The Neighbor

Chapter 15

SKYLAR LEWIS MARSHAL

"Don't cut it like that," grandma Rosie hissed and snapped my hand, reprimanding me with her motherly tone.

I dramatically winced even though I'm not hurt at all.

I was in her front yard helping her trim her ever beloved bushes and flowers.

And it turned out, I was not being of help at all as intended. More on, I became a destroyer but even so, I'm enjoying her company and I think it's the same with her.

Well, from that time she knocked on Sarah's front door of my first day in town, handing me those weird food and welcoming me in Verona, we became friends.

As neighbors, I always see her in the afternoon, trimming the plants in her front yard or just lay down on the grass gazing up the sky.

I always see her just by herself and every time I do, I felt connection, a pull. So I approached her, trying to be friendly as I could, making little talks and it grew from just casually talking over the bush that separates her lawn from Sarah's to devouring all her home made cookies in her kitchen.

'hahaha'

I have learned from Sarah that she's living with her son, Harry but the man is almost never home. That would leave Rosie alone most of the time.

The information saddens me. I don't even wish for myself to be alone in my sixty's.

Hence, I decided to be a friend to her or even her grandchild if she wanted.

I don't know, but I'm very much comfortable with her. Maybe because she's the grandma that I never had.

And so, I'm bugging her every time I get the chance making us closer than ever before.

"Glad you aren't a homophobe Rosie," I said. I know the news reached her and her treatment of me didn't change so I presumed that she isn't.

She chuckled, "How could I?"

"When that is something you didn't even chose yourself."

I smiled, "How I wish everyone has a stand like yours."

She took a deep breath and continued trimming, "Well, I used to be homophobic—"

"… thinking that it's a phase, overactive hormones, curiosity, confusion, experiment but someone made me changed my mind and view in life on that side."

She paused, "In the hard way, that is," she continued.

I raised my brows in curiosity, "Who might that be?"

"Nikki," she answered, and my jaw dropped.

Then she smiled bitterly and zoned out, like remembering something tragic that she fell into a state of melancholy for a minute.

When she snapped out of it, she plucked a flower and tucked it on my left ear, "Be yourself, live and do things that make you happy."

An overwhelming feeling enveloped me, as her words touched my very soul and her smile melted my heart.

I felt like crying but I didn't. I held my tears.

"Thank you," I mouthed as my voice was nowhere, like it drowned along with my feelings at the moment.

Rosie patted my shoulders and went back to trimming. I followed her and did the same.

"So Nik— Ms. Lacey is gay?" I asked.

She just hummed and nod. The confirmation made my heart to flutter and my smile to reach my ears.

It was just last night that I squeezed my brain to formulate a plan on how will I know if Nikki is into women. And now the answer just came unexpectedly.

Is this fate?

Is this what they call: if it's meant to be then it will be?

'gosh'

My jaw started to hurt from my uncontrollable smile creeping out that I turned my back from Rosie to hide it.

"Oh, who's here?"

I whipped my neck towards the owner of that angelic voice and saw Nikki walking towards Rosie, smiling and— duh smirking at me.

She kissed Rosie's cheek and gave the old woman a hug.

"I brought you some fresh fruits Rosie," she said, lifting the plastic bag in her hand.

"Thank you dear," Rosie smiled sweetly.

Turning her attention to me, Nikki eyed me, "What brings you here Marshal?"

Rosie slapped her arm, "Watch your tone young lady."

I smiled as she winced and pouted being reprimanded.

"She's keeping me company," Rosie added pointing at me then headed inside the house.

Nikki followed, so was I.

[*************]

I sat on the couch, leisurely scanning channels on the tv screen and occasionally stealing glances at my stunning teacher in the kitchen.

She was washing the fruits on the sink while Rosie was peeling some while conversing along with it but I didn't snoop. I don't want to, I just let them be.

I watched as Rosie walked Nikki through the front door after some time.

"I would love to stay some more but I still have something to do," Nikki said to Rosie.

"I'll visit you again soon," she kissed the old woman's cheek.

"Drive safely dear," Rosie bid which earned a smile and nod from my oh so beautiful teacher.

I tensed up when she looked at me, "Thanks for keeping my godmother company Marshal," she said.

"See you at school," then she left.

I exhaled a breath I didn't know I've held.

And oh, Rosie is her godmother.

I can't help but think that every second is leading me closer and closer to my teacher.

'ayiie'

Then my smile went wide again, much at the thought of Nikki Lacey is into women.

'hehehe'