Hello, My Neighbor

Chapter I - Mortal Enemies

I've always been skeptical anything about fate. Maybe it's cynical but I prefer things that aren't fixed on a clear path. I personally think we give this omnipotent concept too much credit.
People who say things like, 'It's destiny!', I choose to smile and nod. And soon after cutting ties with them for being a naivete.

Well, that is until I met my awful neighbor,  Dr. Robin Love. When we first met, I remembered everything clearly. It was a few years ago － a dewy Sunday morning. I've already been informed by the realtor that the next door lot will finallly be occupied. That, in on of itself is such a nuisance. Maybe if it was a young lady moving in, things could've been different but alas, it was a he. I still try to remain a bit hopeful, I might get a man of culture with a refined taste in women or even a pet lover.

I stood by the porch waiting for him to arrive, I baked him something easy and simple. Shortbread cookies. I didn't bothered adding any frosting, since it might come off as standoffish. It's sealed neatly on a small tin can, still a little warm and surprisingly lovely for something that I didn't put too much effort into.

A car rolled by and parked in front of the next door house. A relatively well-dressed man, carrying a few heavy bags stepped out of the sleek red Volvo and spent no time perusing the area and went inside, straight ahead. Maybe I don't have the right to judge someone based off a few seconds of seeing him. But, everything about the general aura his emitting does not sit well with me. The bloke doesn't look happy at all, moreso unimpressed.

I took a few deep breaths and marched myself to the doctor's front door. It took a few doorbells for him to finally answer.

"Good morning... Neighbor." The pause he made was very telling, he did not want anyone to disturb him. Well, news flash, I do not want to be disturbed either.

I stared back at his black eyes in equal disdain, and smiled.

"Good morning to you too. I brought some cookies for you, thought you might want－"

"Thanks for the carbs."

He blandly replied, taking the container filled "carbs" off my hands. For a moment, our fingers brushed and I felt a small electricity. I'm practically amazed on how we can create shock with our mutual derision for one another.

I tried scowering for any mutual interest. But this guy's just impossible.

"So, uh, do you have a pet?"

"I don't care for much companionship with an animal. I think it'll be too tedious considering I have work."

The doctor said, as a matter of factly and smiled.

"I take it you don't have anyone in your life to be honest.."

"What?"

"Nothing."
I quickly replied, wanting to get out of this way dragged out conversation. Though, it was partially my fault for even attempting camaraderie.

"Right. I best be off now, I don't want to bother you too much, Love. "

I smirked at him, watching his eyebrows knit at the mention of his name. He sighed and muttered an exasperated 'Good day', and shut the door.

As I walked back home, I felt something within me that happened instantaneously when our eyes met. Maybe fate is real. Only it is not about love, ironically. It's about equal hate. Mortal enemies, I think it's called.

Which brings us to today. An argument occured between us, you know, a typical Saturday morning. I feel like whenever we are in aq  2 meter radius from each other, a fight will always occur.