I was having a good dream, like a really good dream! I was on a beach with someone I loved. We'd spent hours together, no days, we were on our honeymoon! The sun was setting on the third day and we were flying kites. After, we planned to get ice cream, then go to a movie, and have dinner, before a late night walk on the beach. I couldn't wait to do everything and I knew we would...like it had already happened.
I smiled at him as we started pulling our kites back down to the ground. He smiled back at me and his eyes were the color of the ocean. There was something about the way he looked at me, I knew without a double that he loved me...truly loved me. I realized now Brett had not. He'd never looked at me like this. Yet the Dark Knight's eyes had shimmered like my loves. I thought of his ice blue eyes, yes they'd had the look of love…and something else. For a second I got confused, who were Brett and the Dark knight?
"Come on!" my loved called, rushing ahead. He turned around to face me and walked backwards as he teased, "I'll race you!"
I burst into a run and soon caught up to him. I knew he let me catch up on purpose. Once we were equal, he took off like a rocket and I pushed myself to keep up. He was fast, but I was determined! Before I could see who won, I woke up to a ringing sound. I sat up in bed confused. I looked at my alarm, then realized I still had an hour before it went off. I laid back down and kept hearing a ringing. I realized it was the phone.
I heard shuffling, then the ringing stopped. My mother or father must have gotten it. I wanted to go back to bed, but a minute later the phone rang once more. My heart sunk, thinking it was happening yet again. I let out a heavy sigh, then got up and went to the kitchen. Both my parents looked tired as they stared at each other.
"It must be a broken connection or something," my dad said, before he yawned.
"I'll call the phone company tomorrow," My mom said as she yawned.
Seeing them both yawn made me yawn. My father nodded at what my mother had said, then noticed me "Phone's broken."
"Ah," I said, but doubted that, "Are you sure?"
"Eh," My mother made a sound, then rolled her eyes and said, "She thinks someone is calling and hanging up,"
My father nodded, then said, 'Buy why would they do that?"
"I don't know," I said, "But it's what's happening."
My mother shook her head, but before she could say anything, the phone rang again and I answered it.
"Oh, don't pick it up, it's broken!" my mother protested.
I turned the phone on speaker and answer, "Hello." There was a large sigh of relief, then breathing. My mother and father looked at the phone, then each other confused. I expected the caller to hang up, but they didn't. I was beginning to think they only stayed on the line for me.
"You hear that?" I asked.
"Hear what?" my father said.
His hearing hadn't always been the best, but I knew my mother's ears were sharp. Yet she made a little face then said, "Static."
"Uhh," I groaned, "No breathing! Someone is breathing on the other end of the phone!" I knew the caller could hear all of this and spat, 'WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT!"
"MINDOLIN!" My mouth shouted, then dramatically covered her mouth.
"What?," I said, before hanging up.
"Your father and I raised you better than that! I don't want to hear such a word coming out of your mouth!"
"Sorry, but I'm frustrated! They keep calling and you don't believe me!"
"There is nothing to believe! It's static! No one is calling! The phone is broken!"
I gave her a look. Sometimes. I think it was just me she was against. I bet if my father or brother had said anything, or her precious Joanie, my mother would believe them in a heart beat, but when it came to me, I must be delusional. It hurt knowing how little my mother valued of my opinion. I wasn't paranoid! I knew I wasn't! Yet she made me feel so fucking small! She made me doubt myself, and I began to wonder if maybe...just maybe it was static. No! I knew what I'd heard!
"It was breathing!" I said, adamantly.
"Static!" My mother said, looking at me like I'd lost it.
I looked to dad, "You heard it right? You thought it was strange the other day!"
He opened his mouth, then looked at my mother and sighed, "I- Listen to your mother,"
She gave me a smug smile, having won yet again. It was just Mindy being Mindy! I let out a roar of frustration and stormed out of the room. I slammed my door behind me and wanted to go back to bed, but I was too wound up and didn't want to stay here another fucking minute! I got dressed, grabbed my stuff, threw some food into my backpack, and stormed out of the house. I was beginning to think moving out might not be so bad! Having my own place, at least, I wouldn't have to deal with this shit!
I got to work two and a half hours early. Honestly, I'm a little surprised security let me in. I put my stuff in my locker, then sat in the break room and debated what I should do. I decided to walked around for a bit and get more familiar with the back area, then I wondered if Jules was in. I went to costume department and heard music, so that was a good sign. I popped my head in and found he was sewing something.
"Hello!" I called out over the music. "You busy?"
"Always?" he said. He turned off the music, then cheerfully smiled up at me. "Hello, hello, hello! How are you? I heard your characters a big hit!"
"Trust me, it's all the Dark Knight," I said strolling in.
"He does have his charms, doesn't he." said Jules with a big smile.
"He does...whoever he is?" I said, giving Jules a look.
"Ah ah," said Jules, rolling across the floor in his chair. "You're not going to get me to budge on who he is. Why do you like him?"
"He's pretty cool." I admitted, putting my hands behind my back.
"And," pressed Jules.
"And yes… I like him just a little, maybe, but I know nothing about him!"
"Trust me my dear, the mystery is always better then the truth. Just relish in the excitement. The older you get, the more you realize how rare it is to be truly excited about anything."
"Perhaps, but you have to recall how annoying it is to have questions and know someone who has all the answers, but wont give them,"
"Yes that can be quite frustrating!" he teased, then chuckled like a madman. "So why are you here so early?"
"Oh, someone keeps calling and hanging up. They woke me up an hour before my alarm."
"Really?"
"Yes, it's annoying. My parents think the phone is just broken, but I hear breathing."
"Ooo perhaps you have a secret admirer."
I paused, considering it for a moment. "I doubt it, why call just to hang up?"
"Clearly to hear your voice."
"No, not my voice!" I said, thinking the idea was absurd. "It's awful!"
Jules let out a sigh, "Honestly darling, pretending you're not absolutely wonderful is only so endearing."
I bit my lip and said, "Trust me, if you knew my life… you wouldn't say that. I'm really not anything special. At least I don't feel that way...not anymore"
"Hmmm," He raised an eyebrow and I thought I saw a twinge of understanding in his eyes, "Did something happen? Is that the reason you've blinded yourself to the mere possibility."
"One of them." I admitted, but didn't go into detail.
"Well I have ears," he said, "if you ever require a set." He didn't push, for which I was grateful.
"Thank you." I said. He simply nodded. I looked around the room then asked, "Did you need any help?"
"Again always," he said shaking his head, "Especially now that Berry up and quit on me."
"What? No!" I said.
"Yeah, he never came back from that date and wont answer his phone."
