The Girl Across the Street

By G Lusby

As best friends who have lived across the street from each other since they were four years old, Time and Ashlee have grown up almost as siblings, spending every day together while sharing all their inner secrets. So its no surprise that as they mature and graduate from high school their friendship has blossomed into something more than a simple friendship. Tim is afraid to reveal his true feelings to her out of fear that it may complicate their friendship and closeness. As he agonizes with his secret and watches her grow into a beautiful woman, should he confess his love for her or just watch her as she dates others? The unthinkable eventually happens and Tim must move forward with his life as he faces new challenges. Challenges that will again test his struggles as he enjoys the life of a young single guy, facing many girls that tempt his feelings but none greater than the new girl across the street who will not only demand guidance and trust, but will tug at his heart the same way as Ashlee. Will he learn from his past experiences to not hide his inner feelings or will he go down the same path and keep his heart to himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G Lusby
• Release date: Oct 14, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452317731

G Lusby

My name is Gary Lusby and I currently live in Ocala, Florida. After working 32 years for Lucent Technologies as a computer analyst, I retired and became a school photographer for 8 years working for Lifetouch National School Studios in Reisterstown, Maryland. I then fully retired to the beach to enjoy life and pursue my passion for writing books. I don't choose to write in one particular genre, but continue to write stories that peak my interest and arouse my curiosity. My motto in writing is to tell the story, keep it simply, and never write books that are full of useless filler, just get to the point of the story. I self-publish all my books so you may find spelling errors and grammar miscues, but I promise the storyline will be there for all to enjoy.

Book preview

The Girl

Across the Street

A Novel by G. Lusby

GL Publications

Stone Creek

Published by Gary Lusby

Copyright 2006 2010 2024 by Gary Lusby

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of the author, Gary L. Lusby, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.

Fourth Edition January 2024

Printed in the United States of America

This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, and events portrayed in this book are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual persons, living or deceased, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

GL Publications

Stone Creek

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my son and daughter, Kip and Tiffany, who, from infancy to adulthood, have been the love of my life. Through the many highs and lows of life and the many differences of opinion we may have had, we always let our love for each other rise to the top. They are both my greatest gifts in life, and I am so very proud of the adults they have become.

This story highlights the importance of love between two people and the importance of letting those we love aware of our feelings.

Acknowledgments

A book combines many people's thoughts, efforts, and contributions. The idea to start this book came to me while sitting in my den looking out the window at my neighbor Brooke across the street; I watched as her parents took pictures of her standing in the front yard in her prom dress, waiting for her date. She had been my neighbor for nine years, and after watching her grow from a little girl to a beautiful young woman, I was inspired to write about young love.

I originally wrote this book in 2006 and was inspired over the years by my readers who left positive and complimentary reviews, plus those readers who contacted me directly, urging me to continue the story and give the characters a new life. Thus, I added the final half in 2020.

A special thanks also to those fabulous people who edited the book and gave me comments, corrections, and encouragement.

1

She lives across the street.

Her name is Ashlee Barton, and she reeled me in from the moment I met her.

It all began soon after the roar of the moving trucks left our block as I stood in the front yard waving goodbye to them.

Hey, can you push me on my swing? came this tiny voice from across the street.

Are you talking to me? I answered as I looked around and finally spotted her in her backyard.

My name is Ashlee, and I could use your help.

That was the beginning of our relationship.

Our families moved into the neighborhood when we were five years old, and since we were the only children on the block, we became inseparable friends.  As we spent more and more time at each other's houses, our parents began to see us as siblings, my little sister and her big brother. Childhood days were full of childhood antics, such as pushing each other on the swings to see whose feet could touch the clouds, dressing up as adults in oversized clothes and shoes, or conquering the world as the King and Queen of our street. Her golden retriever Caroline was our biggest audience, whether swiftly running around the yard chasing us, or taking us for a walk through the neighborhood.

