The Boy Next Door

Chapter One

Walking out into the cold crispy air, my breath came out in little puffs as I hurriedly made my way to the old 1999 Toyota Corolla my dad gave me for my 16th birthday. Not exactly my first choice in cars, but it sure beats walking 3 miles in the cold to school or riding the bus with obnoxiously loud freshman. It wasn't much but I appreciated it.

For the longest time, this was our only car. With it just being my dad and me, he couldn't exactly afford off the lot brand new, as he was already struggling to make ends meet. I offered to help pay the bills with what little I made at the cinema, but of course, he refused.

"As long as you live under my roof, my job is to take care of you. Not the other way around." That was his answer whenever I insisted I helped. He always made sure I was taken care of though, and I love him all the more for it. I know all the long nights and overtime kills him. However, he never complains one bit.

Getting in the car, I turned the key over and crank the heat on full blast. After giving the car some time to warm up, the heat poured out of the air vents and warmed my freezing body.

Ahh much better

Pulling out of the driveway, I noticed a moving van parked in the driveway next door. It was about time someone moved into that house. It's been a while since the last neighbors moved out.

They must have gotten here late last night because the van wasn't there when I went to bed last night.

I wonder if they have kids? I thought to myself as I put the car in drive.

The moving van faded from my memory as I pulled Into the school parking lot 6 minutes later. I pulled into my usual parking spot and braced myself for the cold. Turning up the collar on my jacket, I kept my head down and made way to the entrance.

"Hey, Emily!" I looked to see Mary Sanchez, my one and only friend, walking up behind me. Her face was pink from the cold.

"Hey!" I said slowing my pace. She fell into step beside me as we entered the school. As we made our way to the lockers, the hallway was filled with the normal Monday gossip.

"You ready for the calculus test?" Mary asked as she stuffed her books into the locker.

"Ugh don't remind me. " I groaned. "I studied all weekend and I still don't have a clue how calculus is supposed to benefit my life."

Mary laughed "I'm in the same boat girl." As we shut our lockers, the hallways fell almost silent. All you could hear was the soft whispers of the students as their eyes turned towards one direction.

Following their gazed, my eyes landed on what could only be described as a Greek God walking down the hallway. His eyes were focused on the sheet of paper in his hand. It was most likely his schedule. His Jet black hair was lazily flipped to the side with a few strands hanging down. He was wearing dark washed Jean's and a solid black Tshirt that left little to the imagination of what was underneath.

Coming to a stop, he glanced down at his paper one last time and looked up at the locker number beside mine. Stepping up to it, he tried to put in the combination while continuously looking down at his paper. After many attempts, it still wouldn't open. He was about to walk away when my body forced me to speak up.

"These things can be a little tricky, need some help?" I was probably just as surprised as he was judging by the look in his emerald green eyes. Normally I would have just walked away. I not very good at being social. Especially with guys. My shyness takes over and I completely embarrass myself.

Mary and I were friends because she did most of the talking while I happily listened. Perfect friendship.

Being this close, the scent lavender filled my nose. I resisted the urge to lean in and stuff my face into his shirt.