Jared looks at me as we drive in through the automated gates. He asks seriously, "Did you know we are neighbours?"
I shake my head. "No."
Aaron adds sulkily from the back, "Yeah, just separated by eleven miles of wild fields."
" That is a lot of empty space, not like I can wave hello from my porch," I say and laugh, feeling mortified. What a silly thing to say. I try to remember that old saying my granny always used to mumble every now and again. Something about if you do not have anything intelligent to say, it is best to say nothing - or something along those lines.
Jared smiles as he glances at me, just before he stops in front of the house.
The house has the same structure as my dilapidated manor, but it looks warm and welcoming. Lights shine brightly from every window. The paved footpath curves away from the circular driveway, and is framed by rose bushes. The house exudes wealth and prosperity.
Behind me, I hear Aaron open the car door, but he does not get out straight away. He seems to want to say something, hesitating, but then decides against it. Slamming the door shut behind him, he does not hear my "Bye."
Without looking back, he marches across the footpath, opens the door to his house and walks into the light. Seeing Aaron so upset makes me wonder that if I should fall in love with Jared, and I think I am, would we still be friends.
I see his mom deep in the room walking toward him, and I remember instantaneously that I forgot to call my mom after school today. Hurriedly I lift myself up from the chair, arching my back, trying to pull my phone out of my pocket. I eventual wrench it loose from whatever it is stuck to. Pulling it out of my pocket, I look at the screen.
Elizabeth, it is still switched off!
" What's wrong?" Jared asks concerned, as we drive away from his manor.
" My mom and dad are so going to murder me. I forgot to call her this afternoon, and my phone is still switched off. They must be worried sick about me."
" I'll come in with you and explain," he offers.
" I don't think so. Just imagine what they would say if I arrived at home with a strange boy, this late at night." I insist irately.
He laughs, deep from his belly, and I cannot help but grin while I look at him questioningly.
" You look cute when you are annoyed and worried, especially with all the blue and red lights reflecting off the dashboard onto your face - a little alien."