Our lush green yards were our favorite playground and as the neighborhood population grew with more children, we’d spend time entertaining them. It was a delight for Ashlee to take sidewalk chalk and map out a town on her driveway, then gather the little kids to ride their three-wheeled tricycles and red wagons through the streets. They loved experiencing her creations and she loved seeing the excitement in their eyes.

Yet even at a young age, Ashlee instinctively knew how to win me over by convincing me that I was her big brother. Whenever we were riding the swing, she would yell for me to push higher and then comment on my strength, or when we were walking Caroline, she would hand me the leash, telling me, "You're stronger than I am.".   She always knew how to get to me, even back then.

We attended the same neighborhood schools and have been in the same class for five of our nine years together. In our elementary school years, we would walk to school as she chatted about her day, hardly stopping to take a breath or giving me a chance to chime in. As we moved on to middle and now high school, we ride the bus together, always travelling back and forth side-by-side. I know everything there is to know about her and every secret she ever had. But…lately, I look at her differently.

As our first year of high school approaches, I am no longer looking at her as that childhood playmate, but as this adorable person who has blossomed right before my eyes. She has these beautiful blue eyes, a radiant smile, and soft blonde hair that cascades down her shoulders. She giggles when she is happy and uses my shoulder as a pillow when sad. She never wears shoes, only sandals occasionally, but when you see Ashlee, you usually see bare toes. That is just Ashlee.

Once high school started, I thought we’d see less of each other as she drifted away to spend time with the girls, telling them her secrets instead of me, but that didn’t happen. We still spent our time sitting out front on the curb talking, doing our homework on her backyard picnic table, or on the telephone as she described her day. She continually confides in me for everything and chooses to spend her time with me instead of school friends.

For the past two years, I have been tempted to tell her of my growing feelings, but we are so close I don’t want to jeopardize our close relationship, so I keep my thoughts to myself. When I’m with her I try not to stare but continually catch myself glaring into her beautiful eyes. Sometimes, she’ll look at me and give me this shy grin, asking what I’m looking at. I always want to say I’m looking at your gorgeous face, but I bite my tongue and just smile back.

Three weeks from now is the high school freshman dance, and I'd like to ask her to it...she hasn't mentioned it yet, so I'll say something on our morning walk. She’s never mentioned a boyfriend to me, I’ll see her in the hallways and she’ll be surrounded by guys as they walk to class. I mean, I love that she is popular but I want her thoughts to be on me, not just as a friend but as a boyfriend.

At this time in my life, I’m a boring high school freshman who is popular with many friends, but at fifteen I’m in a freshman rut. I’m too young to work, too young to drive, have no money, and must rely on my parents for everything, so turning sixteen next year will be the highlight of my young life.

Of course, Ashlee doesn’t see me that way because we’re together so much, either doing homework, talking about our day, or laying on my bed watching a movie

I think I’d be lost without her but now I want to be that special person that she looks at with adoring eyes, gives me flirtatious glances, and thinks of me as more than a friend. I want to hold her hand and kiss her lips, but do friends really do that? My name is Tim Andrews, and I wonder if I want too much.

This is my story….

2

We meet out front for school every morning at seven, spending our three-block walk to the bus stop talking about anything and everything. Since Ashlee is a talker it’s hard to get a word in edgewise, but just listening to her soft feminine voice completes my morning. I let her ramble on for about a block and then decided now was the time to get her feelings on the approaching freshman dance.

Hey Ash, I said as I tried not to have a nervous tone to my voice, any of your girlfriends going to the freshman dance in three weeks?

Wow yes, she answered excitedly as she welcomed a new subject, A lot of them are going and most of them are going together as a group. The bummer part of the dance is that only freshmen can attend the dance, you can’t bring a date from another grade level, it’s strictly for freshman. I guess it’s a good idea so everyone can get acquainted, but it’s kind of a bummer for the girls who are already going out with upper classman.

Yeah I see what you mean. So, all the girls are going together as a group?

Well, most of them. I mean some girls like freshman, so they’re going with them.

