The Hooded Figure

SIX

After dinner, I went straight to my room. I pulled out my parents' old laptop that was practically useless because of how slow it was, hence why I asked Trey if he had a computer. I guess it doesn't matter because I'll have to start the project on my own. I checked my phone while the laptop loaded the homescreen. Wow, twelve pixels loaded in six minutes? That's an improvement from last time!

Note the sarcasm.

When the homepage finally loaded, I pulled up a new Google Slide. I titled it 'Project Partner is a Dick'. Sure, I was a little angry, but it is what it is. It's not like he's ever going to see it because he probably won't help, that won't stop me from badgering him though.

I pulled my textbook out of my backpack and read a few subchapters about how globalization affects the world today. There was a copy of the information package on SchoolZone so after looking that up and waiting five minutes for it to load, I got started on my slide show. I decided to add some pictures because Mr. Bacinski's eyes wouldn't stay open long enough to read the information and he'd probably fail me for 'lack of interest'.

After about an hour of typing sentences and waiting for them to appear on the screen, I finally saved the document and shut off the laptop, not only frustrated at Trey, but also at this slow piece of technology.

It was only 6:30 and I was bored out of my mind. I opened my door and peeked my head out slightly. "Dad?" I called, stepping out of my room and walking down the stairs. I dragged my hand along the railing as I descended. "Hello?"

There was no reply and as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I turned right and walked into the living room. "Hello?" I tried once more, still getting no answer. My eyes caught sight of a neon yellow sticky note. I made my way to the kitchen counter and picked it up.

Going to crack open a cold one with the boys, Dad xx

I cringed and threw the note in the garbage with a tiny shiver. I took a seat on the couch and turned on the TV. The curtains behind the TV were open, letting in all the sunlight it possibly could, blocking my view of the TV while blinding me. I groaned as I stood back up and walked to the TV. I reached over it awkwardly and reached for the curtains. I was in the process of closing it when my eyes landed on the open window in the house across from ours. The owner had finally sold the house two weeks ago after months of trying to find a buyer. I hadn't taken much notice of it until just now when I saw a boy in the window. He was putting a shirt on, half facing the window. I could see the defined V-line on the side of his stomach even from across the street. I gaped as the shirt covered the exposed skin and the boy turned away from the window. All I could see now was the back of his blonde head. The golden strands ran freely just past his ears, but I couldn't see much else of him no matter how hard I squinted. I couldn't tell how old he was, but I was assuming he was young enough to be around my age. Hopefully.

The boy brought his hand to his hair and ruffled it just as he left his room and shut the door behind him. My mouth was still wide open and it took a moment for me to close the curtains. How did I not know a hot guy was living across the street from me?

Then, suddenly, an idea weaseled its way into my head. I shut off the TV and ran into the kitchen, swinging open the fridge door. It was my dad's birthday three days ago and there was still half a cake left. Delicious chocolate.

My stomach grumbled as I grabbed a knife. I cut a medium slice and found a lone plastic plate in the cupboard. It was dusty and probably unsanitary, but I ran it under some water and said, "Good as new."

I placed the cake on the plate and shut the fridge. I left the knife on the counter so that I wouldn't have to use a new one when I came back to eat the rest. I slipped into a pair of flip flops and although it was April, it was surprisingly warm out. I was still wearing my jeans and loose t-shirt from earlier, but I don't think anything I owned could make me look as good as he did with nothing on.

Woah there, Amy.

I blinked a few times and walked across the empty street determinedly. I was walking up his sidewalk when I froze. What the hell am I doing?

I was about to turn around when my subconscious argued, you're getting yourself a snack. Follow your own advice.

I huffed and mentally prepared myself as I found myself on his front doorstep. I brought my fist up and knocked on the door three times. I placed my hand back unde the plate and smiled brightly. I waited for about a minute and for a moment, I thought he wasn't going to answer.

Just as I talked myself out of it and was getting ready to leave, the door opened. I looked down at the cake immediately and said, "My mom wanted me to bring this cake." I then brought my eyes up, only to meet a black hood. "You're fucking kidding."

He didn't say anything, he just took the cake out of my hand and shut the door in my face while I stood there in disbelief. It took me a moment to process what had just happened and then I turned around, shaking my head at my idiocy. I walked back to my house, crossing the deserted street dejectedly. I was so excited to meet the hot guy, but all I got was Trey. Gosh, I can't believe he's my neighbor, kill me now.

I opened my door and shut it behind me, locking it. I leaned against it for a moment before reasoning with myself.

"I need cake. Lots of it."