The Boy Next Door

Chapter 18: Revelations and More Revelations

Emilia's POV:
      I am five years old again...a few years before I knew Noah. There was a little boy at the park my mom had taken me to, he was about two years older than me and he seemed friendly enough. I approached him and introduced myself. He has dirty blonde hair and the biggest eyes for a seven year old.
      "I'm Emilia, what's your name," I say with a wide toothed grin.
      He laughs and smiles at me, a friendly gesture.
      "You're missing a tooth, you look like a pumpkin. I'm Jack Parker, but you can call me JP for short." He says with a laugh.
      "So are you gonna call me pumpkin now," I say annoyed. Even as a five year old I had a temper.
JP reaches over and ruffles my hair.
      "You bet pumpkin," he says giving me a grin.
      "Wanna play hide n' seek JP?" I ask.
      "Only if you go first," he replies.
That was the start of my friendship with JP. He was my best friend, we practically did everything together, but four years later Noah moved in next door, and I haven't talked to JP since then...

Back to the Present*

      "I'm sorry, JP, but I can't change what happened," I say. I really am sorry, but I was just a kid and I didn't really think about other people.
      "I don't want you to be sorry, I want you to be with me," JP says.
     "Well you can't be with her, she's dating me, right Emmy?" Noah says looking at me.
      Noah looks like he's about to use his fists to solve his problem, and I know the situation will just escalate if he does that.
      "Yeah, we are. I'm really sorry JP, we were just kids. I didn't know you felt that way, come on let's just go back to the bonfire," I suggest.
JP gives me an incredulous look.
      "I can't be around you two, it makes me sick to see you with him," he says.
      "I-," I start, but JP only cuts me off my heading to his car.
      "Goodbye Pumpkin," JP says before getting in his car and driving off.
     Noah and I head off back toward the bonfire in silence. I think Noah is mad that I didn't recognize JP in the first place. All of this could have been prevented, damn have I had enough drama to last my entire life.
      "Noah, are you mad at me?" I ask hesitantly.
      "No, I'm mad at Jace, I mean JP, whoever the fuck that guy is," he replies.
      "Hey did you guys find Jace?" They all ask.
      Noah shoots me a look.
      "Nope, couldn't find him," Noah lies.
      "Hey, you guys Emmy isn't feeling well, so I think I'm going to take her home," Noah says.
      I just nod.
       "I could take her if you want, and you could stay here and help Alec pack up," Ash suggests.
      Noah looks hesitant, but he agrees anyways.
      "Come on Emmy," Ashton says, guiding me along.
      I just let him drag me to the car, because JP'S words are still haunting me.
     I want you to be with me.

Ashton's POV:
      Something just doesn't seem right with Emilia. I can tell something is bothering her, but she won't tell me what it is.
      "Hey Emilia, wanna go to a party?" I ask.
       "I don't know Ash, I'm not really in the mood," she says shrugging.
I sigh, I know I have to get her smiling again, she's honestly never very sad.
      "But there will be lots of booze and music," I say smiling.
      "Fine Ash, you know I can't say no to you," she says with a small smile on her face.
      When we get to the party I had heard about it was in full swing. The music was super loud and there was a huge crowd of people dancing. I don't think there is a single person here who isn't holding a red cup in their hand.
      "Ready Emilia?" I ask, grabbing both of us red cups.
      "You betcha, Ash," she says taking a large sip. Obviously she has something to forget, but then again, so do I, so I guess it's time to get drunk.

Emilia's POV:
      I didn't mean to get this drunk, I kind of just wanted to stop thinking about what JP said. I have always felt bad about hurting people's feelings.
      I'm on my fourth cup of whatever is in this in this drink, and that's when I start to make stupid decisions. I see Ashton, and he seems to be having a lot of fun, so I don't bother telling him that I'm going somewhere.
      I still remember where his house is from the time I went over there to make up with Noah. I need to know everything JP has to say, and I know he lives by himself, so parents aren't a concern.
      It's a 15 minute walk from the party to JP's house, but with a little stumbling I get there just fine.
      I didn't really think about the time I was arriving at his house, so when I get there he is asleep, which is obvious from his ruffled up hair.
JP looks pretty shocked to see me, but I'm pretty sure the alcohol is what got me here.
      "Hey, JP, whatcha doin here," I say all giggly.
    
     His eyes widen more.
      "This is my house. What the hell Emilia, are you drunk?" He asks furiously.
      "Just a lil' bit, but I'm good. I came here to talk to you about what happened. I --you're so pretty JP, I don't know how you like a girl like me," I say hugging him and giggling.
     "Pumpkin, we're not talking about this while you're drunk," he says sternly.
     "Well we're not talking about it while I'm sober," I say laughing. I've been laughing so much I'm almost near tears.
      "Here, let me take you home Emilia," he offers.
      "No, don't touch me!" I shout.
      "Fine, but you're not going anywhere like that," he says with a look that tells me that's the final suggestion.
     "Kk JP, catch me," I say closing my eyes and falling backwards.
     "Oomph," I hear him make a sound while catching me.
     JP sets me on the bed and turns around.
     "Where are you going?" I ask sadly.
     "To get you a change of clothes, yours reek of beer," he says unhappily.
      A few seconds later he comes back with an oversized t-shirt, which I happily change into.
      "Here drink this Emilia," he says handing me a glass of water. I oblige, but not before telling me how bossy he is.
      He tucks me into the bed and starts to leave. I feel so lonely all of a sudden.
      "JP?" I say hesitantly.
      "Yes Pumpkin?" He replies.
      "Don't leave, I don't want to be alone," I say.
     He slowly walks back.
      "Fine, I'll stay until you fall asleep," he says.
      He sits down on the edge of the bed, not looking at me.
      "No, come closer, I'm cold," I whine.
       JP lays beside me in the bed, putting his arms around me. I start to feel really sleepy all of a sudden, and it's kind of comforting being in JP's arms like this. I hate to admit it to myself, but it does.
      "Goodnight Pumpkin," JP says, placing a kiss on my forehead. That's all I remember before falling into a deep sleep.

      Hehehe please don't hate me. Please vote and comment, telling me what you think. Listen to the song at the top..and until next time..

~The Late Night Book Addiction