The Neighbor (boyxboy) [On Hold indefinitely]

Chapter Four

It was the first day of sophomore year. My alarm clock went off at 615am. I hit the snooze button. My alarm clock went off at 620am. I ended up hitting the snooze button three more times. My alarm clock went off at 635am. I finally woke up and took a long shower. I  put on some clothes my mother got me at the mall on Saturday. I picked out the simplest clothes I could find; a tank top, a pair of cargos, and my Vans. I went downstairs to find my parents waiting for me at the table already eating breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast were waiting for me on a plate. I couldn’t complain about that.

Enter mom. “Honey! Why aren’t you wearing the cardigan from H&M I got you over that tank?” Why she sounded so upset was beyond me.

“Mom, I don’t want to overdo it.” I sighed.

“Yeah, let the kid dress the way he wants. He’s a sophomore now.” my father said. I gave him a look that said, "thank you."

My mother shot us both a look. “Now Isaiah, you know what I'm already about to tell you." I did. "I don’t want you to pull off anything dumb. You know most of the PSLC sons and daughters go to Lorraine. I don’t want you to ruin your reputation in your final years of school.” Translation: don’t mess up our family reputation.

“Yes mom.” There was no use to being a smart ass so early in the morning. I sat down to the table. I didn’t even know I was that hungry until I took my first bite of the maple syrup sausage.

Mom’s eyes brightened up. “Oh! Did you ask Joey about tutoring you for Spanish?”

“Yeah.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he’s fine with it. I start after school today.” I smiled at the thought of seeing him after school every day.

“That’s wonderful, Isaiah. I knew he’d help you.” said my mother. She loves it when things she plan goes her way.

"I though you were taking another year of French?" My father asked confused.

"Yeah, me too." I looked at my mother. My father followed my gaze.

"I thought it would be smart for Isaiah to take Spanish and have lessons with Joey so he could pass. It's an easy grade if you ask me." my mom said explaining herself.

"No one did. For Christ's sake Eileen, let the boy live his life. You have been making decisions for him before you even gave birth to him. Let the kid be independent for once." my father bantered. He was more mad about the situation than I was.

"Jack, I am only trying to think of what is best for my son." My mother said, starting to raise her voice.

"He isn't just your son, he's our son." He corrected her.

I don't know what was up with my parents lately, but ever since they came back from the cruise, they have been at each other. It seems as if they were wanting to argue with each other. I mean, they had arguments before, but nearly not as many as this past week.

"Dad, it's alright. I'm not worrying about it anymore." I said reassuring him. I looked at the clock. It read 715am. My bus was about to be here in five minutes. “Look at the time. Gotta go. Love you mom and dad.” I said bye to both of them and ran out the door. Luckily the bus stop was three houses down.

As I walked towards the stop, I heard a familiar voice. “ISAIAH! HEY!” Jasmine, my best friend. I missed her this whole summer. Her mom and her mom's boyfriend decided to drag her out to Mexico for vacation. I know she had things to tell me. It was going to be a long bus ride.

I ran up and hugged her. “Jasmine, I missed you. I have so much to tell you.” It was true.  I need help from her; I need to tell her about Joey. I need her opinion.