I think my mom was having almost as much fun as me. We now both felt like the mystery neighbor was a man. Mom was the first one to come up with that. She thought that the gifts and comments seemed more like they were from a man than a woman.
It was the beginning of October. I’d been living in my apartment for just over three months. Next week was the three-year anniversary of my accident. Mom and dad were going to come over and I was going to make them dinner. We were looking at it as a celebration rather than something to be sad about. I’d wanted to celebrate how far I’d come, my determination and spirit. Some people might have called me stubborn but without that stubbornness I wouldn’t have been standing here now.
On the date of my accident I left an extra special treat for EJD. I was happy to be alive and wanted everyone else to feel the same way. I’d made an assortment of cookies and left them at his door with a note that simply said, Have a great day!
Yes, I was thinking of EJD as a him. I hoped I was right or I was going to be really embarrassed when we met.
Mom, dad and I had a really great time at dinner. We talked about my time in the hospital and care facility. I could tell they were extremely proud of me. They’d even brought me a scrapbook of everything I went through. Instead of feeling sad I found it rewarding to look back. It made everything I’d been through worth it.
After mom and dad left I settled on the couch with the latest book I was reading. Molly jumped on me and curled up in my lap. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to the day.
Chapter 17
Before I knew it, Thanksgiving was here, and I still hadn’t met Mr. Mysterious in 1203 but we’d exchanged lots of goodies and notes. I was having a blast, but I was no closer to figuring out his name and I was starting to run out of ideas.
My brother was home for Thanksgiving and I was having my family over for dinner. There were supposed to be about twenty people if everyone showed up. Mom and dad came over early so mom could help me with dinner. I’d never cooked for that many people before.
Thanks to my mom’s help, dinner was a success but there were a ton of leftovers. I tried to send as much home with everyone as I could, but I still had a pile of food. At least I knew what I could do with some of the leftover dessert. I made up a dish of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake and I left it for EJD with a note that simply said, Happy Thanksgiving!
I had no idea if he had family here or if he left for the holidays. I made a mental note to check if the container was still there in the morning. I really didn’t want to leave food out to spoil.
Mom and I were going Black Friday shopping today. I wasn’t the kind of person who liked to wait in really long lines, but I did love a good deal. When I opened my door, I found the container I’d left for EJD. It was empty, and the note said, everything was excellent, but you forgot the whipped cream. All I could do was smile.
I drove to moms and we hit the sales. I was exhausted by the time I drove home. I hadn’t shopped that much in years. But I’d been able to get a lot of Christmas shopping done.
As soon as I saw my apartment door I grinned. There was a box and a note. Once I got all of my bags in the door I went back for the box. It was bigger than the ones I usually got. As had become habit I read the note first. As I previously stated I’m not a baker, but I thought I’d give it a try. I hope they aren’t terrible and don’t break your teeth.
I opened the box and found a tin with chocolate chip cookies in it. I could tell they were homemade and that made me laugh. They smelled good. I took a bite and they were actually pretty good. I had another one and as I went to put the lid back on I saw a piece of paper taped to the inside. I read it and laughed. Ok, now for the truth … my mom helped me.
I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. That was so sweet. I took the note off the lid and added to the rest of them. Yes, I’d kept every single note that EJD had written me. I thought it would make for a great story one day.
My feet were sore from all of the shopping, so I decided to have a nice hot bubble bath. My bathtub was one of my favorite things about my apartment. It looked like one of those old claw foot ones, but I don’t think it was an antique but maybe a reproduction. It didn’t matter to me what it was though. I loved it because I could put enough water in it to cover me almost up to my chin. I soaked until the water was getting cold, then I crawled into bed thinking about EJD making cookies with his mom.
Chapter 18
The day after Black Friday I decorated my apartment for Christmas. I turned on some Christmas music and got to work. First was the tree. It was one of those ones that looked like it had snow on it and I put lots of different kinds of decorations on in in lots of different colors. Then I hung garland and lights everywhere. I put up Christmas themed pictures and even changed out my regular dishes for Christmas ones. I had trees, snowmen, and Santa ornaments on every available surface. It looked like a Christmas store had thrown up in my apartment, it was great. It had taken me all day, but it didn’t matter because it was worth it.
The very last thing I had to do was put the wreath on my front door. I was surprised to find a note when I opened the door. I picked it up and read it. I’m nervous. Did my cookies kill you??? That made me laugh out loud. I hung the wreath and went back inside.
I wanted to write back, but I didn’t have any new baking, so I thought I’d try something different. I maybe had an extra ornament or two, so I took one off the back of the tree. It was a wooden star. I wrapped it in tissue paper and put it in a small box. And of course, I added a note. The cookies were great. I think it was really sweet that you had your mom help you. I left the box outside of his door. I went to the couch and turned on the Christmas movie channel.
* * *
Almost a week later I received another box. Along with the note the word FRAGILE was written in red across the top. I picked it up carefully and went inside. I dropped my purse on the floor and went into the living room. I sat down and read the note. E, I loved the star. It will be the first ornament I hang on my tree. I hope you like what I found for you.
