Being Neighborly

Chapter 2

I can't tell if my heart is beating super fast or has stopped altogether. I whip my body around to face whatever is behind me, letting out a little gasp as I take in what caused the twig to snap.

Standing several feet away from me is a guy, the backpack slung over his shoulder an indicator that I shouldn't be afraid. He's a student, too. Though he looks like he could be a model.

His dark hair, short of the sides and long on top, is messy, as if he had just rolled out of bed. But that's the only thing that isn't put together. The green in his eyes is so bright, I can distinctly tell he's staring at me even though it's still pitch black outside. The sleeves of his long sleeved white shirt are rolled to his elbows, showing off lean muscular forearms. His black jeans hug his lower body in all the right ways before the cuffs disappear into the tops of his black, partially unlaced boots.

Several moments pass before I realize he is still staring at me. Why is he staring? Oh god, I've just been shamelessly checking him out and haven't even said a word! I avert my eyes as quickly as I can manage, but still notice how long it takes me to go from looking into his eyes to the asphalt. He must be really tall considering I'm 5'8" and he's towering more than a whole head above me. I should really introduce myself.

"Hi, I'm Leila," I say quietly, looking back at him. He's still looking at me with incredulity. Is he trying to place why I'm here? "I'm new in town. I'm guessing we go to school together." I shift my backpack on my shoulder a little, trying to show him in case he didn't see it before. He doesn't say anything.

I put it up to how nervous I am since waking up, and even more so that my first interaction with someone other than my aunt and uncle is a gorgeous guy, because I begin to ramble.

"I'm a senior. I know, how weird is it to be starting senior year at a new school. It's already going to be hard enough with AP classes and applying to colleges and the inevitable senior traditions I'm sure your school has. Well, I guess it's also my school now. Are you a senior? Maybe we have some classes together or you can show me around because I know I'll get lost. A lot. I'm not very good with directions. Anyway, did I say my name was Leila? Because it is. Hi."

I think that is the most I have talked since moving from California. Or ever.

The sound of the school bus fills the air. He turns his head to look down the street, the light from the street lamp glinting off a small silver stud in his nose. I can't help but stare at his profile, his strong jaw scattered with a hint of stubble. I feel heat start to creep up on my cheeks when I realize I'm checking him out again. I turn to look down the street to see the bus approaching us, saving me from any further embarrassment.

I board the bus, making my way to an empty seat. It isn't that hard since there are only six other students on this bus. I know I must be one of the last stops because the high school is only two miles from this neighborhood, making the nearly empty bus feel strange. Plopping down on a gray seat near the front, I move myself closer to the window. The good looking guy, who must live on my street somewhere, passes my seat and makes his way to the back of the bus. I glance over the back edge of my seat to see that he's staring at me again. I turn my head to face the front, my cheeks feeling warm again.

Get it together, Leila.