The Boy Next Door

I woke up to the sound of loud rap music blasting from down the hall. I groaned and rolled over to check the time. It was only 7:35 in the morning! Ugh I am going to kill him! My anger forced me out of bed as I walked to my obnoxious sixteen year old brothers room. I didn’t even knock I just barged in, immediately regretting that decision.

“Trevor I am going to kill you, turn that crap down!” I yelled opening the door. “Ahh!” I screamed covering my eyes. Good thing I didn’t exactly see anything.

“Shit Maeve, it’s called knocking!” He said pulling up his boxers. “You can look now, what the fuck do you want?” I slowly peeled my hand away just to be sure, and relaxed finding that he was covered.

“I want you to not blast your music at the ass crack of dawn! Especially on the last day of summer! It was my last morning to sleep in!” I yelled. He gets me so aggravated sometimes. We constantly bickered but when it came down to it we had each other’s backs, and we were surprisingly very close.

“Well you might as well get used to being up early, so your welcome.” He smirked. I gave him the finger and walked out back to my room.

Well I’m up now. I might as well head to the park and practice shooting. Soccer tryouts start tomorrow. I’m already on the team since I’m a senior, and not to brag but I’m the star player. Coach May made me varsity captain this year and I’m psyched. It’s going to be the best season. The only downside is that my recent ex, Louis, is the boy’s captain. There’s always friendly rivalry between the girls and boys teams at my school.

We hold a big game usually a month into school, boys versus girls. It’s like one of the biggest events at my school. The week before the game we pull pranks on each other but it’s all for fun. This year I know things will be taken to a more personal level and I cannot wait. The girls won my freshman year, and it was the greatest experience of my life. The look on their faces, and the humiliation from being taken down by girls was priceless. The boys have managed to win for the past two years, but I would not be going down my senior year without a fight. Plus I most certainly was not going to loose to that douche bag Louis.

Louis and I started dating during soccer season of junior year. Before we got together I had been hooking up on and off with Zayn, one of his best friends. I felt kind of bad for ditching Zayn for Louis but he never made a move to let me know he wanted to be more. When Louis showed interest in me I fell for him quickly, he had always been a good friend of mine. Our families were close growing up and I secretly always had a crush on him. We went out the whole school year, and I gave him my virginity on Valentines Day. How Cliché right? I basically ruined that holiday for me. Anyway, the night of junior prom I caught him hooking up with the school slut Whitney at the after party. I don’t just mean kissing, I mean his shirt was unbuttoned and his pants were around his ankles while she straddled him. The party was at my best friend Kayla’s summerhouse in the Hampton’s. About 50 people took limos there and we all got hammered. Around three in the morning I stumbled into Kayla’s room to borrow comfy clothes and walked in on the show. I ran down crying and Kayla kicked them out, I have no idea where they left to, probably to Louis’s house around the block.

We all have summer homes in the Hampton’s but I didn’t show up this summer for the first time ever. My family still went without me but I couldn’t face Louis or any of our friends. It was too humiliating, so I stayed with my aunt in Beverly Hills, California for the summer with Kayla. She was more than willing to come with me. We went out to clubs a couple of times and I had my first one-night stand. I don’t even regret it at all. It was with some hot Irish guy, I don’t remember too much about him. His name was Niall; he was blonde with gorgeous blue eyes and an incredibly sexy accent. He was mind blowing in bed, over the top better than Louis ever was. I woke up in his hotel room the next morning and quickly left before he woke, stealing his shirt. I knew I would never see him again and it added to the excitement.

We only got home to New York a week ago. I still haven’t seen any of the boys and I am dreading tomorrow. I especially don’t want to see Louis, but I know it is inevitable. He still hasn’t apologized and I don’t plan on giving him the chance to. The only thing I am looking forward to is taking my anger out on him through soccer. I can’t wait to kick his ass in the boy girl face off.

