A Watching Feeling

Page 3

 I had blinked and the next moment, he was gone. I turned back to my desk and walked over, not knowing what else to do besides finish my dress. When I got back to my desk, I found an actual envelope with a real seal on it.

I snatched it up and considered throwing it out into the rain but curiosity got the better of me. I ripped open the seal with my sewing scissors and pulled open the envelope. The letter was much longer than the notes I had gotten before.

'Dear Princess, I see you got some extra protection. Haven't I told you you don't need to worry about that? I'm here for you, Princess. I'll protect you. As for the boy they sent home with you, I want you to stay away from him. He could hurt you, Princess, and I never want that to happen. About the bruises I saw through the window earlier," Here, the ink was heavy on the tip of the r, as if he paused while writing and forgot to lift the pen. "I have a feeling I know who caused them while my back was turned. Don't worry. They'll pay. How did you like seeing me tonight? I'll come more often, if you'd like but you have to keep quiet. I only want to keep you safe. I won't harm you or anyone you care about. Yours truly, Chat Blanc.'

The letter dropped out of my hands as his words registered in my mind. He had seen me that day I told my friends about his notes and the eyes watching me. He had seen how Chloe and Lila had acted when they heard what I said. He knew. I had to stop him from hurting them.

Snatching my jacket off the back of my chair, I raced out of my room and down the stairs. My parents called after me but I ignored them and ran out into the pouring rain, knowing I had to find him.

Shrugging on my coat as I ran, I realized I had no idea how to find or contact him. He always watched me but he might not be now, if he was going after Chloe and Lila.

He'll go after Chloe first, I thought with certainty. She lives closer. I slowed down just long enough to pull my phone out of my pocket and dial Chloe's number. I was relieved I had thought to grab it. I started running again as I brought the phone up to my ear.

"Dupain-Cheng? Ugh. What do you want, loser?"

"Chloe!" I gasped. "Where are you?"

"Not that it's any of your business but I'm in my penthouse. Why?"

"Can you find a safe place to hide?" I panted as I continued to run.

"What is your problem, Dupain-Cheng?" I had to stop because my lungs felt like they were about to burst. I took precious time trying to catch my breath.

"Listen, Chloe. Remember how I told you I thought someone was watching me?"

"This ridiculous nonsense again? Ugh. I'm not listening to-"

"Chloe, please!" I cried. Maybe it was something in my voice but she actually stopped talking and listened to me. "Someone came to my house tonight. He said he was going to get revenge on the people who hurt me. That's you and Lila. Please! I don't want him to hurt anyone!"