Girl Next Door (Editing)

A pleasant day

   Eli's POV

I kept stealing glances at her through the mirror not that she realised. She was so caught up in staring at her new journal. I'd seen the way she looked at the journal in the store. Like it was one of a kind. I sorta wished I was one of a kind for her.
Ugh! Eli, get these thoughts out of your head. How could I.? I could tell Robin wasn't vain or shallow. She didnt like makeup and she loved writing. I started to compare her to Annaliese. They both had blue eyes but Robin's brown specks made her stood out. Annaliese's eyes were the deepest shade of blue almost purple. Besides, Annaliese would murder someone if her honey blonde hair had spilt ends.
I pounded on the story Robin had told Double J and I. Her family was poor. If the kids at school found out, they'd maltreat her. I didn't want that to happen. I made out a plan to tell Double J we had to prevent Robin from ever saying it.

"Can't wait to write in it, huh?" I smiled and caught her eye through the mirror. She nodded

"It seems you just read my mind" She gave me a wide grin and I was almost captivated by her beauty. She was growing comfortable around Double J and I. I liked that.

"What are your other interests, RoAn?"

"Well, I like Greek mythology" my eyes got huge but I didn't talk. What sort of girl liked Greek myths? She should be in makeup and enjoying attention. I started to imagine Robin in makeup. She looked breathtaking but it didn't seem natural. I liked her without makeup.
Okay, Eli. Get a grip!

"Eli and I love Greek mythology too" Robin smiled at us both and went back to flipping the pages of her journal. Her touch was tender, making me wish....

"We're here" I found a good space in the parking lot. A lot of teens were loitering around. I figured it was because school was gonna open in a bit. Funnily enough, I didn't want anyone to talk to Robin. It felt like she wasn't ready to face them. They got out before me and Double J held her hand. It seemed like I wasn't the only one who figured she looked uneasy.

"RoAn, come on. It won't be so bad"

"This is just new for me. No one's ever taken me to the mall to hang out except my mother or the few times I take my brother to get a new game"

"Robin, how could your parents afford to get your brother new games?" Robin smiled sympathetically.

"They didn't. I took up part time jobs to give Kieran whatever he wanted." Whatever I felt for Robin must've grown at that moment. She was really caring and humane. Double J wrapped her in a hug. I just squeezed her free hand.

"You're one of a kind" I whispered but she heard it". Her eyes grew wide in surprise and I winked. "What's next on the list, Double J?"

"I think some new clothes. I'm not entirely sure" Double J sounded uninterested but he loved new clothes especially getting to show them off at parties. We waved a couple of school mates who saw us. I realised they were all checking Robin out. Jealousy flared in me. Where did it even come from?!

"Should I wait out here for you guys? I'm sure you'd be fine without me"

"Sorry RoAn. Your uncle Ted will kill us if he got to know we let you out of our sight. Besides, I like having someone new to model for" She laughed her sweet laugh and I felt my heart hammering in my chest. We didn't hit the shops right away. Double J decided to give Robin a tour just in case she came here alone.

"Guys, I'm sorry to be a spoiled sport but I'm hungry" She seemed shy and her little blush made her look cute.

"That's inconsiderate of us. I guess we figured you'd eaten on the plane" Double J was real smooth. I shook my head and the three of us descended to the food court. Robin didn't know what to eat so we just ordered pizza.

"This tastes good. Thanks guys."

"You're welcome, RoAn. You can count on us for anything, okay?  Well contact me first. Eli is sort of the unavailable at times kinda guy" Now, why did my best friend say that? I noticed Robin's faced paled for a second but the colour returned and I thought it was just a trick of light.

"Don't listen to him, Robin. We're neighbours. I'm always available to help out." She nodded  but wouldn't even look at me. It seemed the pizza was much more interesting than me. I sighed sadly. A couple of friends from school came to say hello but I knew it was because of Robin. She seemed to attract people to her without meaning to. I groaned. Now I sounded cheesy. I looked at Robin. Something felt off with her.

"Robin, are you alright?" I hoped my voice wouldn't portray too much worry.

"I'm just tired, Eli. Can you take me back home?"

"Of course. Double J, pay for the pizza and let's go"

"I'm sorry we didnt get your school clothes" she sounded guilty. I placed my hand on hers, ignoring what sparks seemed to be flying between us.

" it's alright Robin. We have a couple more days till we go back to school." She nodded and we got up to leave. I didn't drive as fast as I could have. Maybe it was because I didn't want the day to end so early. It was half past four when we got back to Hunters Creek. We all got out of the car and Robin hugged Double J first. She came over and hugged me too.

"Thank you for a wonderful day, Eli" She kissed my cheek and walked away.