Chapter #1
I've always been one of those "keep-to-myself" neighbors. I've been living in Sacramento for almost a year now and haven't bothered to meet the neighbors. It was one of those beautiful Californian weekends when I decided to go outside and work on the garden. I put on my most unflattering clothes, my gardening gloves and headed out the backdoor. While picking the weeds I realized it hadn't rained in about a week. I stood up and headed for the front yard to get the hose when I heard laughing from the house next door. I tried to ignore it focusing on giving these dying vegetables what they desperately needed. Once again I heard the laughing. This time it couldn't be ignored. The sound was music to my ears. I glanced over to the source of the sound. Standing on the lawn were two extremely attractive guys who had to be about my age. I had to force myself to look away. What would they think of me if they saw me standing there drooling, covered in dirt, dragging a hose across the lawn. As I turned the hose on and watered the tomatoes I couldn't help but wonder about those two guys. When I was finished, I turned the hose off and headed back inside. I went back to the bedroom and turned on the shower hoping to clear my mind. How long had those guys been living there and how did I manage to not notice them before? I was going to introduce myself but how? I guess I would just wing it! When I stepped out of the shower I put on normal clothes and blow dried my hair. I opened the door and my heart started to race. I rang the doorbell and a second later one of the guys opened the door. Now I realized how good looking this guy really was. He was slightly short, light brown hair and absolutely gorgeous blue eyes. He had an unshaven face which brought out his sculpted face. "Hi," he said almost giving me a heart-attack. "Um hi…," I said looking at the ground to stop my staring. "My name's Emily and um…I live over there," I said sounding like a complete idiot. "I just moved here a few months ago but caught a bad case of the flu so I thought today would be a nice day to meet the neighbors. "Ian, who is it?" I heard a voice from inside the house. Another guy joined the first at the door. "Sorry…hi my name's Ian. Anthony, this is Emily from next door. She just moved here and wanted to meet the neighbors." "Hey ice to meet you Emily. My name's Anthony," he said shaking my hand as I studied him. He was a few inches taller than Ian. He had dark brown emo hair and brown eyes. He was probably Hispanic or Mexican. "Sorry to bother you! I guess I'll see you guys later," I said turning to leave. "Wait Emily! Before you leave um…the neighborhood is coming for a barbeque tonight. You can come…If you want I mean." I could see him blushing through screen door. "Sure! I'd love to come!" I replied. "See you tonight!" I looked to Anthony. He was trying not to laugh and grinning ear to ear at Ian. "Bye!" Ian said closing the door. As soon as it was closed I heard Anthony burst out laughing. Once I got home I went into the closet to find something for tonight. Finally I found my sky blue sun dress. That would be perfect for the barbeque! It even matched Ian's eyes! I promptly scolded myself for thinking like that. I just met him and I was already falling for him. Finally 5:00pm came around. I locked the door and headed for Ian and Anthony's house. I rang their doorbell and Ian opened the door. "Hey Emily," he said looking at the ground blushing. "Follow me! I'll introduce you to the neighbors." I followed him through the house while looking around. The house was mostly beige and surprisingly neat. There was a large flat screen in the den with a couch and a few recliners. Ian led me outside to where the barbeque was being held. Everyone paused their conversations and looked up."Hey guys!" Ian started. "This is Emily from next door. She just moved in," he explained. Everyone looked to me and smiled. "Nice to meet you Emily! Come join us over here!" called an Asian girl sitting in a circle. "Hey my names Mari! I live across the street!" "Hello," I said taking a seat next to her. "Hey Emily! How's it going?" Anthony said while leaning down and kissing Mari on the cheek. "Hi Anthony," I said trying not to sound embarrassed. "Babe not right now! You're freaking her out!" Mari said looking lovingly at Anthony. "Sorry about that," Mari apologized after Anthony had walked away. I looked around the small circle. There was a large brunette girl named Paige, an African-American girl named Tanya and there was Taylor. A mean looking blonde. After a few minutes of meeting the neighborhood Ian came around. When he handed me a plate he gazed into my eyes. He promptly blushed and hurried over to the next person. When he was gone I looked to Mari. She smiled, raised her eyebrows and shrugged. Soon, Anthony came around with a plate of hotdogs. I took one and Mari asked for a hamburger. Anthony came back with a plate that had a glob of mustard and ketchup on a bun. "Here's your hamburger Mari!" Anthony laughed. "Ew Anthony! You're gross!" Mari replied by throwing the plate back at Anthony. Soon enough the barbeque was over. I stood up ready to leave when someone took my hand. I looked up and sure enough there was Ian blushing again. "Hey can I talk to you for a second?" he asked. "Sure," I said taking his hand. He led me away from the bon-fire and towards the edge of the yard. "Hey," he said staring into my eyes. It was the longest, most full stare ever. I could feel his body and soul through his eyes. Finally, he looked away and blushed. "I uh…just wanted to tell you that um…you look stunning tonight." I looked at him and smiled. I could feel the heat of his body all around me. "Thanks Ian. You look very handsome yourself. I guess I'll see you around!" I said starting to get nervous. I turned and started to walk away when Ian grabbed my hand. He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. I wanted more but backed away and stared at him. For a split second I stared at him and then ran back to my house. This has been an interesting day.