This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Every character is 18 or above.
*******
As I packed my suitcase and boxes filled with various typical 18-year-old items, I noticed my mom and dad were whispering right outside my room. I could definitely hear the words "divorce" and my name, which was 'Max'. Their subtle whispering wasn't so subtle, almost like they wanted me to hear on purpose. But, knowing my parents, they definitely didn't want me to know. They were prone to keeping me in the dark about family issues. I didn't hold it against them, I had just turned 18 a few months ago so I'm barely an adult.
I didn't blame them, after all. All my cases and boxes were packed over the brim full, but I managed to maneuver it to close the boxes with strong tape. I sighed, and brushed my fingertips along my bedroom wall. This would be the last time I am here.
As I help load up the moving truck, I noticed the movers were laughing and pointing at me. Particularly, my obvious tan lines. I did a lot of yard work in the sun, so I had tan lines from my tank top and shorts, which were short as briefs, considering I wanted to try and tan my legs a bit since the summer was almost over. The tan line from my tank top was peeking through my shirt collar, and one of them, in Spanish, said "Is that a bra tan line?" Thinking I wouldn't be able to understand them. Thank God I took Spanish in my junior year.
The idea popped into my head, instead of scowling back, I leaned forward a bit in their direction and pulled down my shirt collar, exposing my pale chest and pink nipples. I smirked and winked, then retorted, "Wanna find out?". They flushed and turned away, one of them scratching their neck in awkwardness. I turned away and rushed into my parents' car, my own face blushing lightly. That was fucking embarrassing, and I am not that type of person. It was a first for me to be even remotely flirty.
My body wasn't exactly fit, but I was showing some definition lines. Specifically, my biceps and abs. And then there is a V-line that nestled under my waistband, but I guess that was hereditary. I definitely wasn't built, I guess I was more lean with a hint of muscle. I traced my tan lines with my finger and over my pale chest, a slight whine escaped my lips. I guess I should find a gym near my new place.
We had arrived at our destination, my parents helped the movers. As I stepped out of the car, I had accidentally made eye contact with one of the movers, particularly the one that talked about me, and I quickly turned my head away and started unloading boxes. The neighborhood was quiet, and had beautiful two-story houses all the way down the block and both sides of the street. I saw several people approaching us, to be exact, they were older people who looked they like they didn't have any kids. Especially the couples. I was a little confused but maybe this was a housing area for retired persons, that would definitely make more sense. That would mean no one around my age would be here, but I didn't really get along with people my age anyways.
They all looked in their late 30s up to their early 50s, and only a few of them had any noticeable gray hair. A lady with blonde silver hair, who looked around her late 40s, greeted us with a smile. "We can't tell you how happy we are that someone finally filled that empty house. It felt so.. off putting to have a house just sit here, vacant for so long. My name is Barbara," she shook both my mom and my dad's hand, then mine.
"I am Shelly," My mom beamed.
"You can call me Patrick," my dad's voice followed.
"Uhm.. I am Max." I said sheepishly. The group kept introducing themselves and one particular pair of elders caught my eye. One of them was my former English teacher, one I actually enjoyed having teach me. My face lit up as I approached them, and smiled. "Mrs. Cooper, it's so good to see you. You were my English teacher in my sophomore year."
"Max? Oh my goodness, hi honey I barely recognized you. How are you doing sweetie?" her voice was soothing, and it made me feel welcomed. I told her I was doing good and I looked forward to being her neighbor.
"Well," Barbara grinned in a friendly manner. "You two know each other? That's great. Now max won't feel left out since there's no one his age here,"
The group chuckled with her and I saw a man coming toward us. He had black hair that was slicked back with a very expensive looking suit. I could tell he definitely worked out underneath, and there was only gray hair above his ears. His skin was tan but not dark, just like a normal tan color you get sunbathing a few times. He must've have been in his early 40s as well. He grinned and held out his hand to me and my parents.
"Sorry I am late, business meeting was extended. My name is David, but please don't call me Dave." They all laughed together and we also introduced ourselves.
Barbara intervened by saying, " David has wonderful barbecue bashes every end of July."
"Its true," He agreed, "You should come, unless you don't want to. Completely up to you, no pressure."
My father smiled, "We'll be there. It's a great chance to get to know our new neighbors."