The Girl Next Door

17

Dad gave me the next week off of work. He went in for my morning shifts with Bridget, and so I was able to go an entire eight days without seeing her at all, without talking to her, about her, and without even thinking about her (well, for the most part..)

Travis spent a lot of time hanging out at my house, spending every other night with me and the other nights with his mom. Kiki came by a few times. After she'd kissed me, we just hung out. We've kissed a few times since then, and there was only one night we messed around. And even then, we only used our hands.

It's been nine days since I last saw Bridget. Ten days since my heart got broken.

I bought curtains to hang in my window. I'd noticed Bridget was leaving hers open and starring into my window more often then she wasn't. The only times I'd ever seen her blinds closed, were if Noah's car was parked outside of her house. I guess now they were at the point of hanging out where I could see.

I was still so angry with her, I just couldn't understand what made her want to fuck me over like that. And the only thing I kept asking myself was if Noah knew what was going on. If he didn't, that would mean she cheated on him. That part made me feel like a complete asshole. I may not be the biggest fan of the guy, but he didn't deserve to be fucked over either. And who even knew if she'd been messing around with both of us. The whole situation was so messed up and upsetting.

My first day back to work was a Tuesday morning. I woke up with Travis sleeping on my couch and Kiki curled up next to me in the bed. She'd snuck in through my window late the night before and the three of us spent the night watching movies and smoking.

I was mentally preparing myself to see Bridget for the first time in a week, trying to be ready to handle it if she tried to talk to me at all, when my phone dinged with a new text.

From Noah.

Hey man. I know this is kinda weird since we don't really talk... I just have been hearing some rumors and Bridget won't be straight with me. Is there any way you could meet up and talk me through what the fuck is going on? I'm fucking confused.

I sent him a response right away. Bridget might hate me, but he deserves answers to his questions too. He agreed to meet me right after I got off of work.

I snuck out of bed as quietly as I could, trying hard not to wake either of my friends, and got dressed quickly. I took my time getting ready, trying to be as prepared as I could be, and then I set off for work.

She was already there when I parked my car, sitting at one of the metal tables right by the entrance to the shop. She looked happy, and as beautiful as always. Short black shorts and her work shirt. She had her red hair pulled up into a messy bun and she'd done her makeup.

"Oh hey!" Bridget blurted while she watched me get out of my car. "I wasn't expecting you!"

"Couldn't have my dad cover my ass forever. Kinda need the savings." I shrugged and unlocked the door to the shop. I was done ignoring her, but that didn't mean we were about to be on friendly terms. I was still hurt and pissed, but I couldn't wallow in my self pity and hold a grudge any longer. That kind of negativity isn't good for a person.

She looked shocked to see me, but even more shocked for me to respond to her. It took her a few moments to talk again. "You're talking to me?" A smile was playing on her lips, it made me want to gag.

"Don't get too excited. This doesn't mean things are good between us." I swung the door open and walked into the shop, not looking back at her.

"Casen, will you please give me a chance to explain?" She pleaded, following me back to the walk-in freezer.