Matt looked out the window, ever since he could remember he and Lexi (next door neighbors daughter) have been friends. They pretty much grew up together; Matt was only a few months older than her. Once junior high hit though that all changed. Their bodies started mature and they started to grow closer than just friends.
By high school they were know as "an item" and were even voted the cutest couple three years in a row by the yearbook. It was their senior year when they kissed for the first time. Neither exactly knowing what to do, they were clumsy Matt's mouth almost ended up on Lexi's nose.
The third or fourth night they were making out they had turned 18 and were starting to explore, her mom caught them and kicked Matt out of the house. He was told he could never come back. He was upset; their relationship was already on thin ice because the parents could never seem to get along.
Matt walked into that house that night, dejected.
"What's wrong sport?" His dad Bill asked. Matt hated his dad calling him this. But he never said anything. Matt's mom left them when he was young, he didn't even remember her. Since dad has tried his best to play both roles of a parent and has had to keep several jobs going at once, and Matt respected him for that.
"Joyce threw me out of the house," Matt answered dejected. Bill sighed deeply, looking out the window.
"Sorry we had an argument this morning, her damn dog shit on our yard again," Bill explained.
"No it's not your fault; she caught me and Lexi kissing. She told me I could never come back," Matt explained. Bill nodded, but didn't say anything.
"Look, Joyce has trust issues. I've been neighbors with her since before you were born and she still doesn't trust me," Bill replied glaring out the window. "Who knows maybe this is for the best sport, there are other fish in the sea."
"I guess," Matt mumbled. Matt was very tall almost 6'02" with brown hair buzzed short, and was very skinny; but he had been the captain of the basketball team this year and broke the school record in points. A lot of girls were lined up after games hitting on him. But none of them seemed to strike his interest. He had known Lexi for so long he couldn't imagine being with someone else.
Lexi watched Joyce pace back and forth. "What were you thinking?!?"
"I'm sorry mom," Lexi tried. Lexi was average height at about 5'06", she was average build and just grew into a C cup bra size. She had long straight blond hair, and very dark brown eyes.
"Sorry?!? Sorry doesn't cut it missy," Joyce shouted. "I forbid you to see him anymore."
"What...why?" Lexi asked.
"Because his father is an asshole and that stuff gets passed on," Joyce explained.
"That's not fair," Lexi complained.
"Life isn't always fair; you've wasted enough time on him. What are his plans for college besides basketball?" Joyce asked.
"He's going to for computer programming," Lexi answered.
"Still he's done, no more got it?" Joyce ordered.
"NO...I DON'T GET IT," Lexi shouted. "I don't understand why you don't like them."
It was a mystery to Lexi why Joyce and Bill could never seem to get along. They were so much alike. Lexi's dad had left shortly after she was born, and the same had happened to Bill so you'd think they would understand each other; but every time they talked it turned into an argument.
"DON'T YOU YELL AT ME!" Joyce shouted to match her daughter's tone. "You are grounded."
Lexi rushed into her room, crying.
Two days later
It didn't take long for word to spread around school about what happened. Rumors spread like wild fire that they were done. Girls were coming up to Matt constantly asking if he wanted to go to the next dance with them. He politely turned them down; he had to talk to Lexi again.
Lexi was at her locker the final bell had just rung, she was shoving books in her locker taking only the ones she needed for homework.
"Hey pretty lady," She heard Matt say from behind her.
"I'm not supposed to talk to you," Lexi answered, trying not to face Matt.
"Why, your mom isn't here," Matt reasoned. It was true; there was little chance she would find out either. "We live next to each other; it wouldn't be that odd of an occurrence for us to be walking close to each other...possibly get home near the same time."
Lexi smiled sweetly as she nodded in approval and they started the walk back from school.
"Has your dad said anything about this?" Lexi asked.
"No, just said your mom doesn't trust anyone," Matt replied
"My mom said she thinks you're going to turn into an asshole," Lexi joked. Matt snickered briefly.
"Why?"
"Cause she thinks Bill is a major asshole," Lexi answered. "I just don't get why they can't get along."
"I know it's weird," Matt replied. They were only a block or so away from home, once they turned the corner, Lexi noticed Bill at her door talking to Joyce they seemed to be talking civilly which was rare. After giving a quick wave Bill turned and went back to his own house.
"What was that about?" Lexi asked. Matt shrugged in reply
After putting his school stuff away Matt headed out to the garage where his dad's workshop was. His dad was making benches today and had the saw going. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why he was at Lexi's house today but instead turned to get started on homework.
Lexi on the other hand rushed into the house, not even bothering to drop her stuff off and rushed up to her mom.
"What the hell mom?" Lexi asked. "I thought you said Bill was an asshole."
"Watch your language," Joyce warned. "Yes I did, and yes he is."
"Then why was he over here?"
"He came to complain about Betty (their dog) again," Joyce explained.