He Walks Into an Unexpected Situation

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No one answers for a long time, though he can hear talking and footsteps inside. Finally the door swings open, and there’s an older guy he’s never seen before, with Vanessa’s friend Mariah hanging on his arm.

“Ooh, it’s Antonio!” Mariah squeals. “Vanessa, it’s your little neighbor!” Mariah’s eyes are twirling and she is obviously drunk. “How’s the rocket science going?”

“Rocket science?” the guy with her says. “Come on in, Antonio. We’re just getting ready to launch.”

“Antonio?” Vanessa appears beside them with another older guy. “What’s up?” She doesn’t look upset, but kind of angry at being interrupted. 

Antonio realizes with a panic that every idea he’d had has left his mind. He can’t remember why he came, but he’s dying to be gone.

“Um, uh, I was kinda worried about your fence. Same guys broke ours last week,” he stutters.

“Oh, whatever,” Vanessa says, rolling her eyes. “Don’t let it keep you up at night. We’re kind of busy right now, Antonio.” And she closes the door. 

Antonio is burning with humiliation as he turns to go home.

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