FIVE—Hello Neighbors.

“Yasmine you have five minutes to prepare and get downstairs.” My adoptive mother, Catherine bangs on my door.

I try to ignore her but she keeps banging on the door.

“Yes Catherine” I shout back an answer reluctantly.

“As much as it hurts me to say this, you call me ‘mom’ or ‘mother’ when the neighbor returns. And you must shut up and sit still” Catherine warns.

I roll my eyes and pick up myself from the floor.

I’m finally over whatever happened with Alex earlier.

I quick shower, lock my room door and change into a comfy cashmere sweater and a short jean skirt.

My phone pings with a message from Catherine, informing me that the neighbor is here to welcome us and that my presence is required.

It’s been three days since we moved into this house, and I have no idea who my neighbors are. I untangle my curly hair as best as I can and then dash out of my bedroom.

As I descend the stairs, I silently pray that it’s a couple with kids my age. Maybe I’ll finally get to make friends.

“Hey there!” a silky, feminine voice calls in greeting. I step off the last stair and stumble in the direction of the pretty blonde woman. She swiftly moves to catch me, and my face turns red in embarrassment.

“Sorry! Didn’t see you there,” I mutter, pulling myself out of her grasp.

“It’s nothing; I don’t mind.” She smiles and winks at me.

I let out a sigh of relief, and my lips turn up in a wide grin as I return her wink. She’s tall and fit, with lean muscles. Her blue eyes are filled with affection, and she smells of roses.

I stretch out my hand for a handshake. “Yasmin, but you can call me Yas.” 

She takes my hand good-naturedly and shakes it firmly. “Evelyn,” she responds.

My smile fades, and I take a step back, refusing to think about my mother. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Evelyn,” I say in a strained voice.

She returns to sit beside Catherine, and my eyes roam the room, searching for a place to sit. Alex is seated alone on one couch. I consider bolting for the door, but resist.

Catherine would punish me if I don’t sit through this, so I hold my breath and go to sit with Alex. He moves to the end of the couch, putting as much space between us as possible. I clench my fists in my lap, pointedly looking away from him.

Catherine looks between us with an arched eyebrow, but she addresses Evelyn instead. 

“My family and I appreciate you coming over to welcome us. We’ve had to move around a lot for years.” She eyes me pointedly.

“Ohh really?” Evelyn laughs awkwardly sensing Catherine’s hostility towards me.

“Oh yes. It’s been a lot for our family.” My adoptive mother sighs and leans forward slightly.

I narrow my eyes in suspicion, wondering what she’s up to.

 “Flying around the world from one country to another has been really stressful, and it’s taken a hard toll on all of us.” She sighs dramatically.

“I can imagine. My family and I would be here if you need anything.” Evelyn reaches a hand to comfort Catherine.

“You’re married?” Catherine eyes Evelyn’s bare fingers with contempt.

“Yes, I am. It’s unfortunate that my husband couldn’t be here; he had to deal with some work emergency.” Evelyn pouts, her expression slightly worried and distant.

“Oh, that’s understandable.” Catherine waves her hand dismissively.

“My husband is also currently at work. He got a job with the biggest hospital in town, so he’s really busy.” Catherine flips her hair and flashes the diamond rings on her fingers.

“But meanwhile, some friendly faces would be wonderful around here,” She gestures around our grand living room. 

I see what she’s doing. Sly woman. She never passes up an opportunity to show off and belittle other people. If Evelyn could afford a house in this neighborhood, surely Catherine doesn’t think she’d be easily intimidated?

A thought occurs to me, and I scoff in disbelief. Of course, she thinks it’s a competition. The nice woman comes over to welcome us, and Catherine doesn’t hesitate to make things awkward. I chew my lips and tap my foot in irritation, waiting for the adults to finish speaking so I can leave.

“Yasmin, dear, your mother says you attend the same school as my son.” Evelyn perks up, drawing my attention.

“Why don’t you all introduce yourselves? He could show you and your brother around and introduce you to his friends.” Her eyes gleam in excitement.

“Hold on; let me go get him.” She gets up and walks to the door, pulling it open.

“PJ!” she calls out to someone in the direction of her house. “PJ, come here real quick!” She returns to the living room, bouncing on her feet.

My nose twitches and my ears pickup heavy footsteps approaching. An instant repulsive smell fills the living room, and I wrinkle my nose in disgust. 

I look around but nobody else seems to be able to smell it.

A tall figure walks in, wearing a black designer hoodie and joggers set.

“Meet my son PJ.” Evelyn beams and steps aside.

“My oh my! Your son…he’s absolutely stunning” Catherine gasps.

She taps Alex and they both rise to their feet to welcome the boy with outstretched hands.

Catherine rarely gives out compliment, whoever this is must be drop-dead gorgeous.

I remain seated but strain my neck, trying to see the recepient of Catherine’s praise.

The boy pulls down the hood of his sweater and shakes out his black curly hair, smiling sweetly at them.

My heart drops to my stomach, and I bolt upright, ready to flee.

That’s when he turns in my direction, and we lock gazes. His piercing blue eyes widen in surprise, then narrow in anger as recognition lights his face.

It’s the boy from school, Raymond.