THE STRANGER

It was raining again. I sat by my window, staring out into the misty evening. Somehow, watching the raindrops slide down the glass always helped me forget the past. It had become my little secret,my escape. The soft rhythm of rain calmed the noise in my mind.

Then, I saw something. Headlights cutting through the downpour. A car stopped right in front of our house.

Who could that be? I leaned in, trying to see better. Maybe it was the new neighbor Mum had mentioned. Moments later, I watched her step outside with an umbrella and go to open the gate.

Do we have a visitor? Or is it just one of Mum's friends again? I kept my eyes fixed on the car, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was inside. The door opened, and out stepped a young man. Tall, Chocolate-skinned, Dark hair.

Who could this be? I wondered, heart skipping for no reason I could explain.

Then I heard Mum calling my name from downstairs.

I sighed and left my room. I already knew what she wanted, she always liked introducing me to her guests.

The moment I saw him up close, I froze.

He was handsome. Almost annoyingly so. Brown eyes, pink lips, clean-cut but rugged in a way that made it hard to look away. I felt a jolt, a connection I didn't ask for.

It's not love. Just lust. I'm sure of that.

I had made a vow. No more falling. No more heartbreak.

"Hello," he said.

"H...h...hi," I stammered.

Did I just stammer? His voice was low and deep, smooth in a way that made you forget what you were thinking.

"Gazelle, this is our new neighbor, Chris," Mum said. "Chris, this is my daughter, Gazelle. If you ever need anything and I'm not around, you can speak to her."

"Sure, ma'am. I'll do just that," he replied politely.

I looked at him suspiciously. What could he possibly need from me?

"Well, I'll be leaving now," he said. "Gotta go unpack and settle in. Thanks again for helping me with the apartment, ma'am."

"You're very welcome," Mum said with a smile.

Wait. Helping him with the apartment? Did Mum already know this guy?

"Gazelle, go open the gate for him," she added.

No way, I thought. I had a weird feeling about this guy. But I said, "Sure, Mum," and followed him out.

I could feel his eyes on me as we walked.

"So, what do you do?" he asked suddenly.

Wait...did he just speak to me?

"Oh, I... I'm a fashion designer. I run a fashion company," I answered.

"Do you always stammer when I talk to you?" he asked with a raised brow.

I laughed nervously. "No, not always. Just... sometimes."

"Alright. Can you open the gate for me now?"

"Yh, sure."

He gave me a look...a serious one. Not angry. Just unreadable. It struck me that he hadn't smiled. Not at me, not even at Mum. Just blank.

I opened the gate and he walked out.

"We'll be seeing each other every day," he said before walking away.

What did he mean by that?

I needed answers.

Back inside, I turned to Mum. "Mum, do you know him from somewhere?"

"Yes, darling. He's my boss's son."

Her boss's son? That explained the polite tone and why she helped him get the apartment. But why was he living here instead of at home?

"Why would he want to live here?" I asked.

"You ask too many questions, dear. Why don't you ask him next time you see him?"

Fine, I thought. I will.

The next morning, I couldn't stop thinking about him. His voice echoed in my head. That strange energy he carried still lingered.

I was sipping tea when Mum walked into the kitchen.

"Still thinking about our new neighbor?" she teased.

I frowned. "Not really. I just think it's odd that your boss's son is staying here."

"People have their reasons, Gazelle," she said. "Maybe he just wants space."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Mum raised a brow. "I think that's for you."

I blinked, confused, and walked to the door. It was him.

"Morning," he said. "I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"Uh... sure. What do you need?"

"I have some furniture coming today. I could use a hand setting things up. I figured you'd be great at it... being a designer and all."

I wasn't expecting that. Most people didn't think of me that way. "Oh. Um... yeah. I can help."

A brief smile flickered across his face, then vanished. "Cool. Let me know when you're free."

He left just like that.

Later that day, I walked into his apartment. It was half-empty, still in boxes. But somehow, it suited him...simple, yet intentional.

"Let's start with the living room," he said, pointing to the couches.

We worked side by side for the next hour. He asked questions. I tried not to stammer. It was strange how easy it was to talk to him...despite his serious face.

When we finished, I took a step back and admired the space.

"Not bad," he said, eyes glancing at me. "Thanks for your help."

"Anytime," I replied, and I meant it.

As I turned to leave, he spoke again.

"You seem like someone who keeps to herself. Am I right?"

I paused, surprised. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"Why?"

"I've just... been through things. It's easier."

He nodded slowly. "I get that. Maybe we can help each other out, then."

Before I could ask what he meant, he gave me that same fleeting smile and held the door open.

Help each other out? What did that mean?

As I walked home, the uneasy feeling returned...but now, it was mixed with something else. Something that pulled at me from deep inside.

That night, sleep never came. My thoughts were a mess. Chris wasn't just a stranger anymore...he had crept into my mind and made himself at home.

I stood at my window again.

No rain this time, only silence. The lights in his apartment were off. But I imagined he was still awake, maybe lying there like me, restless and thinking about something.....or someone.

Why do I want to know him more, when I promised myself I wouldn't feel again?

I sighed. Something told me this was just the beginning.