The stalker

Did you ever have a sensation of being observed?

From a few days now, I feel like someone is watching me, and everywhere I go, I feel like someone is breathing over my shoulders, but every time I turn, I see no one. It is freaking me out, I told my friend Genevieve, but she said that I read too much mystery books and need to calm down.

So today I have taken a day off and went on full-day shopping with her. I feel exhausted, my feet hurt, and had spent a lot of money on shoes and clothes which I don't think I will ever wear. Finally, I arrived in my tiny apartment in Boulevard street; I rent it a few months ago when I split up with my ex. I like it as it is on the ground floor and its in a  nice neighbourhood which makes me feel safe.

The letterbox was full; I put my bags down to open it, grabbed the bunch of mail and went inside my apartment.

Thinking on what to do next; order food and watch a series or read a book?

I am too tired better order food and watch series till I fall asleep. I ordered a pizza and went through the post.

Adverts, electricity bill, and a letter! Who could send me a letter?

As I opened it, I reflected on whom it might be.

Dear Stacey,

You are a beautiful girl; I watch every day, and I like everything about you. I see you at the park reading books, having coffee with your friend and watching series in the evening while eating your take-aways. I treasure the moment when we can do this together.

From

Your Secret lover

Trembling, I dropped the letter.

 It was not an obsession; I was really being stalked.

I stood up and looked out of the window; I couldn't see anyone. What can I do? I can't stay here on my own; I must go to Genevieve's house but no and if he is outside waiting for me.

I must phone Genevieve.

I grabbed the phone, and with my eyes searching around the apartment. I felt observed, panic aroused, and as Genevieve answered the phone, I couldn't speak.

"Stacey, Stacey hello what happened? "

I was stuttering "Genevieve, please come here. I need you right now!

"What happened Stacey?

"I received a letter from someone that told me that he is stalking me. Please come as fast as you can."

"Ok, I will be there in a minute."

The bell chimed. It couldn't be Genevieve; I felt panic again, I was shaking.

"Pizza delivery." a voice came from behind the door.

With the confusion, I forgot that I ordered a pizza. I got my wallet and opened the door.

" Hello Misses, Pizza Margherita?"

"Yes, it's mine, here is the money."

" Thanks misses, do you have a pen, please? I forgot mine in the van."

"No, problem a minute."

I went to the coffee table to get the pen, suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my head.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

I tried to open my eyes, but I felt dizzy and confused. I was on the floor, and as I looked up, I saw a dark-haired man sitting on the sofa looking at me. Wait a minute; he is the delivery man.

What is he doing on my sofa and why am I am laying down on the floor?

As I try to stand up, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head and felt back down.

"Hello, Stacey. Do you need some help, dear?"

"Who are you? What are you doing in my apartment?

"Oh, dear, you are my girlfriend. I came here to eat pizza and watch the series with you."

" You are freaking mad. Go out of my house; my friend is on the way. She will call the police."

"Oh Genevieve, I messaged her from your mobile and told her it was a joke, and that will explain to her tomorrow."

"She wouldn't believe you; she will come and check."

" We will see my dear. Let's eat the pizza or it will get cold. Which movie are we going to watch today?"

What could I do? Could really Genevieve think it was a joke? How can I get to the phone and call the police?

He knelt near me and offered his hand so I could stand up. He helped me sit on the sofa and grabbed the TV remote as a casual friend visiting me.

I couldn't stop trembling. What could I do? I must act like we are friends till Genevieve comes here.

"What would you like to watch my dear?"

I was feeling sick as he grasped me from the shoulders so that he could sit closer to me.

Do I try to escape? But he could get me and kill me.

I must wait for Genevieve and act normally.

Take a deep breath, inhale and exhale, but I can't stop shaking.

"Dear, do you have any preference, what do you want to watch today? Before the pizza gets cold."

"IIII don't know I leave it to you.

"Ok sweet, we can watch a comedy. I know you like them. Last Saturday you were watching one." he smiled and searched through the comedies.

I must think of another plan for escape if indeed Genevieve thought that I really made a joke and she is not coming.

Think Stacey think! What could I do?

"Do you like this movie darling?" he clasped me as he looked into my eyes.

"Yes, it is one of my favourites," I said as I tried to smile back at him.

He chose the movie and then grabbed a piece of pizza from the box and handed it to me.

I wasn't hungry anymore, but I had to act as it was nothing, I was too afraid to contradict him. I didn't know how dangerous he could be.

"I thought that next week we could go to the cinema and after the movie go to your favourite restaurant and eat sushi. What do you think?" While he said it, he looked at me as I was his long-time girlfriend.

I couldn't act anymore; he is really freaked out. I need to get away from him.

"Yes, it is a beautiful idea! "as I turned versus him trying to act naturally.

An idea came to my mind; I could try to escape from the bathroom window.

"Can I go to the bathroom, sweetie? As I forced a smile.

"Yes, you can I will come with you. You are still dizzy, and I don't want you to fall."

Oh, fuck! I can't escape; he grabbed my hand and pulled me versus the bathroom. 

Tears start going down my cheeks; I thought that I couldn’t escape. The only way out is if Genevieve arrived.

As he opened the bathroom door, the doorbell chimed. I had to get to the door before he did. I kicked him in his knee and ran as fast as I could.

"Genevieve, help me!" I shouted as hard as I could.

But before I reached the door, I felt another sharp pain on the back of my head, and my knees collapsed, and darkness took over.