Neighbors

Neighbors XVI

Chapter 16

I  N E E D  Y O U R  H E L P

I suspect people to look at me in the hall. Or, suspected. But no, no one even looks my way. Not even James. I thought James was going to bounce up to me and ask for the details. But really, he just turns the other way when I walk up to him. The only person to look at me today was Parker. Carol wasn't there, which sucks because I need a friend.

As soon as school ends, I fight my way through the hall and grip Andrews arm. He turns around with a smile but then frowns.

"What do you want?" His voice is dark. I shiver and glare defiantly back at him as he stares at me.

"I want to talk to you."

"Oh, this shit again?" I roll my eyes and hold his arm tighter.

"Now." He licks his lips, and then nods slowly.

"Whatever. My car, five minutes." I glower at him, but then step back, letting his hand go.

"Fine. Your car."

I leave Andrew and step out to the parking lot thinking. Oh God, what am I going to say? 'Oh sorry, didn't mean to hurt your feelings but Parker and I getting together kind of happened'? No. Oh, wait, I can talk to him about Kayla also. The thought makes me smile.

I get in Andrew truck, spotting James come out and get in his black Mustang. He does a double take when he sees me and then sends me a small smile and a wave. Finally. I wave back, pleased he's talking to me again. I hate to say it, but James and I have become pretty close, especially since him and Carol are twisted together somehow.

Suddenly, I see Parker. He's leaning against the school wall, talking to someone way taller than him. The guy has his hood on and a dark hoodie. I lean toward the window to get a better look and see Parker and the man disperse quickly. I go to wave at him, but stop. Something tells me not to get involved. Parker looks back, and luckily, his eyes scan right over me. I lean back, trying to figure out what just happened. Alright, he was talking to someone.

Don't over think it, my inner self hisses and goes back to her shell.

"Weird seeing you here," a voice comes from Andrews open window and I jump. I look over and see the crack holding familiar eyes. It's the green eyed blond from the party. My breath hitches and I lean against the window.

"Um..." I trail off, something flowing through me much like fear. I bite my lip and subtly lock the doors. He notices. The blond tilts his head, and his eyes automatically travel to where Andrews lock went down. I chew my lip, praying he will go away. I can't close the window because the car isn't on, and I don't know where Andrew is. Or if he's even going to show. My inner self comes out of her hiding with the realization of something. Andrew has lacrosse practice today. The dick! He lied to me.

With new anger flowing through my veins, replacing the fear, I quickly get out of the car. I glance at Bullet and see the blond raising an eyebrow. Oh I screwed up. Anger got in the way of my original thoughts to stay inside the car, safe from the stranger.

Oh crap, here comes the fear again. Blondie walks around Andrew's truck, and my fight or flight method kicks in. Of course, I turn to what I always do.

I bolt round the truck and run to the field to find no one there.

Changing rooms, inner self hisses to me. I look around, seeing the guys room. Glancing behind me, I see the blond with a face of play. Oh jeez, he finds this entertaining. I don't get why I'm so scared of him, maybe he just needs a tutor.