Taunting the Stalker

Chapter 7- Hailey

I force myself out of bed to get ready for work.
I throw on the first things I can find, putting my hair up into a ponytail.
I'm too fucking tired to try and look good.

I get to work, setting up the bar for tonight. Maybe he'll come to my shift tonight?
He's usually here when I'm working.

The thought keeps me going through the night, making drinks and dealing with customers.
I can't help but look up every time the door opens, wondering if it's him.
It's not.

My disappointment and tiredness only grows through the night, and I feel like falling asleep right on the floor by last call.
I grudgingly grab my things, closing up for the night as I walk back to my car. Alone.

I thank god I didn't somehow crash my car on the way home, I'm not even sure I was conscious the whole time.
I drag myself inside, peering out the window one last time before falling back in bed.
My eyes fall closed on their own and I'm out within minutes.

I toss and turn all night, feeling cold and anxious. I keep waking up every few hours, looking around before forcing myself back to sleep.
I hate this feeling.
I don't even know why I'm feeling this way.
Fuck.

I wake up to the bright sun the next morning, groaning and rolling out of bed.
I feel terrible. Sick.
I go to the bathroom to look in the mirror.
I fucking look awful too.

I don't even bother to look out the window as I get undressed from my work clothes that I slept in.
I turn the shower on, letting the water get steaming hot before stepping in.
Taking in a deep breath, I let the hot water hit my skin.
I lean my head back, soaking my tangled curls.

After rinsing out my hair, I lather myself with coconut body wash, the scent calming me down.
I let the water run down over me, just sitting with myself before washing my hair.

When I step out, it takes me a while to detangle it before putting some product in.
I step back into my room, throwing on some black jeans and a t shirt.

I eventually make my way downstairs, finding something quick to eat for lunch.
I just don't have the energy to make anything.
I feel so fucking lonely.

I'm always alone, I know that.
I'm not crazy.
Nothing has really changed, but for whatever reason it didn't feel so lonely when I knew he was watching me. Someone was there.

I let my curls stay down today as I gather my things for work, knowing I'd have to leave soon.
I need to move on with my life.
Get over this stupid bullshit.

Once it hits 3pm, I make my way to my car, getting in.
I park in my usual spot, heading inside before setting up like always.
About an hour into my shift, I hear the door open harshly, my eyes looking up at the noise.

It's him.
My eyes widen for a moment.

I notice he's breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling quickly as I feel the warmth of his eyes studying every inch of me.
I can't even help the smile that comes to my face.
He's here.

I have to turn around for a moment to compose myself before getting back to work.
I keep secretly taking glances up at him as he sits in a corner booth, watching me quietly.
I feel fucking alive again, light on my feet.

I notice he seems different today.
Not as composed.
He came in here so chaotically, it almost made me laugh.

But he also looks tired, like he's been up for days.
He has a slight stubble on his face and I can't say I hate it.
It suits him.

I can't help but be curious what happened, why he disappeared.
If he's okay.
But I'm also annoyed.

I don't have a right to be really, but I was pissed that he left with no warning.
I felt fucking horrible, worried, confused, jealous.
I haven't felt those things in a long time.

So I tried not to give him any attention.
I let him just sit there and watch.
I wanted tot see if he'd do anything. If he'd come over.
Eventually, it worked.

He sits down at the bar, looking over at me with a soft grin.
"A Jack and coke please" he says smoothly
Fuck, his voice gives me goosebumps.

I give him a nod and a smile, for some reason my voice failing me at the moment.
"Thanks doll" he says softly, and I barely catch it.
Fuck.
That's sounds way too good. Good enough to make my knees fucking weak.

But I have to remind myself I'm mad at him.
So I just continue on, making his drink without a word.
He just keeps looking at me with that stupid smile on his face.
Looking so fucking pleased with himself.
Cocky motherfucker.

I hand him his drink, trying to ignore his presence through the rest of the shift.
It's hard though.
He's hard to ignore even as a stranger.
Fucking massive idiot.

As the night gets later, most people clear out of the bar, and I start cleaning up.
He's still here though.
And I hate that that gives me butterflies.

As I grab my things I notice he's waiting by the exit. I meet his eyes finally.

"Walk you to your car?" He asks simply
I nod softly.
The walk is silent but comfortable.
He's so fucking close to me I can smell him. The same scent that was left on my bed a few days ago.

He opens my car door for me.
A stalker who's a fucking gentlemen. Cute.

I say a quick thank you, and he smiles at the sound of my voice.
He just nods and waits for me to pull away.
It isn't till I'm out of the parking lot that he turns around, going back to his car.

I rush home, eager to see what happens tonight.
Soon after I'm inside, I grab some ice cream from the freezer. Curling up on the couch while I put on a show.

About 10 minutes later, I can feel it.
His eyes on me.
I smile to myself, indulging in the familiar warmth.
Soon after, I think of a plan.
I wanted to push him.
Make him regret leaving me.

I make my way upstairs to my bedroom, and before doing anything I walk over to my window, and close the curtains.
I smirk to myself.
If you're going to leave me, you don't deserve to watch me.
... plus I want to see what he'll do.