The Neighbors

Chapter 11

Summer ended and Harry began his senior year in high school. He still came over after school, but we were hardly ever alone, which was a good thing. I was starting to think that he had developed a little crush on me.

When Harry reminded me about Holland's party, he didn't seem very excited about it.

"Harry! Don't you want to make any friends?" I asked.

"Of course, but..."

"But, what?" I questioned. "You're going to this party!"

"Yes, mum," he said, cracking a smile.

"Don't call me that or I'll be drowning my sorrows in milkshakes again! And I told you I can take you there, right? That's where I grew up. I can drop you off and hang out at my parents house until the party is over. Unless you think you'll party all night long," I teased him.

"I don't think I'll stay that long," he said.

I found it strange because Harry wasn't exactly shy, although he hadn't been very outgoing at his high school orientation. He seemed confident, and he was definitely attractive. I wondered why he hadn't brought loads of friends home already. I hoped he would make some friends at the party.

I dropped him off at Holland's house and she came rushing out to greet him. "Harry!" I'm so glad you made it!"

Oh, this girl has a serious crush on Mr. Wonderful. That will be good for him, I thought, smiling to myself.

As I drove away, I saw a few other people greeting Harry, so I knew he'd probably end up having a good time. The girls and I arrived at my parents' house and had a pizza and movie night with them. I hadn't been home in a while, so it felt good to be there, comforting.

But the first Disney movie was barely over when I got a call from Harry, asking me to pick him up.

When I got back to Holland's house, I left the girls in the car because they were sleeping. I rang the doorbell and when a tall brunette answered the door, I said, "I'm here to pick up Harry."

The brunette yelled, "Harry, your mom is here!" I bit my lip and gave her a dirty look, but she was too wasted to notice.

Harry gave a few high fives and said some good-byes on the way out. He didn't look unhappy, but I was curious as to why he wanted to leave so early.

"Are you feeling okay?" I asked as we drove away.

"Yes, fine, thank you," he answered.

"And you had fun at the party?"

"Yes," he answered.

I didn't ask any more questions after that.

When we arrived home, it was still on the early side and the girls were sleeping. "Do you want to watch a movie?" I asked Harry.

"Sure," he replied with a huge grin. Whatever was bothering him before seemed to have slipped away.

I got the girls into bed. Then Harry and I watched The Hunger Games, followed by Catching Fire. He had to do a little convincing to get me to watch the second movie, but I enjoyed it over all. However, I paid for staying up too late all throughout the next day. I vowed to myself not to stay up so late anymore.

I didn't let Harry's lack of friends bother me. I figured it would just take him some time to get to know people. Or maybe he was an introvert. Or a homebody. But it seemed like he wanted to be at my home more often than his own.

One afternoon the following week, I was just leaving my office when my cell phone rang.

"Hello?"