If All Else Fails | [On Hold]

Chapter Three: New Neighbors? Bra.

I pick up my hairbrush from the frosted pane drawer cabinet and attempt to brush my tangled mane. I had to make sure I look somewhat presentable. After that, I study myself in the mirror, practicing my smiling and apologetic look. I think I'm ready to go out and possibly make a fool out of myself again. I nodded at my reflection then turn to open the door. I walk out confidently, at least I think I look confident.

My mom was sitting on the white loveseat next to the couch where the strangers were still sitting at. I sit next to my mom and wave at them shyly. There goes my confidence.

"Allison these are our new neighbors. Joy and her son Calum." Mom introduces. I smile at them but only Joy returns the smile. Calum looks away.

"It's nice to meet you, Allison." Joy says. She has an accent but I couldn't determine what it was.

"It's nice to meet you too. Uh, listen, I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't know we had guests." I explain. My mom clears her throat. Joy nods slightly then nudges Calum.

He looks at me and smiles but it was an obligated smile. I think they're traumatized...

"We better go. Lots of unpacking to do." Joy says cheerfully as she stands and heads to the door. My mom and Calum follow.

"If you need help don't be afraid to ask us. Allison loves to help. Right Allison?" My mom looks expectantly at me. I nod.

"I'm glad you suggested that. We actually still have a lot of boxes. And I'm not as young as I used to be." Joy pauses. "Allison? Would you like to help us?"

"Mum... I can do it myself." Calum interjects.

"I would love to." I say. I glance at Calum before adding, "Let me put on some shoes first and you can lead the way."

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I watch as Calum picks up a large box effortlessly. A second ago I was struggling to pick up that same box. I let my eyes trail down his tall body, from his short ruffled dark chocolate hair, to his navy blue button down shirt and black skinny jeans, all the way down to his dirty black vans. He starts up the stairs and I look away, realizing I might've stared too long. I pick up the nearest box from the U-haul truck and follow Calum up the stairs.

It took about an hour to unload the entire truck. I sat at the end of the stairs, almost out breath and sticky from sweating. Calum came down with cold water bottles and sat next to me.

"Here. You look like you're about to die." He says as he hands it to me. I take it gratefully, twisting off the cap and taking big gulps.

"I feel so much better. Thanks." I say. He smiles at me with warm brown eyes and I couldn't help but feel butterflies in my stomach. Woah woah woah...hold up. I just met this guy, I mentally scolded myself.

"Thank you for helping us. It would've taken longer if it was just me." Calum disrupts my thoughts. I shake my head.

"Honestly, you did most of the work. And I barely did any heavy lifting but those stairs nearly killed me."

He laughs, probably from remembering when my foot got caught in one of the steps and I fell. I place my hand over the bandaged bruise on my forearm. It still hurts.

"Does it hurt?" Calum asks almost as if he read my mind.

"Not as much as before. But you got to admit that I'm pretty strong. After that life-threatening injury, I still went on." Heroically, I put my hands on my hips with a far-away look in my eyes. He chuckles. This time I smile.

"You did good." He pats my shoulder.

A car pulls up in front of us. The door opens and Michael's flaming red hair pops out. I stand then jog towards him. He pulls me into a side hug, his soft cologne engulfing me.

"You don't look ready." He says.

"I know. I'm sorry. I had to help my new neighbors unload a truck and I completely forgot."

"It's okay. As long as you buy me food I'm good."

I roll my eyes.

"Oh! I gotta introduce you to my new neighbor. He's came from Australia... like you." I point to the stairs but Calum wasn't there anymore. We approach the stairs.

"Nice to meet you." Michael holds out his hand, pretending as if there was someone there. I slap his arm.

"Stupid. He must've left to help his mom. I'll introduce you guys some other time then." I run my fingers through my hair. "Let's go upstairs so I can get ready. I'm starving too."

Finally done with this chapter. Yay! I think it's my longest one so far. Again, if anyone reads this, let me know what you think?

I wonder how the story is going to develop as I continue writing. I'm honestly making it up as I go along...

Oh! oh! Almost forgot... I had to take away a big chunk of this chapter like the part where Allison was helping with unloading the truck (including when she falls and Calum had to help her). I didn't think it should be part of the chapter so maybe I'll post it as an extra? Idk.

Thanks for reading.
×LostCalum