Chapter 5 He is my neighbor

• Eve
• I wake up this morning, with a minor migraine. I grab my phone to check the time, 6:50 am. Why did I wake up so early, I thought to myself. It the weekend and I don't have to go school, so I decide to try to go back to sleep but failed.
• I sigh and get ready to go for run. I've started running since middle school, I used this to relief stress and get away from the hectic of life. A lot had happened during that period of my life. I went down stair and my mom was still on the floor sleeping. I shake my head, feeling defeated.
• “Mom, wake up and go wash up, I will make breakfast.” I said as I nudge her awake.
• “What time is it?” She asks groggily.
• “It's 7 am, wake up.” I told her, urging her to get up off the floor.
• She get up and went to her room to sleep some more. I shook my head, make my way to the kitchen to make breakfast for her. I open the fridge and frown. It almost empty.
• Since, school started I didn't have the time to go grocery shopping. I guess I will stop by the store on my way back. But for now, we must settle for pancakes and sausage for breakfast.
• Breakfast was done in 30 minutes; I eat my portion and leave mom portion cover on the table. After, shouting to let her know that breakfast is ready. I put my hair into a bun, stretch then start jogging toward the store.
• **screech**
• I come to a screeching stop, because low and behold there he was the guy from last night. He was standing by the mailboxes. The one right next to mine. Maybe it a coincidence. But if not then that could only mean one thing, he is my neighbor. Wait what? How come I never seen him the whole time I was here.
• “What the actual fuck.” I curse to myself.
• He currently situated between me and my destination, which mean I have to run pass him. I dread the idea of having to converse with him, but I’m not one to back away from a situation either. I starts jogging toward my destination hoping that he wouldn’t notice me. So, I don't have to talk to him.
• “HEY!” But god hate me when he call to me as I was passing by. I stop, rolled my eyes, then turn to face him.
• “What?” I ask in annoyance.
• But then I notice the purple spot on his face. One on his cheeks right below his right eyes. Another on the corner of his lips. I can’t help but laugh out loud at this. I felt a sense of pride because I was the who gave him the bruises, and they are well deserve. He walks toward me the stop, his face inch away from mine.
• “Look at this. You did this, now you have to take responsibility for it.” He said and pointing to his face. I also notice the slight hint of anger in his voice.
• “What are talking about? Do I know you?” I said in my most innocent voice. Pretending I didn't know him. He moves away from me, cross his arm but smirk.
• “I didn’t know you have Alzheimer at such young age. Did you forget what happen last night already? And I was under the impression that you are a beautiful healthy young lady.” He said shaking his head, disappointed. But I know he is mocking me. I took a deep breath.
• “Fine. I admit that I overreacted last night. I’m sorry, are we done now?” I apologize, not really feeling it though.
• I meant what I said though. I was taught to use my skill for self-defense. Not to lash out my anger on people. Normally, I'm really good at managing my anger, but this just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe, it because he reminded me of my dad.
• “Not enough, missy. I’m going to need more than that.” He argue. I roll my eyes again.
• “Fine, what do you want? I can give you anything, except sex and illegal matter.” I ask feeling agitated.
• “First thing first what is your name? We have met on two occasions, but I never catch your name.” He asks me genuinely curious about my alias.
• “Now you ask?” I retorts, agitated. He shrugs, chuckles but said nothing. “Evelyn Stinson. How is this relevant again?” I ask, getting more agitated. I feel like the longer I stay here, the more brain cell I lost.
• “My name is Christopher Stuart; you can call me Chris. This is relevant because if we are going to do this, we need to be familiar with each other first.” He explains and then pause.
• “Waste anymore of my precious time and the deal is over.” I threaten because I was running out of patient with this person.
• “I need a favor from you. Well, not really a favor because you have to agree, but I can't tell you now. I will tell you at school after spring break.” He said with a smirk. I sigh.
• “I’m ok with anything if it not sex and it is legal. Can I go now?” I turn to leave, with no intention of waiting for his answer. That is where our conversation end for today. I start jogging but change to full on sprint.
• Once I was far enough, I stop to catch my breath and walk instead. What the heck was that? Ugh! What did I just get myself into. What happened to pretending he doesn’t exist? Curse you for being a people pleaser Evelyn.
• Now, I must associate with someone that I hate. Not only that who know what he going to make me do for his ‘favor’. Why did I agree again? Oh yeah, you are an idiot, Evelyn.
• I got to the store; spend 30 minutes picking ingredient for tacos. Then, made a detour to the nearby Chinese restaurant for lunch and takeout. I’m just taking my time to avoid running into Chris again today. Once is more than enough for me.