Broken Read Free

that’s not possible.  I don’t know these people and there is no reason for him to be knocking on my door.  I breathe slowly, calming my anxiety down, and try to decide what to do next.  He’s talks to his daughter in a funny voice making her giggle, then knocks on the door again.  I finally push myself from the door and open it, leaving the chain on.
    “May I help you?”  I ask, my voice still raspy from barely waking up.
    “Hi.  Sorry, did we wake you?  I’m sorry if we did but it’s almost noon so I figured you would be up already.”  I don’t answer , but that doesn’t seem to bother him.  “I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood.  A bunch of us put this together for you,” he continues and points to the basket at his feet, “and also to let you know we’re having a block party sometime next month.  It would be cool if you could join us.”
    “Yeah, I don’t think that’s a good idea.  I’m not going to be home that day.”  I try to close the door, but he stops it with his foot.  The beautiful little girl is trying to get my attention, waiving and saying “Hi” over and over again and I do my hardest to avoid looking at her.  I know all it would take is one touch and I would be lost. 
    “ I haven’t told you what day it will be.”  Why is he still smiling?  Better yet, why is he still here talking? “Look I’m David and this is Lily, my daughter.  Just try to stop by for a few minutes, ok?  And if you ever need anything, feel free to let me know.”  His smile is so genuine and warm that I finally allow myself to look at him better.  He eyes give away his Asian heritage giving him an exotic look.  He’s tall, way over six feet, with thick, dark hair, and he has the most beautiful skin I’ve ever seen on a man.  The baby girl is a carbon copy of him and seems to smile nonstop.   
    “Thank you , David, but right now is really not a good time.”  This time I’m successful at closing the door and I wait a few seconds to make sure he’s no longer there.  All I wanted was to find a house in a nice quiet neighborhood, but now I have a feeling I’m in Stepford.  I don’t need any welcome baskets or block parties. What the hell? Seriously people. Do I look like I do welcome baskets and block parties?  Yeah, I didn’t think so either.
     
    After a while it’s safe to say he’s gone, so I make a pot of fresh coffee to get me ready for the day.  I don’t have to visit Dr. Collins today and that alone makes me feel a little better.  I’m just about to pour myself a cup when the doorbell rings once again.  Are you kidding me?
     
    “What?” I yell from behind the close door.
     
    “Honey, it’s me.”  I recognize my mom’s voice and let out a loud sigh before I open up.  “Would you look at this?” she says pointing at the large basket.  “Looks like Christmas in August.”  She smiles as if she just made a joke.  She picks it up before I have a chance to tell her I’m not interested in keeping it, and pushes her way past me into my kitchen.  Instantly, she makes herself at home.  She is like that, and I know better than to say anything.  I watch her as she tears the pretty foil that covers the basket, and she starts taking apart its contents.  You would think she’s never seen a basket before.  She oohs and aahs each time she pulls another thing out.  There’s wine, crackers, cheese, and some chocolate, all wrapped in pretty, colorful paper. 
     
    “Oh my goodness, whoever did this sure has good taste.  I mean this is the good stuff here.  Here, try this,” she says and tries to force-feed me a piece of chocolate.
     
    “Mom, what are you doing here?” I ask as I try to chew the donut-size sweet treat.  “Don’t you have anything better to do? Someone else to check on?”  I’m moody, especially since I haven’t had my coffee yet.
     
    “Oh shush.  Sit and drink your coffee and let me visit for a little while.  I miss