Neighborhood Watch

Maribel and Arya have been best friends for the past decade. They often met up for drinks in a bar, but now that Maribel has moved to the Sunset neighborhood, their typical local watering hole has become a distant memory. Now, they prefer to chat about the strange characters that make up their neighborhood in a quiet space just outside of the city.

Arya lives on Balsam Drive in the only canary yellow house in the neighborhood. It was a unique house with gray trim offering a certain nostalgia to the already beautiful tree lined street that catered to executives, homemakers, and small children constantly riding bikes. It had a small town feel that was warm and friendly. The type of neighborhood that people dream of after marriage, complete with a white picket fence and a chocolate lab roaming the interior of the freshly cut grass. It was a picturesque scene year-round, but particularly during the spring when yards flooded with yellow, pink, and purple blooms under a perfectly clear blue sky.

The people made a point to gather along fences for harmless banter in hopes of catching the latest gossip in town. Besides, everyone has a story to tell.

“I can’t believe Mylia could be so stupid sometimes. I MEAN COME ON!”

“Give her a break! She’s young and hasn’t quite figured out the meaning of life yet. Maybe sleeping with a man double her age, her professor nonetheless, and becoming pregnant is just the hard reality slap she needed. Besides, I remember a certain Arya needing more than just a slap from reality while we were in college.” The quips were never ending between them. Ever since they shared the same dorm room, they have been inseparable, like the sister they both wished for as children. Some might even consider them more like twins with the same optimistic perspective and corny humor.

“Sometimes little sisters are the hardest ventures in the world. Be lucky you never had to deal with one of them.”

“Speak for yourself! At least you didn’t have a smelly brother constantly in your mix.” Maribel continues, “Hey, remember our second year in college when you had that pregnancy scare. That was awful! So, imagine what your sister must be going through.”

Arya gave her an incredulous look as she poured herself more wine before admitting to Maribel’s perspective.

To lighten the mood, Maribel changed the subject to this year’s Spring-Fling festival. It drew in crowds from all over to celebrate the blossoming flowers that lined the neighborhood streets. Complete with barbecue, games, prizes, and floods of partiers in the street until well past midnight.

“It’s a neighborhood gathering perfect for getting to know the hot dads of the neighborhood and getting to know the neighborhood watch volunteers. That would be perfect for you since you work so late most days. Besides, I know Benny is a good boy, but he can only do so much!” She reached out to stroke Benny’s head and remind him that they know he is there. Benny is a fully-grown German Shepherd with a heart of gold that will go to any length to protect Maribel. After all, that was his job.

After leaving college mid-semester, Maribel landed a sous-chef position at Arden’s Steakhouse downtown. Cooking was her passion, and she was determined to become a celebrated chef to suppress the chagrin of her parents. She worked odd hours and often left the kitchen after everyone else to impress her boss, which came to a screeching halt after one Friday evening.

As usual, Maribel stayed late to prep for the busy Saturday dinner rush the following evening. Leaving last meant going through the rigorous routine of setting the alarm that was inconveniently located at the far kitchen wall, opposite the back door. After working a twelve-hour day, she did not realize she left her knife set on the counter until she reached her car parked just beyond the alley passage, catty-corner to the main street. Without unlocking her vehicle, she quickly turned on the ball of her heel and headed toward the back entrance, also not realizing someone was behind her. The footsteps that followed deafened her to the sound that mirrored her own sneakers clomping the pavement.

She felt an unsettling shiver race up her spine as she continued through the alley passage, convincing herself that it was just the winter air punishing her for forgetting to wear appropriate winter attire.

The squeaking of rats rustling and days old trash permeated the air, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. She considered weapons within close range. Her backpack that she gripped tighter with each step. Full bags of trash that likely weighed as much as she did. Rocks and random objects like clothes hangers lying about.

The alley seemed to extend with every step, feeling like an eternity to approach the end. When she reached the half way mark, she heard a splash behind her that skyrocketed her heart, sending her pulse to her ears. She peaked over her shoulder to find a hooded man approaching her faster than her feet could carry her. He yanked hard on her backpack causing her to teeter and eventually fall to the ground. Panic set in, forcing her in the fetal position as the black figure standing above her kicked her in the abdomen before running off with her bag only to blend in with the darkness that surrounded her.

She lay still for a while with her hands covering her head like a helmet. All in the same instant, she was terrified, disappointed, and confused. She had no idea what she should do. Eventually, she quickly collected herself from the icy pavement and ran back to the restaurant. After providing a statement to authorities, she promised herself she would take better precautions to maintain her own safety before securing a job. She also went searching for a dog the following day to employ a form of personal security since she could not afford a bodyguard. This was when she met and fell in love with Benny.

With Benny riled up and ready to paint the town yellow and brown on the walk home just around the corner, Maribel wished Arya good luck with her sister’s situation and said her goodbyes.