The Boy Next Door

When my mom comes home from work, she comes to my room to check on me.

"How are you feeling, Honey? Better?" She gently says, sitting on the edge of my bed

I sit up straight, "Yeah, I guess."

"I saw Alex sitting on the front porch waiting for you when I got here, but I told him you were sick, that's why you didn't answer the door. But he did ask me to give you this." Mom hands me a cassette

I remember Alex saying that he'd make me a mixtape. But after what happened, I didn't think he'd still do it. I take the cassette, examining it. There's nothing written on it. For a while, I imagine him waiting for me. How long did he wait?

"Mom? How's things with Robin?" I ask

Mom lets out a huge breath and smiles, "Oh Gail, I'm so glad you asked. Things have been better than ever. I like Robin, he likes me too. He makes me feel special."

I smile at her answer, "That's good then."

"Thank you, Darling. I'm so sorry I hid things behind your back. I know I should've told you in advance. I didn't mean for you to find out that way." She sighs

"Yeah, Mom. It's okay." I nod

"Gail, I know what you're thinking. And I understand that it's hard for you to comprehend. But I've let it all go. The past was a hard time for me, for both of us. But there's nothing we can do about it except to live life and making sure that you don't fall into the same mistakes." She explains

"But Mom, Dad did not only leave you. He also left me. I've seen you at your worst, I just don't want you to get hurt again.. What's love ever done to us?" I say

Mom strokes my hair, "Love gave me you, Gail. Love is.. one of the most beautiful that could ever happen in everyone's life. It's like a drug, so addictive yet so dangerous at the same time. The pleasure you get from it is.. Indescribable. It makes you forget all the things that could happen if it goes wrong. Almost as if it's all worth the pain. I loved your dad. But you know sometimes love doesn't always last forever. And no matter how hard you try to avoid, the force that pulls you into it is too strong. And the only thing that could help is time. I took my time already."

I take time to process what she just said. But is it true?

"But I'm scared. I don't think I can handle it." I confess

"You can't force love, Gail. It comes on its own, regardless the time and place. But do know that you have people around you that love you. I love you." She hugs me. As if she could read my mind

I hug her back. A single tear escapes from the corner of my eye. I have never had this kind of conversation before. She hasn't mentioned Dad in years, and hearing from her of how she's finally taken her time and is now ready for love again. But am I?

"I'd like to meet Robin some time, Mom." I say

She smiles, "He'd be more than happy to meet you too."

We spent the night watching a movie and eating pizza, just me and my mom. She's not only my mom, she's my best friend also.

When it gets late, I excuse my self to go to my room and get ready for bed. I grab my sketchbook by the bed and see Alex's mixtape. I put it on my walkman and the song starts to play.

Remember, whatever
It seems like forever ago
The regrets are useless in my mind
She's in my head I must confess
The regrets are useless in my mind
She's in my head from so long ago

I know for sure it's Green Day, Billie Joe's voice is so familiar. I wait for the next song to play, but nothing. There's only one song in it. I let out a huge breath and put the walkman away. After closing my sketchbook and turning the lights off, I force myself to sleep.

------

My mom drives me to school the next day, since she has to be at work early too. Everyone asks me how I've been and I explain that it was nothing serious, I was just a bit cold from the weather. I go through my classes smoothly, until it's finally history.

I haven't seen Alex today, since I don't share any classes with him on Wednesdays. Just as I thought of that, I see Alex and Jack sitting at their usual spot by the stairs. I don't think Alex notices me there, but Jacks shoots me a sly smile from across the hallway.

I make my way to the next class, history. Jack comes in not long after that and stops by my desk. He puts something on my desk, a candy.

I grab the candy and smile, "Thanks."

"Gail.. Are we good?" Jack frowns

I grab his hand and squeeze it, giving a reassuring smile.

He smiles back at me, "Can you do me a favor?"

"Tell me." I nod

Jack sighs, "Alex.. He's a good guy. I don't wanna see him hurt, as much as I don't wanna see you get hurt too. Just.. Think wisely. I don't want you to regret anything. It hurts me seeing him in this state, and it'd be better if you make up your mind soon even if that means the worst for Alex."

