The Jerk Next Door

Chapter 14: The Girl Next Door

Asher

I opened my door as quietly as I could. The last thing I want is to be caught by my mom and have her asking how everything went last night. Though I will definitely have to thank her for the help getting everything ready. As I make my way down the hall I remember how adorable Maksie looked last night when she fell right asleep in my jacket. And how childlike she got while we watched the cartoon. She keeps surprising me. First the super affectionate side, the sad back story, the scared and defensive side, then the childish nature. And don't even get me started on the kiss. I stood outside in that spot for five minutes processing what happened. Maksean Swift. You are one hell of a girl.

"Asher! Breakfast is ready!" I heard my mom call from the kitchen before calling for Kelly.

"Oh, hey Asher." I turn to see Kelly standing there with her hair pulled up in a messy bun covered in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. She had her reading glasses on meaning she must have her paper to read. She looked at me with her eyebrows cocked to show confusion.

Shit, I've been spotted. Well I am in the middle of the hallway just standing here. Not the point, me.

"Why don't you sit down for breakfast with us this morning?" She said placing a gentle hand on my shoulder guiding me to the table where her daughter is sitting eating her toast and cereal. I find my mother placing a plate of toast in front of my normal seat at the table with a happy smile adoring her face. "Just so you know, you mom would really like to know how last night went. She was really excited for you." Kelly whispered before taking her place at the head of the table. Carly sat to her left, mom to her right. My spot was at the other end. Next to my mom who is waiting for me to sit down and tell her everything.

I take a look at my family and smile. As annoying as they can be, they really didn't let me down when I needed them to help with last night. Carly's boyfriend was in the tech club at school so she got me the projector. Kelly owns a furniture decorative shop and lent me some old non sellable blankets that would be okay to put in the bed on my truck along with the comfy pillows. And mom was able to magically put everything in that one box. I of course bought the snacks and found the cartoon to watch, but I cannot fold a blanket to save my life. I never really do much to show them how much they mean to me, and yet they all did a little something to make sure I impressed Maksean.

I walk over and take my seat with a small smile. "Thanks mom."

She just looks up with a heartwarming smile before taking another bite of her toast. And I can tell she's trying not to ask. But I have her eyes, I know what she wants.

"It went great last night." I started watching her face light up and she almost began talking with her mouth full, nearly choking.

"Here dear," Kelly handed her a glass of milk to wash down the food so she could continue being excited.

I didn't say anything as I waited patiently so she could let it all out at once. "That's fantastic!" She said with an almost empty mouth. "What did you guys watch?" She asked excitedly, completely forgetting her toast.

"Animaniacs. It's an old cartoon her dad would watch while overseas. It is her favorite cartoon. And surprisingly, I really enjoyed watching it." I almost regretted it when she let out a squeal. She was soon shushed by Kelly who reminded her how early it was.

I finally decided it was time to eat and reached for a piece of toast.

"Oh Kelly, don't you remember watching that when we were youngsters?" My mom exclaimed dramatically as she leaned towards her wife spreading her arm over the table causing the plate to move away. I roll my eyes at her. She's always been so dramatic.