The Next Door Boys

by Jolene B Perry

  “Is that Leigh's voice I hear?” Julie called from her living room.

  “That's me!” I looked forward to seeing Julie. It had been too long.

  “I was wondering if you still lived next door.” Julie laughed as she stepped into her kitchen and pulled me into a hug.

  “I can't believe how fast your tummy is growing!” It pushed against me as we held one another. I pulled away from her and put a hand on either side of her belly.

  “Maybe if I saw you once in a while, it wouldn't be so dramatic.” She put her arm around me.

  “I'm sorry.” I rested my head briefly on her shoulder. “But I'm really having a lot of fun,” I said more quietly.

  “Well, good then.” She gave me a squeeze before letting me go.

  “Leigh!” I felt Nathan's arms around my legs just after hearing his voice.

  “Hey, Nathan!” I returned the hug. “I didn't know you were in town!”

  He looked up at me. “I go back in two days.”

  I felt a pang of sadness. I'd missed his week visiting.

  “Come sit with me and Dad.” Nathan started pulling on my arm.

  I followed him to a small couch in the next room.

  “Hey, Leigh,” Brian smiled. “We haven't seen you around in a while.”

  “Yes, I get it.” I sat and tried to laugh a little, but the references to me being absent were wearing my patience thin. “I'm not here much.” I sat back into the couch and crossed my legs. Nathan jumped into my lap, and I wrapped my arms around him, happy to have some time snuggled up together and an excuse to avoid any more comments that may or may not be coming.

  “I'm coming in,” I called as I knocked on Jaron's door. I stepped inside. Brian sat at the table, his laptop in front of him, and Nathan played in the corner. “So, where's my brother?” I looked around. “And the dinner he promised me?” I laughed as I shut the door behind me.

  “On his way.” Brian closed his laptop and stood. “It was nice to have you as part of our group again last night. Nathan likes it when you're around.”

  “That's because I think he's so awesome.” I directed my comment to Nathan, who was building a castle of blocks in the corner. I smiled at his sweet face in such a state of concentration.

  “Your brother should be here in a few. He thought he'd pick us all up some burgers.” Brian walked to the fridge.

  I groaned.

  “I've never seen you turn down a burger before,” he laughed.

  “Well look!” I pinched my stomach just above the top of my jeans. “These fit loosely at the beginning of the year.”

  “But I bet the ones you wore before you got sick are still too big.” He let the fridge close.

  They probably were. I didn't say anything. That's when it was irritating to have someone know so much about you.

  Brian's face was unreadable. “Everyone misses having you around, Leigh.” He leaned back against the counter.

  “I was here last night.” I suddenly felt defensive. “And here I am again.”

  “Do you know how many times Megan has called over here or dropped by looking for you? Because you keep blowing off meetings?” His face was still unreadable, his voice calm.

  “I only blew off one, and Noah showed up right in the middle of it. What was I supposed to do?” I folded my arms. “Besides, it wouldn't be a problem if she didn't need to have one every week!” The conversation with Jaron from the other day was still on my mind. “You guys are still checking up on me like I'm the sick girl. I don't want to be the sick girl anymore!”

  “That's not what it's about, Leigh! This is about you disappearing for Sunday afternoons, for FHE. Your brother is worried about you and doesn't know what to do. You're just not acting like yourself.” He took a few steps toward me, trying to keep his voice quiet.

  “And how do you even know who that is, Brian?” What gave him the right to butt in? “You don't know me.” I paused, trying to gather my thoughts. “I've just been out having fun. I couldn't even tell you the last time I was able to go out, relax, and just have fun.” I relaxed a little at my last comment. Brian should be able to understand that.

  “Just… be careful.” His head cocked to the side, just a little.

  “Ah, so you and Jaron have been talking about me then?” It sounded just like what Jaron said the other day. Brian didn't respond. “Well, my brother is also a little distracted with Megan, if you haven't noticed.”

