The Mystery Guy Next Door

√ 4) Mr Lonely

The next morning, everyone was at the breakfast table.

"Morning Sweetie. Had a good sleep?" my mum asked.

"Yes thanks. Mum I'll be home late. Kathy and me are going to try and hunt down a dress for some stupid party."

"Too bad your not invited." I stuck my tongue out at my brother Nate. He pulled a face which reminded me of a drunk squirrel. He was only three years older than me. Most of the time he was in his room 'studying'. Honestly, he was probably texting a girl or something that nineteen year old guys do. Don't ask me, I'm no expert.

"Yes sure darling take your time. Just ring me when your done. I'll pick you up."

"Alright, you can go but don't get yourself into any trouble and just.. find something suitable yeah? Nothing too flashy or revealing!" Nate called, trying to act like he owned me and my life.

I let out a sigh, a little exaggerated even by my standards. Mum narrowed her eyes but Nate just laughed heartily. Odd, isn't it. Nate's protective. A little too protective but I understand he does whatever he does for my best interests. Mum. Well mum's just mum. Perfect.

***

After school round about three in the afternoon, I met up with Kathy. Together we caught the bus straight into the town centre. After hours of approval, neglect and fuss. We made up our minds about what we wanted to get. My dress was a sky blue, which fell to just above the knee. The back, arms and some of the front was made of lace which in my opinion looked absolutely adorable! Kathy was even more picky than me. I guess it was because she has a more of an interest and addiction to the latest fashion trends whereas I just grab whatever I see. Kathy ended up getting a red cocktail dress which too be honest I didn't really like to begin with but when she tried it on it looked beautiful!

After getting the dresses, I was really tired and quite hungry so we decided to crash at a diner. I ordered a burger with chips and a coke but Kathy, being Kathy ordered something which would suit her figure; a salad filled with every green coloured filling you could possibly think of accompanied with of course a glass of mineral water. A few minutes later the familiar smell of apples and cinammon drifted into my nose. I nudged Kathy indicating the obvious change in smell but she just groaned and went back to listening to One Direction. I could hear the music booming from her headphones. She ignored me.

In the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a lean figure slouching back on a pillar outside the diner looking in my direction. I glanced back but there was no one there, just me. So the mystery figure must have been staring at me. It wouldn't normally have caught me off guard but the soft brown hair drew claimed all my attention... J. I informed Kathy that I would be back in a moment but she didnt seem bothered. I shrugged and strolled over to the outside of the door. I tapped his shoulder.

"Hey J, you alright?"

"Hi, uh yeah i'm good. You?"

"I'm good too. What you doing out here? Come in and join us."

"I'm.. I... Uh.. No..."

"Shush. Its obvious your not doing anything. Come on."

Despite his protests, I dragged him in and told him to order himself whatever. In the end he did order the same as me. When I brought J to our table, Kathy's attention did actually shift from the music to J. She batted her eyelashes at him but his focus was on me and me alone...

Which, I must admit I was entirely flattered by.

"J, this is Kathy, my best friend... who's also an ex-ginger."

Kathy narrowed her eyes at me in disapproval. "Hey, I love gingers, nothing against them. In fact, I wish I had been ginger."

We laughed at my oh-so-poor joke.

"Kathy, this is J. My new next door neighbour... also the guy that kidnapped me. Did I tell you?"

I smirked when I heard J sigh and groan. "Next time remind me never to save a damsel in distress."

"Sit your asses down kids. You've lots of explaining to do." Kathy demanded.

This was going to be... long.

***

"So, you live on your own? No hot older brother or cute younger one?" Kathy asked the most strange questions.. seriously.

"Yep. All alone, actually the house is my uncles he's just really cool and.. laid back I guess."

"Oh. That's cool."

"Where do your parents work?"

J flinched visibly.

For some reason, I felt the need to interject. "Alright alright, since when did this turn into TwentyQuestions?"

"What? I was only asking."

"It's ok. If you really want to know.. I guess were getting to know each other better anyway." J said.

"Hmm." I hummed, whilst taking a bite out of my burger. Gosh, mayo and chicken really tasted ace.

"Well.. I don't..." He coughed. "My parents died in a car accident along with my sister. Never really knew them." He shrugged and chuckled dryly, trying to lighten everything up.

Kathy gasped. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

"It's ok. Don't worry about it." He said.

After that, the mood plummeted and even I didn't really feel like finishing off my burger. I didn't even call mum, we caught the bus and headed home.

I hugged Kathy good bye. "See you tomorrow in school then."

"Yeah."

J stood with his hands stuffed deep in his pockets and was looking at the floor. "I'll see you around then J." Kathy said.

"Yes. School tomorrow." J smiled sadly at her with a pained expression in his eyes.

Kathy smiled back and walked up towards her house. I turned around to see J looking sullen and blue.

I didn't say a word to him. I don't think we needed to say anything. My action spoke for itself.

I went up to him and hugged him, burying my head into his shoulder. My eyes dampened slightly when I heard him sigh and hug me back.

Today I had seen a new side to J...

Aside from the usual cockiness, there was something else under there..