Binding You To Me Like Cursive

Phoebe Ginevra-Navone

The blazing sun peeked over the horizon far away in the distance. It glistened and shimmered on the dark ocean waters, moving with the early morning. I sat high on my balcony, inhaling the fresh fragrance of sea salt and the faintest hint of brewed coffee that carried from a coffee shop down the block. It was the best in Long Beach and although I had a perfectly good and working coffee maker I was addicted to Roxby's coffee house.

It was 5am, early for most, but not for me. I'd start work in a couple hours and I always got up early to watch the sunrise. I loved it. I lounged in nothing but a black satin robe and matching slippers. I sat high enough I walked around my apartment naked and no one could see me. I lived alone anyways, and it was freeing. I had an ex and we were together for 2 years but I kicked his ass to the curb when I walked in on him cheating on me— after my 25th birthday in my own bed!

Goes without saying, I got a new one.

He found a way to blame his infidelity on me. Said I was cold hearted— too determined and stubborn for my own good. So the fuck what!? Just because I didn't allow boys like him to destroy my self confidence didn't mean I was heartless. His words wounded me deeply. Mostly because some of what he said was true. I was one of those girls where you get the good with the bad. On one hand; no man had ever taken care of me, I'd never depended on them for anything, and I got myself off more than they ever even tried. Most men despised that, but I had my pros. I was successful, smart, loyal, and great in the sac.

The sound of a moving truck brought me out of my wicker Hide Swing Chair. I peered over the edge of my balcony and seen a few movers opening the back and carrying in furniture. New neighbors, I hoped they were quiet. I watched for awhile, never once seeing the people who were actually going to be living here. They had tasteful furniture pieces though, and fancy artwork. 

Great, they're probably the type of people who attend Gala's and Art shows in expensive old Museums.

I headed back inside, turning over the square knob for the shower. It ran down like rain from the large square head and I eased in eagerly. After a thorough wash I stepped out, wrapped myself in a towel, and made it to my closet to pick out an outfit. A chic black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and matching heels. I was a local newspaper editor, sometimes I edited for a local magazines but mostly I stuck with current news. I worked long tedious hours, and maybe that's why it was so easy for Felix to cheat on me. I shrugged it off as I began my makeup.

The news was playing softly on the flat screen hanging on my living room wall, Bethany Morris— a huge bitch of a reporter— was talking about an accident down the street from my apartment. I stepped out of the bathroom, making my way down the narrow hallway to the living room to watch.

"As you can see, two were badly injured. Police say one man is in critical condition from a head injury-" a knock on the door pulled my focus and I turned off the TV. I opened the door to find the eldest neighbor in our building.

"Mrs. fletch, good morning." I greeted, beaming down at the sweet, frail, white haired lady with kind grey eyes. We'd been neighbors since I moved in five years ago.

"Hello, sweetheart, I got your mail again." She handed me the bundle and shook her head in disapproval. "They must be in such a hurry to constantly mix up our mail." I laughed, resting my hand on her shoulder gratefully.

"I agree completely, Mrs. Fletch, and thank you." She nodded with a smile. "Want to come in for a few? I have tea?" I offered, knowing since her husband passed away a couple years ago she'd been lonely. Truth is, I was too, but aren't we all?

"Oh, you're a doll. Just for a quick cup, I know you have work." I led her inside and she sat at my white table in my kitchen. "Did you see we have new neighbors? They're just a couple doors down from you." I started the kettle and sat across from her.

"Yes, I seen the moving van early this morning but not the tenants. Have you?" She was ecstatic to be indulging in the gossip, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Oh yes, a young set. A man and his fiancé. A beautiful, lovely couple. They said hello to me as I was fetching the mail." I nodded along as she went on to talk about how her day is looking and what she did with her girlfriends last weekend. Bingo. Go figure. After she left I scribbled a note for our new neighbors then scrambled out of my apartment, locking it afterward.