Chapter 2

My moms face falls a little which makes me feel kind of guilty. But I don't want to get her hopes up. Like I said, I'm not looking for a relationship, especially at my age. I've gone on dates before, but I've made sure not to get close to any of the guys. I just want to get through High School, and go to a college away from here, no more strings attached than I already have to this town. Because the way I see it, the whole reason for me to date someone is to find my future husband, and I don't believe in long distance relationships, so there's really no point in me dating until I'm out of high school. Like they say, if you aren't dating for marriage, than you're dating for heartbreak.

"Right. Of course," my mom replies dryly, disappointment clearly evident on her face.

After I'm done eating, I clean my dishes and race up the stairs where I slip on a gray t-shirt that's loosely tucked into a red skirt, some sheer panty hose with big black polka dots, and a pair of black ankle boots. Yes, I know that I dress weirdly, but I really like my style, and I try not to care too much about what other people think. Being unique is something that everyone learns to appreciate, one way or another. After that, I put my hair into a high ponytail and jog down the stairs, ready to greet the supposedly hunky new neighbor.

"See you later mom!" I call through the house, as I make my exit.

I walk towards the gray house where the moving truck is now leaving. As I'm waiting for the truck to drive off I'm starting to wonder if this is such a good idea. What would I say anyways? 'Howdy doody neighbor! I live right next to you, welcome to the neighborhood!' Cheesy. And if he's never seen The Simpsons that would end up very embarrassing. 'Hey! I'm Piper, where are you from and what brings you to my neighborhood?' Cheesy and nosey. Shoot ... I needed a plan now, or an exit strategy.

I'm about four feet from the front door. Just as I'm about to turn around and leave, allowing my doubt to bring me home, a guy walks out and immediately turns towards me.

The guy's about 6'2 with shaggy stark, black hair, and Electric green eyes. His eyes are so beautiful and intensely green they put Micheal Ealy's to shame-and with the sun reflecting off of them, it only intensifies their appeal. I have to admit, he was pretty d*mn good looking. Suddenly a smug smirk tugs at his perfectly formed lips, as if he could smell or sense my attraction. But almost as soon as it appears, it's gone.

He crosses his arms and looks down at me. "Can I help you?" He asks me, a tone of annoyance ringing in his deep voice.

"Uh, no. My name is Piper Anderson, and I live right next door." I say pointing to my house next to his. "I was just, uh, welcoming you to the neighborhood." I greet lamely, and uncertainly.

He steps back a little and looks me up and down very, very slowly. Going from my head, to my feet, then back up to my head again. I squirm a little under the intensity of his stare. Geez could he be any more obvious with it? I clear my throat and look up at him.

As I look at him I try to read his mind but in a strange way it's like there are no thoughts at all. His head is completely...thoughtless. Empty. It was as if I were reading a dead body's mind - yes I have done that before, don't judge - and then it's almost as if I'm pushed out of his head, just like that. I don't really know how to describe how that feels but I know it happened. I've never been pushed out of anyone's mind before. How did he do that? What is going on?

After that he simply turned around and walked off. He just walked off! He didn't say anything at all. Nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. How rude. Here I was, all dressed up, and then I kindly took the time to walk over here to welcome him to town, and that's all he does? Looks me up and down and then walks away? I'm entirely taken aback. I don't even know how to respond to that. How can he be so incredibly rude and he doesn't even know me?

In a moment of overpowering confidence and anger, I march up the steps to his house and pound on the door as hard as I can. D*mn, I was just trying to be dramatic but that actually hurt my hand a lot.

"Excuse me! But that was extremely impolite!" I yell at the door, my hands balled up in anger.

I stand there waiting for him to open the door, but he doesn't. "HELLO?!" I scream. I start to wonder if maybe I'm making too big of a deal out of this. If he wants to be an *ss, that's on him. I just wish he knew he was missing out on a really dope friend.

Just when I'm about to turn around and stomp my way home like the child I am, the door opens to reveal him standing there in nothing but sweatpants and a towel around his neck. Dear God, do not look down at his abs. I take a peek. Dude must hit the gym everyday with a six pack like that. My eyes linger for a moment longer before I finally snap out of it and glare back up at him.

"I-I-uh..." I stutter, feeling my cheeks flush crimson. I suddenly very much regret my decision. Why was I doing this again? Something about hurting my pride? I cower at his intense stare.

He opens the door wider which sends a whiff of what smells like a combination of orange and peppermint towards my face. I breathe it in because it's a strangely calming smell, a combination I've never smelt before.

"If you don't mind, I'm busy, so I'm sorry if I can't sit around chatting to some bored, annoying little girl. And just so you know, in the future, pounding on somebodies door when they clearly dismissed you, can lead to a serious harassment charge." he growls angrily, making my lack of welcome very prevalent.

All I can do is stand here, staring up at him with my mouth agape. Dismissed me? He dismissed me?! Who the hell does he think he is? What he said stung. Never have I ever met someone so hateful. Finally, I close my mouth and simply walk away without another word.

So much for becoming friends with the neighbor.