someone special

Chapter Five

Trudging through the snow, I lose my balance and face plant right into the ground. I am not exactly cushioned by the snow, as I land it feels like concrete and my face starts to burn hot as if it was bleeding. I lay, face in the snow, and take a deep breath. Contemplating what just happened. I'm only about 5 minutes from home, I wasn't paying attention to exactly where I am but why would I? My heavy schoolbag on my back pushes me further into the ground.

I push myself up, now only sitting in the snow. I realize the drink I had been holding from earlier had spilled. A majority of the snow had been dyed with Dr. Pepper. I do my best to stand, almost tumbling right back down. When I come to my senses, I look around to see if anyone has noticed me. Luckily, I fell right into the patch of grass in-between two houses. I usually cut between lawns in hopes to get to my house faster, just simply cutting between streets. I check if anyone is either looking out a window or sitting on their porch. 

The tall patchy green house beside me seems to be alive. The windows are open and I hear faint singing. Before I can keep walking, I hear the front door swing open. I am frozen as I see Gabriel emerge from the house, he stands on the porch. He is wearing a long baggy green shirt, his hair is in a messy bun and he is wearing glasses with dark brown rims. I can feel my chest tighten, so I continue walking at a much faster pace.

It's only about two more minutes until I reach my house. Before sliding off my mittens and reaching for the door, I realize the green house is still in my view. It's a lot closer than I expected. I turn my doorknob and step into my empty house. The kitchen is just how I left it, a box of assorted granola bars sitting on the counter. I take off my other mitten and shut the door behind me. There are three locks on our door, my parents have been taking long travels since I was about twelve. They always were cautious about me being home alone. I set my jacket down on the couch and make my way up the stairs. 

When I get to my room, I hurry over to my window to check if I can still see the house Gabriel was in. I seem to have a perfect view of a window from the house. If I look at a certain angle, the house blocking the way moves completely. I sit on my bed and look out the window. I can vaguely make out shapes, it still is far though. I remember seeing this house in passing, it has been empty for as long as I remember. I guess he and his family are new to town.  A light emerges in the room and I see a figure appear. It's Gabriel, I can tell from the green shirt from earlier and the other features I can make out.

As I focus my viewing more, I realize that Gabriel is slowly gathering things around his room. He goes in and out of my vision and every time he comes back with more things. At a point, he fully leaves the room and comes back empty handed. I see him stand in the middle of the room, facing away from the window. I cannot tell what he is doing until he pulls his shirt off over his head. The green shirt I recognized has been thrown to the floor, now he is shirtless. I don't look away for some reason. I only come to my senses when he seems to be sliding down his pants. I quickly shut my blinds and lay back down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I can feel my body have a sort of reaction and my face get extremely hot.

I set my glasses on my bed stand and turn around to put my face in my pillow. It reminds me of when I face planted in the snow, without my glasses pushing directly into my temples. After laying there for a while, I decide it might be time for me  to take a shower anyway.