It wasn't me

Chapter 13

Rose

I lock the door to my apartment behind me and letting a sigh out as soon as I see myself in my home. Today was one hell of a day. Not only was I late to work because I was greedy and wanted 10 more minutes of sleep but then a lady’s dog almost peed on me while I was down at the subway and then an elderly woman really wanted to tell me a joke from her “how to have a better day in 10 jokes”. If it was supposed to make me laugh, she failed. At least, when I got to the hospital and changed into my scrubs, Felix already had breakfast. He muttered something about a chef change and didn’t fight over anything but he was quiet today, even during the session, he didn’t want to talk. I didn’t feel like pushing him so I just let him be for today. He needed a break too, was doing amazing progress and didn’t want to spoil all the trust and work we’ve put into his recovery.

I changed into some more comfortable clothes and went to the kitchen to see what I could make for dinner. I decided on some chicken soup but when I turned towards the kitchen island and saw the things on it, I dropped everything in my hands on the floor. Sure enough, on my kitchen counter there was something that never belonged to me before nor did I buy it. In a pretty clear vase, a bouquet of baby breath rested with fresh water. Next to the vase ot rested an envelope. I didn’t see that damn envelope in so long I thought that whoever was writing them just got bored or quit. Apparently it was just the calm before the storm. The suffocating air before a summer rain.

With trembling hands I picked up the envelope and no matter how hard I hoped it wasn’t from my stalker and maybe it was from Jay, Tim or even my grandmother, my hopes came crushing down. Just like the hope inside Pandora’s box got swallowed by all the ugly things before it. In classic fashion, inside awaited a letter along with a butterfly.

“Don’t worry butterfly. I took care of all the bad things that could’ve happened to you. You’re safe now. You’ll always be safe with me.”

It was odd. My stalker didn’t usually write things like that. If it was in one of my books, the female lead would find this sweet but I couldn’t say the same thing. What did he mean that he took care of all the bad things that could’ve happened to me? Was I in danger and I didn’t know? Nothing bad happened to me, well not since a lunatic was shooting after me and that mystery man that keeps showing up.

I hear a thump coming from the door and I feel like I’m ripped out from the trance I was in. I place the envelope back on the counter, the food still on the floor. I peek my head from behind the wall that was separating the hallway from the open space kitchen and living room and I stare at the closed door, my heart beating rapidly while the hairs on my neck rise.

The sound could have been anything. Maybe the neighbour dropped something or it was just a wrong knock but my gut was telling me otherwise. Someone is in my apartment. I take small steps towards the door, taking my phone with me in the process. I check the door. Locked. Windows…I’m on the 5th floor, no one can climb. I feel like someone is behind me. I turn abruptly and no one is there. Just my thoughts. I do a quick check of the house but something doesn’t let me go past the dresser and into my bedroom.

I go back into the living room and think about what I should do. The police will probably think I’m taking it from my patients. Tim is still in Italy. Jay. Should I call him again? What if I get him in trouble again? Last time we were together he found me alone in the middle of nowhere.  I had to. I can’t be here alone.

I dialed in his number and I waited for him to pick up.

“Yes Posie, what’s up?”

“Come over. Now.” I was sharp but I didn’t want the person in my house to know or hear anything else.

“Jeez ok.” He agreed and hang up.

I went back into the kitchen to clean my mess until Jay was going to show up. There go my dinner plans. My appetite was now long gone and I don’t have any hopes in eating for the remainder of the evening.

Not now when I know that someone is inside my house. They got into my head. Just like they wanted.

The knock on the door startles me but I go and pick it up. Jay is here.

“Baby…I missed you!” I try to play as a girlfriend in hopes that whoever is inside might be thrown off track.

“Baby?-“ Jay is quick to say but I shut him up with my hand.

I pick up my phone and text the whole situation of how I think my stalker is inside my house. A pang of realisation hits him and he starts acting.

“I have this great dinner place, let’s go sweetie.” He says and I thank him for acting with a smile.

I pick up my keys and wallet and walk out with Jay to his car.

“Rosie, you can’t keep this up.” He says once we are in his car. “You realise how dangerous this is, right? Someone is literally inside your house. What would have happened if you were sleeping or I don’t know, I wasn’t here?” He states, now getting a bit frustrated and scared.

“I know J but what can I do? I don’t have anywhere to go.”

“Come live with me.” He blurts out suddenly. “Tim will be gone for god knows how long and his room is empty. He wouldn’t mind.”

“You’re right, I’ll think about it and we’ll talk to Tim.” I say a bit defeated. I really thought that everything will be over but instead this feels like only the beggining. They didn’t harm my physically but they got into my head and I believe that it’s worse like this

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Hello dear readers! Thank you so much for loving this book and leaving me kind comments, I really appreciate it. Without you I couldn’t have done it. While waiting for new updates for ‘It wasn’t me’, I have a finished book called ‘Golden’. It’s a romance book and it is quite different from this book, if you want check it out and don’t forget to vote or don’t be shy to comment! I love you!🤍