Everywhere I go, I can feel eyes on me.It's not because I'm a mode/actor and people know who I am, it's because I'm being stalked.Someone is watching me and I know it, I have that chilling feeling.
I was standing in my bedroom chatting with my Mom on the phone whilst looking for a cute outfit to wear for the day.My Mom.. Being a Mom.. Was being protective about my current stalker situation.
***
PHONE CALL
"I worry about you, Layney."
"I know you do, Mom."I sighed. "I'm just glad that someone believes me.Some people think I'm loosing my mind."
"You're not loosing your mind. This kind of thing happens a lot.I don't think it's taken serious enough."
She's right though.. If I don't take this serious anything could happen.I'm a young Girl of only 23, my good looks are what gets me paid.There's men out there who would find me attractive but there's others who would become obsessed.Those are the men who would take things further.
THOSE MEN ARE THE STALKERS.
"You know, I think it's a good idea if you hire someone?" My Mother suggested.
I furrowed my brows as I lifted a metal hanger from my closet."Hire someone.. Do you mean like a bodyguard?
"Yes, Some security would make you feel safer.It would ease your mind and frankley it would ease mine too."
She's not wrong.. The idea of it isn't totally ridiculous.
I would be a lot safer and I wouldn't feel like I'm going crazy with worry all the time.
"Um, Maybe."
"I know a Guy, I can set it all up so you don't have to worry about a thing."I paused, thinking about it.I know what my Mom is like, she isn't going to let this go until I agree."What do you say, Sweetheart?
"Alright, Set it up."
"Great. I'll text you the details when I have it organised."
I heard a knock on my front door.Imogen was supposed to be coming over for a girlie lunch and a chat.. I guess she's early.I looked down at myself still in my pyjamas.
"I have to go, Mom. Imogen is here for lunch."I walked towards my front door."Text me those details, Okay?"
"Sure, Sweetheart. Love you."
"Love you, too."
END OF PHONE CALL
***
I opened the front door to see Imogen's pretty face.
She was holding take away coffee cups in her hands and a bag of freshly baked croissants hanging on her arm.
I knew they were croissants.. I know that smell all too well.
My favourite of all pastries.
"Still in your pyjamas." She chuckled.
"I know. I was just changing when my Mom called."I opened the door wider and Imogen followed me to tbe kitchen."You know what my Mom can be like, she could talk for hours."
"How is Helena?"She asked.
"She's hanging in there."Imogen sat at the island and lifted the freshly baked goods from the bag."She suggested I hire some security to ease my mind."
Imogen raised her eyebrows just as she sucked a flake of pastry from her thumb."I think she's right.. This person might not try anything but it's better to be safe than sorry."
"I know."
I sat on a wooden stool at the island sipping my take away coffee.It was exactly what I needed after a night of very little sleep.
"Hire someone hot. Someone that's nice to look at.
A man with muscles preferably."
I chuckled."My Mom is already taking care of it.She said she knows someone. I don't know who it is."
"Well hopefully it's a very hot male."
I guess I wouldn't mind the idea of a very handsome man taking care of me.If he was hot it would be a bonus, Now wouldn't it.
"You look like you need that caffeine boost this morning."
She pointed at me."The bags under your eyes should start paying rent."
I smirked at her."Very Funny. I'm just finding it really hard to sleep lately.Every little noise during the night has me on edge."
"You should get a Dog."
I laughed, putting my coffee back down on the island.
"A dog.. Really?"
"Yes, Why not? Dogs are so loyal if you train them right.
You'll feel safer here at night and it's company for you."
"Hmm, Maybe. I'll think on that."
"Obviously you'll have to get a big one so he'll scare the crap out of anyone that comes to your door.If someone does try anything good and trusty Rusty will be there to protect you."
"Rusty."
"That's his name."She giggled.
She had me giggling, which is something I haven't been doing a lot lately.I'm usually in my little shell of worry, but Imogen seems to be able to take me out of that from time to time.
"So what's new?"I asked, getting tired of talking about myself.
"Nothing much, You know boring old me.Work still sucks ass but I'll do what I have to to get that degree."
I smiled at her feeling proud of how far she's come. Imogen works two jobs just to get herself through college.Her parents died in a house fire when she was just 18, she's been on her own ever since.
She has Uncle and Aunts of course but they don't keep in contact that much.I am more family to her than anyone else.My Mom looks out for her like she's her own.
"I'm so proud of you, Imogen. You know your parents would be proud of you too."
She smiled."I hope so."
We chatted as we finished off the rest of our pastries.
We usually make sure to do this girlie lunch once a week but we do hang out more than that if life isn't too busy.
"So one of the guys from work invited me to a party.
You should come with me?"
"Ugh, I don't know."I groaned."You know I hate parties.
It's just a bunch of guys getting totally trashed and trying to cop a feel."
"Please.. Just for an Hour."She pleaded and put on a little pout.
"Alright." I sighed."But don't try to set me up with anyone.
I mean it.. No drunk Dudes."
"Promise."
Hmm, I know Imogen. She has no intention of keeping that promise.
***
The following night I was sitting in my New York apartment alone.I had the lights down low and a movie on the TV.I was snuggled up on my couch with a glass of wine in my hands.
HOW LAME.
I know most other girls my age are probably out partying and having fun with their friends or boyfriend.I was sitting here looking like a loser in my oversized t-shirt and shorts.I'm just glad that no one can witness this.
It got to the saddest bit in the movie Titanic, when Rose let's go of Jack's hand.
"I'll never let go."I whispered, extending my arm out in front of me.
I brought the glass of red to my lips and realised it was empty.I didn't think I had drank all that already.I got up from my couch and walked towards the kitchen.. I opened the bottle and poured it.Seeing there was only a little left in the bottle I thought I might as well finish it off so I emptied the rest into my glass.
As I went to pick up my glass I heard a knock on my front door, causing me to knock it over onto the floor.Of course everything was emptied and I was left without wine and still sober.
A knock came to my door again and I felt a little panicked.
It was a little late for guests and usually I'd get a call first.
I grasped the neck of the wine bottle and walked towards the door.
"Layne, It's me. Open up."
It's me..Well that just clears it up.I know exactly who it is now.. NOT."Who's me?"I asked, not even recognising the voice at the other side of the door.Whoever it is.. I don't know him.
I stood at the other side waiting for a reply.
"It's Gray."
GRAY.. GRAY MATTHEWS.
He's the only Gray I know so it has to be him.What the hell is he doing at my apartment door this late at night?
"What do you want, Gray? I shouted.
"Why don't you open up the door so we can talk?"I stood silent.. Unsure of what to do.It's been a long time since I've seen him.I looked down remembering I was dressed in my pyjamas.
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, WOMAN.
"Come on, Layne. I'm not going anywhere."Well isn't he persistent.. I guess I better open up before he sets up camp in my hallway.
I undid the chain on my door, undid the two locks and opened up.Grey was standing on the other side all shirt and trousers.He had that chiseled jaw with no facial hair and his hair was perfectly styled to one side.How the hell did he get better looking since I last saw him?
"Hi, Layney."
