In love with a bad neighbor

Chapter twenty-three - Suspicious

Emma's POV:

Sadly, dad found out about Vince and me. It's not like we were doing something illegal. I just can't believe that he is hiding this from mom. I was sure that he would tell her, but no. Up to now, she hasn't asked anything, which means that she doesn't know. Otherwise, I was going to be grounded. Well, it won't be my first time. Someone will say that I am a bad girl, but if I have to be honest, most of the time, I was grounded for stupid reasons. One of them is that I wasn't nice to Ricky. I swear that there is something wrong with this boy. I don't know why, but there are moments in which he looks crazy. Like he will do something. I have told him a million times that I don't like him and that he has to find someone else, but he is not listening. I hope that he won't do something crazy. To be honest, I expect everything from him. Well, I can easily call Vince to help me, but this means stopping hiding. I'm sure that Ricky will tell my mom or will make me do things just to keep my secret. Both of the options are horrible. I don't want to have any relations with this boy. Vince and I might not be dating, but he is ten times better than the jerk. Yes, he is rich, but he is also an awful person. I don't know how his parents haven't seen his real side. I have to admit that Ricky is a good actor. Since my mom believes everything that he says. I hope that soon she will realize what type of person he is and won't make me date him anymore.

I woke up and went to get ready. I looked at the phone and saw that it was only 6:30 am. This means that I have enough time to get ready and even think about my clothes. It's not like I will do it. I am not the type of person who cares about clothes. Some people take hours to decide their outfits for the day. I need ten minutes. I walked to the window but saw that Vince was not in his room. Maybe he is in the bathroom or went for breakfast. Well, after mine, I will see him.

I walked downstairs and saw that only dad was at the table. Probably mom is still getting ready. I went to get some food and sat next to him. He looks like he is not much in the mood. I didn't say anything and started eating. Meanwhile, I received a message from Vince. It said that after twenty minutes he would wait for me at the usual place. I looked at dad and noticed that he was worried.

- Dad, are you ok?

- What?

- I asked if you were ok. You look worried.

- Yes, I'm fine. How are you and your friend?

- We are good, thanks. Where is mom?

- She had to go out early.

- Are you sure that everything is ok?

- I was thinking about you and Vince.

- What about us?

- You two are not dating, right?

- No, we don't.

- Then what is all the hiding for? Since you two are friends, I don't see anything wrong with spending some time together.

- Well, Vince told you some things when you came to talk with us.

- Did you do it?

- What?

- The thing. You know...

- I don't... oh...

- I hope that you understand.

- I do and no. We didn't do it. As I said, we are not dating, so technically, we can't do it. Moreover, I don't want to. At least not now. One day, this might happen.

- I want to ask you something, but you have to be honest.

- Ok, go on.

- Do you love Vince?

- I...

To be honest, I don't know. It's true that I don't like it when he is with other girls, but I don't think that I love him. To like someone is one thing, but love is something completely different. This is more powerful. I have never thought of that. If I have to compare him with Ricky, Vince is ten times better, but even if I want it, we'll never be anything more than friends. Well, with benefits. I won't lie that I love it when we spend time together, but with all the problems which I have, I don't think that he will want to be with me.

- Emma, won't you answer me?

- I don't know. I mean that I like it when we spend time together, but that's it. Moreover, even if I want it, we'll never be together.

- You need to be optimistic. If you like him, you have to tell him before it's too late. I think that he will respond to your feelings.

- Really?

- That's what it looks like from the outside. Now eat or you will be late.

After my breakfast, I walked outside. Vince was waiting for me as he promised. Both of us walked to school. Mostly he was talking. Dad keeps asking me the same question, but I don't have an answer. I feel like if he gets a girlfriend, I won't be happy. I know that I don't have the right to feel this way, but maybe his mom is right. I am falling for him. Up to now, no one has treated me so well. By no one, I mean a boy. As I have said many times, Ricky had his chance but didn't use it. I see that Vince is doing exactly the opposite. I won't lie that I like this.

Soon we arrived at school. We took what we needed from our lockers and walked to class. As usual, we sat together. I took out my things and started thinking again. I felt something on my hand and looked to see that it was Vince.

- Are you ok?

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Can I know what that thing is, which is getting all your attention?

- Nothing important. By the way, do you have plans for the afternoon?

- No, why?

- Now you have.

- And what are they?

