Ed and Jeff just dropped me off and said that they had to go home and take care of some things. I guess they had things pending because of the unplanned vacation that they had with my family. I spent the rest of the day washing clothes and cleaning up. When everything was done, I took a look at my fridge and saw that I was running low on some supplies. I decided to go for a short trip to the grocery store. I found a moving van on my way out of the complex.
Someone is moving in? I thought the entire complex was already occupied. Maybe I was wrong. When I came back, I saw that the moving van was gone. Maybe the person who moved only had a few things with them. I took the stairs since I felt like I have to shed some of the weight that I gained yesterday. It seemed like my parents were hell bent in feeding us. They complained about us being 'too thin'. With the food that I ate, I would not be surprised if none of my office clothes would fit me. When I got on my floor, I realized that I had a new neighbor. The slightly ajar door let me get a glimpse of the possible personality of the person who is going to stay here.
When I took a quick look, I got the impression of quiet elegance. This is only achieved when someone grew up in opulence. Bry and Reagan always dressed simply but one cannot undermine the elegance that they carry like a cloak around them. Just like my parents. Me on the other hand, well let's just say that I try to be elegant as often as possible.
I stashed everything and went to bed early. I never really thought about it but I guess the emotional and mental tension that I had before I met my parents had taken a toll on me and worn me out without me really realizing it.
****
I woke up early and really hungry. I expected Ed, Jeff or maybe both of them to come over for breakfast so I planned to get ready. While I was in the bathroom, I heard my phone ring and went into voice mail. When I retrieved the voice mail, I heard Ed's voice saying 'come over'.
This really confused me and got me curious when I received a text message from him.
'Come over. Room 501.'
Huh? I am in room 502. Does he mean the room next door?
If it turns out that he just played a joke on me, I will just pretend that I am here to welcome my new neighbor, I thought to myself. I took a quick glance at my reflection just to make sure that I was decent and would not really embarrass myself in front of the new tenant. I wore a beige buttoned down blouse that was a little bit flimsy so I wore a camisole under it. I paired it with my white high waist pants and white pumps. I changed purse to match my outfit.
I really thank Bry for forcing me to buy a few extra items like shoes and purse. If not, I would have had a hard time with mixing and matching my outfits. Mom and Bry would always tell to dress like I am going somewhere better later. I never really understood what they meant, but now I think I get it. They reminded me to always look presentable and ready no matter where I go and who I meet.
When I was satisfied with how I look, I went out of my apartment and walked towards 501 while doubting both Ed and my sanity. I really wonder what made me believe and follow his words. I took a deep breath before knocking, prepared to be embarrassed. But when the door opened, I felt my jaw literally drop to the floor.
Ed stood on the other side of the room. Looking like he just got out of the shower basing on the droplets of water around his jaw.
What a great view! I thought. No matter how often we met, I just can't get over how good he looks.
"I know I look hot, babe, but we can't really get anything done if you continue to stare at me outside of my room. Why don't you step inside so that we can get on with it?" he said with his eyebrows raised. He had a slight smile on his lips which really made me want to kiss him.
I stopped myself and went inside. I looked around and saw that he really did move in. I felt his arms going around me and he pulled me close. He kissed my temple and whispered 'good morning'. He then turned me to face him and gave me a peck on my lips and hugged me again. We just stayed like that for a few moments. Both relishing how good we felt being in each others arms.
I felt like I have been in his arms for all my life. The feeling of familiarity that his arms brought me were both disconcerting and comforting. He let me go and led me towards his kitchen. His house looked really good. It was all decorated in gray and black against the white walls of the apartment.
"I can see that you like monochromatic color scheme." I pointed out.
"It makes it easy to blend, mix and match." he said and we started eating breakfast. Halfway to it, I heard someone opening the door. I looked around and saw Jeff freshly showered and ready for work. He sat down and started eating breakfast.
Eating meals together is becoming a habit between the three of us. Food does taste better if you eat it with family and friends. Once again grateful for the gift of friendship. When we were done and ready to leave, Jeff said that he forgot something and went out of the apartment.
Ed was locking up and I was waiting in the hall way when I saw Jeff coming out of room 503.
"What?" I asked in surprise. "You too?" I added.
"Yep. We are your new neighbors. It took a lot of convincing from our end to persuade the owner to let us live here. That was why it took us more than a month to get it done." he explained.
"Both of you planned this all along?" I asked while looking at Ed suspiciously.
"Well, I like spending time with you. I go crazy if I can't taste your cooking and coming here early in the morning and bringing with me clothes is really pissing me off. I know there is no way that you would let me move in with you. So I decided to move in next door." he answered like it was a no brainer. "Let's go to work. We're running late."
That ended our conversation. So I have new neighbors. And because he finds it inconvenient when he comes over for food.
Wow! Great, this is going to be great.