My mouth dropped open when I saw what was inside. It was a beautiful glass angel tree ornament. The details in it were stunning. I immediately hung it on the front of the tree where I could see it easily. I took a picture of it and sent it to mom. I told her to call me when she saw it. Less than five minutes later my phone was ringing.
“Hi mom,” I said as I answered. “You got my picture?”
“I did. It’s beautiful. Where did you get it?”
“Actually, it was a gift from EJD. Did I tell you about the cookies he made?”
“Yes.”
“Well I got a note the next day asking if the cookies killed me. I laughed so hard, mom. So instead of sending back more cookies or something I took one of the wooden star ornaments off the tree and gave it to him and let him know that the cookies were very good. When I got home today I found the angel ornament and a note saying that the star I gave him will be the first thing he puts on the tree. Isn’t that sweet.”
“Oh, Eve honey, that’s beyond sweet. In fact, I’d say it’s quite romantic.”
“Romantic?” I made it a question.
“Yes Eve. I think it may have moved from just fun to a little romantic when you stopped trying to guess his name yet you two still were exchanging goodies and notes.”
I thought about it for a moment and realized that she was right.
“Wow,” I whispered. “What do I do?” I said, with a bit of panic in my voice.
“Eve honey calm down. You don’t have to do anything. Are you still enjoying the notes?”
“Yes, I look forward to each one I get.”
“Are you enjoying doing something nice for someone else?”
“Of course. I love doing it.”
“Then just let it be what it is. I think he’s having as much fun as you are, or he would have stopped ages ago. Enjoy it and just let things progress as they are meant to.”
My mom alw
ays did give sound advice. “Thanks mom. So, how’s dad?” I asked changing the subject. We talked for a while longer before hanging up. Mom had a way of making me feel better even when I didn’t know I needed it.
* * *
The weeks up until Christmas flew by. I was really busy at work and shopping took up a lot of my time as well. I’d only had two more notes from EJD. I assumed he was busy as well. But the two notes I did get came with wonderful surprises. They were both glass angel ornaments. I could tell they were a matching set yet each one was unique. They were simply stunning. I smiled every time I saw them on the tree. I had also given EJD more tree ornaments. It made me happy to think about him hanging them on his tree.
At last it was Christmas Eve. I packed an overnight bag since I was planning on spending a couple of nights at my parents. As I went to leave I found a package at my door. I was almost giddy with excitement. I raced back inside. There wasn’t a note on top, so I opened the box. It was a beautiful light blue cashmere scarf. I took it out and held it. I couldn’t believe how soft it was. When I wrapped it around my neck I saw a note that had been under the scarf. I was excited to read it. I was shocked by what I read.
Eve,
I’ll be away for a few days for the holidays, but I wanted you to think about me while you celebrate. I saw this and thought the blue would match your eyes. Have a great Christmas.
Ellis
I read it twice more just to be sure I’d read it right. He knew my name. He knew my eyes were blue. And he gave me his name. This was one of the best Christmas presents ever. My mom was going to be almost as excited as me. I knotted the scarf, grabbed the note and headed out the door. I couldn’t wait to share this with her.
When I walked into my parents place I found mom in the kitchen.
“Hi mom,” I said with a smile and hugged her.
“Hi honey,” she said. “You look particularly happy today. And that’s a very nice scarf you’re wearing. I don’t think I’ve seen it before. Is it new?”
I handed her the note. As I predicted mom was thrilled.
“Oh, my Eve, this is … this is … just wow.”
I laughed at her. “I know mom, it’s awesome. But now my curiosity is even worse than it was before. I mean how does he know my name and the color of my eyes? At least I know his name now. Ellis. That’s a good name isn’t it? I think this is a mystery we have to solve.”
“This is exciting Eve. Almost better than Christmas.”
I laughed at her again. Her excitement was tangible. I knew she’d be almost as excited as me. Mom had always loved a good mystery.
I helped mom make some stuff for dinner the next day. The whole time we were throwing out theories at each other about how Ellis knew my name. They were getting more ridiculous by the minutes. Mom was currently on the “he’s a spy for the CIA” theory. The only logical thing we could come up with was that he’d seen me coming or going and that he’d heard someone call me by name.
Christmas Day was great. We opened presents, ate way too much and played some games. I loved when I got to see my aunts, uncles and cousins. I spent the night at my parents and went back to my apartment the next day.
Chapter 19
The company I worked for was closed between Christmas and New Year’s, so I had a mini vacation. Mom and I went shopping, we went to a movie, and tried a couple of new places to eat. I did some baking for my neighbors, finished a couple of books and enjoyed a glass of wine or two. But through it all I couldn’t stop thinking about Ellis. I wondered if he was tall. What color were his eyes? Was he a blond or brunette? What did his voice sound like? Was he a cat or dog person? How old was he? What did he do for a living? My questions were pretty much endless.
I’d knocked on his door a couple of times, but there’d been no answer. I wondered if he was still gone or just working.
