Honey, have you met our neighbour?



What?

Our neighbour. The guy the landlord said lives 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, and 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. Who knows.



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 uncharacteristically 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 again, babe.

Plus, it's not only his door, I also haven't heard anything coming from his apartment. Nothing. It's always quiet over there.

And, there's the nosy.

Stop! I am not weird, Bradley. Or nosy. Why are you being so mean?

I'm sorry, babe. You're right, I should not have called you weird or nosy. My bad, I am being a dick. Look, tomorrow I will make a point to keep a closer ear and a closer eye out forour 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. I see so many places I want to use to make up. Come.

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 when you went to the grocery store? Earlier today?

Yeah, what about it?

Do you remember telling me before you left to go relax, take a hot bath, and we'd watch a movie when you 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 fiance. What is it?

I took a bath but I didn't relax.

All out of Bubblebath? Sweetie...I'm dying here. Out with it, please.

Bradley, I think someone was watching me.

Watching you? How so?

I don't know but I had a feeling come over me almost the entire time I was in the bathtub. Like a presence. 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, alright, OK. Sorry. But I feel you might be overreacting 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 you would be. Damn it!

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. Get into bed and let's finish date night. The last thing I want to do is fight. Let me take your mind off it. Besides, I am here now with you, you're safe, and no one's going to hurt you. Let me protect you. Please...come lay down.

(Jess gets up off her vanity chair and makes her way to the bed switching off the remaining lights along the way all except her bedside lamp. She stops by the bed and slowly peels off her clothes one item at a time until she is completely naked standing in front of her fiance?. A feeling rushes over her as Bradley pulls back her side of the sheets.)

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.