How about you, are you going? I hesitantly asked, hoping she wouldn’t say she made plans with the girls.

Sure, I’m going, I wouldn’t miss it. Brian asked me yesterday if I wanted to go with him, but I said I wasn’t sure I wanted to go with a guy or the girls.

Brian, now there’s a guy I hate. Brian Hadley moved to our neighborhood two years ago and was with us in the seventh and eighth grades. He is an obnoxious conceited kid and firmly believes he was put on this earth for the benefit of all the girls. He is big for his age and plays every sport, which in his eyes makes him the ultimate jock. Most of the girls would die to go out with him which surprises me that Ashlee acts so hesitant.

Do you like Brian? I asked, hoping she hated his guts like I did.

No, not really. I mean, he’s a nice guy and most of my friends say they would die to go out with him, but I don’t know, he’s kind of stuck on himself as far as I’m concerned. He’s asked me out twice before to the movies but I said no.

Why did you say no?

I don’t know, he’s just not my type. I mean, most of the girls love the jock types with their big muscles and big egos, but I kind of like the plain old average guy, you know, the kind that aren’t in love with themselves.

Yeah, I hear what you are saying, they’re really into themselves. I’m friends with most of them but I don’t think I’d want to go out with them on a date.

Well, I would hope not, she said as she slapped me.

No, not me personally, you know what I mean. Anyway, do you think you’ll go to the dance with the girls then?

I don’t know. Why are you asking so many questions?

A lump formed in my throat, but I knew this was my chance, I had to get it out. Well, I thought if you weren’t going with anyone else, you and I could go together. Whew, it was over, and I couldn’t believe I asked her...now for the answer.

Tim, you know I’d go anywhere with you, she said as she put her arm around my waist and laid her head on my shoulder. I leaned my head slightly to the side touching hers and the smell of her hair drove me crazy. Her long, flowing hair was like silk as I pressed my cheek against it.

Really, Ash, you’d go with me?

Well of course I’d go with you silly boy, she answered, followed by the words I really didn’t want to hear. You’re my buddy, my soul mate, my one and only, we do everything together, right?

Before I could answer, the bus pulled up and she smiled as we boarded the bus. I watched her talking with the girls and thought how lucky I was to have so much time with her; other guys would probably die to be in my situation, but here I am the envy of all the guys yet hopelessly swooning over my neighbor.

She glanced over as she was talking and caught me staring at her, gave me a quick smile, a wink, and continued with her conversation, never missing a beat. That was my Ashlee…my friend.

The next two weeks passed quickly, packed with studying and school testing but walking home from the bus on Monday afternoon she brought the subject up again.

Still taking me to the dance Friday night?

I wouldn’t miss it for the world Ash.

Great. I told the other girls we were going together so they wouldn’t expect me to go with them.

Did they ask why you’re going with me? I questioned again trying to get some reading as to what she was thinking.

No, not really. I mean they know how close we are and how we feel about each other, so why would they even bother to ask.

And how do we feel about each other, was my obvious question, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask that.

Tim why are you so quiet? she asked as she reached up and turned my chin towards her.

Oh nothing, I said, nothing important. My mind was just wandering.

The next few days helped me better understand the dance, who would be going with whom, what everyone would be wearing, and how they planned to get there.  Her dad was driving us, and we planned to leave about seven forty-five for the eight to twelve dance. The dress was casual/formal which meant we didn’t have to wear gowns and tuxedos, so my outfit was blue dress pants, dark blue sports coat, and a pale-yellow crew neck shirt underneath the coat with no tie, I hated ties.

I had no idea what she was wearing because she really doesn’t talk clothes with me, she leaves that to her best friend Megan.

Thursday after school, she changed out of her school clothes and was over my house as usual knocking on my bedroom door.

Come in, I said. I knew it was her because she always knocked four times…rap-rap pause rap-rap.

