Author's Note: Hi all, it's me again with another chapter. I was re-reading the last chapter and realized that I didn't give you guys enough. I felt it wasn't that exciting so, I hope to make this chapter a little better. If anyone has any suggestions for making it a better or more exciting story, let me know. Again, I love reviews and constructive criticism. Read and enjoy!
My aunt, Serena, and I were waiting for our neighbor to open the door for what seemed like 5 minutes. My aunt rang the doorbell again and knocked.
"Oh my God, don't ring and knock." I scolded my aunt. She was kind of nagging sometimes.
"Hey." I heard someone say in my right ear. I jumped and screamed literally, almost dropping the bottle of wine in my hands.
"Woah! Watch yourself. Sorry, for the fright." I turned around and our neighbor was standing right behind me. Where did he come from?
"Hello, Jerry! You scared us!" My aunt stated the obvious.
"I'm very sorry, Azelia. I was outback grilling and I didn't hear you knocking. Follow me to the back." He motioned for us to follow him to the backyard and we followed. I was breathing heavy trying to calm myself down.
"Jesus Christ. He scared the shit out of me."
"Yeah, I noticed." Serena started to laugh at me.
"Shut up."
"More wine?" Jerry asked, leaning over me with the wine bottle tilted over my wine glass.
"Oh my God, no more, please. I've had enough." I told him, giggling. I think this guy's trying to get me drunk.
All through dinner I caught Jerry sneaking glances at me. What is his deal? I'd ask myself. I was so not in the mood for dating, right now. My ex had hurt me too much. I mean, don't get me wrong, my neighbor wasn't bad to look at, often but, I just couldn't. I feel like I still have some unfinished business. I was broke from my thoughts.
"Are you finished?" It was Jerry… again.
"Oh, yeah! I'm finished. Let me help you." I said as I got up from the picnic table and started gathering Serena's plate and mine.
I followed Jerry into his house. It was quite dark in his home. There was only a lamp lit in the living room and a light above the sink that was dimly lit. I immediately noticed the blacked out windows. So weird. I walked over to the sink where Jerry was standing, putting the dishes in the sink. He took the plates from my hands.
"Thanks." I said giving him a shy smile and brushing my hands off. He started to wash a dish as I leaned one hip against the counter and crossed my arms.
"How long have you been living in the neighborhood?" I asked him, getting a good look at him. I hadn't had the chance until now to actually get a good look at this man. He was handsome in a tight black v-neck t-shirt, jeans and work boots. His hair was black and his skin was quite pale. I guess he didn't like the sun much. I could look at this guy all day, I thought.
"For about 2 years, I think. Do you think you'll stay in the neighborhood for awhile?"
"Oh yeah, probably. I don't think we're going anywhere, anytime soon." I said smiling at him.
He suddenly stopped washing dishes and took his hands out of the water. He took a step towards me and leaned his hip against the counter, mirroring me. He was very close, now. My heart started to pound. What was he doing?
"You know, if you ever need anything, you let me know, ok? I'm just right next door, Brooke." He said, softly. His voice made my heart flutter and at that moment I started to feel light headed. I looked up at him and smiled and thanked him. This little moment between us was interrupted by Serena.
"Yo, you ready to go?" We both turned and looked at her. I was a little flustered.
"Um, yeah. I'm ready."
"Come on, I'll walk you out." Jerry said as he followed me out to the back yard.
After we all said our goodbyes, Serena, my aunt, and I went home.
"What were you doing in the kitchen with Jerry, you freak?" Serena asked. She and I were in my room sitting on my bed watching Salem's Lot. It's my favorite movie, about a vampire that takes over the little town of Salem's Lot. I looked over at her and made a face.
"What do you mean? I was helping him with the dirty dishes."
"You weren't washing dishes when I came in." I gave her an annoyed look.
"When you walked in he was telling me if I ever needed anything to let him know since he's our next door neighbor."
"That's nice." She said and rolled her eyes.
Later that night I had a hard time sleeping. I kept waking up in the middle of the night. I think it was because of the dreams I was having. I'm not sure, exactly what they are about or who is in it but there were these two red eyes looking at me the whole time and, what felt like nails running down my thighs. Finally, I was tired of lying in my bed with my eyes wide open so I got up and turned my bedroom light on. I noticed my window was open and tried to remember if I opened it before I went to sleep or not. I am pretty sure I didn't open it. I was kind of creeped out but, told myself to get a hold of myself. I was in a new home and a new neighborhood. It was normal for me to be a little skittish.
I decided to open my lap top and start looking for a part time job. I applied for a few drug store and grocery store jobs. I hate retail. But, that's all I could get right now. I only had my associates. School would also, be starting in a week. I guess I should check my new school email, I thought. Just a few emails from my teachers I'd be meeting in a week. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous to be starting a new college and nervous about having to make all new friends here. I miss my friends at home. I started to suddenly feel very depressed as I decided to check my Facebook. I quickly shut my lap top, forcing myself not to look his name up on there. He was the past, Brooke. As I sat on my bed with my closed laptop on my lap I noticed head lights in the street. I put my laptop aside and walked over to my window. It was Jerry pulling into his driveway. I watched as the head lights went off and he stepped out of his car. He was truly a handsome being. I wondered if he was single or maybe had a girlfriend on the side, but immediately reminded myself not to get into that with anyone yet. All the sudden, his head shot up in my direction and he caught me staring. I gasped and dropped down to the floor, hiding under my bedroom window. My cheeks started to feel very hot. How embarrassing! After a few minutes I peered out the window. He wasn't standing outside anymore. I let out a sigh of relief and decided to get my ass back in bed. I was hoping for a dreamless sleep as I dozed off.