Ch. 2

Bella

This place is amazing!! I was so excited I couldn't help but squeal while arranging the last of my belongings having everything organized and put away.  I look around my new house feeling proud of the way things were coming together. This place is beautiful compared to what most college students places look like. They all either live in the dorms or rent a crappy place with a bunch of roommates.  I'm going to get a new start here without all the pressure of all the other kids from my hometown judging me and always being able to ridicule me for things I didn't do. It's a new chapter in my life and I cannot wait to begin to start writing it. I won't have to walk around being afraid or ashamed from all my embarrassment. I can begin living new adventures with confidence and no shame. Walking throughout the house my parents bought me, it's not too big but not tiny either. The open concept of it makes everything feel bigger and flow together. I am just loving the open space, as I twirl around the room. Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and beautiful moldings throughout the whole house giving it a very sophisticated vibe. I'm sure Seth's half of the duplex doesn't have any kind of style. Probably just his stuff scattered out everywhere with no real organization. It still shocked me when I was told that Seth was ok with me sharing a duplex with him. Although I'm still not sure why, I had become one of his least favorite people. Shaking the heartbreaking memories I remind myself things are going to be better now. My parents and the family have tons of friends so I was also able to get all new furnishings for my house with my graduation money. I am now glad I didn't successfully convince mom not to have that graduation party. I made sure to have them all delivered here so we didn't have to move them once they arrived. That saved so much work not hauling them here for the long drive.

As I finish the final touches I look out the expensive French doors and the gorgeous pool is calling my name on this beautiful day. Crystal clear water glistening in the sun. I have not been this excited for the future in years. Getting away from back home has lifted a weight off my shoulders.y anxiety levels are so much better since I left. Just maybe I'll be able to wean of the antidepressants I had to start to once the torment got overwhelming. My parents still don't know why I got so depressed and didn't force me to tell them but did make sure I got help. I quickly go upstairs to change into my swimsuit and rush back down. Stepping out onto the warm concrete surrounding the pool I slowly make my way into the nice cool pool. This is so nice to have a pool in my own back yard. Of course being members at the country club I have always had access to a pool but this is way better. Once finished swimming for a while I move towards the lounger. Looking at the privacy fence and knowing my parents informed me Seth wouldn't be here till tomorrow I decided to lay out topless to help even out these tan lines. I know I won't be able to do this once he is here so definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity of it while I can. I begin to doze off being woken by the sound of broken glass, frantically I stand up being startled by the interruption  

“Damn it, what are you doing here?” He curses at me. Great he still hates me for some reason.

“I..I live here.” I couldn't help but stammer with my voice barely above a whisper. He is so strong and dominant that I cowardly feel as if I am a small child. I have known him for so long and know what he is capable of. I thought he was ok with the situation so why does he look so surprised and angry?!

“No! No! No! You can not be my neighbor! You are moving!” He yells as he turns and walk back in his half the duplex slamming the door behind him. Crap I cannot move anywhere else, my parents bought me this duplex for my graduation present and they would be heartbroken if I told them I wanted to move.

Rushing through the door of my duplex the warm tears I had been holding back begin overflowing down my cheeks. I couldn't let him see how much pain he was able to cause me. I couldn't help but ask myself Why am I so dumb? I was not expecting him until tomorrow and my parents acted as if he knew I was moving here too. How could I be so naive and think things would be any different her?  I just stood there showing everything I have to him. Embarrassment that I thought I was moving on from returns as realization that my tyrant for most of my teenage life saw my body on full display. Don’t know why I even care because he made sure everyone in our hometown got to see it anyways? I thought my father said he wouldn’t be here until tomorrow and there I was walking around like I was all alone. Can my life get any worse?! This is NOT how my new chapter in life was supposed to begin!

New determination comes through my mind, I cannot let Seth bully me anymore! We are adults now and he is going to have to just man up and get over whatever made him hate me so much. Hearing a loud crash next door was confirmation he was still not happy I was here. I mentally decided that I was not allowing history to repeat itself and I had to avoid him at all costs.

Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding I pick up my phone I dial my mother’s number.

“Mom. I thought you and dad said Seth wouldn’t be here till tomorrow?  Also I thought he knew I would be living here?” I blurted out as soon as she said hello.

“Well honey Karen, Seth’s mom” I roll my eyes for acting like I didn’t know who Karen was. “She said everything would be fine so I didn’t worry with it. Has something happened? He is a sweet handsome boy I thought you like living near a friend.”

Both my parents and Seth’s were unaware of the torture Seth had put me through. He was always was distant but polite to me anytime our parents got together. Me telling them differently would only cause problems with their friendship and I never wanted to cause problems for them.

“No everything is fine. He just seemed surprised to see me is all.” I calmly stated trying to smooth out my voice to mask my desperation.

We say our goodbyes and I end the call letting out a big sigh. I know this is going to be difficult but I mentally remind myself classes will start soon and Seth will have football practice. We will both be to busy to have to see each other much. May be wishful thinking but denial is my friend today.

Showering and movies sounds like my plans for the evening. Anything beside getting in the pool. It was already getting late anyways. Once showered and in my lounging clothes I go to get a bottle of wine I had in the refrigerator. Looking out my back window as I grab my bottle of wine I decided setting out by the pool looking at the stars sounds more relaxing. I peak out to make sure Seth is no where around and I quietly walk to the corner lounger setting down with my glass. It now dark outside with the only lights coming from inside the pool. I decide to sit in a  dark little corner just in case Seth comes out my presence will only anger him further. I lay back letting out a big sigh looking at the stars. I have to admit this is quite peaceful, I really hope there is a way to find out why Seth is so angry at me. We used to play together as children but once we were in high school it all changed. I’m not a big fan of reliving the past but I kept going over in my mind trying to pinpoint what I have done to him.  I really want things to be different now and have to figure something out. I must have dozed off when I was startled awake by loud moans. Opening my eyes I see Seth and some random girl going at over on the lounger at the other side of the pool. I have never seen that girl before but here she is riding my neighbor. I just freeze watching the scenes unfold in front of me when he quickly flips her bending her over the chair. She keeps calling his name and begging for more. Good grief he's pounding the shit out of her. How much more does she want?

This is ridiculous he has a house he could have taken her in. Is he doing this out here just to bother me? Why is my tyrant having sex with some whore bothering me? As much as I hate for him to know this bothers me and that I'm out here I can't watch this any longer.  Slowly standing up his eyes dart to meet mine. I guess I'm not as stealthy as I had hoped. Rolling my eyes at the smirk on his face trying to hide the hurt in my eyes I turn and go inside slamming and locking my door. I just can't win!