My girl Neighbor

Could this day be any more boring? I’m flipping through channels, but nothing catches my eye. It’s Friday night, and I’m home alone.

My parents went to a party and won’t be home until very late. I have two sisters on the other side of the country, already starting their lives.

Murry is 24, owns her own bakeshop, and lives with her fiancé.

Anne is 22, just started her first job at an accounting firm, and is dating a guy from work.

Then there’s me. I’m 17, still living with my parents because the law won’t let me move out yet. Oh—and did I mention I’m single?

Yeah, I know I’m pretty. My mom reminds me every day, like she’s trying to reassure me someone will come along. Not that I’m in a rush. I mean, I say

I like being single… but okay, fine. That’s a lie.

Truth is, I’m confused. Sexually.

When I was around 14 or 15, I used to gush over guys in school—just your typical teenager crushing on the most popular guy in class. That all changed when I met Kate. She had just transferred and didn’t really have any friends.

She was stunning—dirty blonde hair always braided over her left shoulder, a few strands loose on the other side that made her look so effortlessly innocent. Her blue eyes melted me every time she looked at me. And her lips… I used to wonder how they’d taste.

Until that night.

We were drunk—well, I was. I confessed everything. That I liked her, that it hurt seeing her date other people. And then I did it. I kissed her.

Her lips were soft and sweet, and in that moment, everything stopped spinning. It was like time itself froze.

But then she pushed me away.

I’ll never forget the look in her eyes—hatred. Disgust.

After that night, she never spoke to me again. I begged her to talk, to let me explain. I told her I never meant to make things weird, that I couldn’t control how I felt, that I’d do anything to go back and fix it so we could still be friends.

But nothing. She ignored me. Pretended I didn’t exist.

It broke my heart. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever get over it.

So yeah… I’m still confused.

I’ve had a few flings since then. Dated guys, trying to convince myself it was just a phase. Just hormones. Just curiosity.

I picked up my phone and texted my friend Sam.

Dude, any plans for tonight? Bored like hell.

A few minutes later, ping.

Yeah, killing myself. I’m with my folks at a Bible study. Wanna come?

I half-smiled and replied:

Naahh, I feel better now!

Then added three LOL emojis for good measure.

I tossed my phone to the side of my bed and wondered what to do next. Then my stomach growled.

Great. Now I’m hungry.

Definitely not in the mood to cook. I threw on my hoodie and headed out to the diner.

Just thinking about a cheeseburger and strawberry milkshake made my mouth water—and my pace quicken.

When I got there, I slid onto a stool at the counter and ordered.

“Cheeseburger and strawberry milkshake, please.”

“Comin’ right up!” the woman behind the counter chirped.

Once my order arrived, I devoured it like it was the most important thing in the world. I finished in no time, pulled some cash from my pocket, and left it beside the plate.

On the way back to my building, I noticed a woman struggling with a heavy box by her car. It looked like it weighed a ton. I rushed over to help.

“Hey, let me help you with that,” I offered, grabbing the box from the other side.

Our hands touched. Hers was soft. And I swear—I felt something. Like a jolt of electricity.

I leaned over to see her face, and suddenly I was hyper-aware of everything. She was beautiful. Like… actually breathtaking.

Before I could say anything dumb, she smiled and said, “Thank you.”

And my heart stopped at the sound of her voice.

“I moved into this building a couple of days ago. I’m Emma,” she added.

I tried to return the smile and look normal, but I’m pretty sure it came out weird when I croaked, “Hello,” with a voice crack straight out of puberty.

I cleared my throat quickly.

“H-Hi. I’m Jen. I live here too.” Seriously? I stuttered?

She smiled again and pointed out where to set the box. Her apartment was right next to mine. Now I remembered my mom mentioning a new neighbor. I hadn’t paid much attention.

“Would you like something to drink?” she asked once we’d set the box down.

“A glass of water would be great,” I replied.

“Okay, wait here.”

I looked around while she went to the kitchen. Her place was already nicely furnished—like she’d been living there for months. Must’ve had help decorating.

She returned with the water. And damn—she looked even better up close. Wavy brown hair, hazel eyes, soft pink lips. She was probably around 22, maybe 25. Shorter than me, around 5’4", while I’m 5’7". And her body? Let’s just say everything was where it should be.

I must’ve stared a little too long because she cleared her throat and brought me back to reality.

“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. “My mom didn't tell me staring is rude.” What the hell is wrong with me?

She laughed—and it was like music.

“I like your place,” I said, trying to change the subject. “Looks great for someone who just moved in.”

She smiled. “My sister helped decorate it.”

“Oh, I see,” was all I could think to say. “Anyway, I should get going. You probably still have a lot to unpack.”

“Okay,” she said, then hesitated. “But, um, you’re welcome to come by anytime—if you’re bored or just want company.”

Wait. What?

She must’ve seen the shock on my face, because she added quickly, “Only if you want to, I mean—we’re neighbors, after all.”

“I’d love that, Em. Can I call you Em?”

“Of course. My friends do,” she said with another smile.

“Bye, Em.”

“Bye, Jen.”

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