"Maybe something happened!"
He gave me a look, "Somebodies been reading too many mystery novels."
"Seriously, is it normal for him to disappear like this?"
"He's never been gone this long or not answered his phone before, but I'm not gonna file a missing persons report or anything?"
"What! Why not? He could be missing?
"If he is, then it's sad to say, there is probably a reason."
"What?"
"Berry has a lot of skeletons in his closet and the last thing he could use is a wellness check from the police, if you get my drift."
"Still, what if he's hurt or something?"
"Uh, what if, what if the world implodes. You can't live on what ifs, only what is, but if you want, I'll swing by his place and make sure there isn't a body. Knowing him he's probably taken off somewhere down south. He always said he would take off one day. I just didn't think it would be on the biggest fucking weekend!"
I took a closer look at Jules and realized he might not have slept in a bit. "Anyway." he said waving his hand about, "You don't need to worry your pretty little head about these things. I might have said too much. Did I say too much?"
"No, I don't think so." I said, worried about Berry. I knew we only met the one time, but he got me this job. If he hadn't dragged me down here, who knows where I'd be, and I wouldn't have gotten to meet the Dark Knight.
"Good, now you want to be of some use," said Jules looking around. "I could use someone to sort my buttons, if you have the time and don't mind."
"Sure,"
"Great! Grand! Wonderful!" he said then disappear somewhere in the back. He eventually came back with a pickle jar, filled to the brim with buttons and a box of sandwiches bags. He handed them to me, then swept a bunch of junk off a table into a basket. Once it was clear, he turned to me and said "Have at it, my dear!"
I started sorting and we made small talk. Mostly he talked and I listened. I learned he had a boyfriend named Jason. He was younger then him and a total hunk, like with a six pack. It was a little less defined these days, because he was recovering from a leg injury. He'd hurt himself a few weeks ago, doing some dare devil stunt, and now had pins in his leg. He'd injured himself before so the new and old injuries were taking him longer to heal. He was getting stir crazy and becoming a real pain in Jules ass, literally and figuratively
I just nodded as I filled bags. Sometimes it was nice to listens to other's problems and get way from your own. After about an hour, he stopped talking and told me I'd better get in line for the time clock. I still had over an hour. I didn't think I had to move that fast, but he seemed agitated all of a sudden. I went back upstairs and the line for the time clock was already outside. I couldn't believe it! I got in line and was able to clock in early. I managed to get dressed on my own and checked everything twice. People seemed tired today and it was mostly quiet.
As I was putting on my makeup, I caught sight of Leslie in the mirror. She was standing in the dressing room doorway. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. She looked around the room, then collapsed on the floor and started sobbing. Several people rushed over to her. I sat there for a second, unsure of what to do, given our earlier interactions. I looked at a few others, who just kept getting ready. What happened to her sucked, but I decided not to approach her. I finished my makeup and got out of there
I picked up my radio and made sure it was charged before I got in line for the pre-show walk. I started getting a lot of looks and whispers as others got into line. I had a bad feeling about this. Ten minutes before we were suppose to go onm George pulled me from the line and took me off to the side.
"We need to talk." he said, his voice was stern,
"Yes." I said, concerned. "What is it?"
"Did you slash Leslie's tires?"
"What!" I said. Fuck! I knew it! They were seriously blaming me! It was probably why I kept getting all the looks and whispers. "No!" He gave me a hard look. "Check the cameras! It wasn't me! I don't even know her, why would I?"
"I've gotten some reports, you were harassing her and her friends last night,"
"What," I couldn't believe this shit! My eyes went wide. "No!" I said shaking my head. "It was the other way around. They ganged up on me and told me to quit and to watch my back if I didn't.
"So you slashed Leslie's tires in retaliation."
"No!" I said, getting upset. What wasn't he getting "I didn't do it! I didn't do anything. They made me cry and I did nothing to them." I knew how pathetic that sounded, but it was the truth.
"Why would they do that?" I could tell he didn't believe me.
"I don't know, they thought I took some other girls job."
"Did you?" he asked, looking at me skeptically.
"No! She quit! She quit to do some commercial and they hired me."
"You weren't hired through Craig." he said.
"Seriously." I said. Where was this going? "I had nothing to do with this and I didn't take that other girls job. If you don't believe me, check the cameras and ask Manger Herbs or Jules."
He let out a heavy sigh. "Why do you keep asking me to check the cameras?"
"Because Craig told me a billion times during orientation that if anyone does anything against the rules, they'll have it on camera and you'll get fired."
He looked panicked for a second. "They don't have cameras everywhere!"
I found that to be an odd response. He must have realized and quickly took a step back from me. He looked around, then said, "I expect you to stay away from Leslie and the others, and to remain professional. I have no room for drama. We're here to work, if you can't do that, then you might as well quit now."
Why was everyone trying to make me quit suddenly? "I can remain professional," I said, but I didn't think this was very professional —pulling me off to the side ten minutes before the show to accuse me of crimes I didn't commit. You would think there was a better time and place if he had concerns.
"If I find out you've been lying, I wont hesitate to let you go."
"I'm not." I said. Normally I'd be scared if my job was threatened, but right now I was really pissed off and I think he could tell. He looked uneasy.
"Did you remember to charge your radio?" he awkwardly asked, shifting his weight.
"Yes." I said plainly.
"Well then, get back in line, but be aware security is going to want to talk to you later, about all this."
"I'll be glad to talk to them and clear things up." I said. I had nothing to hide.
He gave me a look of confusion, then walked off. I think he was sure I'd done it, but given my reaction he was beginning to have doubts. Whatever, whether he believed me or not it didn't matter, I knew the truth. I got back in line and found myself getting madder by the second.
I can't believe they said I had harassed them and blamed me for slashing Leslie's tires. I was in the room with them the whole night...well save for when I got lost. Still, at that point I had no reason to, she and her friends hadn't harassed me yet. Even after, I didn't know the Sapphire Queen was Leslie until the parking lot. How was I suppose know which cars was even hers.
I furrowed my brow as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I knew I'd be on any second and needed to focus. I froze as a thought occurred to me. What if they were trying to sabotage me? They knew I'd had some issues during the pre-show walk yesterday. Getting pulled aside, minutes before a show, would rattle anyone. Were they trying to throw me off my game, hoping I'd get scared and quit or make mistakes and get fired? Either way they'd win and I be gone...their "so called" order restored.
I felt my suspicions were correct when I got to the top of the stairs. I looked across the way and saw the Emerald Queen was looking right at me, with a smug smile on her face. She probably thought I'd be in tears again, having a manager call me out. Yesterday, I had been caught off guard, but today…today I was tired of this shit! Being harassed and falsely accused had lit a flame in me. I refused to let them tarnish my light...especially when they had none of their own!
