The Relationship

*The following story contains a scene of physical violence, as well as displays of mental illness*

“Can you take a picture of us?” I had been reading a pamphlet about the history of the building, but at the question, I looked up. A young man was handing his phone over to me with a questioning look on his face. I smiled and nodded as I always did when a couple needed a picture taken. After all, this was not an unusual question when you traveled by yourself.

“Say cheese!” I directed in a sing-song voice. They smiled and posed and I snapped several pictures.

“Thanks so much!” the young man gushed and I smiled again, touched at his warmth. I watched as they walked away, arms around each other as they continued on whatever journey they were on. The sun was hot and bright, clarifying everything as I continued to casually watch them. They had stopped at a small booth and were perusing the displayed goods, their hands linked. Even from where I was standing, I could see how their fingers intertwined like the bodies of lovers. A sweat started to break out on my forehead.

It’s the heat, I told myself, but I knew it wasn’t. It was the old ache rearing its head again. The last time was the last time! I was stern with myself. I knew this could get out of control very quickly, but the way the man had smiled at me played on a loop in my memory. It really had been such a warm, inviting smile, like maybe we shared a little secret. I imagined his arm around me as we went sightseeing and the ache grew. I walked in the direction the couple had gone, pretending it wasn’t because I was following them. I’m a very good liar. Everyone trusts the girl who smiles sweetly and speaks softly, the one who’s invisible until you need something.

I followed the couple down the pier. They stopped once to look at some old lady’s flower booth and I stopped, too, standing just behind a cluster of people. The man turned for a brief moment and our eyes met. I expected a smile of recognition, but his gaze remained a total blank, like he had never seen me before. Then he turned back to the old lady and picked up a beautiful orange poppy. It was my favorite flower. A shiver of excitement went up and down my body. Of course. He was sending me a message. We did share a little secret. I couldn’t help smiling to myself at the girl’s utter cluelessness about what was beginning to blossom between him and me.  

After a moment, they continued on down the pier and I continued following. I just want to see where they stop for lunch. Ah, The Crab Shack. That’s one of my favorites. He must have picked it. We have so much in common already. The sound of seagull greed was like white noise as I waited patiently for them to order lunch. They had chosen a table on the patio where I could easily watch them. I was sure it was another gesture from him, another display of our shared secret.

He wants this. The pretty ones never have much of a personality anyway. Finally, they finished lunch. He stood and glanced around casually. I could tell he was looking for me. I was tempted to wave, but he turned back to her before I could.

That’s ok. She’ll be gone soon enough. We spent the rest of the day sightseeing. He wanted to see everything I had seen and I smiled as we walked. We were made for each other. I could tell she was getting tired or bored. They have nothing in common. His laugh is so forced with her. I felt sorry for him. It would be hard to be with someone you barely even knew.

We ended the day with an outdoor concert. We sat on the grassy knoll that sprawled out in front of the amphitheater. I sat a little behind them and watched her closely. The opportunity will be here soon. I could feel that truth in my bones. At last, she leaned in toward him and said something that I couldn’t hear. He nodded and she stood. She looked around, then headed toward the bathrooms. I smiled. Perfect. I followed her, pulling the door open and stepping inside just as she disappeared into a stall. Music played dimly outside as the concert started. The bathroom emptied quickly. I waited. As she opened the stall door and came out, I knew it was time. She never even knew it was coming. I had gotten good at this so hardly any blood got on me at all. As I left her body lying on the floor, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Now I would get to watch his realization that he was now free come over his face. I almost laughed I was so excited.

Just wait. This part could not be rushed. I had made that mistake before and almost got caught. I returned to my spot and watched him. After a while, he began to look around. He’s looking for her, but soon he will realize. Just wait. As he got more and more agitated, I couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Why was he getting upset? Where was his relief? Why wasn’t he looking at me? Then, someone must have discovered the body. Suddenly there was security everywhere and people were talking. The music had stopped completely.

“A body…” The phrase was floating around, seeming to come from no single person. I watched as he ran over to the bathrooms and was stopped by the police who had now arrived. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he was obviously upset. I moved closer to him. Why wasn't he happy? Anger flooded my stomach. Didn’t he realize we got to be together now? Now he was crying as her body was brought out of the bathroom. Disgust took the place of my anger. I guess we weren’t made for each other after all.

The best part of being invisible is that no one notices if you are around or not. I simply slipped under the police tape and made my way out of the amphitheater. Just as I was approaching the pier once again, I heard a voice.

“Excuse me? Could you take a picture of us?” I turned to the man holding his phone out to me with a questioning look on his face and I smiled. He smiled back. Such a warm, inviting smile.

“Of course,” I answered, noting the way he kept grinning at me as I took his phone. “Say cheese!”