Hermia

"Yes? —Oh God,  what happened to her? " Mom yelled as soon as I opened the door.

She glanced behind me and I also do same only to see Aaron coming towards us. Why would he come?

"Aaron? You're also here at this late hour. "

"Good evening aunt. Actually we were coming from the same party. "

"Oh, " mom looked at me. "Where's your car Hermia Jones? "

And there,  she blew my cover. My eyes widened and my shoulder stiffened. What did mom just do.

Over my shoulder, I glance at Aaron and quickly face mom again. I don't want to know what his reaction looks like.

"It got damaged." I replied my mom.

"Okay, who then dropped you here. Aaron? "

I was getting annoyed with her queries.

"Goodnight Aaron. And mom, I'll just take care of Sally. "

Worry then annoyance flashed across her face before she sighed. "Goodnight Aaron and thank you. "

"No problem at all. Goodnight! "

I heaved a sigh of relief as mom closed the door behind her.

"What was all that about Hermia? When you couldn't take care of your friend,  why did you both go? Hermia? I'm talking to you. "

I ignored her. She's angry and the repercussion of it is she throwing something or maybe a slap at me. I wasn't ready for a banter with her again. I headed towards the kitchen to get water for Sally.

"Hermia.  Don't you dare step out of here. "

"Mom please. Let me just take care of Sally first. Then,  you might get mad as much as you want. "

"How dare you!" she rushed over at me but I didn't flinch. "You. . . I'm sure you must've had a fight with the person who damaged your car, isn't it? The car I toiled hard to buy. Do you even think of how much I work before you do these things? All you do is bringing troubles home. You know earlier, I never wanted you to go to the party because I knew the outcome." she sighed and moved her arms in circles. "And now, you involved the poor girl. "

I was not sure what to say to calm her down. Maybe I should hug her? But,  I'm not the emotional huggy type.

So I said the first thing that came to my mind. "I'll talk to you later. "

I only moved an inch before a slap landed on my cheek. I sharply turned at her. "Mom! "

"Don't you dare walk out on me, just like your father! " mom yelled in a shaky breath.

The word hurt as if a dagger was dug right in my chest. Just like your father

Just like your father!

I stumbled backwards and I felt as if my heart was just squeezed and there was barely air to breath in.

I hate Cole Jones with all my soul. Why would mom compare me with such a beast?

I stared at mom, in anger ready to let out the bitter things I've kept in me but  she was already sobbing.

I made her cry. I brought back a bad memory. And I felt remorseful.

"I. . . I'm sorry, " I say against my will,  trying hard not to hit something or break down in tears. I've always watched my mom in sorrow and I'm the only source of hope to her. And now she thinks I'm acting like my father?

She slumped into the couch and tried to stop the tears. I watch her clench her fists to her chest. She loved him. She loved that bastard.

Not knowing what else to do or how to react, I rush up to my room upstairs and slammed the door open then closed.

"Ah! " I yelled in frustration. "Just block it out Hermia. Just. . ." I paced towards my window and stared at the moonlit night sky.

I didn't want to cry. I didn't want to  break down. I didn't want to act like an emotional girl. I didn't want to breach that wall I've built around myself. "It's fine, everything will be fine by morning. "

I wish that was true. My mood just got spoilt.

It took me years to build that tough tomboy I am and I'm not about to ruin everything now. I've promised myself never to shed any tears for any man. And I hate this one man with every soul of mine. He's responsible for whatever is happening to our family. I've always watched mom in pain yet I was helpless as I couldn't do anything to alleviate that pain.

Folding my hands in each other, I stood there for what felt like hours. In my own solitude and calming myself down.

Then, I noticed the dark curtain across me flicker a glimpse of light from the room next door.

My mind went back to what Aaron told me. We're really neighbours?

I observed shadows going around reflecting on the curtain and then it stopped. I should have turned just then and walked away but I didn't.

I went into a frenzy when the curtain was drawn apart and there stood the boy next door with his eyes closed and hands outstretched.

Aaron.

But he wasn't just there. He was stark shirtless!

My eyes slowly widened and I could feel my own heart beat frantically against my chest ribs.

If anyone told me the nerd had perfect eight pack abs and flexed muscles,  I'd disagree but here it was,  mocking me right in the face. Sweats trickled their way down his belly lines and his torso was rising in a sync.

I need to stop looking.

Just about to listen to my inner instincts,  he opened his eyes and his electrifying blue eyes stared into mine in surprise. I couldn't help it but continue to stare back at him. From the the safe distance I was, I saw that visible four lines were drawn at his forehead.

"Hermia. . ." he mouthed breathlessly.

And instead of worrying he knows my name and identity already, I just stand there shamelessly peering at him without tearing my eyes away.

~~~
A! N: 😳 the nerd also works out?

😊I've always daydreamed of accidentally spotting a next door guy shirtless but unfortunately I have no luck of that sort. 😡

Have you ever had to experience this? I'm so excited to hear it!

And do you think of any reason why he was in such a state he was of all?

It so hot in here or is it just me? 😳