chapter one!

the noisy neighbor!

ANDY RAMIREZ WAS NEVER a morning person. But alas, here he was, walking in the halls of Los Feliz High School. Kids whispered to one another as he passed, probably saying that he was weird or something. The boy had finally gotten to his locker as he grabbed his things. "Hey, dude." Paula stated, causing Andy to jump in fright.

"Paula, you scared me.  I told you to stop doing that."

"Anyways, I got a flyer from Carrie about her performing tomorrow."

"Okay? I really don't care what Carrie's doing, she's just some popstar wannabe."  Two girls snickered two lockers down from him, earning a confused look from Paula and a hard look from Andy.  "What's so funny?"

The two girls stopped laughing, staring at the duo.  "What you said about Carrie.  We thought it was funny." Flynn stated as Julie looked at Andy.  "Anyways, dude.  I've got to get going.   I have library aid right now and you know that if I'm not there in time, the librarian is going to kill me.  Later!"  Andy slightly waved her goodbye, leaving him alone with Julie and Flynn.  "We have to go to music class now.  I'll see you there, Julie."

Flynn had left as Andy looked at Julie, clearing his throat.  "You're staring at me."

"What? I'm sorry! Also before I go, I'm sorry for my brother's baseball going over your fence yesterday.  He really needs to stop playing near your house."

"You're my neighbor? Since when were you my neighbor?"

"Me and my family have lived next door for years.  I'm surprised you didn't know."  The bell rang, signaling that it was time to get to class.  "I need to go to music now but it was nice talking to you..." 

"Andy."  Julie snapped her finger, smiling.  "Right, Andy."  As Julie walked away, he closed his locker.

Little did he know he would run into her again.

ANDY WAS FINALLY AT HOME, TRYING TO DO HIS math homework.  Delia entered his room, ruffling his hair.  "Hey, Andy.  I just got home from my shift and I really don't feel like cooking tonight.  Is Chinese food okay?"

"Yeah, sounds good."  Delia smiled, looking at his worksheet.  "Is this how you're learning to do Geometry? Because when I was younger, I learned a different method."

"Times have changed, Del.  Did you know that the Molinas are our neighbors? I found out from Julie today and-"

"Oh my gosh, a girl talked to you today? That's so cute."

"Del, I have no intention of talking to them again.  It only happened once."  His sister rolled her eyes, playfully punching him in the arm.  "I'm just joking! Lighten up, baby bro.  Anyways, I'll start ordering takeout, okay?"

"Okay, Del."  Once Delia left his room, the boy tried to concentrate on his work when he heard some loud rock music from next door. "What are the Molinas doing at this hour?" he muttered under his breath, standing up from his desk. Grabbing his jacket, he decided to check it out.

"Del, I'll be back. I'm going to see why there's so much noise coming from the Molinas house."

"Okay, Andy. Just be safe." The boy closed the door, walking towards the other house. He passed the garage but kept hearing the same sound as he did before. Skeptical, he knocked on the garage door. Julie opened it, surprised that it was him. "Andy? What are you doing here?"

"I live next door if you remember. What's making all that noise?"

"What noise?"

"The loud guitars, drums, and whatever instruments were playing!"

"He can hear us play? Dude, he can hear us play!" Luke stated, causing Julie to mutter 'shut up' under her breath. "What did you just say?" Andy asked, causing Julie to give him an awkward smile. "Me? I didn't say anything... look, I'm sorry. I accidentally left on an old cd from my mom so that must be why you heard a bunch of noise."

Andy's expression softened, clearing his throat. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"It's fine, really. I'll just try and keep the music down."

Andy sighed, looking at her. "Look, if it helps you remember your mom, you can play it. I'll see if I have my headphones lying around in my room so I can drown out the noise." Julie smiled, looking at him. "You're staring at me again."

"I don't know why I keep doing that, I'm sorry! Anyways, I'm gonna go back inside now so... see you at school?"

"See you at school." As the boy turned to leave, Julie wore a small smile. "Good night..." she stated, causing the boy to turn around.  "Andy."

"Right.  Good night, Andy." waving at him.

"Good night, Julie." the boy said, giving her a small wave. As he walked back to his house, he had to keep this interaction to himself. Otherwise, his sister would tease him about it for weeks.

Andy returned home, walking inside. "Del, I'm back." He noticed her unpacking containers of food, causing him to reach for plates in the cabinet. He quickly set up the table, placing utensils and cups on the side of the plate. As they ate their food, Andy looked at his sister. "So how was work today?"

"It was good. Oh, I'm going to start working more hours on Wednesdays so you'll have to stay with the Molinas those days." Andy started to cough, drinking some ginger ale. "Are you okay?" Delia asked, earning a nod from her brother. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why can't I stay with Paula and her family until you come home from your shift?"

"Because the Molinas are closer and I don't want you coming home later than me." Andy sighed, eating a piece of his chicken. "Fine. I'll do it."

"Great. You start tomorrow. How was talking to them by the way?" Don't mention Julie, don't mention Julie, he thought to himself. "It was good. I spoke to Julie." Delia smiled, causing Andy to groan. "She's a very nice girl. Maybe you could get to know her more."

"You sound like mom, Del." Andy teased, earning a laugh from his sister. "Oh, speaking of mom, we need to call her and dad when we're finished."

"When will they start living with us?" Andy asked as he continued to eat his food. "Soon. Probably in a couple of months, dad just wants to finish working before he retires early." As Andy and Delia conversed, the boy couldn't help but wonder.

How bad could being with the Molinas be?

Maya Speaks 💫:

Delia is so fine bro I want Andy's sister so bad 🤭 (she's 25)

Bro why do Delia and Andy remind me a bit of Hiro and Tadashi ngl (guys Delia isn't going to die dw)

The way Julie kept staring at him 😭 Andy had to bring it up twice in this chapter omg

Chapter Two is out now!!