The Boy Next Door Is Not What He Seems

Chapter Two: A Little Baby Saint

Chapter Two: A Little Baby Saint

•.⌯.•River's POV•.⌯.•
"River! Time for school!" My mother called out.

"Mama, I'm right here." I said tiredly standing right in front of her.

She took a short glance at me before returning her focus on the pancakes, "Sorry, anak. I didn't see you." She apologizes as she flips a pancake.

She and I look vaguely like each other. Both of us meeting at the same height, having the same dark brown hair, the similar kind of wide-filipino eye shape, and fitted with golden skinned, we could sort of pass as sisters only if I didn't have my father's hazel eyes and full eyebrows.

My mother and I have a very weird relationship with one another. Due to her being the CEO of Grey INC., a well known clothing line here as well as in the Philippines, she and I have never really had the time to actually talk like a mother and daughter should ever since she encased herself in work since Dad had passed. I mean she does take days off, however she engulfs herself in teleserye and other filipino shows to get her mind off of her late husband.

Usually during school mornings, she makes breakfast then leaves for work immediately after, leaving me, myself and I alone in the house. It's been a routine of ours to not see each other until late in the evening, and sometimes—when her work is really hectic—at dusk.

At a young age I've come to realize that it'll always be this way if we want to provide a roof over our head and food on the table. Although we are financially stable and can afford a bigger living establishment, we like to keep it simple. My mother doesn't own a big mansion with a butler, but we do own a two story house in a friendly and safe neighborhood.

"Anak?" she said, catching my attention, "I've asked the Matthews, if it was okay for Charlie to bring you to school so you don't have to walk," Mom said, "So now, go mingle with the cute neighbor boy."

Feeling heat rise to my face, I groaned, "Ma!"

"I'm just playing with you, Rivie." She giggled, putting down her apron and spatula, "I'll be off then. Ingat ka." She hugged me tight and kissed my forehead before leaving to go to the offices.

Dread filled my senses as I began to think of how awkward this confrontation is going to be. I haven't spoken to Charlie since I broke into his room which was only a week ago.

Gosh, he probably thinks I'm his weird stalker now.

Eating breakfast in silence, my mind wondered free from what was going to happen today. Once I was done with my food, I cleaned up after myself before brushing my teeth. I quickly grabbed the lunch my mom prepared for me and placed it in my backpack. I was heading for the door, when the doorbell rang.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

"Be right there." I called out as normally as possible.

Okay, River. Don't be embarrassed.

I trudged to the door and repeated this in my head as I opened the door to see Charlie, looking down at his phone, "Hey Grey." He said nonchalantly not bothering to look up at me.

Feeling heat rise to my cheeks for the second time this morning, I nodded to his greeting, saying his name in acknowledgment.

Charlie's glasses hugged his face as he matched it with a gray Nike sweater, accompanied with black shorts with his backpack in tow. His frame was much taller than me given I was only 5'5 when he was a little bit over six feet. My heart fluttered at his presence, but I refused to acknowledge it.