  “I've noticed, but he's still taking care of his responsibilities.” Brian's body relaxed. He leaned against the counter, and his shoulders fell slightly. It just made it all the more frustrating.

  “So now I'm gone, not acting like myself, and being irresponsible. I'm glad you think so highly of me, Brian.” I was mad. Noah and I had only been dating a short while. Wasn't it always like that with someone you really liked? Didn't everyone go through that phase? The phase where you can't spend enough time with one another?

  Brian took a deep breath. “I don't want to fight with you, Leigh. I just… what do you guys do with all that time together?”

  “What exactly are you implying?” I had a hard time remembering to keep my voice down. It was way beyond anything Brian should be asking me about.

  “Relax. You're just not here, and you haven't said anything about other people you two hang out with. It's just a lot of time together. And honestly, Leigh, you could do so much better.” His head shook just slightly.

  “Now Noah isn't good enough? You don't know him either, Brian. What I do or don't do with Noah is none of your business, and I don't need the two of you breathing down my neck!” I spun around and headed out. I nearly knocked Jaron over on my way up the stairs. He looked confused but let me go.

  I stomped into my room and sat on the floor. Stupid irritating Brian. Why couldn't everyone just let me relax and have fun with someone I really liked spending time with? I sat, angry, my body tense, my arms crossed, and my fists clenched together. After a few moments, I realized that it was pointless to be angry when I was alone in my room. I slowed my breathing and opened my hands, trying to relax.

  What did Noah and I do together? I couldn't think of anything constructive. But it didn't matter. We enjoyed each other's company, and sometimes that's all you need.

  I held Noah's hand across the console of his car. It felt good to have him back in town. “What do we do together, Noah?” I asked as we started down the road. The argument with Brian had been weighing on me for the past few days.

  He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, what do we do?”

  “I don't know, Leigh. We go out, and we sit and talk. I like spending time with you.” He had a half smile on his face, and his eyes briefly met mine.

  “I'm sorry, it's just that…”

  “Did your brother say something?” He looked at me, probably watching my reaction.

  I hesitated. “Brian, actually.”

  Noah's eyebrows rose. “Why would Brian care?”

  “He's just good friends with my brother, that's all.” I shook my head. Brian had jumped right into that role.

  “Yeah, right.” Noah looked annoyed, letting go of my hand and shifting down harder than normal.

  “Let's just drop it, okay?” I was sorry I'd said anything.

  “Let's.” I could see the whites of his knuckles as he gripped the steering wheel.

  Neither of us spoke for what felt like a long time. I suddenly realized that we were on the highway headed north. “So, where are we going?”

  “Timing is funny, considering your attitude.” He looked over at me and gave me a partial smile to show it was okay. “But I have a surprise for you. A new shop opened up in Salt Lake that I think you'll be interested in seeing.”

  “What kind of shop?”

  “You'll see.” He smiled again, wider than before. That was the Noah I liked. I reached toward him, and he took my hand in his. “It's my aunt's new place.”

  “And what d
oes she do?” I asked, hoping for more information.

  “You'll see.” He was determined.

  Noah parked on the street, ran around to my side, and opened the door for me. It was close to six and dark already, and traffic was thick on the street as we started up the sidewalk.

  “It's around here somewhere.” He smiled at me again and put his arm around my waist, keeping me close to him. His excitement was contagious.

  “Here.” He stopped at a beautiful little storefront. I looked through the windows to see rows and rows of fabrics.

  “You've got to be kidding me.” I looked over at him.

  “My aunt said there was almost nowhere around here to buy fabric for clothing—just quilting—so she thought she'd start something.”

  He opened the door and motioned for me to go in. “She officially opened a week ago. She offered to let you have five yards of anything you like. It doesn't have to all be the same thing.”

