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Chapter 15
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2023-03-18 16:20:00Related chapters
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 16
Dad isn't here when I arrive home. I take off my shoes, put on my pajamas, and head directly towards the backyard. Every aspect of my pottery room, which is always directly across from the back patio, draws me there. I want to go there so badly, but I just can't get myself to do it. I want to get lost in something there so desperately that I forget about everything else.Never again can I create anything in that space.I look over the fence and into the neighbor's yard at that point because I can hear music playing there. Steve is concentrating while seated on his back porch with a guitar balanced on his leg. His brown hair cascades forward, erecting the wall I had earlier desired between us and shielding his gaze from mine. It's debatable whether or not I should be grateful that his house is a little higher than ours because, if it weren't, the fence would serve as yet another obstruction separating him from me.My initial instinct is that I need him to be kept away from me. Like eve
Last Updated : 2023-03-19THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 17
"Lifetime friends." D extends her hand. Ellie performs the Edwarde when I link a pinkie with her.She has always been extremely sentimental, but she only expresses it to us. She is also really tough. She puts a lot of pressure on herself to avoid feeling abandoned by her parents, who largely ignore her, but Lillian and I are both aware of how crucial the people in her life are to her. She must be aware that we will always be there."Always," I begin.Always," adds Lillian.Ellie suddenly casts a glance down. You can't say anything as I have to tell you guys anything. Even if I believe in you, I don't want Marvin or Ian to find out and inform Airlene.I touched her shoulder with my hand. "I would never say anything to Ian that you didn't want me to. You know you can depend on us. I think Lillian is right.Ellie says, "I guess I'm going to...you know, go all the way with Airlene after the dance," after taking a few deep breaths. I'll take him by surprise. Since it is a dance, it is. You
Last Updated : 2023-03-20THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 18
Steve is leaning against the lockers, Annie Jacobs, the most popular girl in school, with her perfect long blond hair, standing in front of him. She keeps moving closer and closer to him. Steve’s popping gummy bears like they’re going out of style. Is it me or did he just move away? No, why would he? And why do I care?Just then, he looks up, his bright-blue eyes snaring me. When I start to turn away, he calls out, “Emily! About time you got here. You’re late. ” Then he says something to a pissed-off-looking Annie before coming my way.I keep walking and he files in beside me.“Thanks for the save, pottery girl. That chick’s a few cards short, if you know what I’m sayin’. ”It’s never stopped the other guys from caring. That’s what guys like, right? I mean, almost every boy in this school has gone after Annie at some point or another, even Ian on one of our breaks. “Pfft. Like that matters. ”“You go for girls who aren’t playing with a full deck?”I look at him and roll my eyes. “I’m
Last Updated : 2023-03-21THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 19
My attention is quickly pulled to Emery's stomach when she places a hand there. "So, do you think he likes you? And now when he's angry because you harmed him, do you feel bad?He doesn't like me, therefore no. Furthermore, I don't believe I injured him; I was merely a bitch. I don’t know if that’s why he had a bad day but—”Emily," she cuts me off. "Not everything is about you, I promise, and I mean that in the greatest manner imaginable. You might not be the cause of his meltdown, as you claim.I feel my cheeks warm as I acknowledge her accuracy. Steve kind of told me earlier that I make everything about me, which very Edwarde-like. When you put it that way..."I'm not saying that's the cause or not, but unless you're sure it is, don't be too hard on yourself. You and I probably have a lot in common. We already have plenty to worry about; we don't need to invent additional justifications.She is correct once more. When she says it, it makes so much sense that I ponder why I didn't c
Last Updated : 2023-03-22THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 20
She says, her shoulders swaying, "Busted." Compared to Steve, she has a more ethnic voice. His voice has a Hispanic lilt, while hers is deeper. "Is there a possibility we can keep this under wraps?" Her cigarette is raised.I can tell it's the same Edwarde as Steve's when she smiles.They appear lighthearted, joyful, and carefree. It makes me want to perform the Edwarde for some reason. “Umm…sure? In any case, I'm not sure who I would inform. Talk about a strange request coming from a mother.“Shh. Steve has the back room and is a light sleeper. My son dislikes tobacco use.Steve, go! Even so, it's odd that she's keeping it from him. I mumble, "Sorry," half intending to giggle at the way she checks behind her to see if Steve is approaching."Don't worry, Mija. You are not at blame. I'm too old to be sneaking cigarettes around, but I'm only smoking one now a day. Not too awful, in my opinion. But my son is a harsh critic.When I look back to that day in the hallway, I want to say, "Yeah
