ODD NEIGHBOURS
A new couple moved into flat 222, in number 8, Shakespeare Avenue. They looked to be just over fifty; both were short and slim. He sported a tidy beard and always wore a grey overcoat. She was often seen in a long skirt and a colourful beret. Very polite, always smiled in the lift, and would kindly hold the door if someone was juggling heavy shopping bags. And in todays world of haphazard new builds, the best thing was they were quiet. Or so it seemed at first.
After a couple of weeks, the Wilsons in 221 and the Harrisons in 223 became well acquainted with the sounds coming from next door. The topic soon became regular fare at the dinner table.
Heres how the Wilsonsboth forty with half their lives spent sharing a surnamediscussed it:
Have you met our new neighbours? Mary asked her husband as they stacked plates.
Yes, shared the lift with them yesterday, Peter replied.
What do you think?
They seem perfectly normal. Ordinary. Why?
Well, theyre a bit affectionate, it turns out.
How do you mean?
In the day, when everyones out, it goes quiet. And then you can hear everything. For the past three days, theyve been, well… playing some adult games.
Seriously?
Absolutely. And with a bit of imagination, too. Like living next to a film set.
He grinned. Sounds amusing!
Youll hear yourself one day, and then lets see how amused you are. Though, to be honest, its a bit distracting. Hard to work from home.
Oh come on, dont be so straight-laced. Theyre in their fifties and still playing around.
Not like us, Peter thought to himself, but wisely kept that to himself.
When the weekend arrived, even Peter couldnt avoid overhearing their latest performance: a classic gardener and lady-of-the-house scenario. The Wilsons blushed, listening through the walls.
*****
Just down the hall, the Harrisons, the youngest couple at nearly thirty and expecting their first child, had their own take:
Simon, did you see the new neighbours? Alice asked.
Yeah, bumped into them in the foyer. Why?
Theyre rather fascinating. Shes always making him gourmet food, and he brings her presents constantly. Not a day passes without a new gift.
How do you know?
I walk by their flat every daya divine smell comes wafting out! And Ive spotted him with flowers, even a gift bag once. He scurries home like a man off to a date.
Hmm.
Do you think theyre really married? Maybe theyre lovers?
Who knows but they live together.
And they giggle away in the kitchen, unless theres the clatter of dishes, its easy to hear: hee-hee-ha-ha-ha! Like newlyweds.
Right. News is starting; Ill go watch.
That Friday, Simon came across their neighbour in the lifta bouquet of flowers in hand, a bottle of red wine stowed under his armclearly ready for a special evening.
*****
Time went by. A month had passed since the odd couple had moved into 222. The Wilsons had grown used to the muffled noises. If anything, their neighbours seemed only more creativesomething new each day, or just sweet murmurs and the creak of the bed. Like they were trying to fit a lifetime into each day.
One evening, Mary Wilson, her eyes looking everywhere but at her husband, said quietly, Went to the shopping centre today, found myself in the lingerie section. Look what I bought. She flung open her dressing gown.
Peters eyes widened, his tongue unconsciously running along his bottom lip.
And he grinned, I nipped into one of those shops for grown-ups the other day. Picked up a little something. No idea if youll like it.
Only one way to find out, she said, cheeks tinged pink.
*****
Back in 222, their bearded neighbour, ear pressed to the wall, whispered, Theyre at it.
*****
Meanwhile, Simon Harrison decided to pop into the jeweller during lunch. He realised he hadnt spoiled Alice with a gift in ages. Used to, every single week there was somethinga card, her favourite chocolate waiting in his bag for her.
Suddenly, he spotted a familiar coat.
Alice! he called, What are you doing here? Its a fair trek from home.
Oh, just a wander, she answered sheepishly. And you?
I got you these earrings, he blurted, unable to hold back.
Her face lit up, Thank you, love! and she kissed his cheek. I thought Id cook prawn carbonara tonightremember when I used to make it? The best prawns in London are here.
His mouth watered at the memory. I do! Got my appetite going already.
Dont be late, Ill have it ready for seven so it doesnt go cold.
Will do, Simon replied, secretly ticking off get her some flowers from his mental list.
*****
Well? What are the Wilsons up to? the bearded man in 222 asked his wife.
Shes cooking up something special. And theyre finally back in the swing, she smiled.
And the Harrisons?
Full of laughs in the kitchen, like a couple of doves. And their flat smells like a high-end bistro.
Brilliant! Done in three months. A few extra weeks to make sure it sticks.
Right. Whos next?
Simons, flat 65. Next-door in 66, theres a couple buried in routine, forgot each others names. In 64, they need to sort out whats going on in the bedroom and tidy up!
Understood. By the way, Ill leave your tapes alone for nowkeep the ruckus going. And Ill keep the restaurant deliveries coming, the oils arent finished yet. As for those roses youve been freshening all week, theyve wilted. Looks like well need a new bouquet.
Ill pick some up. And could you give my back a massage before we call it a night?
*****
Its funny, looking back on these months and the odd new neighbours. Their unashamed zest for life spread through the whole building. Without even knowing it, their spark rekindled something in all of usreminding me not to take my own marriage for granted. A little laughter, a bit of effort, even a daring giftmaybe thats all it takes to bring some magic back. I suppose sometimes, the best neighbours are the ones who remind you how to love.
