The Boy Across the Hall.

Part 1

I grew up in a rental house, owned by my parents. Many different tenants have come and gone. Most of them were elderly. So the house was peaceful. I didn't grew up alone. I had my sister Maddie. She was 3 years younger than me, still in high school. Madison was fearless and confident. Often in trouble for sneaking out.  I never had a reason to sneak out. Even when Madison tried to drag me to a party with friends, I still found some way to stay behind. Lately, I've quit college. Instead I accepted a job at a grocery store and picked up Madison's chores at home when she was "studying". My days were spent at home and nights were at the store.  Any free time, I spent curled up in the attic, reading. A place in the house no one entered unless it was a holiday.   One day while I was clean up after breakfast, the doorbell rang. I turned to get the door, but was beaten by my mother. Going back to my job. Maddie entered to help.

"There are boys out there talking to dad about living here for a few months," she whispered. "So?" I replied as I brought the dishes in the kitchen. Following me, Maddie placed the plates of food on the counter. "They look like they are in a rock band. Dad might not let them live here,"  I shrugged, "Because they might be noisy and we have a few elderly guests; who might not want to hear rock 'n roll at three in the morning."  Madison scooped the left overs up and put them in some Tupperware bowls.  I rinsed off the dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher.  "They are kind of cute." Maddie smiled.  I stopped what I was doing and looked at her.

"What are you saying?"

"Nothing."

"Madison?!"

"They might make it a little interesting around here."

"Dad has an unspoken rule. Any guy who lives here is not aloud to fool around with us."

Madison put her hands on her hips. Judging me.  "What?" I tossed down the sponge.  "Sophomore year. When the Ericksons moved in. I know you were making out with Sean by the garden shed," she teased.  My cheeks turned pink.  "Like you're an angel," I joked, " You tell mom and dad you're at a friend's house. Yeah, how do I know your not screwing some guy in the next state over." Maddie gasped. Dipping a hand in the water and splashing me.  I splashed back. Water soaked my top, showing my black lace bra. "Dude!" I jumped back. She laughed at me. Taking out the hose I sprayed  her, ruining her make up. "You bitch," Madison cursed.  Her mascara ran down her cheeks. We giggled looking at ourselves. Water covered the kitchen.

"Ah...hey." One of the band members stood in the doorway. He had shaggy dirty blond hair and thick sideburns. Wearing a trucker hat that said 'I love Bingo'. He was slightly chubby. Wearing a polo, hoodie, jeans, and vans. About 5'5". His face was red with embarrassment.  We gawked at him as he stared back at us. Madison grabbed a napkin and wiped her face.  His blue eyes looked fixedly on me. Jaw hung open. I crossed my arms over my chest.   "Can I help you?" I asked awkwardly.  "Ah....um...yes. Your um...Glass of water," he tripped over his words.

"You mean our mom sent you," Madison fixed her hair. I rolled my eyes. Maddie went to the fridge and took out a bottle of water. Handing it to him, she winked.  She was the reason our father made that rule. Once she entered high school, Madison act a certain way around guys. She was looser with men than I was. Dad walked in on her and some guy who was here living with his grandmother. Even without makeup, boys always followed her. She had curves in all the right places. Where as mine were a little heavy. Maddie spent more time on her appearance than me. I tended to live in the shadows from time to time. "I'm Patrick," the boy smiled, taking the water. 

"My name is Maddie and this is my sister Gina," she introduced us, "she's a total nerd."

I threw the sponge at her. "Hey," Maddie turned and glared at me. I walked out, pushing past them.