Neighbors

N I N E T E E N

BECKETT

"I can't just come out and tell her that I have feelings for her, guys! She's gonna think I'm insane!"

"Are you planning to propose or something?" Zach rolled his eyes. I huffed in frustration but shook my head no. "She's not going to snap at you for just confessing your feelings."

"But what if she doesn't feel the same way and I'm just going to make a fool out of myself?" I contemplated.

Gavin gripped my shoulders, "stop thinking about the what ifs. Just spend some more time with her to get to know her and see where things go from there."

"Maybe you're right," I looked down at my lap. "Thanks Gav."

"Hey! What about me? I helped too!" Zach squawked.

Both Gavin and I hit him this time. "No you didn't," I replied.

***

A few hours later, my friends left and I was alone. It was strange not having Sadie to keep me company or Piper to talk to about music. I decided to distract myself by going out in the backyard and playing a bit of soccer. It had been a while since the last time I kicked a soccer ball around. Ever since that one day I came home to Piper watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Sadie, I haven't had time to play.

I dribbled the ball between my feet. The familiar activity that usually helped me clear my head was leaving my mind in a jumbled mess. Nothing felt right.

As a kid, I always wanted to grow up and become a professional soccer player. But now, I wasn't so sure.

I kept thinking about Piper and what her hopes and dreams for the future were. Her and I weren't close enough for us to talk about our future. For all I knew, we could've stopped talking to each other the second the show was over.

In an attempt to distract myself from thinking about Piper, I decided to just go head up to my room and listen to music. I left the ball where it laid in the grass and went inside. As I walked up the stairs, I saw an unfamiliar vehicle outside of Piper's house. Curious as to who it was, I waited until I saw who exited the car. I saw Piper climb out of the back seat and thank the driver, who I presumed to be Catherine.

I contemplated texting Piper and asking if she wanted to do something but ultimately, shot that idea down.

Continuing my hike up the stairs, I strolled down to the hallway to my room. On the bed, I saw a note set atop a basket of clean laundry.

Your aunt's engagement party is tonight. Make sure you dress nicely and you are welcome to bring a date (Piper perhaps). Mrs. Monroe is bringing Sadie home at 4:30. Please make sure that both of you are ready no later than 5:30. Love you. Mom.

After reading the note, I groaned and shook my head. My aunt was constantly getting engaged and throwing an extravagant party to celebrate each time. But she could never maintain a marriage. She had been remarried six times already and I guess she was planning on going for her seventh.

I looked back at mom's words about bringing a date. Every party she threw, Aunt Belinda always tried to set me up with one of her friend's daughters or something. Knowing that I was uninterested, she still pushed me to them to make small talk and get to know them. In the end, it never works out and I have a miserable time.