The boy next door

In between: Thursday

In between: Failing at avoiding each other, still, melatonin making me late to school, and too much contact, again.

~*~

Thursday

Sleep isn't as bad, which is nice. Still not the best, but I think it's getting there. I just haven't been used to sleeping in my bed I guess.

My mom is gone when I wake up. I see a note in front of the coffee pot: "Have a good day at school, sweetie, I love you." I smile and write something back, even though she won't see it until way later. It's the thought that counts though, right?

It's been so quiet in the house. We're thinking of getting a kitten, or two, to kind of liven it up. A little company for the both of us.

My mom is truly my best friend. She works a lot and really hard to give me a good life. She started working at the company she's at now as an intern and now she's one of the managers. She's such a strong woman and inspiration to me.

She's always apologizing for working so much and working late, but she doesn't have to be. She always makes sure to take most of the weekend off to spend time with me, and we're usually always doing something when I'm not with Carrie or doing homework. Even if it's just watching a movie at night and eating ice cream together, anything, really, is nice with her.

We've become so much closer this year, it's nice.

After I get ready, I leave my house, locking the door behind me like always.

And there he is, coming out, at the same time.

"Hi," I smile.

He smiles when he sees me, an unlit cigarette in his mouth.

He takes it out, "Hi there," He smiles.

I laugh as I walk to my car. Then I look at him again as he lights his cigarette.

"Since when do you smoke before you get to the park n' ride?" I ask, realizing that he's been smoking a little more recently.

He shrugs, "I don't know."

Bullshit. I know when you're lying.

But I let it go, even though I probably would have sassily lectured to him before. "See you at school," I smile and get in my car as he smiles and nods back at me, cigarette in mouth.

This is why he's been smelling like smoke a lot more recently.

I get to the park n' ride, and he pulls in as I get out. He gets out as I put my backpack on, close my door, and lock my door. I'm putting my keys in my bag when he comes up to me.

"Long time no see," He smirks.

I laugh, "Want to totally not walk to school together?"

He laughs, "I would love to not walk to school with you," He smiles.

He lights yet another cigarette as we start walking. Usually this would be his only morning cigarette, and he wouldn't smoke again until either after school on the way here or at night.

I guess things have changed.

"So this is your second cigarette of the day?" I ask, trying not be naggy. But I'm curious.