Well I got my dress for the dance, she said as she twirled around the room pretending to dance with the wind. We hadn’t been to a dance before, but she was always dancing to the radio and shaking her hips, so I figured she must be a good dancer. I always danced around the house with my older sister Monica before she got married, so I knew all the latest steps and moves and thought I was pretty good.

Are you curious what my dress looks like? she asked.

No.

No, what do you mean no. You’re not the least bit curious what I’ll be wearing tomorrow night?

No, because I know that anything you wear will look absolutely gorgeous on you.

I couldn’t believe without thinking that I blurted that out, but I said it and I’m glad.

Tim, that’s so sweet. Thank you. She took two steps over to me, leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. That’s so sweet. I hope you mean it and you’re not just saying that because we’re best friends.

No, I mean it. You are so pretty you could wear a potato sack and you’d be the most beautiful girl at the dance.

Wow Tim, I never knew you looked at me that way.

Well, I do and I’ve noticed lately that you are a real knockout.

She backed off a little, just staring at the floor as she rubbed the carpet with her bare foot. Did I say too much? Had I taken my feelings too far in my compliments? I hope not…this is what I was afraid of.

Did I embarrass you? I asked.

No, I’m okay, I just think that’s so sweet what you said, I’m speechless.

You don’t need to say anything, just take it as the truth.

I will, she said as she walked slowly towards the door. I guess I’ll head home, Mom’s cooking an early dinner so we can work on my dress. She stopped at the door and turned to me, See you tomorrow morning, okay?

She hesitated at the door with a little bit of a puzzled and confused look on her face, a look I’ve never seen before and then she was gone.

Okay, see you in the morning. Sleep tight Ash.

My mind was racing as I sat on the edge of the bed wondering if she was just startled at my comments or wondering if things are changing in our little world. We’ve been like brother and sister for the past ten years and I’ve never commented about how she looks, but it’s done now and I’ll just have to wait to see her reaction tomorrow.

I didn’t sleep well that night but in the morning my worries were answered as we met for our daily walk and she was back to her old self and talking to me, her friend.. She immediately took off in conversation about Annie and Megan who were wearing these black dresses that were so low cut and so revealing, she couldn’t believe it.

After school we hurried home, both excited about the upcoming night, probably for different reasons, but equally excited. At about seven-thirty I headed over to her house knowing her parents wanted to take pictures. Her dad led me into the family room where we sat and talked while waiting for Ashlee. He said she was just about ready and would only be a few minutes and then we could take some quick pictures and leave for the dance. Her parents and I had some idle chatter about my older sister and how married life was treating her and then Ashlee walked in.

We looked up and her parents commented on how nice she looked and how grown up she was becoming. I said nothing, I was awestruck. She was absolutely elegant. She was wearing a burgundy-colored dress that was open at the top and held up by two spaghetti straps on each side. The top of it came just above her chest, nothing revealing, but leaving plenty to the imagination. The dress came down about three-fourths of the way to her knees and had slits up both sides leaving yet more to the imagination. Her hair fell down over her shoulders passing by her eyes that had just the right amount of eyeliner and makeup. Her partially tan body accentuated the whole outfit and made her look like a model stepping down the runway.

I said all that I could say. Wow Ashlee, you look absolutely beautiful.

The color rushed to her cheeks as she blushed at my remark. Thank you Tim, I was hoping you liked how I looked.

There’s no doubt about that, her father said as he stared at me and watched the expression on my face. I’ve never seen this side of you Tim. I guess you’re both growing up so fast that we seem to be oblivious to what’s happening. Don’t you agree dear?

Her mom was already walking over and hugging her while saying the same thing. My little girl is growing up so fast.

Okay people, interrupted Ashlee, let’s get this show on the road. Dad, grab the camera and let’s take those pictures so we can get going.