I locked eyes with the Emerald Queen and held my head up high. I confidently smiled, even if I wasn't a confident person, I wasn't going to let her see it. She looked taken aback, so much so that she missed her queue, and the Emerald King had to practically drag her forward. She stumbled and nearly tripped over her own feet. Once she managed to get her balance, she looked upset and blushed with embarrassment.
I watched them walk down the carpet and stepped out as my character was announced. I had never walked with such confidence in all my life. I would not let the Sapphire Queen and her bitches tear me down! The wheels of justice were turning and would clear my name. I wasn't always sure I could do this job—it was overwhelming at times—but I'd be damned if I'd let anyone take my fucking crown!
Okay...Maybe I was getting a bit too worked up! It was time to reel myself back in! I took a deep breath as I reached the throne room and got into my starting position. I let all my anger out. I couldn't stop the looks, whispers, or accusations, but I refused to let anyone but me affect my performance.
The first show started and I think it was my best performance yet. I turned my fury into fuel and didn't mess up a single line. We knocked out show after show, and I was able to keep my head in the game. When it was time for our first break, things got messy again. I heard whispering about me, and when I walked into the break room to get some water, it went quiet. Word had no doubt spread and the whole park probably thought I'd slashed Leslie's tires. I considered making a statement, but I doubted telling a few people I didn't do it would change things.
No, the only thing that was going to clear my name was time. It was only a matter of time before security cleared me and found out who'd really done it. Then all of this would just be noise. Still it wasn't the best start to a new job. Just once in my life, I'd like a job where I fit in and my co-workers liked me. I got more stares in the locker room. I grabbed a snack from my locker and on the way out, I heard two women talk about me "I thought she was cleaning out her locker. No way so did I? I guess not. Not yet." Sometimes it really sucked having good hearing.
I went to the bathroom I found yesterday, then looked for some place quiet I could stew. I'd really love some fresh air right now. I went up several flights of stairs and found a door that let out onto a rooftop. It was empty and quiet. I made sure the door wouldn't lock behind me, then ate my cheesy crackers in peace as I stared off into space.
I kept a close eye on the time, popping in to check every few minutes. I went back early as I didn't want to walk into a room full of people and have everyone staring at me. A few people were already in the throne room and I heard them talking. "Leslie has worked so hard! I know right, she's had so many other parts and this is her chance as a royal. Who is this Azure Queen anyway? A nobody, she's just jealous? I don't know, I think she's pretty good. What? Who's side are you on? I'm not on anyone's side, I just...don't you think security would have arrested her by now, if she did it? Oh she did, these things just take time. Yeah, Tantha saw her do it with her own eyes. Oh, I didn't know that. Well maybe you shouldn't speak until you have all the facts."
I let out a laugh, finding it ironic, given they didn't have all the facts. They realized I was there and two of them, quickly looked anywhere but at me. The one girl, who wasn't taking sides, gave me a halfhearted smile. I thinks she was a lady-in-waiting or something, to the Ruby Queen or Princess. I smiled back at her. At least someone was questioning things. Soon enough the tables would turn, but I wish people would talk about something else. Of course, it just happened last night so it was brand new and all anyone could talk about.
I got into place, but didn't feel as angry or confident. I just felt tired and a little sick. Other possibilities occurred to me. What if they didn't clear my name? What if I was ostracized until I eventually quit? Worse off, what if security thought I did it? What if they didn't have me on camera the whole time, and called the police? Could I be arrested? Would I need a lawyer? Could they hold me on no proof of the crime, but having the opportunity and hear say? Hadn't someone named Tanatha claimed they saw me do it? Who was she and why was she lying?
Second break came and I passed a security guard on the way to my locker. I froze thinking this was it, but they just passed me by. I wasn't sure if I could eat. Yet I knew if I didn't, I could get shaky or even faint. I grabbed my food, used the bathroom and went to my rooftop oasis. The sky was cloudy and it looked like it might rain. I'd have to go in if it did, but for now I enjoyed the slight breeze that tussled my hair and moved through the heavy fabric of my dress. I don't know what it was about the wind, but I always felt this unexplained kinship.
Who knows, perhaps I was a bird in another life, soaring amongst the wind currents. I always loved dreams were I was flying. I closed my eyes and just let the wind wash over me. Then I heard a metal door open and shut. I thought someone might have stepped onto the roof, but it was just me. I looked around and noticed some stairs, a floor or two below. A couple had stepped outside and seemed to be arguing.
"Don't do this to me! Everyone is going to think I lied!" said a women in orange. I realized it was the Sapphire Queen... Leslie!
There was a man with her. It took me a second to realize it was George. What were they doing out here... together? "You did! You said it was the Azure Queen! You swore it up and down. I went out on a limb for you, Les."
"Wait! What? Were they talking about me? I sunk down until I could barely see them, hoping they wouldn't spot me. I kept listening.
"It could have been!" snapped Leslie, turning her back to George. "She has it out for me!"
"But it wasn't!" said George with a heavy sigh. He turned Leslie to face him and grabbed the sides of her arms. "I saw the evidence myself. It wasn't her."
HA! I was innocent and he knew it!
"SO! Can't you do something! Get rid of it!"
My jaw dropped and I shook my head. Seriously! He just told her I didn't do it. There was freaking proof and she wanted him to get rid of it! She fucking had it out for me! The wind picked up some as George let out another heavy sigh, "I can't, especially when others know about it. Even then, I wouldn't. I wouldn't do something like that." He sounded hesitant...like he hoped he wouldn't do something like that, but was unsure.
"You wouldn't? Not even for me, Georgie," Leslie gave him a pouty look and moved her arms around his neck, rather intimately. Oh wow! Were they a thing?
"I could get in a lot of trouble for that, we both could,"
"Fine, just don't say anything, the truth will... come out eventually. I just...I've told everyone and Tantha has swore she saw her do it."
There it was again, Tantha, the one who claimed she'd spotted me. Did she know Leslie? The plot thickened!
"What were you two thinking?" he shook his head.
"It doesn't matter, just don't do this!"
"I have to! I don't have a choice, you saw the letter. It was very clear, I have to make a public statement."
Public statement? What letter? I was confused.
"She could have written it!" said Leslie.
"I doubt it. She's new. She doesn't have that kind of access. I don't even have that kind of access!"
"Do you- Do you think it was someone higher up?" Leslie sounded scared.
"Maybe, but I doubt it. If it was, we'd both be fired, given what they have on us."
