I press the heel of my palm to my chest, trying to soothe the ache. Millie rubs herself against me, sensing my need for comfort.
My phone starts ringing, Noah’s name flashing on the screen. It’s the first time he’s called me after he stomped on my heart. My thumb hovers over the screen, hesitant to answer the call. The call drops before I can even muster the courage to swipe the green button.
It rings again, causing my heart to jump before it settles back as Ezra’s name flashes on the screen, while texts from my friends and parents bombard my phone. The worry and attention make my head dizzy.
Instead of answering a single call or text, I shut my phone off completely. I need space and time to process what I’ve just learned and steady myself before facing anyone.
But it doesn’t really help. Not when every photo is burned into my vision. It’s not just the ones of Noah and me together—it’s the solo shots of me that make my skin crawl with unease.
My eyes widen as I remember that constant, nagging sensation, the prickling awareness at the back of my skull, like I was always being watched.So many times, I brushed it off as my imagination.
But it wasn’t, was it?
I was being followed, stalked while doing the most mundane things, like going grocery shopping, returning home from school, and meeting my friends.
My trembling hand covers my mouth when I gasp, realizing just how many times I put the people I love in danger. They could’ve been…Icould’ve been…
No!
I can’t think like that.
I’m okay. I’msafe.
I shake my head to rid myself of the scary thoughts. Standing up on shaky legs, I pad to the kitchen and open the liquor cabinet. My stomach drops when I find it empty.
Deciding that I need some wine to keep me together, I slide my hands into Noah’s hoodie, which he left one time, and tighten the strings of my pajamas before grabbing my purse and leaving the house.
Thank God the sun has set, so there’s less chance of anyone recognizing me or seeing me looking like a vagabond.
The chill in the air, even in summer, has goosebumps spreading across my skin. I put my arms around myself, hoping that it’ll ward off the coolness. It doesn’t. And then suddenly, I feel the nip at the back of my neck, my body freezing.
My gaze skitters around me, looking for the cause.
Is someone watching me?
I find nothing out of the ordinary—the street light flickering, faint barks of dogs, occasional horns and roar of a passing vehicle, and a car I don’t recognize parked across the street.
But that’s nothing new since the small pharmacy around the corner has customers lining up at all hours of the day. I’m probably being paranoid after reading the article.
I give my head a light shake to do away with the restless thoughts plaguing me.
I hurry to the store and buy two bottles of my favorite red wine and a few snacks to chew on.
I’m on my way back when I almost collide with somebody. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I apologize with my hand extended in front of me as I side-step the man to be on my way, keeping my head down.
“What’s the hurry, shortie?”
Unable to believe what he just said, I sputter, “I’m sorry?” I stumble back, the predatory grin on his face sending a wave of unease rushing through me.
I jump in surprise when my back meets someoneelse, instantly severing the unfamiliar contact. “The old crook was right. You’re luscious after all,” he remarks, his hungry and sinister gaze raking the length of my body, as his bald head reflects the moonlight.
Then it suddenly hits me. I remember seeing this bald man outsideVelvet Whiskwhen I was visiting my friends. That day, I thought I was being paranoid.
Turns out, I wasn’t.
A feeling of intense disgust and extreme fear rolls make my spine shiver. My eyes widen as they dart around, scanning my surroundings for anyone who could help me. Instantly, I pat my pockets, cursing myself when I remember I left my phone at home.
My head whips toward my apartment; it’s only a few feet away. If I make a run for it, I might make it.