We're Neighbors

Healing

I groaned as I moved everything out, stressed with everything.

My fridge had stopped working, and I was taking everything out.

I put as much as I could hold an walked out. I used my foot to open the door, a talent not many possess.

I knocked on his door. He opened it. "You just can't stay away, can you?"

I frowned. "My fridge broke down. Can I use yours?"

He smiled. "At my mercy once again. And why should I help?"

I rolled my eyes. "Because you're a decent man who, may not possess a heart, but at least has enough kindness in the deep corners of your body to help a poor woman in desperate need."

He chuckled. "Decent?"

"You're.... Ummmm..." I hesitated.

"I'm waiting, sweetheart", he said.

"You're not that big of a douchepants", i said.

He smiled. "And?"

"You're really pushing it", I warned.

"I'm a charming devil", he said.

"Sure. Whatever", I said.

"Say it", he commanded.

"You're a...." I finished with a mumble.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you".

"You're a flippin charming devil!" I yelled,"Now can I bring my food in?"

He laughed triumphantly, tossing his head back.

"Here. Ill help you", he said, taking the things out of my hands.

I went back and we both brought all my food over.

"Thanks, Charlie. I'm sorry for bothering you.... Again", I said, putting a strand of my hair behind my ear.

He came close. "Don't be. That's why I'm here, right?"

I looked into his eyes. "Righhhhttt?" I said, more like a question.

He looked down at my feet. I was wearing shoes.

He looked at me with wild eyes. "Are you wearing socks?" He asked me.

I was utterly shocked and kinda confused by his question. "What?"

"Are you wearing socks?" He repeated.

"Uuummm... Yeah. Why?" I asked, looking down at my feet.

"Take off your shoes", he ordered.

His commanding tone persuaded me to do so, though I was so confused.

I took my shoes off and looked up at him.

"Come over here", he said, walking to and empty area.

I laughed. "What's going on?"

He chuckled. "Stand in front of me".

I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Just do it", he said in a whiny voice.

I walked over and faced him. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me around.

"What the heck is going..." I started.

I was interrupted when I felt him push on my back.

I didn't notice I was moving until I hit the wall.

I started laughing. "Your floor is so slippery!" I said.

He smiled. "I know. It's weird, mines the only one."

I slid back over to him. He caught my arms. "Woah", he said, as we both starting sliding.

I was giggling. He smiled at me.

I pushed him, only causing myself to land on my butt.

He laughed at me.

"Oh, shut up", I said, struggling to get up.

He held out his hand and I grabbed it. At first, I felt a spark, and I pulled away.

Then I grabbed it and hoisted myself up.

He started sliding while I was holding his hand.

He let go and I landed against his warm chest.

His heart was beating wildly. I slowly looked up. His eyes..... They were different. They had this sudden look, almost like they were exposed, letting me see inside.

"Charlie.." I said.

Then the look disappeared. The usual shimmer reappeared. He cleared his throat and pulled away from me.

"Are you hungry? I can order a pizza or something", he said, letting go of the moment we almost had.

"No. You've already helped so much. I couldn't ask..." He stopped me.

"Please. I want you to. It'll be payment for hurting my foot."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile.

"Fine. I am pretty hungry, actually", I said, patting my stomach.

"I figured", he said, grabbing his phone and dialing the number.

What's that supposed to mean?

He came back after a little bit. "Want to watch a movie?" He asked.

I looked down and bit my lip. "Actually, can we talk?"

He looked a little surprised, but nodded.

I sat down on the couch and he sat next to me. I faced him.

"Can we just start over?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean, can we forget what happened in the past and move on?" I asked.

"There's no forgetting, Joanna", he said solemnly.

"I know. But we can at least move on. Can we stop acting like we hate each other and act like adults?"

He looked at me, searching for something.

"You mean, like, be normal to each other?" He asked, somewhat sarcastically.

"Yeah, I guess. But I mean, even... Be friends", I stuttered, not sure how he would take it.

He fake gasped. "Joanna, we don't have to write it on a piece of paper."

"I know, but..." I started.

"Well, the answer is yes. But don't expect me to be all friendly and care about your well being".

I rolled my eyes. He tried to say it like he meant it, but I knew he did care. I knew it ever since the day I showed up at his door crying. He tried to play off embracing me as a mistake, but I think he just wanted to move on too quickly.

"So.. We're good?" I asked, hopefully.

"Joanna, I let you slide in my apartment and I am sharing my pizza. How much more evidence for friendship do you need?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes and sat back. So we were a step forward. We weren't enemies. We actually said we were "friends". Whatever that meant anymore.

But even though he tried to act like he was fine and dandy, that look in his eyes I saw confirmed my thoughts- he was still healing.