"Whatever! I still think she has something to do with this! You should search her locker or take her into a room and make her confess! Threaten to call the police or something unless she quits!"
"No," said George. "What is it with you and her? Do you have some past I don't know about?"
I didn't know her at all! At least I think I didn't.
"It's just not fair!" Leslie cried. "I've worked so hard to be a royal! This was my big moment to shine and some bitch comes out of nowhere and take it all away! It's not right!"
"Please, please tell me you didn't do all this because you were jealous Les. You have to let this go! People will see you shine. I did. Trust me, you'll have your time in the spotlight. I'll talk with the writers and get you more scenes. The only reason she's even doing well, is the Dark Knight. The mystery of it! Fans have always been curious about him."
I pursed my lips, but knew he was right. I'd been feeling the same way. There was no way it could be me. It had to be the Dark Knight. I was just a catalyst.
"Then get the writers to pair us together and they'll forget about her!"
"I'll see what I can do." said George
Seriously! I got a bad taste in my mouth and felt sick to my stomach watching them. They leaned into each other and kissed for a good minute or three. I wanted to look away, but I didn't want to miss anything that might help my case. I couldn't believe the two of them were a thing! Orientation made it clear, no fraternization with management and even characters who were a thing had to report it. I felt like the cards were stacked against me.
When they pulled apart, Leslie pleaded with him once more. "Just please, please don't say anything!"
"This is my life Leslie! It's not just my career on the line, but my marriage, if this gets out!"
He was married! Oh this just got so much worse! They were having a fucking affair! Leslie dropped down suddenly and I got confused until I realized she was trying to blow him. I definitely wasn't going to watch this shit! I pulled back but saw him push her away, "What are you doing? Someone could see us!"
"I just want you to know how important this is to me- I mean how important you are to me." she said. I could tell she was just using him to further her career. He must not have seen it or didn't care.
I snuck away, there wasn't much time left and I couldn't watch this any longer. I quietly opened the roof door, hoping to sneak downstairs. However as I got to the top of the stairwell, the door a floor or two lower opened and I heard them one last time.
"Please Georgie!"
"No!" he spat, "We're done discussing it! We need to get back or someone's going to wonder where we are!"
George rushed off and Leslie waited a minute before she followed. I waited a good five minutes before I went down. I returned to the throne room and didn't look at either of them, but my mind was on fire as the gears turned. The last few minutes had been very...informative. Leslie was telling everyone I'd slashed her tires. Leslie was someone connected to Tantha, who'd swore she saw me slash Leslie's tires. George knew I was innocent, but Leslie didn't want him saying anything. She was mad I'd stolen her spotlight and wanted me gone, There was something about a letter and oh yeah, the biggest shocker of them all, Leslie and George were having an affair, when he was married!
I suddenly felt like I'd been caught up in a mystery novel! I loved a good mystery novel, but I'd much rather be in a romance, especially if there was going to be a murder. I looked around like everyone might be a suspect...depending on who was murdered! Okay, maybe Jules was right and I had been reading too many mystery novels, but I just felt so taken aback by everything and the uncertainty of it. What was going to happen? What would become of me? I wished I could just jump ahead and check, but knew life didn't work like that...because if it did and I didn't like the outcome, I'd fucking change it. Who wouldn't!
We got back to it and did our last set of shows. After all the guests were gone, I dared to look around. Leslie looked really upset. The Emerald and Amethyst Queens rushed up to her. Leslie said something to them and the Emerald Queen looked worried, while the Amethyst Queen looked confused.
The Emerald Queen grabbed Leslie's arm and said something. Leslie snapped at her, "JUST SHUT UP!"
The entire room noticed them and the Emerald Queen looked like she was about to cry. I caught sight of George as he stepped into the room. He appeared agitated. He glanced at me and almost seemed frightened. He looked down at the floor and suddenly seemed ashamed. He moved his clipboard under his arm and let out a heavy sigh. I watched his shoulders raise and drop. I felt like I was watching some sort of play or live TV show, everything was happening in real time.
Beth walked into the room and looked at George concerned. She brushed his arm, but he didn't look at her. He looked at Leslie who gave him a hopeful look. George grimaced at her, then I watched his shoulders rise and fall before he took a step forward and called out.
"LET'S EVERYONE GATHER AROUND ME. I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY BEFORE WE HEAD OVER!"
Leslie looked like she was going to be sick. My heart raced with anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder what he was going to say! We all gathered in a circle around him, and he cleared his throat several times before he started talking.
"I want to address something with you all. There have been a lot of rumors and speculation, going around. For those of you who don't know, the Sapphire Queen, Leslie's tires were slashed, last night in the paring lot." I swear half the room turned and looked at me as he continued, "If anyone has any information about this incident, please let security know. I know Leslie would really appreciate it."
"Wasn't it the Azure Queen!" said a royal guard, "Like everybody already knows who did it,"
The rest of the room now turned to look at me and I wished I could disappear,
"Seriously, she's the one! Hasn't anyone informed security?" asked the Ruby Queen. She gave me a look of utter disgust, clearly having bought into the rumors.
The room erupted in whispers. I looked at the ground. I wanted to say something. I should say something to defend myself. I opened my mouth, but before I could speak George called out.
"QUIET DOWN EVERYONE! As I said there are a lot of rumors and speculation going around, but they are false."
I looked up and watched the Ruby Queen turn to George. She looked confused," What?"
"So wait, she didn't do it?" said the royal guard, who'd just said everyone knew it was me.
"She did not," said George.
"Are you sure?" someone else said. I didn't see who it was.
George stiffened and looked like he was getting his teeth pulled as she said, "I've reviewed the security footage thoroughly and she is not the culprit."
"What, but Tantha said she saw her do it!" said the Ruby Princess. The room turned again, and I realized they were looking at the Emerald Queen. Tantha! Ah ha, things made sense now! She did indeed know the Sapphire Queen!
Tantha looked like a deer caught in headlights. She froze for a moment then spoke, jittery, "I THOUGHT…well I saw…someone like her! LIKE IT WAS DARK and raining!"
"Can't you just check the parking lot cameras?" asked the Ruby King.
"The storm last night knocked a few of them out, momentarily," said George.
I couldn't help but think that was convenient! Well not for me, but for whoever had done this.
"Well then how do you know it wasn't her?" asked the Ruby Queen, "If the footage was lost?"
"Yeah, it could still be her," said Leslie.
George gave Leslie a look, then elaborated. "No, the Azure Queen was accounted for the entire shift, on security footage."
"Didn't she show up late to fan service?" asked a royal guard.
George looked annoyed, "She was still accounted for, in the park. I know what you've heard, but security has cleared her."
