Chapetire one

My next door neighbor

I:

was the good guy

Got good grades

Loved the ladies

respected my Dad

Never touched drugs

And planned for the future

He:

Was the bad guy

Always skipped school

Went both ways

Cussed his mom out

Smoked on a daily basis

And his future was spiraling into chaos

We were completely different, don't you agree? Complete opposites. And I curse the man that ever said that opposites attract. Because apparently they do.

I know dad was lonely. Mom had left us with barely any money and less than a goodbye. I know he deserves to be happy and live his own life. But what he does affects me too. Which is why I'm so pissed with who he's chosen as his next bride. It's not that I don't like her. She's actually really nice. She seems pretty and funny, and someone that can brighten up my dad's life. It's her son that I don't like.

They lived next to us in our small neighborhood. And I guess I should have read the signs; when dad would come home late or smile real wide at her while she gardened. But I guess I was just too selfish, wrapped up in my daily life. With friends and clubs and grades. But I had to focus on that to get into college. I want to leave this awful place.

But even though I had been busy, even though I was so involved, I never ceased to notice about her son. His name was Hikaru. And he was someone I just couldn't stand. The way he dyed his hair black and pierced his lip and ears. Or the way his clothes were always dark and dingy and he never really smiled. I watched him drug deal, but the worst he's done is smoke. For all I know. I've seen him with countless of women. Men too. But I ignore the strange feeling in my abdomen as I stare from afar.

And next week we'll be step brothers! Oh that I just can't handle! To be related to that spycho! What will that do to my reputation!? I wonder is college's check family history? I wonder if he's been in jail? I'm screwd if he's got a record! I begin to bite my nails, a habit I've picked up from the long nights of studying and worrying. What if he tries to kill me in my sleep?!?

I sigh and tap my pen on the assignment due in two weeks. It's almost finished, just have to think of the conclusion. Yet my thoughts are still racing. What will life be like with him? Will he try to make me do drugs? Or make me join gangs? Will he play terrible pranks on me? I bite down on my lip. Why her?!? And why did she have to have a son like THAT?!?! They seem nothing alike!

"Kaoru?"

"Come in dad." I lay the pen down.

Dad opens the door and closes it behind him. Then he sits on my bed. He wrings his hands and looks around before resting his eyes on me. I sit and play dumb.

"So son," He clears his throat, "Ready for Saturday?"

"As if." I huffed, "You still didn't answer my question earlier. Whose house are we living in?"

"See," He let out a long whistle, "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to get upset in front of our company-"

"Great!" I jump to my feet and fling my hands in the air, "We're moving into their house? But it's smaller!"

"I know, but it's less expensive. And we're tight on money." He turns his back on me, "And um, another thing about the house.....you'll be sharing a room with Hikaru."

My jaw drops.

"Now, don't make that face."

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"Kaoru, it's not-"

"NO WAY IN HELL AM I SHARING A ROOM WITH THA SPYCHO!" I yelled, "I'd rather sleep on the couch!"

"Kaoru, be reasonable,"

"No! There is no reason! No, no, no! A thousand times no!"

"No listen here Kaoru!" Dad said, raising his voice, "You will share a room with Hikaru and that is final! I don't need anymore stress when we've got our wedding on Saturday and need to be moved in my Thursday! Do you here me?"

I noded. He slams the door behind him. I sigh and pick up the pen. Then I throw it at the wall and fall onto my bed. Just one year, I tell myself, Just one year and you'll be in college. I sighed. Just one year with that spycho.