I got to the park field and put on my cleats. I took my ball out of my bag and started dribbling, getting the feel for it. I hadn’t done much practicing this summer. Kayla and I had a couple of passes and we went to the gym every day to stay in shape. I began doing some drills, pretending I was being defended before practicing some shots on the empty net. I was going for my third set when out of nowhere someone came and stole the ball from me.

I quickly spun around to see Zayn headed with the ball for the opposite net. I sighed in relief that it wasn’t Louis and ran after Zayn.

“Hey, that’s not fair you took me by surprise!” I called after he took a shot on the opposite empty net.

“Always be aware of your surroundings!” Zayn mocked.

“Yeah, yeah, well let’s see you try that again!” I called taking the ball back.

We played for about two hours, practicing different drills. It was a better workout having a partner with me. When we were done we both laid back on the grass sweaty and catching our breath as I chugged my water bottle.

“So, how was your summer? We missed you and Kayla. The parties aren’t the same with out you wild girls.” I knew this topic was going to come up soon. I smiled though, it was true, Kayla and I were known for being the party type. We know how to have fun and aren’t annoying drunks. We’re basically two of the guys.

“It was great, Beverly Hills is beautiful.” I said.

“I’m sure. I’ll have to come next time.”

“Yeah, definitely that’ll be fun.” I smiled; I really missed Zayn this summer. Him and Liam were my favorites. Things got awkward with Zayn and I last year all thanks to Louis, but I am determined to fix that. Liam on the other hand is my best friend. He is like a brother to me.

“Have you talked to Louis?” He asked after a couple of minutes. I knew that one was coming as well.

“Nope, and I don’t plan on it.” I snapped, and Zayn sighed.

“Look, I know what he did to you was disgusting and I in no way take his side. I’m pissed at him for doing that to you. Liam and I both punched him in the face that night. I don’t think you should have to forgive him, but I do know that he feels like shit about it. He probably won’t admit it to you but he was depressed all summer. He would barely come out and when he did he would get pissed drunk and pass out, or start fights with someone.”

“You punched him for me,” I smiled in awe, ignoring the parts about Louis’s depression.

“Yeah,” he smiled shyly. “But did you listen to what else I said?”

“Yes, but I don’t want to hear it. I know he’s still your good friend, and your such an amazing friend to try and help him. He doesn’t deserve you. He does deserve though, to feel like shit about it. And I know I sound like a bitch but I’m glad he was depressed all summer. He should be, and I’m sure however upset he was, my pain was a hundred times worse.”

“Your right Maeve, I shouldn’t be defending him even in the slightest bit, especially not to you. Lets just not talk about him. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

“Thanks Zayn.”

“Of course.”

I walked through the front door and was immediately summoned by my mother.

“Maeve!” I heard her call from the kitchen. I groaned and walked to her.

“We are going over to the McCabe’s for dinner tonight. Please shower and wear what I have picked out. We have to be there by six.” She said looking disgusted by my sweaty appearance. She hates that I play soccer, although I have a Princeton scholarship in the bag because of it. Not that I would need it though. My family has more money than they know what to do with, just like everyone else in this god forsaken town.

“Why are we going there, I really don’t feel like being bombarded about baby sitting. I have soccer starting tomorrow.” I said annoyed. The McCabe’s are our neighbors. They are an extremely Irish family. Mr. McCabe grew up and has family there. They always spend their holidays in Ireland. They have two sons, Aidan is five, and Brendan is twelve. I babysit for them a lot, when their Nanny takes the night off. Mrs. McCabe is a sweet heart and I always feel terrible turning her down. It’s the worst when I have to miss a big party. The boys are entertaining though, they have active imaginations and make up stupid games for us to play, they can get very wild and sometimes I have to break up fistfights. I can always calm them down with some video games though. I am really good at almost every x-box game. That’s what happens when you grow up with a brother. I was never into dolls, much to my mother’s dismay. I usually played sports with the guys.

“Their nephew has come all the way from Ireland. He is your age and he will be attending school with you all year. They asked if the two of you could meet so that he would know someone for his first day. So you will be a nice young lady and make the boy feel welcomed.” She said sternly. I huffed.

