I open the fridge and see a Tupperware bowl. Inside, there’s chicken and rice, and it smells fresh. I put it in the microwave, and once it’s warm, I sit on the couch and eat the entire thing.
I drop the dirty container in the sink, but before I leave, I take one of the roses and put it on the pillow next to her. I try to talk myself out of it, but I fail. I run my hand on her cheek and marvel at her soft skin.
She snores loudly but doesn’t wake up. After another stroke of her cheek, I start to retrace my steps to go, but I can’t leave the room this messy. With only the moonlight coming through the blinds, I pick up the clothes on the floor and put them in the laundry basket before going home.
Chapter 19
Eden
“Stalker motherfucker,” I say once I get a look at the room. “Greedy fuck,” I mutter after seeing the empty Tupperware bowl in the sink. That was supposed to be my lunch, and since he’s no longer sending me food, I might starve.
My mother is suspicious of me. She’s picked me up every day this week, and she’s questioned me about when I’m getting a car. I dodged her questions and changed the subject, but I know it’s only a matter of time until she brings it up again.
I can’t afford shit right now. My credit isn’t the best, and I’ve only had a couple of paychecks. It will be at least six months before I can save enough for a down payment on anything.
I’m too tired to walk to work this morning, especially since I’m working ten hours. My parents are already gone for the day, so I text Cori.
Me:I need a ride to work. Please.
She texts back immediately.
Cori:Be ready in thirty minutes. I have to get to work. Special project.
She adds a wink, and I text back with a thumbs-up.
I put my phone down, but I eye the piece of white paper on the table. The only thing written on it is a phone number. There’s no name, but I know whose it is. It’s the phone number of the crazy stalker who has been torturing me since I had the misfortune of going to that club.
I pick it up and put it down.
I make myself a sandwich from the deli meat that was in his last grocery delivery. I’m low, so I hope he sends more food this week. I grab the last apple and orange and throw them in my lunch bag.
Then, I pick up the paper with the phone number again.
“Fuck it.”
I save it in my contacts under Stalker and send a text.
Me:What the hell is your problem?
Three bubbles show up, and a text comes through seconds later.
Stalker:Who is this?
Me:Funny.You need to stop
Stalker:Or what?
Having no idea how to respond, I huff and put the phone away. I recheck my empty fridge and slam it shut. Then, I pick up the phone and text him a long grocery list.
Not only did he send lunch, but when a few co-workers wanted to go to dinner after work, I decided to splurge and join them. I ordered the cheapest entrée and only drank water, but when it was time to pay, the waitress informed us our tab had been taken care of.
My co-workers were elated, but I knew who was behind it. If I had known, I would have ordered the shrimp entrée instead of the chicken.
There are no roses on the doorstep when I arrive, but there are two new roses on the coffee table inside. The folded clothes are gone. I found them put away in my drawer. He also made the bed and left another rose on top of the comforter. When I checked my fridge and pantry, I noticed most of the items on my grocery list are now here. All except for the junk food and alcohol, but I won’t complain.
“Dumb ass,” I say while I wash one of the organic apples he sent.
I don’t know why I started this little game because I’m not going to win. After taking a hot shower and changing into fresh clothes, I take my phone and send a text.
