NEIGHBORS // Rucas

2) Holy Cannoli

R I L E Y

The next day I was sat at my desk around noon, staring at the barely full document in front of me. I was supposed to have an article for Blend, the pop culture magazine that I wrote for, ready by the next day. I, being the worst procrastinator in the world, put it off until the last minute. To be completely honest, all of the moving I had to do nearly made me forget about it. The article was on upcoming photographers in the area and though the pictures my partner took did speak a thousand words, I was unable to string any of them together in my head.

I was already on the verge of pulling all of my hair out from stress, when suddenly there was a loud bass booming through the wall. My eyes rolled and I walked out to the living room, then banged on the wall and yelled for whoever it was to keep it down. When the music only got louder, I stormed out into the hallway and walked up to my neighbor's door. After I pounded so that they could hear me over the deafening rock song playing, it paused. The door opened and I couldn't help myself from going off immediately.

"Do you have no respect? Some people are trying to work in this building, one of them being me! Today hasn't been the best and the last thing I need is to be forced to listen to your stupid rock music through the wall! I don't know what problems you have in your life or why you would want to deafen yourself with that volume, but—" I interrupted myself with an inaudible gasp when I looked up at my neighbor for the first time. This entire time I had been staring into space but when I looked up, all I could think was Holy cannoli, Maya was right.

My neighbor was a man significantly taller than me, but looked around my age. He had broad shoulders and his arms were crossed, showing off his biceps. Did I mention he was shirtless? This guy's abs were impressive, to say the least. I'll admit that I couldn't help but let my eyes linger on them for a second. His jeans were reasonably low on his hips and somehow it made him more attractive than if they weren't. This man looked like he was carved by gods. He had light brown hair and stunning green eyes, which were staring back at me coldly. I also noticed his sharp jawline that was clenched tight. He must've noticed that I was staring because I thought I saw a hint of a smirk.

"You about done?" he said harshly. It wasn't hard to tell that he was angry. I nodded my head and he continued, "It's not my problem that you've had a bad day. This is how I've been living for the past year and I don't plan on changing it now. You're right, you don't know what's going on with my life and I'd rather you not. So can you just leave me alone and let me live?" He turned around, slammed the door in my face, and I heard the music continue on the other side.

I stood there for a good few seconds, a look of shock on my face. After processing everything, I shook my head in disbelief and went back to my apartment, slamming the door behind me. Who did he think he was?

With all the energy I gained from that short, heated conversation, I went back to my office and started typing word after word. I just needed to get my mind off of the jerk that I could be living next to for a good portion of my life.

A few hours later, I was finished and pleased with the product. I submitted the article and finally relaxed, then a thought occurred to me. Did my parents put up with this? I decided to call my mother and ask about it. The phone rang twice before I heard her voice.

"Riley, honey! How are you?" my mom said cheerfully.

"I'm fine, I just have a quick question. Are you guys settled yet?"

"Still unpacking, but we're getting there. What do you need to know?"

"Did you ever have to deal with such an obnoxious neighbor? The one that plays loud music, tall guy, buff," I recalled.