The room got quiet and looked confused. One royal guard said, "But Leslie said-"
"She was mistaken!" said George, cutting him off
They looked to Leslie and she looked defeated, "I might have been confused...with everything going on."
"Yes!" said George, "We apologize for any confusion. Again, if anyone knows anything, please let security know. Now let us head over."
George turned and started moving. We followed after him and I got more looks, mostly confusion as people whispered amongst themselves. I lagged behind, trying to process everything. My name had been cleared, but I didn't feel relief, if anything I felt like I wanted to cry, for having been dragged through the mud. The truth was out there now, but I still felt like I didn't come out of this clean. If anything I learned how quickly a rumor could blow up around here and that I was an outsider. I suppose I didn't have to worry about being fired or arrested, but all of it just felt like one big unnecessary mess.
Leslie did not look happy. She was crying again, but people weren't comforting her. Several people now looked at her suspiciously and she got a few dirty looks, I'd come to know all too well today. When we got to fan service everyone rushed off. I could see them talking to others and the new information was spreading like a wild fire. Usually the lie spread farther then the truth, but this was now more juicy gossip. I heard a few people now wonder if Leslie had slashed her own tires, and was mad because my character was doing better then hers.
I found somewhere off to the side, a nice, red brick wall, to rest against. I put my back against it, and closed my eyes hoping to decompress, when I heard a familiar sound of metal moving. I opened my eyes and saw it was the Dark Knight. I hadn't seen him all day and nearly rushed up and embraced him.
Instead, I put my hands behind my back and called out, "Uh, you wont believe my day!"
"Oh, eventful was it?"
"YES! Did you know the Sapphire Queen's, Leslie's tires got slashed last night and everyone thought it was me, because she told them it was! Even though it wasn't, because I didn't do it! Also, get this, you know how she and her friends were bothering me yesterday, well they said I was the one harassing them! George, he's in charge of the royals, like pulled me out of line, minutes before we were suppose to go on and asked me all about it. All day I was like worried I was going to be in trouble for something I didn't do and then just now, George said security cleared me and that everything was just rumors and speculation. So now everyone knows I didn't do it!
I took a breath and realized I'd gone a bit overboard; waving my hands about and going on longer then I needed to."Sorry, I just," I let out a sigh, then continued, "It was a day."
"I bet." he said.
I suddenly realized how close he was standing to me. While I was talking he'd walked over and was now only inches away. He took a loose strand of my hair that had fallen into my face and pulled it behind my ear. It was such a simple act, but had my heart racing. His helmet was tilted down at me. I noticed how tall he was. Maybe I could use that to find out his identity.
He nodded then asked, "Do they know who did it?"
"No, the storm messed with the parking lot cameras or something."
"Hmm, well I'm glad it didn't affect the rest of the cameras."
"I am too, it's how they proved it wasn't me! I was accounted for the entire day. I'm glad this place has so many cameras now, though I do wonder who did it."
"I'm sure they'll catch them, eventually."
"I think Leslie really wanted it to be me, or at least have people think it was me. She was not happy when George told everyone."
"Did she say anything?"
"She started to, like she said it could still be me, but George cut her off and she admitted she might have been "confused." I said, doing air quotes with my fingers.
"Hmm," he said.
I kind of wanted to tell him I found out George and Leslie were having an affair, but felt weird about mentioning it. I knew it could get them both in a lot of trouble and while I didn't like her, I didn't hate her enough to get her canned and ruin George's marriage. I pursed my lips, then realized I'd only been talking about myself.
"How was your day?"
"Not as eventful as yours. I had some business to take care of, but I think it went well."
"That's good," I said then there was some silence, before I asked "Do you think people will request us again today?"
I think they're already setting up a booth for us."
"Oh Really! Wow two days in a row!
I stepped away from the wall wanting to see if the booth would be in the same spot. He followed behind me with his hands behind his back. His shadow loomed over me and for a second I thought of that dream again. I wish I remembered more of it. I got to the stage and saw the curtains were closed. They were setting up several booths and it wasn't hard to spot ours as it had pictures of us all over it.
"Oh wow! Look! They already have our pictures up from last night!"
"Of course," he said, standing next to me, "They get paid to move fast, especially when something is popular. You've got to strike while the iron it hot."
"I think Sandie and you would get along, she says were lighting in a bottle."
"Hmm."
"Yeah, Craig tried to fire me the other day, well both of us I think, for going off script-"
"Did he now," he said, cutting me off. He made a sound that wasn't quite a sight, but a slow release of air.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I thought you knew about it."
"I do now," he said. "Always feel free to tell me what's on your mind."
"I'm sure you don't want to know everything."
"I do," he said, "It's important you tell me. You are important to me."
My cheeks when hot, but I felt so confused. Like one minutes I was sure he liked me and then another I was sure he didn't.
"Could I ask you something and you just give me a yes or a no?" I asked.
"Depends on the question?"
"Well, I've asked it before, I just-Beth popped up and I let out a groan of frustration. The next time we were alone, I was asking first thing!
"You two have been requested again." Beth said with a sigh
`"Will Drea be assisting again?" I asked.
"Yes, especially since a lot of fans want to know about the parking lot rumors. Let her clear things up."
"Wait. The fans know about that."
"Yes, there isn't much they miss." said Beth.
"Oh...great," I said, feeling my stomach sink.
The Dark Knight squeezed my arm, "Relax, things will be cleared up tonight."
"I need you to get in the line with the others," said Beth, "You'll be the last announced"
"Okay," I said as the Dark Knight nodded.
Beth gestured for us to follow her and we move to the other side of the stage. I could see a line of at least a dozen pairs of characters. We went to the back and Beth checked us off on her clipboard before moving onto the next task. With everyone else standing so close, we couldn't really talk, but I hoped to make plans, once again.
"Uh, after work could we maybe talk?"
"It will be late. I have to get home and don't you have a bus to catch?"
I paused for a moment, wondering how he knew I took the bus. Had he seen me get on it or had I told him? It didn't matter. "Well, maybe another day?"
"I'm busy," he said. He seemed colder now, more professional, probably because we were in front of others.
"Oh sorry," I said, realizing I should probably be more professional and stop purs-
"Don't apologize. I'm busy this week, but next week hold possibles." He said, titling his helmet slightly
"Oh, okay," I said I wasn't quite sure what that meant. Did he mean we'd get together next week sometime... or what?
Some music started up and the curtains were pulled back. The announcer stepped onto the stage and told a few jokes. Then he did a trick and announced the first set of characters. From there our line got shorter until he announced us and we stepped out. We waved to the crowd then sat down at our booth. Things pretty much went like last night, a bunch of fans came up wanting pictures, or autographs.