- I don't know. When I think of something, I will tell you. If you are a good boy, I might give you a treat.

- I won't deny it at all.

Until the rest of the classes, we kept talking. I have to say that Vince got very excited about his treat. I won't lie that I have missed that. We have been keeping it calm for the last couple of days and now he is starving. It's not like I'm not. Well, my parents won't be at home, so I have the house for myself. Usually, we are careful, but for once, I want to feel like a normal person and to do something fun. I have fun, but mostly at his house or in my room, but when it's locked. I know that dad won't say anything, but mom won't like it for sure.

I walked to my locker and took some things which I will need tomorrow. Both with Vince were about to walk home when I saw Ricky. Why is he here? I don't remember inviting him. I looked at Vince, who rolled his eyes. I could see the anger. Let's hope that he won't say anything. I was about to walk by Ricky, but he stopped me.

- Won't you greet me?

- What are you doing here?

- I came to take you. Soon we haven't been together, so I thought that we needed to spend more time alone.

- Um, no we don't. Ricky, leave me alone.

- Why? Because you have someone else.

- What? That's not true. I just don't want to be with you.

- I am starting to think that you are hiding something, or maybe it's someone.

In that moment, Vince walked by us. I checked my phone and saw a message from him. It says that I have to get rid of Ricky or he will do something. Since I know how much Vince doesn't like him, I have to make him go away. Now it's not the time for all the secrets to be revealed. I told Ricky that I would go to a coffee shop for a drink. I knew that he would follow me, so that's why I waited until he did it. I walked to the toilet and later, walked out from the back door. I have already done that, so it's not something new. Then I quickly walked home and went into my room. I called Vince and he came through the window.

- So you did it.

- Only for you. Otherwise, I know that you will do something.

- True. I won't let him get near you.

- You need to stop getting so jealous.

- I am not jealous. I just don't like this i***t.

- You are not a good liar as well. It's ok. I still like you. - I said and gave him a cheek kiss

- What was that?

- What?

- Since when did you start giving me not what I want?

- I have no idea what you are talking about.

- You said that I would get a treat. This wasn't one.

- I said that I MIGHT give you. I never said that I would do it.

- Don't make me call Ricky.

- It's like you will do it.

- Ok, then. Have fun with him.

Vince was about to go, but I stopped him. I know that he won't do it, but with him, I can never be sure. Instead, I pulled him close and kissed him. I felt a smirk through the kiss. One day I will get my revenge on him. For now, I will enjoy the time we spend together. Vince carefully lifted me and put me on the bed. This became one of his favorite things. I wonder when I will give in. Every time we do something more. It's not like I don't want it, but not now. I don't feel ready for this. Well, I'm sure that he will understand me and won't pressure me about anything. The last time, I realized that I was without pants on when we finished. To be honest, I wasn't embarrassed at all. Vince didn't say anything either, so everything was good. This was one time. I don't plan to repeat it except if something good doesn't happen. You know what I mean.

We made out for a good amount of time and later Vince laid next to me. I used the chance to snuggle. No matter how many things we do, this will always be one of my favorite. I used to do this with dad a lot. I feel like every girl does this with her dad. That way, I feel safe and protected. After all, every dad is in protective mode when it comes to his daughter. Mine is one of them. That's why I thought that he would be mad when he found out about Vince, but luckily, he wasn't.

- What are you thinking about?

- Snuggling.

- What?

- This is my favorite thing to do.

- Yeah, I have noticed that. - he said, chuckling

- I have done this since I was little.

- Can I know why?

- Because this makes me feel safe and protected. I know that you won't let anything bad happen to me.

- What about Ricky? Would you feel the same if he was in my place?

- No. This boy doesn't know how to take care of a girl.

- Lately, he has been acting weird.

- I think that he is suspicious.

- Do you think that he knows about us?

- I'm not sure, but I better keep an eye on him.

- I'll agree here. We don't know what he is capable of.

Vince and I talked for a while. I won't lie that I feel good being in his arms. He might not be my boyfriend, but for the first time, I feel like I have one. Finally, someone cares about me. Well, except my parents. More and more, I think that even if someone else appears, I will always go back to Vince. Somehow, he captured my heart, and now I can't think about anyone else. It's not like I want to. He is nice to me, treats me well, and most importantly, he doesn't force me to do anything. I like spending time with him and I think that he likes it too. I don't know if we have a chance together, but I would love to try with him. After all, there might be a happy ending for us.