Although everyone complains about homework, I think it's agreeable to say; it's so fucking boring when you don't have

any.

I'd finished all of my homework during lunch, thinking I'd benefit from it later. But now I sat at my desk, googling random things to try and pass the time. I'd tried texting my friends, but none of them had answered.

I sigh and close my laptop, looking around the room for something else to do. I walk over to my large bookshelf and shut my eyes. I thrust my hand forward and wrap it around a book spine. I yank it back and observe what I'd picked: "To Kill A Mockingbird." I smile to myself in satisfaction. I'd already read every book on my shelf, but this was probably one of my favorites to reread. I turn the lights off in my room and flick on the lamps, setting a comfortable mood. I flop on my bed and open to page one.

I focus on the book, drinking in every word written. As I scan the top of the next page, my eyes make contact with the window on the opposite wall. Through it, I can see his room. The lights were on, giving me a better image of it. Not like I really needed one; I'd seen it one hundred times.

The red electric guitar hung on a rack next to the door, and the foot of his bed jutted out closer to the window. I see his computer monitor and desk on the far wall, knowing there was a stack of CDs to the left of the desk and on the right was his closet. I put the book down and watch the window, knowing he'd be back any moment. Just as I expected, the door slammed open and he stepped into his room.

A bag was hoisted on his broad shoulder. He threw it on the ground and face planted onto his bed. I giggle and pull out my phone.

A: Rough day? I hit send and wait a moment.

S: You're so creepy, always watching

A: Well turn your lights off then

S: You turn yours on. Even the playing field

A: How bout I not?

S: Come over

A: It's 9 o'clock though

S: You come here or I'll go there. I need homework help

A: Fine, be right over

S: Thank you ?

I sigh and stand, slipping my feet into some flip flops. I grab my backpack and sling it on my back, opening the door. I jog down the stairs.

"I'm running across the street to help Soul with homework." I call.

"Not too late Allie, you have school tomorrow!" My mom responded from the den. I open the front door and slip out.

I look both ways before crossing the street, an old habit that always stuck with me. I cross and walk up the path to his house. It was practically identical to mine; the only difference being mine was blue and his was tan. Although there isn't much to expect from a townhouse neighborhood; they're notorious for looking the same.

I'd just reached the porch when the door was opened. He stood before me in a tank top and shorts.

"I thank God everyday that I live next door to you, Allie." He said, walking towards the stairs. I laugh and shut the door, following him.

"Where's your mom?" I ask, sitting on the edge of his bed and pulling out my binders.

"Work. Late shift today."

"Gotcha. So what homework help do you need?" He sits down in his wheelie chair and rolls over towards me, pulling papers out of his messy binder.

"Uh... This." He said, holding the paper out. I examine it, recognizing our English homework.

"What about it?"

"Can I have the answers?" He asks. I close my binder and give him an evil eye. He sighs and clasps his hands together.

"Allie, please? Hear me out. I had lacrosse today."

"Uh huh."

"Until 7:30 at night. I was starving, Allie. Starving."

"You poor thing."

"I knew my mom wasn't home to provide me with food, so I grabbed some. I literally just got home and I still have a shit ton of homework to do. And it would be so cool if you would just let me copy those reading questions. They're too time consuming and time is something I don't have." He explains. I consider for a moment, raising an eyebrow at him. He gives me puppy dog eyes, making me grin.

"Fine, Soul. Take the damn questions." I said, throwing them at his chest. He catches it and grins, his oddly sharp teeth shining.

"Thank you so, so, SO much." He said, copying my homework. I sigh and gaze out the window, seeing my own reflecting back.

It was odd how perfectly our houses lined up so that we could see through each other's windows. I don't even like to think about what it would've been like if someone other than Soul lived in this room. Constantly watching me.

"When's your next lacrosse game?" I ask. Soul hands back my paper and stuffs his back into the catastrophe he calls a binder.

"Umm... Friday? Yeah, Friday. You should totally come."

"Maybe." I said. He gave me a look, and I shrugged. I didn't have to explain my hesitation to Soul; he knew that I wanted to go but my friends probably wouldn't want to. Introverts.

"I should probably get home, my mom will be upset if I stay out too late."

"Is she ever going to extend your curfew past 10?"

"I don't need to be out much later than 10 on a school night though." Soul shook his head and fake coughed, making the word "nerd" very apparent. I roll my eyes as he pokes my arm.

"Are you going to be okay staying here by yourself? When is your mom due home?" I ask, standing up.

"I'm not sure, but I'll be fine. I'm a big boy you know."

"You don't act it." I said. He laughs and follows me out of his room and to the door.

"Text me the minute you get home." He said. I scoff and open the door, walking onto the porch.

"Good night Soul." I call, walking down the pathway.

"Night! See you in the morning!" And with that, the door closed.

I'd gotten home and got ready for bed. I walk into my room, tying my long brown hair in a braid, and check my phone. I sigh when I see I have 11 new texts from Soul.

S: are you home?

Did you make it?

Allie?

I told you to text me when you got home!

How uncool

Did you get mowed down in the street?!

Well I just checked the street and there are no corpses

Tomorrow on the way to school I'm teaching you to be thoughtful

If you don't answer I'm going to come over and check you

Don't make me do it, I just got into the most comfortable position

GIVE ME A SIGN OF LIFE!

A: I'm home

S: jeez! What took you so long?

A: Sorry, I left my phone in my room

S: Don't forget next time. Night ?

I plug my phone into the charger, glancing out the window. Soul was seated at his desk, typing something on his computer. I climb in bed and after tossing and turning I finally fall asleep.