The Killer's Symphony of Love

Chapter 4- A mouse in the house

I stood there, silent and incredulous.

"How can you be real?" I finally managed to say. "This isn't even possible."

"Well, here I am, ready to fulfill your dream, darling."

"My dream?"

"Yes, your dream is to die by my hand," he said with a sadistic voice.

"To die by your hand, you say, huh? Yeah, keep dreaming," I retorted.

We stood there, face to face, the tension thick in the air. Suddenly, my mom opened the door. Thinking on my feet, I pushed him onto the bed next to me, covering him with my blanket and pillow just before my mom could see my visitor.

"Oh, darling, why are you awake?" my mom asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, Mom. Go to sleep," I replied, attempting to force a smile. But she immediately sensed that something was amiss.

"Eris, look," she came closer, sitting on my bed. I was sweating, hoping she wouldn't discover the hidden intruder.

"Hmm?"

"I can't stand the idea that my daughter was subjected to such a sadistic act by some no-name university boys. It hurts me as much as it hurts you, actually, it hurts me way more. And if you ever want to talk about it, I just want you to know that I'll be here for you, okay? And don't worry, the police will do their job and keep them in prison!"

"Yes, Mom, thanks."

She kissed my forehead and left, closing the door. Once she was gone, Jeff tossed the blanket and pillow onto the floor, giving me a curious look.

"Oh, so you do have feelings for me! Interesting."

"Haha, what?" I chuckled, trying not to reveal too much.

"Come on, honey, why would you hide me from your mom, then?"

I was speechless, not sure how to respond. He studied my face, then burst into laughter.

"Emilia, or whatever your name is, you're an interesting girl."

"Emilia? My name is Eris, you piece of shit!"

"Piece of shit?" He pointed the knife at my neck.

"If I said Emilia, then your name is gonna be Emilia from now on!"

"Hah, maybe in your dream." I pushed the knife aside with my middle finger.

He was shocked, staring at my finger, but then he started to smile, putting the knife aside.

"Fine, Eris, whatever. You've got something special. I won't kill you... yet," he said with a straight face.

"Yet?" I asked.

He didn't reply, instead taking his knife, putting on his hood, and opening my window before disappearing into the night. I shook my head and went back to bed.

The next day, I woke up prepared for a full day of lectures. While walking to the university, I spotted James across the street, smiling at his phone. How could he not be in jail?

"James!" I screamed.

He looked up, surprised. "Eris, oh..."

"How come you're not in jail?"

"Why would I be in jail?"

"You know why!"

He stood there, thinking, then realization dawned on him. "Oh, you think I raped you?!" he laughed but also seemed surprised. "It wasn't me."

"Bitch, I don't buy that shit."

"Bitch? Eris, watch your mouth! You're being disrespectful!"

I didn't say anything, just stared at him. How was I the disrespectful one? He was the guilty party.

"Anyway, I have to go. See you." He got into his car and left.

I tried calling Stephany, but she didn't answer. What a way to start the day. I wasn't dwelling on it until I noticed Stephany hadn't shown up for classes. Maybe she was sick?

After classes, I went to her house to check on her. Her sister answered the door.

"Oh hey, Kathy. Is Steph home?"

"Hey. How are you? No, she said she'll be busy today."

"I'm good, thanks. Busy? With what?"

"I don't know; she didn't tell."

"Did she tell you where she's going?"

"I guess she said she'll be at Nora's house? I don't know why exactly."

"Oh... okay, thanks." I headed back home, puzzled. Nora? Why would she be there? She doesn't even like Nora that much. Did she skip classes to spend time with Nora? That made no sense.

Worried, I decided to go straight to Nora's house. It turned out to be a party, and when I couldn't find Steph, I was about to leave when I saw her coming from the bathroom.

"Steph," I called out, but she didn't hear me, so I followed her. What I discovered left me in shock. I couldn't believe my eyes...