He gives my hand a squeeze and heads to his seat. The class starts, but my mind isn't anywhere near history.

I did what Jack told me to. What Zack also told me to yesterday. I think. I think and think until my head hurts.

----

After school, I get back home straight away and head to my room. Putting Alex's mixtape on, I sit on my bed. I've had this song on repeat since last night, this morning when I was getting ready, I even listen to it on my walkman when I'm not home.

I grab my guitar from the corner for the first time since I last hung out with Jack. I try to play a couple of notes and keys Jack's taught me, but it sounds out of tune. I don't know if it's either my playing or the tuning, I sigh and put the guitar down.

"Gail!" I vaguely hear someone shout at me

"Gail!" I hear a shout once again

I turn around, to where the sound came from. I can't believe what I'm seeing, Alex is trying to climb on my roof, he has his guitar on his back.

I quickly open the window, "Alex! What the hell are you doing there?" I rush downstairs and head outside

"I was trying to see you! To explain everything. I'm so sorry, Gail. Please hear me out this time." He says, still on my roof

"But first of all, get down here! It's dangerous up there!" I shout

Alex nods and tries to get back down. I carefully watch him, trying to give him a hand as he gets closer to the ground. But unfortunately he loses his grip on the roof and the next thing I know he's falling from 3 feet above the ground even before I can give him a notice.

"Alex! Watch out!"

Alex crashes the ground, followed by a crack sound. And just like that, his guitar is snapped in half.

"Fuck!" He curses

I rush to his side, helping him get up. "Are you okay?"

"Fuck.. My guitar!" Alex holds the 2 broken pieces

"Alex! Are you okay? Forget your guitar now, are you hurt?" I ask

He grunts in pain, "I think I've broken my ankle..."

"Shit, Alex. Let me call for help. Can you still move it?" I worry

"Gail, I'm fine. Please hear me out this time. After everything that happened just for you to talk to me, will you please at least hear me out?" He holds my hand

"We can always talk later. Let's get you to the hospital. I'm calling Jack." I say as I get my phone from my pocket

"Gail.. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have kissed you, as much as I hate to admit it. But I like you. And I know I'm not your favorite person in the word but you are mine. I'm sorry I've been such a dick to you, but I was too proud of myself to admit that I like you even when everyone's told me so. But I meant everything I said. I like you, a lot. I don't wanna be your friend, I want more. Please, give me a chance. Let me into your life. I'd do anything to be with you. I stayed in front of your house yesterday for 5 hours when you didn't want to talk to me yesterday. I haven't slept in days. You drive me crazy, and I know I can't fight it." He stares into my eyes

I am left stunned and speechless. I don't know what to respond, he basically just confessed his feelings for me and this is the first time anyone's done that.

"Alex.. I don't know what to say."

"Please.."

I stay silent. Alex reaches for my hand, and kisses the back of it. It sends shiver down my spine, the feeling of his lips on my hand. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel anything towards him.. But I am also afraid. Am I ready to admit it?

And then I remember nodding.

And then the next thing that happens is just like in the movies, we kiss. My first actual kiss.

"Thank you, for believing in me." Alex caresses my cheek

"Now let's get you to the hospital, lover boy. Gotta get that ankle healed." I smile

"The flavour of your lips is enough," He says, as he leans in again to kiss me one more time

Notes

Got my laptop charger shipped you guys!! I'm back on track again now. Alright... So yeah I've been writing this story since 2 years ago (I usually write at school when I don't feel like listening or something ahaha, mind you that I'm easily influenced by my surroundings and you're gonna be seeing a lot of things that have actually happened to me), but I only started posting it here a couple of months ago, and I've finally finished it!! It's gonna be around 40-50 chapters in total. I'll try to update as often as possible, because I can't wait for you to read it ahaha if only I could just transfer everything in a blink of an eye. Oh well..

But anyways, I really hope you enjoy the update!

Ps: not that anyone cares but I thought I'd let you know that I'm moving in 35 days. Yep. That soon. Is this even real life tbh