Just Neighbors (BWWM)

Chapter 1

As the movers helped my dad unload the Uhaul, I reluctantly got out of the truck and nearly gasped aloud like it was my first time seeing my new house.

"Pictures don't do it justice." My mother sighed suddenly as she slung an arm around my shoulders.

"No ma'am." I replied absentmindedly and gave my new home a slow once over.

Goldilocks would be quite proud for this house was the epitome of "just right." The light olive green paint and white accented railings, shutters, steps and doors really complimented each other well. Not only was the color scheme perfect but the exterior layout was ingenious too. The house had a wrap-around porch with a bench swing on the end, a hexagonal back porch, a lush front and back yard with the right amount of oak trees for optimal shade, a tri-light lamppost for additional lighting at the beginning of the walkway leading to the front door, a small pond on the right side of the porch steps and a bonus strawberry garden in the back yard - thanks to the previous owners.

"You've got good eyes, Chelly - for a new homeowner." My dad groaned as he helped one of the movers lift my couch up.

"Thanks, daddy." I beamed proudly, sporting my first genuine smile of the day as I watched him waddle into the house with the couch moments later.

"You can still sleep in the guest bedroom tonight - the offer still stands." My mother suggested again, but for the second time today I shook my head no.

"I'm gonna set up my bed today and sleep in my new house tonight but thanks for offering, mommy." I replied and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

She looked down at me with tears in her eyes and I inwardly groaned. Oh Lord, here come the waterworks.

"I'm so proud of you, baby." My mother sobbed and pulled me into her arms.

"Too tight, mommy. Too tight." I wheezed in response.

My mother then quickly released her hold on me and straightened out her shirt before hastily wiping away her tears.

"I'm sorry, I promised I wouldn't cry, didn't I?" She asked sullenly and sighed. "But my baby's leaving me."

"Correction. Dad kicked me out." I replied as I held up a finger.

"True." My mother said and paused for a moment. "Richard!" She suddenly shouted and ran into the house in search of my dad.

I chuckled to myself and shook my head as I glanced around my new neighborhood until something flashy suddenly caught my eye.

In my neighbor's driveway sat a very expensive looking foreign car - from the looks of it a slate Lamborghini.

Well hot damn.

"Chelly, we need your help inside dear!" I heard my mother yell from inside the house, quickly snapping me out of my awestruck haze.

"Coming, mother!" I shouted in reply and started jogging inside.

As I began ascending the steps I slowly stopped and half turned to look over at the Lamborghini again.

Why would someone who could afford that live here?

"Chelly!" My mother shouted again impatiently.

"I'm coming!" I shouted back and hurried into the house before my mother could throw a hissy fit.

*****

"So how do you like the house?" Chelsie asked as she popped her gum on the other end of the phone.

"I really like it, kinda quiet, but I like it." I replied and shoved a spoonful of rum raisin ice cream into my mouth.