Drea stayed by our booth and handed all our questions. A lot of them wanted to know if I'd slashed the Sapphire Queen's tires. I kept a polite smile on my face and the Dark Knight grasped hold of my hand, under the table. He gave it a good squeeze as Drea explained I was not the culprit and that the person who had slashed the Sapphire Queen's tires, had yet to be identified.
Most of them seemed excited, even relieved when they learned it wasn't me. Some of them swore they didn't believe the rumors and knew I didn't do it! A few wanted more details. How did they know it wasn't me? Why were there rumors it was me? Were the Sapphire Queen and I at odds? I was really glad Drea was there. She answered everything professionally.
The night few by and we were soon taking group pictures. I worried the event might go over, but given the next day was Monday most of the fans had to retire early and after we were dismissed, I had a whole hour to catch my bus. I walked back to the dressing room slowly and changed. I got some more looks and whispers, a few people gave me looks of pity. I just wanted this to be over!
I clocked out, then remembered I had to drop off my dress as I didn't have another shift coming up before laundry. My ballgown seemed fine, but my normal dress had some dirt on it, probably from pretending to fall so much. I took it down to the costume department and hung it on the yellow rack. I heard some music playing and thought I'd pop in and say goodnight to Jules.
He seemed as busy as ever, when I stepped inside. "How is this?" he asked, handing something to someone in the dressing curtain. Someone must have been trying on a costume. Jules turned in my direction, then did a double take, seeing me, "OH MY! What a surprise, MINDY!" He rushed up to me, turning me, "What brings you by so late?"
"I was just dropping off my laundry, since I don't have another shift until after Monday."
"Ah."
"I thought I'd say goodnight and wanted to say thanks for the distraction earlier, and letting me sort buttons. Maybe I can come back another time and help out some more,"
"Yes, another time," he said. I hadn't realized he'd been slowly walking me to the door.
Whoever was behind the curtain must have been important, "Okay, I'll let you get back to it. Have a nice night,"
"You too, my dear."
I took a few steps into the hall then looked back. I could see he'd immediately turned around through the windows in the double doors. He headed to the curtain and I looked about the room. I noticed some writing on a marker board that read, "Dark Knight/Wren!" I quickly gasped and darted out of sight.
I started walking but a second or two later, Jules burst into the hall, "Are you alright? I thought I heard something just now."
Way to go Mindy! You could never be a spy! "No uh, sorry I just realized I wanted to uh… I wasn't sure if you heard about the Leslie thing. I wanted to make sure you knew I didn't slash her tires, if you hadn't heard security cleared me."
"Oh please," he said, waving his hand, "Darling I would never, Leslie is a bitch, always has been, always will be and I couldn't pictures you with a knife for the life of me. Now, I don't mean to be rude, but you really should be off, shoo, shoo."
"I'm going," I said, heading down the hall. He watched me until I disappeared around the corner. I made my way outside as I thought about the marker board. "Dark Knight/Wren."
"Wren," I said it under my breath as I entered the parking lot.
The Dark Knight's name was Wren! I practically danced my way onto the bus, I was so overjoyed to know something anything about him! I was surprised Jules had written it down. Had it been there earlier or even before that and I just didn't notice? No I would have noticed, surely? Wren, wren, wren, what a beautiful name! I sat back on the bus and rode my high the whole way home.
When I started heading up the steps to the apartment, I remembered the argument this morning, and let out a heavy sigh. I hoped my parents were asleep and I could keep this good mood all night long. Sadly, they were still up and only too happy to tell me no one had called all day. My mother gave me another smug smile and I said nothing.
I went to the bathroom and the phone rang. Someone got it, but it rang again and then again. When I got out of the bathroom my mother was upset. I just knew they'd called again! I paused in the doorway of the kitchen thinking, what if Jules was right. What if they were calling to hear my voice...but why call now and not all day? Unless...unless they knew I was out? I got this sinking feeling, but quickly dismissed it. Someone calling to hear my voice was already a stretch...a big stretch. Them knowing my schedule was my overactive imagination getting away from me. Yet the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. What if- What if I had a stalker?
The phone rang and my mother picked it up right away. "HELLO! HELLO!" They must have hung up. She slammed the phone down and glared at me. I couldn't hep but smile at her. The phone wasn't broken and she knew it, yet she roared back, "OH GO TO BED!"
I went to my room and the phone kept ringing. Eventually, my parents took it off the hook so we could get some sleep. I got ready for bed and it didn't take me long to fall asleep. I don't know how long I was out before there was a knock at the door. At first I thought it was my bedroom door and asked, "What? What do you want?" Several times. There was no way it was morning already!
I eventually sat up and realized it wasn't coming from my door, but the front door. I got up and went into the hall. My parents also woke up, thinking I had knocked on their door. "What do you want?" My mother asked, opening her door.
"It's not me!" I said, then looked in the direction of the front door.
My mother paused, then turned to my father. He went to the front door and I worried something had happened, given it was two in the morning. I stood with my mother as my father opened the door. Yet there was no one there! He stepped outside and looked around, confused. He looked back at us, then shut and locked the door. We found it strange. Maybe someone had the wrong apartment? Yet I got an eerie feeling. I didn't share it. I went back to my room and turned on the light. I sat up for a few minutes before I went back to bed.
I had that dream again, where I was riding through the forest on my horse. My long hair was flowing behind me and I kept looking back as I swore I could feel the wind rush against my face. I realized I was making sure I hadn't been followed. I burst through the trees and saw vast green, rolling hills and a winding river. Once again, everything looked so peaceful. I rode my horse to the river's edge so that it could drink.
I dismounted and my horse lowered it's head to the water. I looked around and saw brightly colored flowers in the distance. I swear I could smell the air. There was a slight breeze and some dampness. I knew a storm was coming. I looked up and saw the dark storm clouds, only they were much closer now, nearly on top of me.
A great shadow rose up behind me, covering the land in darkness and I turned back to the forest. The wind shifted picking up. It tussled my hair about as I saw a dark figure on a horse, emerge from the forest. I had been certain no one was behind me, and yet I was mistaken. I'd been followed! The figure reminded me of the Dark Knight. He was on a powerful black steed, only instead of armor, he was draped in a black cloak.
My breath caught in my throat with anticipation as he removed the hood of his cloak. I felt ice in my veins as I looked upon his face and his eyes. He had ice blue eyes! I was beyond frightened and my vision began to blur with tears. I felt dizzy and nauseous. The man drew closer, a sickening smirk on his face. I just knew that he was dangerous, very, very, dangerous, and now that he'd found me, there was no escaping him! His smile grew impossibly big until it was ear to ear.
