Butterfly's Year

23. Her highness

– I'll come for you – he said as I was getting out by the university hospital building. – And please, don't go anywhere alone today. No walking back alone in the dark, okay? Please.

He looked at me in such a way that I didn't even think of opposing him or making a fuss. I didn't even want to. I wanted peace and for him to be at peace too.

– Okay – I agreed without protest.

– It's really important to me, understand? – He looked at me as if making sure I wouldn't pull some rebellious stunt in protest, but today was not the day for such antics.

Somewhere in the city was a man who harbored a great grudge against me. Since he had found out where I lived, he could also follow me here. I preferred not to risk running into him alone, especially in the dark. I guess I wasn't as tough as I used to be to endure that with dignity...

I had just freed myself forever from a childhood stalker, and now there was another guy following me, who couldn't accept that he hadn't slept with me.

– I understand – I replied and nodded to give weight to my words.

I didn't admit it to him, but seeing the damaged Porsche shook me.

Until now, no man had persistently demanded some sort of retribution from me, and looking back at what I did to them, they might have had significant grievances. But they never even complained to anyone—or at least I never heard about it—let alone followed me. They were just glad they still had their manhood intact and kept quiet. And this one hadn't even been alone with me, so why couldn't he just let it go and move on?

I was always aware that playing with male desire was playing with fire, but such an exaggerated reaction from one short dance was unexpected. Maybe it was because I hit him? Or maybe he really made it a point of honor to get me? If so, what other methods might he try? And how persistent could he be in his resolve?

At least Alex finally left me alone. And my father would finally rest forever in a dark grave. Two fewer crazies in my life.

Bolstered by this thought, I threw myself into typical medical student activities and didn't think about men for the rest of my time at the university. For safety's sake, recalling not so long ago times, I also carried a knife with me. So, in essence, I was more prepared for a potential encounter with a man with a bruised ego than yesterday.

As promised, I didn't go home alone, but waited for Victor.

– He destroyed your car – he announced as soon as I got in and he gave me a quick kiss in greeting. I inferred he was talking about the blonde guy. – You can see it on the surveillance footage, and I reported it to the police, so we don't have to worry about him anymore.

– That's good – I said shortly.

I didn't say it, but I felt relieved. Knowing I could return home peacefully and no madman would jump out at me from a dark alley was very reassuring.

– This isn't the way to your apartment – I noted out loud when I shook off the first wave of relief.

The buildings didn't resemble the tall, characteristic ones near the new apartment. Victor didn't answer immediately, just turned into a dark, somewhat crowded parking lot.

– Ours – he corrected me, turning off the engine and, not waiting for any reaction from me, smoothly continued his speech. – Last night, for the first time, I heard you say you love me, and it was the most wonderful night in my life. The day was supposed to be wonderful too, but the blond guy ruined it, and I want to celebrate it spectacularly, so I'm taking you to the amusement park – he announced, then got out, ran around the front to the passenger side, and helped me out, letting me lean on his arm.