My Dearest Neighbor | My Dearest

“Melitta! Open the door! You can’t stay in the house until Spring’s Eve is over!” I heard pounding on the door as I sat on the couch with Romeo, reading a book until my neighbor started ‘knocking’. I didn’t realize I had one until I came back from Cybele’s Garden to see him working on his bike in his yard. He got excited when he realized the house next door was finally occupied as he came forward and started to introduce himself as Enzo. He was quiet after asking how long I had been next door to him and I told him a week.

From then on, he made sure to make sure I try to integrate into Bovine Bluffs. I had mentioned the other day he probably hadn’t heard a peep out of me because I tended to be fine on my own. Plus the Spring’s Eve event kinda put a damper on things as I didn’t want to step on any hooves and I really didn’t know anyone. I hadn’t even told Enzo about why I wanted to avoid the Brewed for You! But I stayed quiet as Romeo hopped off the couch and glared at the door, getting annoyed by the constant knocking.

“Melitta, if you don’t come out of there, I’ll bust down the door! And that’s a promise!” He was quiet and I thought I had won until a loud bash hit my door! I fumbled with my book as I hurriedly went to the front door to prevent him from fulfilling his promise about busting it down. When I opened, I was out of breath and saw he was going to go for another tackle. Fortunately, he stopped before his charging, giving me the biggest grin. “Hey neighbor! I’m glad you are home! Thought we could go get a drink at the festival!”

“I uh,” I was looking for an excuse until I saw my MiniMoo about to leave as I scooped him up. “I have to give Romeo his bath! He is a very particular little thing you know!” Romeo groaned and kicked my arm, dropping out of my arms and heading to hide in another room to avoid using him as an excuse. I heard a chuckle as Enzo leaned against the door. “You need to relax and stop making excuses! C’mon, scaredy Moo!” He took my wrist gently and with other hand, scooped up my purse backpack with his other.

“We are going to the festival! You talk about people not talking to you, you have to engage in conversation in order for others to do it. Also, I want to see if they have this special brew that is only available during the Spring’s Eve festival. Heard it was supposed to have this taste you can get from certain hops this time of year.” The gemstone Moo told me as I hastily locked my front door as I followed behind him. He still had a grip on my wrist and only when we were a block away, he let go.

“Don’t worry, I’m here if you need me, I won’t let any mean Moos get you, especially Noel. Just relax and enjoy the festival.” He said softly, showing the laid back individual he was before adding, “Who knows, maybe you’ll get laid!” He joked, causing my cheeks to flush. “Enzo you can’t just say that!” He chuckled, “what can I say? I know what I like!” As we got closer to the festival, I heard the excited moos once more as we walked through the crowd, one stall advertising the beer. I had lost him when I ran into the last Moo I wanted to see.

“Excuse me, I-” The smell of mocha filled my nose as I realized it was Jasper. I was about to go find Enzo when he placed a hand gently on my shoulder. “I just wanted to apologize if I made you uncomfortable the other day. I just wanted to let you know your skirt was ripped. I hope you can forgive me and as an apology gift,” he pulled a piece of paper out of his apron and gave it to me. It was a coupon, but for what I couldn’t tell.

“Just give this to me next time you are in the cafe and I’ll stop everything and close. I'll close shop early to tend to your coffee needs.” Jasper left with a wink and me holding the coupon in my hand. I just pocketed it and went to find Enzo, whose ears were drooping more than usual. “Everything okay? Did you get your beer?” He shook his head, but gave a smile, “Nah, they sold out by the time it was my turn. Maybe next year I’ll be able to get it and we can share a couple… Of course, giving you the non-alcoholic version of it.”

We walked around the festival, chatting and me questioning how things work as we found a table to sit at to eat some of the concessions offered here. I told him what I wanted while I saved our spot. As I waited, I saw Jasper had some of the coveted beer the Enzo had been after. Quickly, and almost breaking my leg to struggle free from the table, I rushed over to Jasper. I tucked on his apron to stop him as I caught my breath.

“That beer, how much are you willing to part with it?” I panted, which surprised the barista as he put his hand to chin, thinking about it before giving the six beers into my arms. “I’ll let you have them for free if you come by the cafe. You haven’t been by and I look forward to having you try some of the coffee I make.” Jasper winked and walked on, heading towards his cafe as I rushed back to our table and placed the beers next to me. As I waited, I thumbed the piece of paper in my hand.

Enzo came back and nearly dropped our food when he saw the red, pink, and white cans on the table. “Did someone leave those? I mean, those are hard to come by out of season and for someone to just-” I stopped him and pushed them towards him. “They are for you, my dearest neighbor for being a dear friend. Someone didn’t want them and gave them to me.” He tossed out food haphazardly on the table and next thing I knew, I was in a tight hug from him.

“This is the best Spring’s Eve gift I have gotten this year! Thank you so much Melitta!” He practically yelled as he sat down at the table, “you’re welcome. Consider it a beginning of a beautiful friendship and into being next door neighbors!” I smiled as I grabbed the slice of pizza, chewing on it as he held the cans. We eventually got done with our food and headed back to our houses. He constantly asked how I got them, just giving him a wink and telling him it was a Spring’s Eve miracle. I gave his cheek a peck in a friendly gesture as I retired to my home. Happy to have a friend and a reason to finally talk to Jasper as well.