Last Updated : 2023-03-23THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 21
Dolcezza, do you...do you want to talk about it?.I can't help but question if it's odd that I am unable to communicate with my own father. How on earth would I ever attempt it? Tell him that I initially believed I was in love. That even though I wasn't ready to have a baby, I had sex and became pregnant, and now that it's abruptly gone, I feel a little hollow. Simply poof! akin to magic. No, not magic—Mom was magical—but rather, a terrible force that swept in and devoured me.However, I kind of want to speak with him. I want him to at least ponder. Even if he can't have his bella signora, I hope he can have his sweetheart, therefore I want him to ask, hold me, and call me dolcezza. I sincerely hope I am sufficient. I want to alleviate his sadness the most of all. At night, I have a dream that I have a large eraser that I can use to erase the moments in our past when things first started to shift.Is it as a result of that boy, Ja—? His voice suddenly becomes tense, and despite the hu
Last Updated : 2023-03-24THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 22
I can only nod while pondering what just occurred. I will undoubtedly attend brunch tomorrow.Brenda calls as I walk with Steve to the door, "See you at nine."Okay, many thanks.Steve halts as soon as we step onto my doorstep. You'll be alright?I enter with a nod. Yes, I'm OK. Fortunately, we don't reside on Elm Street. Then I might force you to spend the entire night up with me.My stale joke earns him a smile. I wouldn't have to be forced by you. I would safeguard you from Freddy. Or have my mother keep us both safe.Big powerful boy needs his mama, I see. I can see you're a brave person. My tummy is fluttering, and I try to ignore it.She is strong. When you come to know her more, you'll understand."I'm sure your mother is a tough cookie,""Wise girl. " He turns his attention to his home. I better leave. We'll see you later, Bryntastic." Steve does a U-turn and runs home again. I keep an eye out until he enters.I quickly go upstairs to brush my teeth and grab my pillow and blan
Last Updated : 2023-03-25THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 23
My eyes are also watering. Despite not knowing what is wrong with her or what to do, I find myself approaching and sitting down on the chair next to her. I wrapped my arm over her—something no one ever done for me—and I let her cry. Dad tried, but he couldn't bring himself to.And she complies. So many tears, I'm unsure if she still has any.I just sit there, encircling her with my arm, hoping I'm acting appropriately. Because it feels nice to help someone else when I am unable to help myself, I hope that this somehow helps.She wipes her eyes with her sleeve when the tears eventually cease, and her expression instantly transforms. “Wow. I completely lost it on you there. I apologize for it. She gives me a smile. She recently shed a lot of tears, therefore I can't believe she's smiling.I'm doing foolishly, she says. "I just got into an argument with my lover and temporarily lost it. I'm all right now."I believed you lacked a boyfriend?"She opens her mouth as if she just made a mist
Last Updated : 2023-03-26
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THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 42
When she raises her head, I find myself staring directly into her brown eyes rather than looking away. I allow myself to hold my breath for a brief moment before letting it out. Is that the case? Does Sharon...? "Is she...?" Abigail averts her gaze. "Are you dead?" Her query is answered by me. It was Marie who said that Charity had told her that. Her head is shaken in shock. That's a bad thing. In this moment, I am unable to fathom the anguish thatCharity must be experiencing. So much affection he had for her. It must be so heartbreaking for him to be so alone and so powerless, and he must be -" I interrupted her by saying, "He'll be ok." "He's no longer a young boy." Her outpouring of grief for Charity is so heartbreaking that I can't stand to keep listening to it. However, judging by the look on her face, it is clear that she did not appreciate the comment I made. Moreover, I add, "And he is not going to be by himself." As soon as she finishes her conversation with my father,
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 41
Another thing that I am aware of is this. Abigail Higgins is a devoted follower of my brother. Since she was five years old, she has. She did, in fact, follow him around for a period of time once. He served as her savior and her prince. During the course of the conversation, those wide-eyed stares morphed into sideways glances, which were accompanied by flushed cheeks and a twitch of the corner of her mouth. Upon Charity's departure to attend college, Abigail shed tears. Would she shed tears for me?It's really unlikely. How is she doing? In spite of this, I can't help but inquire. The door to the refrigerator is being shut by Marie. You, Abigail? She is doing well. Just as every other eighth-grader is, I am completely overwhelmed with schoolwork. When it comes to a math project, I am assisting her. I make a raised eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you detested mathematics." "Yes, I do," she confesses. "Would you like to take my place?" In a hurry, I respond with "No."