We moved out to the front lawn where Ashlee and I posed in front of some blooming bushes. I wasn’t sure how to pose with her, although I knew how I would like to, but her father coached us into position with Ashlee’s arm around my waist and my arm around her shoulder. He took about five pictures and then we were on our way to the dance. We sat in the backseat and I didn’t know how to act with this girl I had known my whole life. I just sat there and she was the one who reached over and took my hand and held it in her lap. I was in heaven.

The dance was well under way when we arrived at about eight-fifteen; most of our crowd were already there and rushed us as we walked in the doorway. The band was set up on the stage and playing the latest up-to-date music while on the other side of the gym, tables lined with sodas, sandwiches, snacks, chips, and little individual desserts were there for the taking. We sat at a table with our best friend Megan, the girl Ashlee and I cherish the most. Most of the guys were at the food tables stuffing their faces while the girls were gathered around the tables checking out each other’s outfit. At first it was just like one of the elementary or middle school dances where the guys are on one side and the girls on the other, but as the first hour ended and everyone broke the ice, a lot of people paired off and that’s when most of the dancing started.

She were busy talking as I talked with the guys and watched the dance floor filling up with our school friends. Just then Ashlee came over and said she was going to the lady’s room with Megan and would be right back.

A few minutes later I watched as Ashlee and Megan came out of the lady’s room and as they walked around the crowded dance floor, who steps in to talk but Brian, mister conceited himself. They stood talking and laughing and before I knew it Brian had asked Ashlee to dance and they headed for the dance floor hand-in-hand. I couldn’t believe my eyes; she was dancing with Brian, a slow dance yet.

Megan continued on around the dance floor and sat beside me in her very revealing low-cut black dress. She had always been one of Ashlee’s very best girlfriends through middle school and the two of them probably knew everything there was to know about each other. Megan and I also grew extremely close since I was probably with Ashlee as much as she was. She was a precious friend and we relied and watched over each other especially the past year or so. We didn’t share secrets but we were very aware of the tight bond we both had with Ashlee and I had a feeling Megan knew exactly how I felt about our friend.

Looks like someone beat you to the first dance, Megan said as she cuddled up beside me rubbing her shoulder against mine.

Well why let a good dance go to waste, I responded as I reached for her hand and motioned towards the dance floor.

Sure, she said with an approving smile.

We danced close and her full body against mine was a pleasant joy to behold. As we made each turn I couldn’t take my eyes off Ashlee and Brian dancing a few couples away. I hated to see him with both arms wrapped around her and her body pulled tight against his. I tried not to look when they were facing me but could see her laughing as he talked to her. I tried to continually talk to Megan and take my mind off the other couple but I’m sure she could feel me constantly glancing over towards them on every turn.

Does it bother you that she is dancing with him? Megan asked.

Meg you know that Ash and I are best friends and always have been but I just don’t like Brian, I think he has one thing in mind when he looks at her. I just want what’s best for her. I love her, what more can I say.

You love her as your best friend and the girl across the street, or you love her, period?

Meg why are you asking me this?

Because I can see it in your eyes you handsome boy you. I can see when you look at her that it is not just as a close friend anymore but as someone who cares deeply for her. I believe you’re in love with her.

Meg don’t so this. Ashlee is my very best friend in the world and I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that long-time friendship. I just don’t like Brian and I don’t want to see her get hurt. Okay?

Okay, I hear you, but we’ll see… Megan ended her questioning and pulled me closer as the last few notes of the song came to an end.

Thanks Meg, I love you too you know.

Yeah I know. Just be cool, okay?

We walked back to the table and sat down as I looked across the dance floor watching Ashlee and Brian standing off to the side talking. She wasn’t laughing and smiling as much as before and seemed to be arguing with him. In a matter of minutes another song started and this time it was a fast song. Brian grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor and began rubbing against her body. She pushed him away but was laughing and smiling so I knew she wasn’t in trouble. They continued to dance and seemed to be having a good time as he drifted close to her continually talking. She would laugh and push him away never missing a beat of the music.

Do you think she likes him? I asked as Megan was looking over at them.