  I wasn't looking at Noah. I was in heaven. I hadn't seen a shop like that since leaving Seattle. I'd started ordering almost everything online, but that didn't work well because I needed to feel things. I needed to touch the fabrics and rub the ends between my fingers. I wanted the texture, the weight, the drape…

  She had large rolls of beautiful designer prints along all the outside walls and typical bolts of fabric in the middle. I was absolutely overwhelmed and excited, and I had no idea where to start.

  “Hey there, Noah.” I heard a woman say. I couldn't turn my head away from the fabrics.

  “This is my friend, Leigh. The one I told you about.” He introduced me. I had to peel my eyes away from the walls to shake her hand. She must be his dad's sister; they had the same dark hair and similar features that I saw echoed in Noah. Straight nose, flawless cheekbones…

  “It's nice to meet you, Leigh. I'm Vivian.”

  “Your shop is amazing.” I looked back to the fabric. I couldn't wait to rub my hands over everything.

  She smiled a friendly smile. “Thank you. Like Noah said, help yourself. Five yards.”

  “Really, thank you.” She was a very generous lady giving five yards of gorgeousness to someone she didn't know.

  I walked down the first aisle on the left, running my fingertips across the fabrics. She had everything. Woolens, knits, silks, satins… It even smelled like a fabric store. I breathed in deep, ecstatic to have a place like this within my reach.

  Noah came up behind me when I'd finally made it to the back corner of the store.

  “Like it?” he asked. He looked at me with his green eyes in a way that made my stomach tighten. I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I leaned into him and breathed him in. Noah always smelled amazing, even better than the fabric. I looked around. The racks were so tall I couldn't see the storefront or the counter.

  “Love it.” I smiled up at him.

  “Love you.” He leaned down and kissed me. I put my hands around his neck and pulled him in to kiss him back.

  Wow. “Love you too.” I said. Our faces stayed close. My heart beat hard. Were we there already? Everything with him had happened so fast. Was I in love? I didn't like being away from him. I tried to spend as much time with him as I could. Is that what it was? What it took?

  I felt his arms around me, and I rested my face on his shoulder. He felt good, safe, warm. Maybe I was in love. Again, wow.

  twenty-four

  I stepped outside. The beginning of March had been unseasonably warm. Jaron's car was gone. It seemed to always be gone. It was Saturday—who knew where he went. School and Megan kept him tied up. Noah was out of town again, and I didn't know what to do with myself.

  I heard a guitar from the porch next door and looked up to see Brian completely absorbed. I hadn't spoken with him in over two weeks. I realized how much I missed him as I watched him play. The sun came slanting in from the side of where he sat, lighting the whole porch up in warmth. My chest felt warm as I watched him. Brian and I were so close that I often forgot how good-looking he was. I walked over and slowly climbed the steps. He was playing an old Pearl Jam tune.

  “Feeling depressed?” I asked with a smile.

  Brian stopped playing and sat back, surprised.

  “Hey.” I waved and then immediately stuffed my hands back in my pockets as I stood at the top of the steps.

  Brian nodded.

  “I don't want to be fighting with you, Brian.” My body tensed up as I stretched taller, waiting for his response.

  “Okay.” He gave me a little smile. “Noah must be out of town.”

  “Am I really that bad?” I slumped back down. “That you only see me when he's gone?”

  Brian shrugged. The neutral gesture was an affirmative, and I sighed. I guess he was right.

  “I haven't seen Nathan in a while.”

  “He was here for a short week last week.” Brian's eyes watched me carefully. I didn't know what he wanted.

  “I can't believe I missed him.” I felt a loss at the time I could have spent with him. I stood at the top of the stairs, unsure of where I should be.

  “You weren't around much, and I didn't figure you wanted to talk to me.”

  “I'm sorry.” I felt it hard in my chest. I didn't even remember the particulars of our argument anymore, aside from not agreeing about Noah. With Jaron gone so often, I'd missed both of them.

  “Don't be sorry. Come sit, Leigh.” He started to play something on the guitar.

  I sat on a chair across from him and put my feet on the coffee table.

