 1: Make sure to become close friends with her. Be perfectly platonic most of the time. That way, she'll always be confused as to whether you two are just friends or anything more.

P.S. It helps if you two are next door neighbors.

London

"Get off your phone!" My mom snatches my phone out of my hands. I curse silently. I was just about to beat my highscore on Temple Run.

"Fine." I groan and get up from the chair that isn't mine. I walk across the floor that isn't mine. I walk into the kitchen that isn't mine.

This house is too unfamiliar. It's not mine, it can't possibly belong to me.

I open the fridge.

Basically, the food is the only thing that's mine, all mine.

"I swear, you're hopeless." My mom groans. "London, do something other than eat, sleep, or go on the internet."

"Temple Run doesn't require internet." I grunt.

My mom throws her hands up in the air in exasperation. "Please London. I know you didn't like moving-"

"That's an understatement considering you blindfolded me when you took me to the airport."

My mom sighs. "I need this. We need this."

"Because you divorced with Dad."

She purses her lips. "Yes. Now please, go make some friends. You can even go eat, as long as it's not here in our house."

"Your house. This place will never be mine." I say in disgust.

"London," my mom warns. "Please."

I see the sadness in her eyes and I feel my anger crumble away. Really, none of this is her fault. It's my Dad, the dickhead, who I'm mad at. My attitude isn't fair to my mother.

"Fine." I sigh and grab my jacket. "But where am I supposed to go? I don't know this place." Despite my new look on things, my mouth still tastes bitter.

"Go ask the neighbors. They have a kid who's your age. They'll know someplace hip."

I stare at her. "No, never again."

My mom laughs. "Sorry. I meant groovy."

"That physically hurt me."

My mom laughs again. "Go, I'm sure the neighbors will find your sarcastic, slightly rude but endearing attitude very charming."

"Doubtful." Still, I smile. "Love you Mom."

"Love you too London." My mom gives me a kiss on the cheek.

I leave the house and put on my jacket. I glance at the two houses that are on either side of my mom's.

Being social?

Psh, no way.

That girl disappeared the moment my mom wrapped a dish cloth around my eyes.

Instead, I survey the neighborhood. It's pretty normal. Actually, it's freaky normal. It reminds me of the neighborhoods in movies. That pretty much means that my mom and I will both be dead by next week. No, the real question is, how? Thieves? Serial Killers? Zombies? Paranormal activity?

"Hey! You must be the new neighbor!"

I scream and spin around nearly punching the poor guy standing behind me. He stumbles and falls over in surprise.