One House Behind | ✓

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

Tanner

"Are we going to repeat names? I don't think that'd be much fun." I scrunched my nose as I took a seat on her green grass.

"No, sorry. I just... never mind." A chuckle fell out of her mouth as she looked around her work, trying to find something to cover up the awkwardness.

"It's fine." I waved.

Setting my binder next to me, I opened it to pull the paper I printed earlier out. I bit the pen I brought and then closed the binder, setting the paper on it. Looking up, I saw Shelly biting her own pencil.

I lightly snorted. My head shook as I started my homework. I hated having to do it and then taking a picture of it, it always came out bad.

"So, how ya been?" she absentmindedly asked as she switched papers.

Switching subjects?

"I've been...good? You saw my tantrum the other day so I can't really lie."

"It's fine to get mad, I keep everything bottled up."

"That's not good."

"Neither is throwing a tantrum like that. Why did you? Don't tell me why but tell me what...started it."

I sighed as I set the pen on the paper so it wouldn't blow away. I had looked up. I couldn't tell her because I didn't know why I felt mad.

"I can't tell you. It's not like I won't but I just... it's complicated. It's like, being in the house is annoying, everything becomes annoying. And then you wouldn't reply.

I thought you were annoyed with me and then it pissed me off more. I just...being couped up in the house isn't doing it anymore. It's frustrating."

"You explained it."

"Huh?"

"You. Explained. It."

Her eyes stared into mine. A small smile played on her thin lips. I couldn't help but smile back. She always seemed calm.

"I guess I did. Thanks for that."

"For what? For listening? It's my superpower. But shh, don't tell anyone." She winked before she turned back to her paper.

My lips tipped to one side as I copied her movements. There was a light breeze and I saw her struggle to keep her papers with her. One flew off and since it was coming my way, I was able to get it easily.

"Give me that back later tonight. I'd think my parents would flip if a stranger would come anywhere near me."

"I'm not a stranger."

"To them you are." She raised a shoulder before lowering it.

"And what am I to you?"

"My stalker," she said as she placed her papers underneath the binder.

When she looked up, the same but brighter smile had presented itself. Something in my chest happened but I docked it down to nerves about meeting for the first time. I didn't want anything more from this friendship. Shelly would forever remain my good friend who just so happened to live behind me and found out that I held anger in every step I took.

That's all she was, a friend. Nothing more.

******

A/N:

Okay, Mr. Adrien Agreste.