Matt, The Guy Upstairs

Although I probably spent more time complaining about 'The Iliad' apartments than I should have, I will miss this place. It provided me with everything I needed it to be. At that time in my life I had to learn to be humble, to be patient, yet proactive. But I will never forget how jank this place really is.

I seriously think that the guy upstairs, Matt, has some sort of dissociation personality disorder. I've been shocked by some of his behavior; most, actually. Tonight, around 3am, I went outside to smoke a cigarette and I caught him staring at me through his window, which was directly over the back door. I didn't freak out, but I was seriously spooked. Normally, I'm not intimidated by this loser, so I just froze in place. Hoping he didn't notice... My presence clearly upset him, he was yelling at me. I don't think he knew that I could hear him. He was trying to conceal his shouts at me, "Marc! Fuck You. I fucking hate you... etc, etc." He was inches away from the window glass, and all the while, I just stood there, smoking my cigarette, completely focused on pretending that I wasn't freaked out and that I didn't notice.

I could take him in a fight. No Problemo. But I feel like he's the kind of guy to play dirty. And then there's the whole two personalities thing. Ralph is what he calls the other guy. He isn't much better. He's more confident and aggressive. I once say Ralph hit his girlfriend with the side-view mirror of his van. What a sleezeball.

I must be honest, I have learned to enjoy pissing him off, because I don't have to do anything. I live my life as I deem appropriate, and so far it has only brought me success, wisdom, and happiness; and of course, love. Matt/Ralph is jealous because I seem to be doing things right, and he only finds fear, failure, and sorrow. Unfortunately for him, Matt communicates with hatred and confrontation.

You see, I keep forgetting that this kid and I have an interesting history. I met through his seemingly normal girlfriend at the time, Hannah from Starbucks. I already knew he was different from the moment I first saw him. We had an interesting discussion on the "Inheritance Cycle," by Christopher Poalini, of all things. He tried VERY hard to impress me, apparently none of Hannah's friends tolerate him, so I'm the one he wants to have accept him, and his ways.

I remember one time I visited Hannah's apartment in Ann Arbor, and somehow I was roped into going to some weird journalist' house, from Washtenaw Community College. They then proceeded to partake in the intake of copious amounts of MDMA. They did so much molly that night that I have always gotten anxiety from the idea of encountering it again. Matt started playing a keyboard, journalist kid was banging on the drums, and Hannah provided vocal accompaniment, while I got the fuck out of there.... Horrible.

Then there's the time he tried to threaten me. I pushed him into the side of a dumpster and told him that he was on MY property, under MY rules, and that he was only there because I allowed it. At least he's been smart enough to stay away from my girlfriend and my brother. I don't want to get violent. (Is it bad that I kinda do?)

Overall, I sincerely thank Matt for providing me with perspective. He's the same age, had the same opportunities, and he was provided the necessary resources for achieving academic and financial stability. So why have I grown so tall and smart and strong, as compared to his ultra-grey, incredibly slow moving, defeated sense of character? I usually find it to be my parent's values and upbringing, as well as their priceless, unbiased support and guidance. Matt doesn't have that ever-so-important spice to life, which is known as culture. He was good practice, life practice...