The Alien Next Door

5 - People like picking on easy targets

POV: Phoenix
I haven't seen him all week, I left his apartment when he fell asleep because I didn't think he'd want me there oogling over him trying to get myself accustomed to him. I probably should have left a note but I couldn't find a pen anywhere so I just left quietly, making sure not to wake him up. I put another note under his door after I left but he is yet to reply to one so I doubt he'll start now.

I wrote another quick note to him this morning, offering for him to come over later, and put it under his door on my way to work. He didn't open his door, and I didn't get to see him. I just hope he's alright.

I got back after work and quickly cleaned my whole apartment. It was quite weird seeing his apartment because it was the exact same layout as mine, just mirrored.

I waited until nine and he hadn't arrived yet. I waited and I waited until I realised he probably wasn't coming over tonight. I decided to get ready for bed and go to sleep when I heard a very faint knock at my door. I went and opened the door to find Jake there in his pyjamas and his hoodie. "Uh hey, I didn't think you were coming," I say as I move to the side to let him in. He waited until my door was shut before taking his hood off, revealing his face which looked a little more swollen then usual.

"Before you ask the very awkward question of 'what happened to your face?' I'll just tell you that I got beat up. It's just a part of my life at this point, which is why I've been quiet for a while now." He splutters out quickly. "Oh my god," I whisper out before embracing him in a hug. "Oh uh, I'm just going to go back and get some rest. Thanks for inviting me over," he says after we hug for a few seconds too long. "Okay, if you need anything let me know," I say even quieter. I watch him leave and I fall down onto the sofa.

No one should have to live like that.

Ever.

POV: Jake
I told him that I was beaten up. I wasn't going to, but I felt bad for not speaking to him or seeing him for so long. Even though it was only a week, it felt like forever. As much as I dislike that guy, he's sure on my mind a lot.

I was attacked on my way home from work, clearly I'm not even safe there anymore. Even getting that job was a blessing and now I'm not even safe going there. Society is really out here making me excluded from it.

I didn't even see what they looked like so I couldn't even report it to the police, I just ended up in A&E getting my wounds tended to. My face is more swollen then it usually is and it hurts a heckin lot. I'm used to being in pain, but this is something else. Not even a hug could help it.

It's a part of my life, when you're not like everyone else you become a target. And boy do people like picking on easy targets.