The Boy Next Door

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

On Saturday, Will’s parents invited me over for breakfast. I accepted their invite and rushed over to his house. I was eagerly greeted by Vicky. She ran to me and wrapped her arms around my leg.

“Hi Sky! Will never stops talking about you.” She blurted, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I saw Will blush in the corner. I walked over to him and hugged him.

“Hello honey. How are you?” Mrs. Grant asked me once Vicky was out of the way.

“Just great Mrs. Grant. I’m sorry that your son has had to go through this as well. I kept telling him he didn’t have to, but he insisted.” I said genuinely sorry.

“No need to apologize. Will knew what he was doing, and I’m proud of him.” Mr. Grant said.

“I find it quiet romantic.” Mrs. Grant cooed.

“Mother!” Will squeaked while blushing. I also felt my cheeks burning.

She laughed. “It reminds me of one of those love stories.”

“Oh God, Mom!” Will whined. I busted out laughing. I really loved his parents.

“So Skylar, when are we going to meet your parents?” Mr. Grant asked. I felt Will tense next to me. I thought he told them everything? I looked at him confused.

“Sorry, I thought it wasn’t my business to tell.” He looked at me apologetically. “Dad, I don’t think-”He started before I interrupted.

“No, it’s ok Will. Mr. and Mrs. Grant, I’m sorry, but you will not be meeting my parents. They are never home, and they never will be.” I stated with no tears. I didn’t feel a thing about them anymore.

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Mrs. Grant said. “Will didn’t tell us they died.”

I laughed, and she looked at me funny. “They are not dead, but they might as well be. They are never home because they don’t want to be. They don’t want to see me, and I don’t want to see them.”

Mrs. Grant came over and squished me. “That’s just horrible. I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m fine now.” I answered.

“Well who wants pancakes, ‘cause I’m starving?” Mr. Grant asked trying to change the subject.

We quickly dug into our pancakes and devoured them. They were delicious, and I thanked Mr. and Mrs. Grant as Will dragged me to his studio.

He handed me the portrait he painted of me, and I hugged him. “Thank you.”

“I’m just sorry about that whole thing. I should have told them not to bring it up.” He said while rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s ok. I wanted them to know. I don’t like keeping secrets.” I told him.

He nodded and grabbed me into a hug.

“What was that for?” I asked him, with a confused look on my face.

“’Cause I hate that you have to go through this.” He responded as he slumped to the floor with his back on the wall. “It literally kills me to see you cry.”

I was stunned by his response; I wasn’t expecting that. I sat on the ground next to him and began rubbing his back.

“I’ve learned to deal with it. It’s who I am, and if I never went through all this shit, then I wouldn’t be me.” I said while giving him a reassuring smile.

“I know that, but you shouldn’t have had to go through it.” He replied, while looking into my eyes.

I just shrugged. I loved that he cared for me, but I was seriously ok with it. Like I said, if it never happened, I wouldn’t be me. Plain and simple.

“Thanks. I know that I’ve said it a million times, but it will never be enough.” I said as I scooted next to him and buried my head in his chest. He stroked my hair.

“You don’t have to thank me.” He replied.

“Yes I do, now be quiet about it.” I scolded him playfully.

He started laughing while I tried to hold my stern face, but I caved and started laughing with him.