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 40
I continue my descent down the opposite stairway. In the kitchen, the light is currently on. A request for entry. That's how it is. The reason for this is because my father has not yet arrived home, and there is already food waiting for him. I choose to disregard that and run directly to the referee. Check it out. There is some casserole that was left over from breakfast this morning.One-half of a BLT sandwich, most likely the portion that Marie was unable to consume. I won't deal with that at all. There is cheese and macaroni. It is ham. To pickles. The chocolate cake cut into a slice. Wings of chicken. These are nachos. Now we are having a conversation. I grab the package of wings and the nachos that are now dripping with sauce, and I begin eating them on the counter. Before the rear door opens and Marie arrives, I only manage to make it through three of the bedrooms. This is her favorite stance at the moment, and she is currently standing in the doorway with her hands on her hi
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 39
Now that I've tied the knot with my fictitious fiance, I want a divorce. Since we were both children and lived next door to each other, I have known Joel. When I was paying more attention to his sibling than anything else. I am aware that it is scandalous. That is all in the past at this point. Right now, the only thing that matters is the final request that my father who is dying has. All he wants is to be the one to walk me down the aisle. The individual who is able to assist me in realizing that desire is Joel. However, the fact that he is a billionaire has drawn a ruthless adversary. In addition, I am unable to put my faith in him. I am being played by Joel. In the event that I discover that I am pregnant, should I still leave him? When we were ten years old, the roof was being pelted with raindrops. Depending on where you are in the house, it could sound like a calming patter that is perfect for putting a baby to sleep. However, this is not the attic. Just now, the sk
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 38
We’re silent for a minute, and then I add, “I know I pulled away first…but you guys aren’t innocent either. The way you treated me. I don’t think I deserved that. ”“You’re right,” Ellie says.“I’m so sorry,” Lillian adds. “Maybe we can try to start over… Go slowly. ”My heart bounces. “I would love that. ”“All of us made mistakes. I’d like to try to get our friendship back, too. ” Ellie looks down.It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. I need to prove things to them, and them to me. The fact that we’re all willing gives me hope.I listen as they talk about some of the things they’ve been doing the past months. Then I talk to them about Steve and tell them I have a new friend named Emery I hope they can meet one day.Each word is a cleansing breath. A compression on my chest bringing me back to life again.And I can’t wait to live.When I finally get up to leave, both girls stand, too. Lillian holds out her pinkie first, then Ellie, and finally me. We link them all together. “Always,”
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 37
I shake my head. “I was only lost for a little while, but I found my way back. ”Lillian speaks next. “Your mom was incredible, but she didn’t make you special, Emily. You did that yourself. We’re your best friends. We love you. ”At that the tears start to leak from my eyes. “I love you guys, too. ”“It hurt to have you push us away,” Lillian whispers. “We’d always been a team and though we understood, it sucked. And then when you started talking about this new boyfriend you didn’t want us to meet, it was like you didn’t care. You’d moved on and forgotten about us. We weren’t good enough to be there for you, when we loved her right along with you. ”When Ellie’s parents fought, she talked to Mom. When we needed a ride somewhere, we asked her. Lillian started her period for the first time at our house and my mom was there. I should have realized it hurt them, too. That they felt like I left them, as well.“And even after everything happened…” Ellie shifts. “You didn’t want to see anyo
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 36
“No. I can promise you they’re not. ”I think about everything that’s happened since we lost Mom. How he pushed me away. How I pushed my friends away before, and now I’ve pushed Steve. Steve was right. I’m not taking my life back. I’m not fighting. Jason is still winning. And maybe… Just maybe he wasn’t all bad, either. It’s not something I will ever know. But maybe he just wanted to feel loved and didn’t know how to find it the way he needed to. Just like me. He’s responsible for his actions, and I’m responsible for mine.Maybe if I could have been stronger, he wouldn’t have been in that car. Or that girl wouldn’t have been with him. Maybe she would still be alive, maybe not. There’s no way of knowing. It could have been the first day they met, or he could have been tricking her the Edwarde way he did me. Either way, I refuse to stand by anymore. Refuse to let people get hurt because I wasn’t strong enough to do something. Even though Jason is dead, I want to fight, for myself, for o
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 35
“According to police, the vehicle was traveling at high speeds when it lost control on one of the curves. There was a female passenger in the vehicle with him, but due to her being a minor, no name has been released yet. Both occupants of the car were dead at the scene. ”Dead.Dead.Dead.They’re both dead. Jason is dead. A girl is dead. Due to her being a minor…Another girl, just like me.The fuzz takes over again. I don’t hear anything else. Just my pulse mixing with the noise and throbbing in my head. The cries ripping out of me with so much strength, they tear me apart. A girl I didn’t know has died with Jason. He could have lied to her like he did me. Maybe she thought she loved him and he loved her. Maybe she just trusted Jason like he always told me to do. The way I did. And now because of that, she’s dead.“Shh. It’s okay, dolcezza. I have you. I’m here. I have you. ” Dad repeats the words over and over as the tears keep coming. I’m holding him so tight, my nails dig into h
THE GUY NEXT DOOR Chapter 34
My cell beeps, making me jump. “Oh my God. I’m losing it. ”I pick it up to see a text from Steve.Im now a stalker. Jumped your fence. In the pottery room.My lips beg me to smile, but the nausea churning in my stomach makes it impossible. My fingers move to tell Steve I can’t. That I need to be alone. But I feel this little pull to him, too. The urge to watch him play and share gummy bears with him. Spending time with him is starting to feel like my new normal, and though I want nothing more than to be excited about that, I can’t fully muster it up right now.I also can’t tell him no.Dropping my backpack inside the foyer, I go through the house and right out the back. When I open the door to the room, I see Steve sitting on the small couch with his guitar next to him.“I thought you could try to make something again if you want. Or I could give you another lesson— Hey, what’s wrong?” Steve pushes his hair behind his ear so it doesn’t hang in his face.I want to tell him. To tell so
