Story Jots # 6 – Peephole Under the Stairs

Honey, have you met our neighbour?
 
What? 

Our neighbour. The guy across from us in the adjoining apartment. Have you met him?
 
Ah…no, I don’t think so. Why? 

Oh, nothing. I was just thinking today about how strange it is that we’ve been in our new place for three months now, and the both of us have yet to lay a single eye on him. Don’t you think that’s a tad odd?
 
No, not really. Maybe this guy likes keeping to himself. He could work shitty hours opposite us or something.
  
Yeah, I guess. But you would think we would have seen him coming or going at some point. His front door closing here or there. 

Baby, you are being weird and nosey. Who cares? Look, I am completely cool with not getting to know our neighbours. I hate those annoying stop-and-talks. Besides, shit’s tangly when people get too all up in your business. That’s the whole reason we moved. We hate people remember. 

All I am saying is that I find it odd. I haven’t seen him in the laundry room, I’m there almost every other day. Both of us check the communal mailboxes coming in and going out, no sign of him there either and his mailbox is right next to ours.

Ah, there’s that weird and nosey again, babe.

Plus, it’s not only his door, I also have yet to hear anything coming from his apartment. Nothing. It’s always quiet over there.

And, there’s the nosey.

I am not weird, Bradley. Or nosey. Why are you being mean? 

I’m sorry, babe. You’re right, I should not have called you weird or nosey. Sorry, I am being a dick. Look, tomorrow I will make a point to keep a closer ear and a closer eye out for our mystery neighbour. I might see him return from work or wherever he comes back from. If I do, we can both run to catch him before he heads inside and say hi. Now put down that hairbrush, stop stress-brushing, and come to bed and allow me to make up for being mean.

What do think he’s like anyway? 

Who? 

The neighbour, Bradley.

Oh my God, Jess. Come on. It’s late. Why are we still talking about this? Why are you so obsessed with knowing this guy?

Stop it, I am that’s all. 

No, I don’t believe you. There must be a reason. This is not like you. What is wrong? Spill it. 

OK, I’ll tell you. 

Good. Now, what’s the matter? 

Alright. Well, do you remember today when you went to the grocery store? 

Yeah, what about it? 

Do you remember telling me to go relax, take a hot bath, and we’d watch a movie when get back? 

Yes, yeah…I do.
 
Well, I listened to what you said and took that bath. 

OK, so far, I’m not seeing a problem. Honey, please, I’m your fiancé. What is it? 

Bradley, I think someone was watching me. I had a feeling come over me almost the entire time I was in the bathtub. Afterward too when I was reading my book on the couch in the living room.

Ahhh, I see what’s going on here. You think the neighbour is some creepy pervert and he is held up in his apartment spying on you? On us? 

See, I knew you wouldn’t understand. Never mind. I shouldn’t have said anything. 

Babe, Jess…honey, all right, OK. Sorry. But I feel you might be overacting a tad bit. I knew we shouldn’t have watched that horror movie. My pick of the week was a bad idea. It’s got you all paranoid from watching it. I told you would be. 

I am not paranoid, Bradley. I’m not. I was alone today and I could feel someone’s eyes on me. I am serious about this. Jesus, you are making me feel crazy or something.

Jess, sweetie…take off your clothes and come over here and get into bed. Let me take your mind off it. I am here now, you’re safe, and no one’s going to hurt you. Let me protect you. Please…come lay down. 

(Jess switches off the remaining lights all except her bedside lamp and slowly takes off her clothes one item at a time until she is completely nude standing in front of her fiancé) 

Listen, babe. If it makes you feel better. Tomorrow we will make up an excuse and go meet our neighbour. How about that? I will buy some donuts or a cake, and we can say it is a welcome present or something. Then, we will have our chance to figure this guy out and see if he is indeed a perverted freak. Now, get that beautiful naked body in this bed. It’s cold under these sheets. 

Bradley? 

Yes, my sexy Goddess. 

I have that feeling again.