It's been a few days And of course—-Every time I thought about the gummy bear scene I felt humiliated all over again.

Later that day, on the car ride home, I found out from my mother that Mr. walker had retired, meaning that prick is in fact; the new manager.

Asshole.

I let out a tight sigh, angry at myself for walking out without saying a word to him. I hate the thought of him thinking he got the last laugh.

Wait, did he get the last laugh?

I groaned in frustration.

He sure did.

"What's wrong, hun?"

My mother asks, walking into the kitchen while holding groceries.

Oh, nothing... just might jump outta a window later...

"Here, I got it." I tell her instead, going to take the bags from her. "What's brings you home?" I ask, surprised to see her so soon.

"I missed you... and Lyn was starting to get on my nerves."

There it is!

I knew there had to be a specific reason she left early from her usual weekend stay at her best friends.

"Don't you miss me? I'm staring to think you like being alone."

Sometimes... but not most of the time.

"I never said that! Of course I miss you!" I laugh, putting away the groceries.

"How's the shop going?"

"Good. We were pretty busy this morn—-"

"Oh, look!" I turn to see her walking over to the window, smiling. "He's finally moving in!" She chirps, turning around. "I should go over and say hello, you should come with me."

"You mean someone finally rented the house next door?" I ask aloud, looking over the sink to see through the window. How didn't I notice the car parked in the drive way.

"Wait, how do you know it's a 'he'?"

"It's Mr. Crane. You remember him, the new manager at the bank."

I jumped back so fast after hearing that, almost dropping the freshly sealed jar of pickles off the counter before.

My mother snapped her head to look at me, "What happened? Was it a spider!?"

I nod, not really believing what I just heard. She can't be serious? This has to be a joke! "How do you know it's him?" I hope she didn't hear the shakiness in the tone of my voice.

"Because he told me that day we were at the bank."

Ah huh...

And she just now decided to tell me? And seriously, out of all the places he moves next door!?

This is some cliché bull shit.

"Alright, well—Let's go give a warm welcome." She turns to leave.

I rolled my eyes... mentally.

"Who says I wanna give that asswipe a warm welcome?! He can kiss my—-"

"—-Marge!" She cut me off, looking at me a bit wide eyed. I hate it when she says my real name, especially when she yells it. Just really grinds my gears.

"I'M SORRY—BUT I KNOW HE COULD HAVE WAVED THAT LATE FEE IF HE WANTED!" I snapped, slamming the cabinet closed.

I'm not really in the mood to play let's welcome the new neighbor.