Surfs Up:Knowing You

2. The Girl Next Door

Ryan

''Ry! Thank God your back from your  swimmy thing, There's one more bag in the trunk, help me out babe?'' My mom says struggling to carry her paper shopping bags.

''Its called surfing mom..''

''Yeah yeah..How about you go greet our new neighbours whilst you're at it, they moved in yesterday, they're really nice people Ry, I'll meet you there in a sec!''

''Maybe in a couple weeks mom, you know..when they've settled in abit?''

''Yeah you're right, don't forget those bags!''

I let out a deep sigh. I wasn't too happy when my mom told me I had to try make friends with our new neighbours.

I was 16 years-old. For my entire life thus far, living in Downtown Miami. Our next-door neighbour was an old woman named Irine, for some reason? Not that I'm prejudiced against old people or anything. My grandmother lives with us and never acts her age.

Anyway, Irine failed to wake up one morning and the house got sold off to a young family with a kid.

Her name was Aaliyah, and I've seen her a few times now. She went to the same school as I did. My mother yelled at me not to stare through the window as her bedroom was right opposite mine.

~

When the Haselden's had been living next door for a couple weeks, we came for a visit and to bring them a welcome basket. Me, my mom and Nana were dressed in uncomfortable clothes. My mom was literally shoving me and Nana in the direction of the house next door. We rang the bell and Mrs. Haselden answered, greeting us warmly.

''Lindsey!'' She cried. 'I'm so glad you could make it''

''Please call me Lin'' My mom suggested. ''This is for you'' My mother said, handing over a basket full of home-made cookies nana made.

"You've met my mom Bridget, and this is my son Ryan"

I smiled as her eyes widened at my calling.

''Ryan..Davies?'' She says.

''Yes ma'am, pleasure to meet you''

''Oh yes, Ali's has told me alot about you..'' She said with a smirk on her face. ''Its good to finally meet you''

''Ali..?'' I said acting like I didn't know who she was abbreviating.

''Oh'' She said. ''Aaliyah, come down sweety we've got guests!'' She yells.

My eyes met the stunning figure I saw back on the beach. I could tell by her baggy sweats and cheeky crop-top, that she hadn't been forced to dress up for the occasion.

''She's sixteen isn't she?'' Mom asks. ''Ryan is sixteen aswell.''

''Yes, that's wonderful,'' Mrs. Haselden says.

''They could 'play' together'' Nana suggests laughing, nudging at my arm.

"Shh Nana" I whisper laughing at her.

Mrs. Haselden lowers her voice.

''Aaliyah hasn't been having an easy time making guy friends''

''MOM?!'' Aaliyah hisses, then turns to me. ''Davies what are you doing here?!''

''That's no way to speak to your new neighbour..'' I tease.

Her face flushed bright red, and she marched back up the stairs.

Ugh shes so hot when she's angry.

Mrs. Haselden motioned for me to follow her upstairs. I wink and nod at her before I galloped up to what I thought looked like Aaliyah's room.