His lips parted and he called out to me, "AMELIA!"
I woke in a cold sweat and sat up. I could barely recall I'd been dreaming. Everything was faint and fading fast...save for the name, "Amelia." My head hurt as I said it and I wondered if I was coming down with something. I wrote the name down on some paper by my bed. Then I laid back down feeling feverish. I passed out once more and slept like a brick until ten the next day.
My mother had the day off and called the phone company. She was just getting off the phone, when I came into the kitchen for some breakfast. She did not look happy. I debated asking her how it went as I opened the fridge. I wanted buttery scrambled eggs, but we were out of eggs and butter. I shut the door then got it over with.
"How did it go?"
"Nothing of use," she hissed and began wiping down the countertops with disinfectant. "Someone's been calling from payphones. Probably teenage pranksters."
"Hmm." I said, biting my tongue. I resisted the urge to sarcastically say, 'So the phone's not broken.'
"Yes, we might have to change our phone number. I'll discuss it with your father tonight." she said, agitated. I didn't say anything. I grabbed box of cereal from atop the fridge and mom shook her head, "We're out of milk. I have to go to the store. You're up, why don't you get dressed and we can go grocery shopping together."
I put the box of cereal back, then yawned and said, "Okay."
Why not I didn't have anything better to do today. I threw some clothes on and we got in the car. We drove down to the super market and my mom got a cart. We started at one end of the store and slowly made our way to the other side. I woke up more and recalled last night. I smiled thinking about it again and said it to myself once more, "Wren, Wren." The Dark Knight's name was Wren.
"Would you pay attention!" my mother snapped. "I don't want you spacing out! The whole point of bringing you here, was so you could get an idea of what we spend on food. You can see first hand where some of your rent money will be going, and get an idea of how much you spend on food each week, for when you're on your own."
"Seriously mom, I have lived on my own before."
"Barely and you had-" she paused not saying his name "a roommate and I saw how you lived. Well beyond your means with garbage everywhere. You couldn't even see the floor."
"You could too!" I said offended.
"You could not!" she protested.
"I was going through a breakup!" I pointed out.
"So, you can't just give up on life every time you get dumped. Why don't we put your skills to the test! Keep track of what you spend today, and if you can tell me the total at checkout, I'll pay for it, but if you're wrong, you'll have to put back whatever is over. That should get you to focus."
"Can I have a piece of paper and a pen?"
"No, you need to do the math in your head. Life doesn't come with a piece of paper and a pen. Did you learn nothing in school?"
"Uh as I recall school always had plenty of paper and pens."
"To prepare you for life. You are no longer in school. You need to know how to take care of yourself. If you want some paper and a pen, you should have brought it."
"Normally I would have, but I didn't expect you to spring this on me, and I was tired. I can take care of myself."
"Really, because all I'm hearing is excuses. If you can take care of yourself then show me. I'd only be too happy to be wrong!"
I let out a heavy sigh. I knew her heart was in the right place, but I felt like she kept trying to push me, too far, too fast. I'd barely had the job a week and now everything was immediate. I looked around then asked. "Are we talking exact numbers here or ballpark rounding up or down?"
"You can be five dollars over."
"Great," I said. "But you know I suck at math."
"So did I until it came down to tracking every dime we had."
"Okay," I said, then walked off.
I went to the fruits and vegetables section. I wanted to eat healthier, given my costume and that I was now in front of hundreds of people every week. I grabbed some strawberries, pairs, apples, oranges, and bananas and brought them back to the cart.
"Did you weigh them?" My mother asked as she looked over her grocery list.
"No,"
"Well, it's by the pound dear."
"Seriously."
"Seriously, you need to know the exact price."
"Did you do this for Denny and Joanie?"
"I didn't have to."
"You don't have to do it for me."
"I don't want to get into it again. Now go!"
"Fine," I said. "I'll go weigh them."
I walked over to a weigh station and set everything off to the side. I weighed them one at a time and did my best to estimate what they'd cost. I also noticed they had some pink grapes in. I loved pink grapes! They had this sour texture to them that almost made them like candy! I grabbed a package and was glad the price was already on it. I turned and put it all in the cart.
"You can't live on fruit alone, get some vegetables." My mother said, looking at some squash.
"I know, I'm not done yet, we just started" I said, then went back to shopping.
I picked out some sweet corn, snap peas, carrots, cucumbers and radishes. I bagged each of them, then went to weigh them, knowing my mom would just tell me to anyway. As I was weighing them I looked around and spotted that blonde guy Jules had been talking to on my first day. This was my second time seeing him out and about. I recalled trying to say hi at the chicken place the other day, and how awkward it was. I wouldn't make that mistake again. I pretended like I didn't see him, and finished weighing my vegetables.
I took everything back to the cart and added the total to what I already knew. Then we moved on. I could help but noticed him again, at the end of the aisle we were on. We did our shopping, then moved onto the next aisle, and there he was. Then yet again as we changed aisles once more. I was trying to focus on the math, but I found myself watching him out of the corner of my eye. He didn't have a cart or a basket. He'd pick something up every now and then, before setting it down. Maybe he was just browsing? I tried to ignore him. Dude was just shopping like we were, it was none of my business. Yet he seemed to linger at the end of whatever aisle we were on. I found it odd.
"Oh Mindy, would you go get me some broccoli. I forgot to grab some, get two maybe three pounds just to be safe."
"What are you making?"
"Steamed broccoli and cheese for your sister. She and her husband are coming over for dinner sometime this week."
"Okay," I said.
I walked back to the vegetables and got a few broccoli. It wasn't quite a pound, so I had to grab more. I put them on the scale and saw him. He was on the edge of an aisle, peaking over at me. I pretended not to notice him, but watched him out of the corner of my eye. Maybe he had forgotten something as well? I finished up then went back to my mom. I looked down at the end of the aisle, and a second later I saw his shirt. Was it coincidence that we'd both gone to the vegetables and come right back or…or? I didn't further the thought, but he was on my radar now, and I paid even more attention to him.
We kept shopping and he was never far from sight. Sometimes he'd be carrying something, then set it down. I finally let myself think it, was he- Was he following me? Surely not, I mean why follow me, to what end? I didn't understand and knew I had to be mistaken, but then what was he doing?
"Mindy!"
"Hmm." I said, realizing I was focusing too much on him.
"I told you to pay attention."
"I am,"
"Then what did I just tell you?"
"I...there is a sale," I guessed.
"Yes," she said, "On meat, you should get some for your lunches at work. Maybe make yourself some pasta."