  It took me a minute to recognize the tune. I hadn't heard the song in a long time.

  “Wonderwall?” I narrowed my eyes in a questioning look.

  He nodded. I liked singing with the guitar. It took me a minute to figure out when I was supposed to come in, but after a measure or two I got it.

  Brian played easily, and I sang. I relaxed and let my voice carry over through the backyard. I wondered how many appreciated the lyrics of a song about saving someone.

  “Thanks, that was fun.” He rested his arms on the body of the guitar and looked at me.

  “I don't think I'll ever get bored of singing with the guitar.” I smiled at him.

  “And I don't think I'll ever get bored of hearing your voice with my guitar.” He took a deep breath. “There's something…”

  I turned to see Jaron coming up the steps. “Am I interrupting?” he asked, looking back and forth between Brian and me. He started to turn around.

  “Not at all.” It felt good to see my brother. How didn't I notice him pull up?

  Jaron walked up slowly and sat next to me. Brian picked up his guitar and started to play something else.

  “Did you start to say something?” I asked.

  “I forgot already.” Brian laughed at himself.

  “Haven't seen you in a while, brother.” I bumped his shoulder with mine.

  “It's been crazy,” he admitted.

  “And there's Megan.” I grinned widely as her car pulled to a stop.

  “There's Megan.” He smiled at me and stuck his finger in my dimple.

  “Watch it,” I warned.

  “You're so cute,” he teased. “With your cute little dimples.”

  “Almost as cute as you with yours.” I laughed.

  “You two are something else.” Brian shook his head.

  “What?” I looked from Jaron to Brian, “I'm sure I could tease you too.”

  “I'm sure you could,” Brian agreed.

  “What are we up to?” Megan slid in on the other side of Jaron and rested her chin on his shoulder.

  It was the first time I'd felt a twinge of jealousy over what they had. It might have been that I was slowly less needed in my brother's life. I now shared his attention. I looked away quickly to see Brian watching me.

  “I gotta run.” I stood up. “Homework.” I didn't feel ready to share a bench with my brother and his girlfriend. Brian and I were okay, though. I didn't realize how much it had thrown
me off until I fixed it. I didn't like trying to avoid someone from our little group, especially when it was someone's company I enjoyed as much as his.

  “Thanks, Leigh,” Brian said. “For coming over.”

  I nodded and walked off the porch. I couldn't wait for Noah to come home so I wouldn't have so much time for thinking.

  Megan and I walked over to my brother's porch. Brian, Jaron, and Julie were already there.

  “Brian's buying your house.” Jaron laughed as we walked up the steps.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Yeah. He learned it was for sale a few days ago; he's apparently been doing nothing but saving his money. He does some freelance graphic design work on the side, which I didn't know about.” My brother looked over at him. “And he's buying your house.”

  “So, are you going to kick us girls out?” I teased. I hadn't even known our place was for sale. It all must've happened fast.

  “Nah.” He shook his head. “I'll need the rent money.” Then he laughed.

  “This is crazy, Brian.” I couldn't believe that as a student, he was in a position to buy a house.

  “I know. I'm sure it'll sink in, in a day or two.”

  Jaron's eyes caught mine. “You're looking very pretty tonight.”

  I wore my favorite white summer dress. “It's warm out, finally, and Noah's on his way here,” I said by way of explanation.

  “I thought he was out of town,” Brian shifted his weight back in his chair.

  “Well, he was, but now he's back.” I turned from side to side, letting the skirt of my dress swish back and forth. It always made me feel a bit like a little girl, which made me smile.

  “We never see you when Noah's in town.” Julie frowned.

  I sat down next to her. “Well, I'm here now.” I moved my hands toward her belly. “Do you mind?” I asked, hands already poised. It was magical, being able to feel the small baby inside her. I thanked her for every moment she let me share with her. It made it more special for both of us, knowing what she was able to do for me simply by letting me be involved in something I'd never get to do myself.