“They even said he was a very skilled soccer player. Apparently he was a big shot back home, and he’s already on the team here.” My dad added to lighten my mood. I guess if he plays soccer he might be cool.

“Okay, I’m not wearing a dress though.” I said walking away.

“Yes you are! I laid it out on your bed!” My mother yelled in the same stern tone.

I rolled my eyes so she couldn’t see and whispered, “Yes mommy dearest.”

“Maeve Elizabeth! I heard that!” She barked. Oh shit, I ran up the steps and into my room locking the door.

I showered quickly and went over to my bed. I groaned when I saw the dress I was being forced to wear. It was off white with a lacey design on top. I slipped it on. It was actually kind of short, and it showed off my legs. Maybe this Irish dude will be hot and I can get his attention. That sure as hell would piss Louis off I thought smugly.

I let my hair dry natural, I don’t want to give my mother the satisfaction of curling it, besides I liked my beach waves. I wasn’t going to wear make up, I usually don’t unless I’m going out. But I want to give this boy a good impression. When I was done I headed down and met my parents and brother at the front foyer.

“You should wear heels,” my mother said. No way in hell was I messing up my feet for practice tomorrow. I ignored her and walked out the front door. We walked to the next property, as my mom complained why we didn’t drive the few meters. We got to the door and my dad knocked. Within seconds the door flew open and I was pulled into Mrs. McCabe’s arms.

“Maeve! You get more and more beautiful each time I see you!” She squealed.

“Thank you Mrs. McCabe.”

“Oh Honey, you’re old enough to call me Deborah now!” I smiled and nodded. I entered the house and was attacked by Aidan and Brendan. They pulled me into the playroom before I had the chance to object. The rest of my family went in to the dining room and I was somewhat relieved that I would get a short out from the awkward conversations. After a game of FIFA with the boys Trevor came into the room calling us back.

“Moms getting pissed that your not there. I think dinners almost out anyway. Come on you should meet Niall, he’s really cool.” Trevor said walking back out of the room.

Niall? No, it couldn’t be. That is way too much of a coincidence. I laughed at myself for even thinking that. I had to force the boys to the dining room with me. I gave Aidan a piggyback ride while Brendan chased after us. We ran into the room pretending to be airplanes, I was hoping to piss my mother off with the improper behavior.

I immediately froze when my eyes met familiar blue ones. He chocked on his drink when he saw me, and Trevor slapped him on his back a few times to help him. I carefully let Aidan down before I dropped him, and the boys ran to their seats. The only open seat was right next to him. Oh great, I awkwardly walked to sit next to him, avoiding his beautiful eyes.

“Maeve, this is my nephew Niall, Niall this is Maeve. You too should get to know each other considering you will be in school together for the year.” Oh we know each other all right, I had to hold back my laugh and a small snort came out. I heard Niall attempt to hold in a laugh as well.

“Nice to meet you,” I said turning to him and holding out my hand.

“You as well,” he smirked.

Dinner was extremely awkward. My mother and ‘Deborah’ kept on trying to make Niall and I talk. You could cut the sexual tension between us with a knife.

I almost jumped out of my chair when he placed his hand on my thigh under the table. He rubbed light agonizing circles as he traveled up my dress. It was torture, his fingers lightly grazed over where I wanted them so desperately to be. He could feel how wet I was. I squirmed uncomfortably, needing more of his touch.

When dinner was over Deborah excused us all as her and my mom cleaned and prepared for dessert.

“Come on Maeve, I want a rematch in FIFA!” Brendan yelled tugging on my arms.

“Actually bud, I need Maeve’s help with something.” Niall started and I looked at him confused. “I was wondering if you could help me organize my books, you know since I’ve never gone to school in America. I don’t know if you do things differently.”

“Great Idea!” Mr. McCabe budded in.

“Okay, yeah sure.” I agreed and followed Niall up the long staircase to his room.

He shut the door behind us and locked it. Before I could ask him where his books were his lips were on mine and my back was pressed against the wall.

Notes