Chapter 2 Lexin

I have never felt so free until now. The feeling of being freed from the chains that bound me, letting me inhale the smell of freedom was overwhelming. When I was still in my parents' house, I couldn't breathe, it felt as if someone was choking me. But today, those unwanted feelings vanished.

New home, Summerville. I smiled at my thoughts.

Today is actually the seventh year since I left home. I could barely remember what happened on the day I left but, it was the best decision I have ever made. I never felt an ounce of regrets even though leaving meant losing the luxurious life I had before but, it was fine. From rich to rags taught me how to manage myself on my own.

Also, it made me steel. I considered myself a strong independent woman after everything I've been through.

I tied my hair in a messy bun before sitting on the long sofa, pulling the sleeves over my hands then grabbed the mug resting on the center table. The sweet aroma of coffee taking over my senses, inviting, and uplifting.

"The smell of freshly baked bread almost reached my house..."

I raised my head to look at Sid who just got out from the kitchen, chewing the food he mentioned. Again, he was overreacting.

"Don't you have plans for today? You've been sleeping here for two days." I sipped on my coffee.

"You've been hibernating here for two days, too. Can't I do the same?" He reached for the remote and sat beside me, placing a throw pillow on his thighs.

"You have your own house," I stated in a matter-of-fact. "And it's the weekend, so I don't have work. Ever heard of a day off? Unlike you who's needed twenty-four-seven in your family-owned company."

"Gosh..." He blew a deep breath and changed channels after channels. "I need a break. Being a high profile is no joke."

"A high-profile living here in a small subdivision." I chuckled. Sid and I have been friends since we were seven. We knew each other's deep secret, even him being gay. Although a lot of people noticed it, he still hasn't confirmed it.

Well, he loves to leave people clueless. We honestly hate it if someone invades our personal life. I mean, who doesn't? As for me, no one would be curious as everyone knows that I'm just a lowkey residence here in Summerville. Unlike him...

"Have you seen your neighbor?" he questioned.

I look at him through my peripheral vision. I gulped the liquid down to my throat before shaking my head, slowly.

"It's kinda strange though..." I flicked my tongue. "It's been a week since they settled here but, I haven't heard any noise. Are they uh... some kind of mute or they are just really that quiet?"

I don't know who lives next door. Alexin, the adorable kid never showed up or maybe I was too busy that I wasn't able to see her outside their home. Aside from her, I don't know who's else living in the room next door. The woman and the guy I saw before... Are they Alexin's parents?

My forehead knotted, silently dismissing the thought. My eyes were just fixed on the brown-ish yet creamy liquid on my cup.

"Oh god, Aya..." he sounded disappointed. I turned my head to look at him, my brows furrowed.

"What? I didn't bother to check as first and foremost, I'm not interested. I don't want any parasites in my life, you know. Like who knows what those people are capable of?" I rolled my eyes, slightly feeling guilty after realizing my words.

Alex was a nice kid. She greeted and hoped to be friends with me. Her presence alone made me feel at ease at that time when I felt worn out. Yet I dare to judge someone's parents' without even knowing them first. I bit the side of my cheek.

"Look at your face..." Sid teased, making a face that made him look like a sad potato. "Your eyes are about to bawl out. But you don't even shed a tear when a police cuff your hands."

"That's different..." I darted my gaze somewhere, pursing my lips.

"You haven't seen her, that means you still don't know her."

"Yes, and still don't have the interest to know her." I slowly tilted my head, eyeing him suspiciously. "I guess you know my neighbor. Your gossip side took place, eh?"

"Of course!" He flipped his imaginary long hair. "The neighborhood is too small for rumors, Aya. Every gossip reached my house, unlike yours. Not only your door is closed, but your ears, too. Jeez."

"Is it my fault that irrelevant rumors don't interest me at all?" I squint my eyes at him.

He tsked and stood up, then looked at me confidently. I let out a chuckle and finished my coffee before reaching for the remote, turning the television off. Placing the mug on the center table, I stood up and stretched my arms. Sid was still looking at me as if I'd wronged him.

"What?"

"Up for something fun?"

"Fun what...?" I slowly lowered my arms, confusion was visible on my face. Usually, I'm the one who always pursues him to have fun. Clubs, and even went to gay clubs which I don't want to remember. That was fun but, I don't want to enter gay clubs again! Never.

"Jeez..." He sighed deeply. "Like going out? Hibernating done, bitch. Let me take you somewhere else."

"It's morning, for god's sake. I don't wanna go out."

"Should I ask our neighbor to look after you, then?'

My upper lip rose up. "What am I? Seven? Gosh. This is annoying," I blurted out, waving my hand to dismiss the conversation. "It's windy and cold outside, too. The best time to sleep all day, eat my favorite junk food, and watch movies."

"So, you will just stay here all day?"

"Yup," I said, popping the p. "Go and enjoy. Beep me if something happens, okay?"

He pouted his lips and eventually nodded. "Lock all the doors and windows."

"Of course, go and take care." I shooed him away. "Enjoy the day and please sleep at your house tonight. I don't have enough resources to keep you alive," I joked, which made him laugh.

His greediness in food isn't obvious because of his muscular and toned body. This guy is living his life at the gym.

Well, who wouldn't be motivated if his eyes were always blessed with those gals in the nearby gym? He droll every time we go there. He would even take a picture secretly.

"I could help you financially with that."

I crossed my arms above my chest and looked at him lazily. "Go," I said without sound.

"So mean..." He pursed his lips and turned his back from me, then walked away.

I could feel the heaviness on every step he makes. I shook my head and grabbed the pillow from the sofa, then threw it in his direction, targeting his head. He turned around.

"Don't sulk. Go and have fun with boys!" I suggested. He stared at me weirdly, ruffling his hair before showing me his thumb.

"I will!"