Neighbor Husband

Episode 1 - New Neighbor

Brake ... brukkk .. Granny ... Grasses...

“Uhm... What sound is it? Noisy once?” Luke rubbed his eyes. His left hand was looking for a cell phone under a pillow. A few minutes later, he still could not find it. It turned out that the little thing was tucked between the bed and the wall.

“Oh, it's five in the afternoon. I fell asleep for a long time,” murmured again.

He grabbed a rubber band and tied his hair accordingly. Then walked out of the room and stood behind the front window, looking at the source of the commotion out there.

“Oh, there is a new neighbor moved apparently,” said Luke.

There was a pick up car full of parking furniture in the front yard of their landlady's house. Two men seemed to lift the furniture back and forth. Then there was a young woman who also looked busy lifting smaller objects.

“Hmm Pretty,” thought Luke.

The new neighbor had long straight hair, black in color and allowed to decompose. Her skin was sweet brown, her body was tall and slightly filled. He is a little younger than Luke.

Luke is living in a tenement house. There are eight tenement houses in one row of that building. Each house is equipped with a small terrace, living room, one bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Well, it is quite appropriate to be pocketed for students and workers with a mediocre salary.

Luke has lived in house number four for four years. The new neighbor filled house number three.

“Will he be at home? The house next door's a little weird,” muttered Luke.

For the past few months, house number three has always been inhabited by new neighbors. But nothing lasts long. The reason they moved. There are often nightmares and tickled when sleeping, water taps that live alone, to rodents who walk on soft mattresses.

“Well, he feels at home or not is none of my business, anyway,” Luke said.

Luke went back to the room. The commotion next to his house was not a bother. He was used to changing neighbors. While chewing the banana chips, his hands were busy moving the mouse. Checking the draft of the writing that should be sent tonight.

“Haish! I still have a lot to write. I have to be late tonight,” murmured.

Adzan Magrib stopped Luke's activities. The new neighbor seems to be almost done cleaning up. No more noise like this afternoon.

“You pray congregation, Dek?”

“Ah, no. Brother go first. Adek want to take a shower first.” A conversation from a new neighbor.

“Ah, fuck. Couple husband and wife again. Why not single women, anyway?” grouse Luke.

Their houses were clinging to each other and were limited only by stone walls, making the conversation in the house next door sometimes audible. Not bad for Luke. Especially if the occupants are still newlyweds. Um, that means the newlyweds do not have children who can cry and whine all the time.

Usually he also never pay attention to chatter or neighbor activities. But somehow, their conversation this time makes Luke upset. What a harmonious new family.

 The dawn is always Luke's alarm. As usual, after the morning prayers he made breakfast, then cleaned up the house. Despite living alone, he always diligently cooks and improves. It makes his mood pretty good.

The sun began to peek at the sidelines of the vent. Luke opened the curtains and shutters. Fresh air came in. Luke also opened the door, letting his house breathe a little.

Luke took his breakfast to a table right by the window. Scramble egg, mashed potato and a glass of milk. Duh, since when does Luke love western food? Usually he prefers to make sambal tofu pete and boiled spinach or sweet potato leaves.

Ah, no. It was just running out of rice and chili. His feet were too lazy to just step into the stall, which was just across from his house.

Luke chewed his breakfast. His fingers were playing with the phone, while his eyes were staring out the window. Not enjoying the scenery outside, because there is only a row of clothesline and neighbors who rushed to work. Really boring.

The new neighbor seemed to be lifting up a bucket full of laundry. He smiled at Luke. She looked more beautiful with her hair plastered.

“Good morning, Ma'am,” said.

“Ah, good morning too. Just moved, huh?” reply Luke short. He could at least talk.

“Oh, yes. We moved out yesterday afternoon. I'm Ina.”

“Luke.” reply Luke.

“Ehm, who?” ask Ina. His forehead wrinkled.

“Lukella. Call Luke. I got used to that expression when I heard my name,” Luke said with a laugh. Many people think Luke is a man's name.

“Oh, sorry,” said Ina felt guilty. “Include, this is my husband, Dede.” A man wearing a shirt suit walks towards the porch of the house.

Luke's eyes are round. I don't think he wants to admit this reality. Why should he?

“Luke?” said the man.

“Abang knows him?” ask Ina. Her eyes looked at Luke and her husband in turn.

“Hmm.. well, we were one class first at SMA,” said Dede.

“Oh, really? Means my upperclassman too, dong,” exclaimed Ina.

Luke smiled wryly. His fingers held the cell phone tightly.  “Why should he stay here? When I'm like this?” luke said in his heart.

(Connected)