I waited until the day of New Year’s Eve to give him my thank you for the scarf. I’d found a tie that I really liked when mom and I were shopping one day. I had no idea if he wore a suit and tie or jeans and boots to work. I really wanted to learn more about him. I wrapped up the tie and finished my note. I read it back to make sure I liked it.
Ellis,
It’s good to finally know your name. I’m curious as to how you knew mine. Thank you for the scarf, I love it. But I want to know how you knew it would match my eyes, because it does. I think it’s time we finally met, don’t you?
Eve
I was nervous about leaving the note for him. I was dying to meet him but what if he didn’t live up to the expectations I’d created in my head? Or what if I didn’t meet his? I didn’t know if I was going to have to wait days for a reply from him and that thought was making me even more nervous.
I decided to try and distract myself. I was having a party of one for New Year’s Eve. I was making myself some finger foods and going to eat some chocolate and drink some champagne. I’d even rented a couple of silly romantic movies for the night.
I was in the kitchen making some of my food for the evening when there was a knock on my door. I looked through the peep hole and saw a man standing there with flowers. My first thought was Ellis, so I opened the door.
“Delivery for Eve,” he said, looking at his clipboard.
“That’s me,” I said.
“Please sign here,” he said, handing me the clipboard and a pen.
I signed it and handed it back to him. He handed me the flowers and left. I took the vase of flowers to the kitchen and set them down on the counter. They were beautiful. The bouquet consisted of several different kinds and colors of flowers. As I was admiring them I saw a note tucked in the center.
Eve,
Thank you for the tie. I’ll wear it proudly to work. I hope you like the flowers and aren’t allergic to them or anything. I didn’t know what your favorite flower or color was, so I made sure there was a variety. I agree that we need to meet soon, and we will.
Ellis
I read it a couple of times and added it to the box of notes that we’d exchanged. Each time I read one of his notes I smiled. I moved the flowers to the coffee table, so I could see them better. I’d gotten flowers from my parents many times, but this might have been the first time they arrived from a man. That put a huge smile on my face. I had to call mom.
“Hello honey,” mom said as she answered.
“Guess what mom, Ellis just sent me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. And he said he’d proudly wear the tie I gave him to work. Isn’t that awesome!”
“Oh, that’s wonderful Eve. This is very exciting. When did he get the tie you got for him?”
“Just earlier today. I left him a note that said I thought it was time that we finally meet, and in his note back he agreed.”
“I think that’s great. Are you excited?”
“Of course, I am. But nervous too. What if he doesn’t like me in real life?”
“What’s not to like Eve? You are a wonderful person and anyone who meets you loves you.”
“You have to say that because you’re my mom.”
“I’m saying it because it’s true. You have a good heart and a spirit that can’t be broken.”
“Thanks mom. I’d better let you go. I know you and dad are going out tonight.”
“Yes, I’d better get ready. Send me a picture of your flowers. Love you Eve.”
“Love you too mom.”
I smiled to myself as I hung up. No matter what was going on in my life talking to my mom always made me feel better. I went back to the kitchen and continued to make my treats for later tonight. I know a lot of people hated being alone on New Year’s Eve, but it didn’t bother me at all. I was just happy that I was alive and in one piece.
By 11:30 that night I’d watched both the movies I’d rented, munched on my homemade treats, and drank two glasses of champagne. I turned to the channel that had the countdown to the New Year. I was watching the hosts talking about the ball when I thought I heard a knock on my door. I slowly m
ade my way to the door listening for any more sounds. It was way too late for visitors. Maybe I’d heard wrong. I looked through the peep hole and didn’t see anything. I waited a minute and looked again, but still nothing. I decided to open the door just a fraction to see if there was someone out there. There was no one there. Just as I was about to close the door I happened to look down. There was a small box. I picked it up and went back to the couch. I grinned as I opened it. Inside was one of those party horns you see everywhere on New Year’s Eve. And of course, there was a note.
Eve,
Happy New Year. I hope that the next year brings you everything you want.
Ellis
“Wow,” I said out loud to myself. I knew from experience that the majority of men weren’t very romantic, but Ellis seemed to be the king of romance. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could wait to meet him.
I went back to watching TV and I blew the silly horn when the ball dropped at midnight. I went to bed that night with a smile on my face and a happy heart.
Chapter 20
I woke up the next morning feeling great. It was the last day of my mini vacation as I had to go back to work tomorrow. I’d also had a dream about Jackson last night. It had been a while since he’d entered my dreams and that always helped put me in a good mood. My only plan for the day was to catch up on laundry and bake.
As I was folding my second load of laundry, my thoughts turned to Ellis. I wondered why I hadn’t ever run into him in the hallway. I periodically saw my other neighbors. Maybe he worked really long hours. I was starting to put stock into my mom’s idea that he might be a spy or something. There was certainly a lot that I didn’t know. What I did know about him was that he seemed kind, romantic and mysterious. Three things that I loved.
The next couple of weeks flew by as we were really busy at work after being closed for a week at Christmas, but I didn’t mind at all. I loved to be busy.
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