chapter 4: welcome to the neighborhood

I heard someone knocking at the door, and when I opened the door i found my mom standing there with a warm smile on her face.

"Rise and shine baby break fast is served , so get ready and come join me downstairs when you ready"she said with a smile.

As I entered the kitchen, I was taken aback to see a woman in her forties, with a kind face and warm smile, sitting alongside a young man who looked barely out of his teens, his bright eyes caught my attention.

I couldn't help but stare, my eyes fixed on his endearing face. His curly locks framed his features perfectly, and his rosy lips seemed to smile just for me, sending my heart skipping a beat.

"Emily, snap out of it! Come and introduce yourself to our new neighbors, they've kindly dropped by to welcome themselves to the neighborhood" My mom said.

I approached them, trying to compose myself, as my mom made the introductions, 'Mrs. Nora and Anthony, this is my daughter Emily.' But as soon as our eyes locked, I was drawn in again, until my mom discreetly took my arm and steered me away, whispering 'Let's give them some space, sweetie'."

As we began setting the table, my mom shot me a sidelong glance and asked, her voice laced with amusement, 'Emily, what's gotten into you? You were staring at Anthony like he's the only boy in the world!'.I ignored her teasing and excused myself from the dining room, knowing that if I responded, she'd only pepper me with more questions and jokes."

As we ate, my mom asked about Anthony's age, and his mom revealed, 'He's 19.' My mom responded with, 'Emily is 17.' I kept my eyes on my food, feeling a bit self-conscious about the age difference conversation.With our meals finished, my mom invited Anthony's mom to join her for a tour of our apartment, leaving Anthony and me alone at the table.

    "Hey Emily," he said, his voice low and serene, "your mom seems really nice." His calm tone sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

"Hey Emily," he said, his voice smooth and gentle, "your mom is lovely." his voice gave me goosebumps, and I felt my heart skip a beat. I just gave him a smile,Then, he asked me which school I attended, and as he continued to ask me questions, it felt like he was genuinely interested in getting to know me better.

"Your home is beautiful, Mrs. Cater, but I'm worried about Anthony's education. May I ask if he could join Emily at her school?" Anthony's mom said, walking towards.I felt a surge of excitement and joy when she said that, and I couldn't help but feel a warm sense of happiness inside.

" There is no problem with that" my mom said.

As they prepared to leave, my mom reminded me to bid them farewell, and I couldn't contain my excitement, eagerly wishing to see them again, especially Anthony. But fortune smiled upon me - Anthony would be attending my school the very next day!. As I sat on my bed, my mind whirled with memories of Anthony, my smile a testament to my happiness. I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't register my mom's entry into the room, her gentle greeting snapping me back to reality.

My mom's voice breaks into my reverie, 'Emily, what's got you so lost in thought?' But I'm not ready to share my secrets, so I use my pillow as a shield, blocking her out. She tries to persuade me to open up, but I resist, eventually succumbing to sleep's comforting embrace.