The Hottie Next Door

Chapter 6: When things just seem to drag on

Chapter 6

I stared at her face, a silence lingering before I decided to speak.

"What? What is it?" I whispered, almost afraid to ask, knowing the answer could threaten our friendship.

"I just wanted to say that Noah is amazing! And I've got dibs on him, so don't you dare try to steal him away from me, because we're going to live happily ever after!"

I sighed and shook my head, turning away from her. I got out of the car and headed toward the front door.

"Come on! Tell me... you won't like him like that, right?"

"Of course, Beth. I'm not stupid. I won't if you really like him. Besides, I'm not into nerds."

She quickly jumped up and gave me a hug.

"Hey! Emma, that's rude! He's not a nerd, he's cute, sweet, and smart. That's what he is—smart."

I laughed and entered her house, slipping off my shoes and holding them in my hand.

We both crept up the stairs, careful not to make a sound, but then I jumped when Beth made a noise behind me.

"Shhhh," I whispered.

She smacked my arm and told me to hurry up. I ran up the stairs, skipping a few, and slammed the bedroom door behind me.

Beth entered right after me and started undressing to grab her shorts and tank top. She threw me a pair of shorts and wipes. I thanked her, grabbed my clothes from my black drawstring bag, and changed quickly.

I removed my makeup and tied my hair up, glancing at Beth to ask her something, but all I could hear were light snores. She was sprawled across the bed like a starfish.

I sighed and looked out the window, gazing at the stars and the dark night sky. A curious feeling swept over me, but soon it was replaced with a sense of fatigue. I turned, pushed Beth aside, and she groaned in her sleep. I pulled the covers over both of us before sinking into a deep sleep.

The blinding light of morning disturbed my sleep, and a knock on the window made me want to scream. I cracked open one eye and saw a furry animal tapping on the glass. Groaning, I reached for Beth, but she wasn't there. My hand touched the empty space next to me. I sat up, rubbing my eyes.

Where the hell did she go, and why is some furry thing tapping on the glass?

I stretched and, after washing and brushing my teeth, grabbed my phone to check my messages.

Beth:
Emma! I'm out shopping with my mum, sorry! XOXO

Lazy Ass:
You know I love you, Emma. Help me with my homework, and I'll pay you, buy you lunch, and do anything you say for a day.

Lazy Ass is some guy from my English class who never does his work and always asks me for help because I actually finish my assignments on time.

I ignored his message and checked one from my mum.

Mum:
*Come home, we have guests coming! Quickly, Emma!!!! :( *

I started packing my clothes and shoes into my bag, grabbed my fluffy hoodie, borrowed Beth's boots, and ran out the door. I struggled to run fast, but I knew my mum would kill me if I didn't get home in time for the guests. Trust me, I've been there before, and I really didn't want to go through it again.

I grabbed my house keys, gasping for breath, my face turning red and sweat dripping down. I held the doorframe, trying to catch my breath. Once I managed to steady myself, I walked carefully up the stairs, keeping an eye out for my mum.

Before I could open my bedroom door, I felt a sharp pinch on my arm. I turned to see my mum standing there, wearing her slippers.

I groaned and lowered my head.

"Where have you been? Can't you read? Is this why I gave birth to you?"

"Mum, look, I'm sorry! I would've come earlier, but I was..." I struggled to find an excuse, staring at her wide-eyed.

"Hurry up and get dressed. My friends are coming over. They just moved to town."

I entered my room and collapsed on my bed. I touched my foot, remembering it was still healing. The rush of adrenaline from earlier was gone, and now the pain settled in.

I grabbed a bandage and some balm to soothe my ankle, wrapping it tightly for support. Rubbing my head, I wondered what I was going to tell my mum.

I opened my closet and saw that my clothes were scattered everywhere. I was pretty sure I had forgotten where half of them were buried under the pile. My old closet was so close to breaking. I needed a new one, but I never bothered.

I grabbed a long skirt and a frilly top. I wanted to look casual but mature. I've always wanted to look older because people always thought I was younger than I actually was, treating me like a kid—until I put on makeup and actually put effort into my clothes.

I checked myself in the mirror before heading out. Just as I grabbed my phone, I heard a ding!

Beth:
I brought cookies for you, and you abandoned me?!? I guess we can't be friends anymore.

Errrrrr!!!!!! If you want me to get killed by my mum and not turn up to school, that's fine. Also, I have guests coming, that's not really how I want to spend my Sunday.

Beth:
Okay, fine. I'll still be your friend. Have fun with your guests. I'm going to catch up on some Dramas I missed.

"EMMA!!!"

I jumped, nearly dropping my phone on the ground. I sighed and shouted back, "Wait."

I walked down the dark brown oak staircase. To my left, I saw my mum cleaning the living room. I quietly crept into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. But before I could take a sip, the glass was snatched from my hand.

"Mum!" I whined, "I just wanted a drink!"

"Clean. Now."

I dragged myself into the living room, where I fluffed the pillows on the four-seater sofa and adjusted the grey rug. I wiped down the coffee table and the TV, but just as I was about to wash my hands and put the cleaning supplies away, the doorbell rang.

"Oh, they're here!" Mum smiled, brushing her hair and patting her clothes to look presentable—just like she always did.

Since I can remember, the only time Mum ever looked messy was after her 13-hour shifts at work.

You might be wondering where my dad was, right? Mum and Dad divorced when I was young. I see Dad sometimes during the holidays, but he lives in Spain for work.

I quickly shoved the cleaning spray under the sofa, praying no one would notice. If Mum found it, I'd be disowned, and my phone would be taken away.

Mum opened the door, and I held my breath, wondering who the guests were. I just hoped they weren't one of those couples who talked nonstop and asked me a million questions. Honestly, I hated meeting new people. It always got so awkward after they started asking questions.

Mum hugged the guests and made small talk before ushering them inside.

"Come in, this is my daughter Emma," she said, gesturing to me.

Before I could speak, I was left speechless.

I blinked once. Twice. Three times. But I still couldn't believe what I was seeing.

You're thinking it's that teacher from next door who always annoys me, right?

Guess what?

You're wrong.

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ONCE AGAIN IM TAKING A LONG ASS TIME TO UPDATE!!!!
Sorry all my lovely readers!
I'll try to update quickly because of the comments.

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~B.