Neighbors

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Today was the day Jake was gonna leave for football camp. To tell you the truth, I wasn't ready to see him off.

So I start arranging and cleaning my room, like I usually do when I've got a lot on my mind and I happen to come across a picture of Jake and I when we were kids. In the picture, he had his arms around me, bear hugging me and both our eyes were closed as we gave our biggest smiles. Sigh. Good times. I'm gonna miss him when he goes away today.

For Jake to be away from me for the whole summer really sucks. First of all, we've never been apart for that long. What am I gonna do without him? I sound so melodramatic but I'm just really gonna miss the guy. Second of all, we've always spent our last days of summer at his grandfather's lake house either fishing or doing water sports and yes I don't usually engage in those activities but Jake always gets me to do it with him. I guess this year, we wouldn't be going. Third of all, he's my best friend and I wanted to make up for the "Zach and Lauren situation" and really be there for him. Plus we do all sorts of stuff together like talk about the future, figure out what the next school year has in store for us, or talk about what we're going to do or eat for the following days to come.

Last year of high school. God, it seems so near now. Sigh.

Then while I change my curtains, I see Kyle standing behind his window looking at me holding the whiteboard that said, "Hi." And I wave and smile at him. "Hey!" I write back on my whiteboard. He opens his window and I do the same.

"What're you up to today?" He asked while squinting his eyes at the glaring sun. "What do you have in mind?" I asked. "I'm feeling a bit artsy today, what do you say we head up to University of Main and check out their art museum?" He asked. "That sounds interesting! How about we go after we say goodbye to Jake?" I said. "I can't wait! See you later!" He said and I reply with a smile and go back to cleaning.

After a few minutes I finally finish and freshen up before going downstairs to eat some late breakfast. Then as I enter the kitchen I see Lance rummaging in the refrigerator and I tap him on the shoulder.

"What're you doing?" I asked. "Looking for something to eat!" He whined. "God what are parents for!" He added. "The pancakes are on the table y'know and mom probably had to work early." I said pointing to the dining table. "Okay, I didn't see that." He said and walked towards the table. I, on the other hand had my usual fruits cut, grabbed a bowl, put my Cheerios inside the bowl and then poured some milk in the bowl and on a glass. I join Lance and we sat there eating in silence.

"So what's up?" He asked like nothing happened. I liked the silence better. "Why are you so cranky today?" I asked. "I'm blocked." He said. "You mean writers blocked?" I asked. "Yes." He answered. "My manager wants five demos by the end of June and I only have two." He said. "You don't have to push yourself so hard. The words will just come to you." I said, being the Good Samaritan. "Easy for you to say." He said coldly. "Why am I the bad guy here? I'm trying to help you but you refuse to listen to me." I retorted. "How will the words come to me, Emily?" He asked, raising his voice.

"What I usually do is to focus on one subject and let your feelings do the talking. Everybody loves raw emotion and that's up to you to project it into something you think may be worthwhile." I said proudly. He was speechless, he looked at me with such amazement and I flash a smile and go back to eating.

As I finish eating, "Who knows? Maybe you'll make the next big hit." I said before washing the dishes and going back to my room.

I fixed my messy ponytail and wore a plain white shirt and denim shorts paired with my brown strappy sandals before going over to Jake's.

As I walk outside my house, I see Kyle and Jake's family. I say hi to them and then hugged Kyle from the back. He kissed me on the cheeks and held my hand.