"Yeah," I said. I grabbed two pounds of meat and put it into the cart. "I'll go pick up the rest."
Surely he wasn't following me and I was just imaging things! I decided to run a little test to relieve my paranoia. I glanced at him then thought "Okay, let's go!" I walked quickly to the pasta aisle and began browsing. I picked out two different types of pasta, then saw him as I was looking at the sauces. I couldn't decide on red or white. Maybe both, I could make two types of pasta. Yeah!
I rushed three aisles over to get some green olives. He just got to the aisle, when I took off for the bread section. I was going to make absolutely sure he was following me. I got some garlic bread then moved around the aisle so I was out of sight. I glanced around the corner and saw him looking about the aisles. I popped out and went to the freezer section, low and behold he caught up. AH HA! There was no fucking way, he had to go to all these aisles.
I grabbed some cheese then got daring! I started wandering around places I didn't even need to go, like I wasn't sure where to find what I was looking for. Meanwhile, I was watching him try to keep upm without making it obvious he was following me. I changed things up again. I turned on my heels and decided to go after him. I wanted to see what would happen if I moved in his direction. He immediate darted down an aisle. He was pretty fast and put some solid distance between us. I acted like I had no idea he was there and grabbed some seasoning; cinnamon and sugar. I could always use more of that. I walked back to the cart and added everything.
"That was fast," My mother said, looking up from the cart.
"Yeah," I said, "I knew what I wanted."
I bit my lip as I watched my mother look at the can goods and compare prices. Just now I'd figured out two, no three things! One, he was indeed following me! Two he was also avoiding me! Which meant three, he didn't want me to know he was following me! Again why...to what end? I just didn't get it, why follow me around. I wasn't the most interesting person.
I hadn't really kept up my appearance since the break up. I was starting to take better care of myself, but I knew I could use a haircut and better makeup. Maybe even an age appropriate wardrobe. Okay! Okay! I knew everything that was wrong with me. I didn't need to go down the list again. I just- I was trying to find some reason he would follow me like this. Did he want my kidneys or something?
I didn't know why there had to be a reason. I suppose it didn't matter. I just never had something like this happen to me before. I wasn't sure how I was suppose to feel, upset, flattered, weirded out...probably weirded out right? That seemed like a normal response, having a total stranger following you. Mostly I just felt aware right now. Like it was slowly sinking in that this wasn't all just in my head.
"Mindy, are you coming?" my mother called. She was now at the end of the aisle. I'd totally spaced out! I joined her and we walked over to the seafood counter "Oh look, there is a sale on crab. You got white sauce, you could make some crab pasta,"
"I've never made it."
"I'll show you how."
We walked up to the counter and got some fresh crab. They also had some fresh samples. I took one and noticed the man immediately stepped up to the counter after and also got one. I debated what I should do, if anything about this. Should I confront him, call him out and be like, why are you follow me? Or should I keep ignoring it? Should I tell someone? I looked at my mom and knew she'd be the last person I'd tell. After everything with the phone, I doubted she'd believe me. If my dad were here, I might say something. Maybe I could talk to Jules about it? I told him about the phone calls-Wait! Could this guy also be doing that?
We finished shopping and got in line to check out. There was like five people ahead of us so I browsed the magazine section really quick. I found a massive puzzle book, the kind where you find all the words. I know some people liked drawing lines through them, but I loved drawing circles so I could still see the words. I brought it over to the cart and there were still a few people ahead of us. I kept looking through it. There had to be a hundred puzzles here. The cover claimed there was a thousand puzzles. It was pretty thick, but I doubted it, maybe a thousand words to-
"What's that?" My mom asked
"A magazine."
"That isn't a magazine, it's one of those mindless puzzle books."
"Yeah, so" I said.
"Put it back, you're not a child."
"Still it would be nice to have something to do on my breaks."
"I'm not paying for it." she hissed.
I looked down at it. It's only four dollars and it has a thousand puzzles."
"Then you buy it."
"I need to save my money for the bus, or I wont have enough."
"Hard isn't it, making life choices. Buy the puzzle book and walk to work, or be an adult, put it back and take the bus."
I let out a heavy sigh, but put it back. I joined her in the line and it was soon our turn. Once we were rang up, she asked how much I'd spent. I had no idea. I was too focused on that guy. I looked around, but for once he was nowhere to be seen. I gave it a shot in the dark and guessed. My mother pulled out a calculator and went over everything, much to the displeasure of the cashier. She said I was seven dollars over. I thought that was pretty amazing, given I'd guessed, but she told me to put something back.
The cashier let out a sigh as I grabbed a jar of green olives. He removed it from the order and I took it back. When I returned she'd already paid and had pushed the cart off to the side, so she could get a lottery ticket. I pointed out she shouldn't leave the cart alone, but she just rolled her eyes at me. She got her ticket then got in the car. I packed everything into the truck then put the cart back.
On my way back to the car, I noticed something rolling across the parking lot. It was some balled up paper or something, I ignored it. Then another one blew past that was less balled up. I recognized the colors and chased after it. I grabbed it and found it was a twenty dollar bill! I quickly went after the first one that was now half way across the parking lot. It was another twenty!
I stood up and looked around thinking there was no way, someone had dropped forty dollars. Yet, I didn't see anyone else around just the cars. My mom honked the horn. I pocketed the cash and ran back to the car. I thought about telling her, I'd found forty dollars just now, but I worried she'd want half or all of it and I REALLY needed this! I could buy a bus pass! What were the odds! I'd found a five once, at a fair blowing in the wind, but never forty dollars. I was jazzed the whole way home.
My mom parked the car then went in. I carried up the groceries bags, it took me five trips, while she sat on the couch and watched TV. I got everything inside, then went back downstairs to shut the trunk and saw something. I thought I had gotten everything. I grabbed it and found it was the puzzle book... I'd wanted. My eyes went wide as I took a step back and frantically looked around. I know I had put it back and I knew my mother would never get it for me. Once she said no, she meant it.
I flipped through it then slowly shut the trunk. The only thing I could think, was it had to be him. He must have saw me grab it...but that meant he'd followed us home and had put it in our trunk. He now knew where we lived. I bit my lip and ran up stairs. I quickly shut the door behind me and locked it. I stood there for a long moment. I had wanted the book but this felt odd. I felt a knot in my stomach.
I put the groceries away then went to my room with the book. I sat on my bed and found it hard to think, my mind was racing, but my thoughts were too frequent to be anything coherent. I ran my fingers over the puzzle book then set it down. This was no longer paranoia, my imagination run wild, or me being silly. This was sold proof….I had a stalker!
|
