Being Neighborly

Chapter 5

You would think because I was the last stop on the bus route going to school that I would be the first on the way back. That doesn't seem to be the case here as we enter an unfamiliar neighborhood and two students get off.

Now I have extra time to stress about whether or not my mysterious neighbor knows anything about me. I'm most likely overthinking again, why would he care so much about the new girl who, just seven hours ago, made a complete fool out herself by rambling about absolutely nothing to him. He wasn't even interested enough to respond, let alone tell me his name. I definitely am overthinking this, my rising anxieties getting the best of me once again. He probably stares at me because he thinks I'm a freak. He's not far off though...

I'm pulled from my thoughts when the bus stops again and I realize I'm at my street. I didn't even realize other people getting off at the other stops we must have made along the way. I guess having only a handful of students to drop off has the benefit of a rather short ride. I thank my bus driver as I get off and start walking down the street towards the house.

I am vaguely aware of him walking behind me. I am doing everything in my power to resist looking over my shoulder. I know once I look at him I'll end up saying something horribly embarrassing again. No need to give anyone, especially him, any reason to single me out anymore than I already have been today.

I proceed forward, mentally congratulating myself for making it to the house without so much as a glance in his direction. I do notice him pass me on the sidewalk, walking towards whichever house he belongs in. I pull my keys from my backpack, the jingling and clanking of the metal being the only sound in the still air. I should really take off my old car and house keys from this ring. I can't seem to let go of the little things.

Just as I find the key to the front door, I hear a garage door open. I turn my head towards the sound to find my mysterious neighbor disappearing into his house.

Which happens to be right next door.

I don't know how long I've been standing outside on the front porch looking at the house, but it is certainly long enough to see the curtains move in the window that faces the side of my house.

The side where my bedroom is.

His bedroom can see into mine.

Has he ever peeked inside my room? Could he have been watching me this entire summer? There's no way...