It was my first night in my city apartment. I couldn't wait. I had spent all day waiting for the two items I needed delivered most: a bed and an air conditioner. It was 10:00pm and finally my new queen-sized bed arrived. I dressed it with my new Ikea sheets and couldn't wait to get to bed! The air conditioner worked hard at cooling down the once vacant apartment. Set at a steady 60 degrees Fahrenheit, I was surprised at how well it was keeping my entire apartment cool. I could only afford one unit. I dreamed of the day I would be able to afford a luxurious condo with central heat and air....
My stomach grumbled, and I knew it was time to head to my corner grocery store for some staple items. I proudly walked down the street of my new neighborhood. I felt so New York-y! I wandered the aisles in an attempt to find the necessary items to fill my fridge, but it became evident that even if I did decided to cook something, I'd have nothing to cook it in, nothing to stir it with, nothing to eat it on, and nothing to eat it with.... I sighed, bought some milk and crackers, and decided to order a pizza.
As I walked home with my groceries, I was disrupted by a man's voice. "Excuse me!" "Excuse me! Can I help you carry your groceries?" He was an unassuming man. Clean cut and clean shaved, he appeared to have come from work wearing a button down shirt and tailored pants. "No," I replied. "Thanks, but I like the exercise." He continued, "Do you live around here? I live on Steinway." The ever-so-brief and surfaced conversation continued until we reached the corner. It became very evident to me at this point that this man could potentially be a stalker.
"What's your number? Can I call you?? What time do you come home every day? Where do you work???"
I scurried across the street to place my pizza order. I had almost lost my appetite from the odd encounter, but ordered anyway to take some time before getting home. As I left the pizzeria, I realized, he could be anywhere watching me. He could see where I would walk. He would see where I lived.
And he did.
The past week had been a crazy mix of job hunting, basic apartment furnishing, friend outings, wine drinking, and boy figuring....oh ya, and plunging for those of you who read regularly. Every day I loved my new surroundings more and more as if my dreams were one step closer than yesterday. I had completely forgotten about the strange and overly-forward man who had followed me home from the corner store that first night.
Until today.
I had just had the most amazing afternoon with my friend. After a movie, early dinner with wine on an outdoor patio, vintage and 99 cent store perusing, it was time to head home to 31st ave. I said goodnight and popped in my iPod. I walked home on my normal route, and couldn't wait to shower have a "goodnight glass" of red and surf my new net. I was so hot, and was relieved to remember I had left the air running. As I approached my gate, I saw a young boy playing while his father watched in amusement. I smiled to myself and pulled out my keys. I thought to check my mail, but didn't want to take the time. Little did I know it was a good thing I didn't.
As I went to close the locked door to the building, I looked down to the handle and closed the door firmly checking that it had locked. When I looked up from the handle and through the window of the door, there was that very man, standing directly in front of me on the other side of the door. It was as if he had magically appeared in an instant. He must have been waiting. He must have been watching.
I panicked and in shock turned immediately for the stairwell. I ran up the stairs so quickly that I tripped and fell as if in a dream when you cannot escape the monster that is chasing you. I ran and looked down hoping he hadn't gotten through the door. I opened my apartment, locked it behind me, and started to cry.
After much thought, and advice from friends, I called 911 to report this suspicious man. The police came, took the report, and now I am left here to ponder all the ways I can make myself more aware and more safe. This is not Lafayette, California. It is not Irvine or Newport Beach. It is not Shin Urayasu. And it is not Disneyland.
With my new awareness, I will leave my apartment tomorrow. With my new awareness, I will still live life the way I had intended. I refuse to let fear be a road block on my life's path. But don't get me wrong, I will not be ignoring any caution signs on that path any more!!! It is definitely better to be safe, than sorry. -M
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