Who Is He? Someone watching me

Someone watching me

Belle

So what happens now is that you’re free to do as you please. That is not an invitation for you to have all-nighters and get wasted, you hear?

Tahlia rolls her eyes and lets out a giggle

Thalia

Yes mum

Smiling, I place my hand on her forearm and squeeze

Belle

You know you can call anytime. Even if it’s not important. It could be something silly, like advice about a boy, or even what laundry detergent to use for a particular type of stain. Anything, honey. You’re not on my books anymore, but you’ll always be one of my kids.

The smile drops off her face; her eyes shine bright.

Thalia

Thanks, Miss Ballentine.

Belle

Oh, no. You’re an adult now. You get to call me Belle.

She wipes at her eye to stop the tear before it falls.

Thalia

Thanks Belle

Drew waits patiently in the driver’s seat playing around on his phone. As I approach the car, I feel someone watching me.

It must be HIM

Shivers break out over my entire body. My hair stands on end.

Stopping with a jerk, I try to play it cool. I open my purse and make it look as though I’m searching for something important. Who is this guy!!

My heart races. Where is he? I try to look around discreetly. My gaze drifts across the street to one of the many cafés there. My eyes dart around, looking for the familiar black hoodie. And just as I’m about to give up, I see him.

He watches me from under the hood of his jacket, reclining on a café chair.

I know I should report this.

He’s everywhere. And I mean everywhere. It almost seems like he knows where I’m going to be before I know.

His head lifts, and his eyes watch mine.

Someone

Belle

He never acknowledges me. He doesn’t ever make a move to meet me. He just…is. Never bothering me. In fact, seeing him stirs something in me. He is lodged in my subconscious. The star of my dreams. Which is ridiculous. I know. His eyes are fierce. Full of fire. I don’t know what to make of it. What exactly does he want from me?!

Drew

“Ready to go, Belle?”

And I shake my head, realizing I’ve been standing here for close to five minutes just staring at a strange man across the street. Face burning, I reply

Belle

Yes! Let's get back to the office.

My eyes drift back to him. Just one more peek. But he’s gone. Like always.