I’m not really sure, she answered. He continually approaches her at school but she always seems to blow him off, so I’m not sure. She usually tells me everything but honestly she has never mentioned him.

She told me he asked her to the dance but she told him no. You want to dance again?

No, I think I’ll sit this one out. It’s just about over anyway.

She was right, within a few seconds the music stopped and the dance floor emptied. We both glanced over to see what the happy couple was doing as Ashlee headed our way, without him.

Hey guys, she said as she pulled up a chair. Sorry about that, but when Brian asked me to the dance I said no but he reminded me I had promised him a dance so I’ve officially fulfilled my obligation.

You looked like you were having a pretty good time out there, Megan inquired as she nudged Ashlee in the side.

Well he’s a pretty funny guy and I generally like him if he’d just stop hitting on me constantly. Ya’ know he just can’t dance and be friends, he has to get close and make all these comments. Did you see him rubbing up against me when we were dancing?

Well yeah, the whole room saw him rubbing and gyrating up against you Ashlee, why did you let him do that?

I didn’t let him do anything, he just started doing it and I told him to stop. That’s what I mean, that’s what I hate about him, he’s too flirty and forward. I don’t like that.

I wasn’t talking, I was just letting the two of them talk it out. I was listening ever so intently, but thought I’d just leave the conversation to the girls, but then Ashlee turned to me.

You okay Tim? I mean, I didn’t plan to go to the bathroom and not come back for half an hour, but that stupid Brian reminded me of the dance I owed him, so I just figured I’d get it over with. You okay?

Sure, no problem, just so you’re okay.

Well I am now that I’m over here with my two best friends. Let’s dance you guys, come on, as she took both our hands and pulled us to the dance floor.

The three of us ended up dancing together most of the night while laughing and joking with a few of our close friends. About three-fourths of the way through the night the three of us had just finished dancing to a great song when the band started a slow song. As we started off the dance floor Ashlee took my hand and pulled me back and said, Let’s dance, just the two of us. I looked at Megan and she pushed me over towards Ashlee and motioned for me to go ahead, giving me a little wink of the eye.

I had spent ten years playing alongside this girl, eating with her, laying on our bed watching movies, talking on the phone, and having nightly curbside talks, but I had never in our ten years held her in my arms, until now.

I held her close…so close…and just savored every moment of the entire song. She smelled fabulous and felt so good with her arms around my neck and her body against mine. As we silently danced I glanced at Megan and she smiled and gave me a thumbs-up sign. I winked back knowing she could read my mind.

This is nice, Ashlee whispered in my ear.

I was horrified thinking she was going to ask me why my heart was beating so rapidly against her chest, but she didn’t so I gave her my heartfelt answer, Yeah Ash, real nice.

I pulled her in closer and rubbed my hand along the back of her dress until I reached the top then lightly touched her bare back and shoulder. Her skin was so smooth that goose bumps covered my whole body as I felt myself shiver involuntarily. She responded by rubbing the back of my neck with her hand and my only thought was hoping the song would never end. But it did and we separated, looked into each other’s eyes, smiled, and headed back towards the table. I pulled the chair out for her and we went back to talking with the crowd.

Next I noticed that Brian was headed our way and wondered what he would pull next. He put his hand out for Megan and asked to dance and the two of them zipped off to the dance floor. Ashlee and I glanced over a few times and could see he was pulling the same act with her that he pulled with Ashlee, just rubbing up against her during the entire song. She danced one song with him and was back at the table shaking her head and talking fifty miles an hour. I watched as the two of them talked and giggled about Brian and his antics and found myself staring intently at Megan’s chest. Her dress was so low cut and revealing that I was mesmerized looking at her. I knew she was very well endowed, much more so than Ashlee. Don’t get me wrong, Ashlee is built nicely but she is well proportioned for

Reviews for The Girl Across the Street

[Bharath Ramesh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book. The author made me feel as if I were in it, through both happy and sad times. This book made me feel emotional and I thought about it a lot. I must say, this author did a fantastic job on it.