She shakes her head. "Not me. I'm taking the whole week that they're giving us."
"I can't stay still that long. Alright, good night." I say, heading out of the bar.
As I step out the cool air hits my skin, taking a deep breath, I can't help but wish that life was always like this. What I didn't realize is that things are always changing and a big one is headed my way.
Chapter two
Elsie
The walk to my apartment doesn't take me long and a few minutes later I'm walking into my apartment building, nestled in downtown Los Angeles. "Good evening, Ms. Elsie," Gus, the doorman, greets.
"Good evening, Gus."
"That was one hell of a game." He says, grinning at me.
Gus is a huge Stars fan. He never misses a game as long as it's being televised. I've tried to get him tickets to see a game in person, but he always declines, saying that he can't handle the crowds. But who knows.
"It sure was. I'm beat. Good night."
Gus doesn't reply, he just nods his head at me as I hit the button on the elevator. Thankfully, it opens right away and I'm able to ride straight up to my floor. The moment I walk off the elevator though, something feels off. Not able to put my finger on it, I just know something is wrong.
Looking down the hallway there are only two apartments on this floor. Mine and Mr. Wesley's. I look at Mr. Wesley's apartment and everything seems fine. His door is closed, nothing seems wrong, but my instincts are screaming at me that something is wrong.
Taking a deep breath, I take a tentative step toward my apartment, hoping that this all is just me being paranoid. But lately, I've been feeling as if someone is watching me, yet I never see anyone.
Slowly I approach the door of my apartment, and when I see that it's open the hairs on the back of my neck rise. Opening up my fanny pack, I pull out my phone, but something stops me from calling the police. Instead, I do something even dumber by pushing the door open. Crossing my fingers, hoping that whoever was here isn't anymore.
Curiosity gets me moving, forcing my legs to take that first step, but when I enter, I'm not prepared in any way for what I see. Standing in my apartment, my eyes go wide, and I can't stop the gasp that comes out of my mouth when I realize that it's trashed. Everything has been beaten and broken. Nothing left untouched, at least here in the living room.
I keep going further into the apartment, making my way to the kitchen. It looks just like the living room. Knowing that my room will also be destroyed, I still can't help it, I need to see it with my own eyes. Walking down the small hallway, I stop in front of the door of my room and slowly push it open. It looks like whoever did this let all of their anger out in here.
A tear escapes my eye when I look up and see the words "You’re mine!" spray painted on the walls.
This is not right. Finally doing the smart thing, I open my phone and call someone who I know can help me. My father's best friend, Matthew
The phone rings only once before he answers, "Elsie?"
"Uh yeah. Someone broke into my apartment." I tell him.
'Where are you?" He growls.
"At my apartment." I tell him, my eyes never leave the words on my wall.
"Elsie, listen to me. Leave now. Go to the lobby and wait for me there," he commands.
"Okay,' I breathe out.
"I mean it, Elsie. I'm on my way right now. Get out of that apartment. Now."
This time when he says it, it's as if his demand is connected to my legs, because somehow I'm finally able to move them, and quickly leave the apartment. Before I know it, the doors to the elevators open up and I'm in the lobby. The moment I take a step off the car, Gus sees me and says right away. "Elsie, are you okay?"
I answer him in a voice that doesn't sound like mine, "Someone's been in my apartment."
"What do you mean?" he asks, his brow furrowed.
I go to open my mouth to answer him, but a sob bursts out instead. I can't seem to get my bearings. "Come on, honey, let's go have a seat." Gus says, putting his arm around my shoulders as he guides me over to a chair.
When my butt hits the chair, he leaves me there, saying, "Hold on right there. Let me get you some water."
