Signed, Yours Truly

Chapter Nine - More than a Stalker

[Claire's POV]

I ...I didn't want to think about it. How- just..-

Why?

Why would he kill Jared?? Or- or, or did he just want to hurt me? No, no...he wouldn't. Would..he?

"Claire?" Emily's voice brought me from my trance-like state, I found myself staring into space in the middle of the room. She was in front of me, snapping her fingers to get my attention.

"Why was he here?" I asked, referring to..to that monster.

"He needed a safe house. What was I supposed to do? He explained everything, you know."

 "About how he killed Jared?" "Well, yes."

"I knew it. He's jealous." "He didn't mean to."

"They always say that."

"You're in shock."

"You have no say in this!"

"You're in shock and looking for a place for it."


"Shut up!" I snapped, turning on her. But I realized my mistake when I saw her face.

"He was doing what he knew was right." She enunciated slowly, her eyes refusing to meet my own.

I sighed, my emotions almost out of control. "I need a moment." Without looking back I stormed into my room and shut the door, locking it. I leaned against the door, sliding down and crumpling to the floor. Tears crawling down my face.

"What do I do?"

[Eric's POV]

I stood riveted to the floor, Milo standing a few paces in front of me, glaring.

"What happened?" I repeated, scared. "Is she okay?"

"Didn't look like it." My twin replied, his arms crossed over his chest. "She's really taking it hard, whatever happened. Speaking of which, I need to know what happened. She might take it better from me than you, for now." I averted my gaze to her door. "Do-..do you mind if I stay at your place till this blows over?"

"Dude," He grinned. "You don't even need to ask."

I smiled at his kindness as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "Hey, what would you do without me?"

I shrugged, not wanting to go there.

We climbed the stairs to his apartment, it was still pretty early so we didn't bump into anyone, thankfully.

I wasn't sure how I expected Milo's apartment, but it was surprisingly spotless. Except the damp towel on the floor. Another parallel about us ...

"So," He dropped onto the couch. "Inform me."

I told him everything I told Emily, his expression not changing much except for when I said Jared attacked me first. "Wait- seriously?"

"Why would I say he text me then I plot to kill him??"

"Alright, makes sense. Keeping going."

I continued with the narrative, explaining my dilemma when Jared went for my throat.

"It was self-defense, what was I supposed to do??"

"I get you, man. And any court with an honest judge will agree with you. But we've got to explain this to Claire." "She won't believe me..." I dropped onto a chair across from him, frustrated.

"She needs a few days, trust me. I did something similar."

"Murdered?"

"You didn't murder, Eric. You defended yourself, and possibly Claire and Emily. If Jared had gotten away, I have a bad feeling he would have gone after them. But I my ex didn't exactly like me breaking up with her."