The second person eventually leaves the apartment, only to return later carrying two buckets. I already know what they’re for. It’s the red fucking paint. Because apparently destroying my apartment wasn’t enough. They needed to leave a message, too.
I try adjusting the volume, hoping there’s something that might help us figure out who these people are, but then I remember these cameras were only backups.
No sound.Of course.
The two of them continue searching until they find the remaining cameras. They cut the wires, remove the memory cards, and make sure there’s no evidence left behind that someone else was helping him.
That was their mistake. Because now I know he isn’t working alone.
Before they leave, the first man walks back into my bedroom one last time. He picks up the paintbrush and slowly writes his final message above my bed.
She belongs with me.
I stare at the screen, feeling something cold settle deep in my chest.
This guy has no idea what he just started.
Because when I find him—and I will find him—he’s going to regret ever stepping foot inside my apartment.
26.Madelyn
This week has beenthe best I’ve had since moving to California. I’ve never felt as confident as I do now—not in my entire life—and it’s a feeling I’m still learning to embrace. Smiling comes so much easier these days, and I have no one but Miles to thank for that. Somehow, he’s given me something I never thought I’d have.
Freedom.
Not just the freedom to leave my past behind, but the freedom to be myself without constantly looking over my shoulder. To laugh without guilt, breathe without fear, and exist without wondering when everything is going to fall apart. For the first time in a long time, I finally feel like I’m living instead of just surviving.
Morgan and I have gotten really close over the past week, and I didn't realize how badly I needed a friend until she came into my life. Before her, the only person I’d managed to get close to since moving to California was Kaitlin. I hardly ever see her anymore now that I'm staying at the safe house. The only time our paths cross is in class or during the occasional shift we work together at the coffee shop, and even then, something feels different.
She hasn’t said it outright, but I can tell she’s upset with me. I disappeared without warning, moved out of my dorm, and refused to tell her where I was staying. I understand why she’d be hurt, even if I don't have much of a choice.
While the guys head to Miles’ apartment, Morgan and I make our way back to my dorm to grab a few more of my things. We take her car since I still don’t have one of my own, despite Miles insisting I start driving one of his.
I've refused every time he’s offered.
His cars spend more time sitting in the garage than they do on the road, but that doesn’t make me feel any better about borrowing one. They’re his babies. The last thing I want is to scratch one, dent it, or total it. I’d never forgive myself. Besides, none of them really feel like me anyway.
I absolutely love Morgan’s car. I’ve never been much of a sports car person. The people who drive them always seem so full of themselves, like they have something to prove. But hers is different.
It’s sleek, black, and somehow manages to look aggressive without being obnoxious. The headlights are my favorite part. They have these sharp, angled cuts that make the front of the car look like it’s glaring at everyone else on the road.
When I asked her what it was the first time she picked me up, she smiled proudly and said, “A 2020 Nissan 370Z.”
I don’t know much about cars, but even the name sounds expensive.
“So,” Morgan says, pulling me from my thoughts, “how have things been with Miles?”
I glance over at her, surprised by the question.
“Good, actually. Really good.” I smile to myself. “Why do you ask?”
For the briefest moment, her hands tighten around the steering wheel before relaxing again. It’s subtle. So subtle I almost convince myself I imagined it.
“Oh…no reason.” She shrugs, keeping her eyes on the road. “Just curious. You know, with everything that’s been going on. The stalker and all that. I wanted to make sure you guys were okay.”
She flashes me a quick smile, and I return it, but something about her question leaves a knot in my stomach.
“Yeah, we’re okay,” I say after a moment. “We’re not exactly getting a lot of normal couple time, which kind of sucks, but I’ve really been enjoying all the training.” I smile, thinking about the past week. “I love training with you too. It’s making me feel... stronger. Not just physically. I don’t know.” I laugh softly. “I actually feel good about myself for once.”
