The Perfect Gift

But he shows no recognition that he sees me, carrying on inside the bungalow next door.

I fall back further in my bed, confirm that it is him.

My freaking boss, Luke Hemmington is my neighbor!

I don’t know what to feel real. One tends to pull her hair out with the revelations that happen in a small space of time today.

For some reason, I can feel my heart thrashing in my rib cage threatening to give me a heart attack.

Is the fate laughing at me?

Probably…

*

That night, Kenneth calls. He’s a close friend of mine from the past. I cannot help but spills everything that happens today, and he listens attentively, giving me a mm sound now and then to let me know that he’s still there.

“Don’t you think that requires celebration, Liv?” he suggests, finally speaking.

I frown. “I haven’t accepted his offer yet.”

“Yet.” He’s quick to point out.

I chew on my bottom lip in thought. “But he’s my neighbor.”

I can just imagine him shrugging that is just how he is.

“I don’t see what’s wrong in that, Liv. Also, you already said that you'd see him around. That practically means that you accepted his offer.”

I pout. “I hate it when you talk with reasons, Ken.”

He laughs a deep rumble that makes me smile myself. “Is that a bad thing?”

“Yes!” I half sulk.

His warm chuckle has me smiling bigger despite myself.

“I’ll drop by, let’s toast, Livvy. Be there within ten, okay?”

Although there is nothing to celebrate about, I agree to see him.

Kenneth is a brother I never have. He tucks me in his arms comfortingly making me feel warm and protected under his strong arms. He’s been my consulor throughout the roller coaster that is my college life. He understands me unlike no other. Sometimes it feels like he’s been more of a friend than Hannah and Jen have been most of the time. But I can’t put the blame on them.

I have never been there for them as much as I should have been…

I am sn

apped back to reality at a loud knocking on my door, my heart pounding.

Ken’s voice rises above the loud beating of my heart only remembering that he’ll be coming by.

I tiptoe my way to the door, barefoot and already in my pyjamas. My hair is tied up in a messy bun which I have done earlier when I wash my face.

I open the door to a grinning, boyish face of Kenneth. He’s wearing a long sleeve check and some denim jeans, holding up a promised bottle of wine.

“May I come in?”

I step to the side, leaving a wider space for him to enter. It’s not like this is his first time in my apartment. He helps me move in using his pick-up truck to drop off my things here.