**The Amateur of Love**

5

On the way to work, I had to text my estranged father, who had ignored me for two years.

— Dad, please, we need to meet. I'm in danger. Please, as soon as possible, today.

He just replied with an "OK." I got out of the car and entered the company. The two policemen were following me. I went into the office and saw that my father had sent me another message.

— I'm coming to you. Which entrance should I use?
— The back door — I replied.

An hour and a half later, he was in the office with me.

— What's going on? — he asked.
— For two years, someone has been following me, and in recent days, they've been trying to attack me. I've even moved out of my apartment and into Eljo's place.
— And you think you're safe there? — he said.
— That's the thing, I don't like being there. It's all very scary.
— What do you mean?
— Eljo and his friend Ares sometimes look at me like they want to kill me. Sometimes they ask really strange questions, like they're the ones following me.
— Maybe they are.
— I'm thinking the same, which is why I want to come stay with you.
— You know what you need to do if you want to come.
— Dad...
— That's all I had to say — he said and left.

Damn it, I can't go back to that house; it's too scary. But I had no choice, so I went back, and a week passed in that house. Every night, the fear grew, and their behavior became more mysterious. It was 3 a.m., and I heard voices. I got up slowly and approached the door.

— When are we going to continue with the plan? It's been a week.
— Idiot, it's been two years and we're doing nothing. He says a week.
— Eljo, I think we should show our true colors and do what needs to be done.
— Wait a little longer. I don't have a fixed plan yet for what I want to do.
— But we have to. She's not just an architect for nothing.
— Fool, she didn't graduate to sketch torture chambers.
— So how long do we wait?
— Next week we'll start everything, Ares.

I was shocked. I had just discovered everything and realized I had been with some maniacs all this time. Fuck it, I had to get out of there. I texted my dad as quickly as possible.

— I accept your offer. Pick me up tomorrow.

It was 7 a.m., and my dad had replied, saying he'd be at the company at 9. I walked out of the room and saw Eljo.

— Good morning, beautiful.
— How did you sleep?
— Perfectly. Now that I think about it, how about we go shopping today?
— Really, Leya?
— I don't like my clothes at all. I want to get rid of them all and give them to a friend. I need new ones.
— Oh, you've got it easy. I've got work to do.
— You're off today.
— Why?
— Do you really want to go to the company?
— Well...
— How foolish of me. I'm going shopping. Are you coming?
— No, no, since I'm off, I'll go take care of some personal errands.
— A new girl?
— Ugh.
— Monkey. Anyway, I'm going to throw out some clothes I don't like and replace them today.
— Alright — he said, and left. I did the same. I quickly took my clothes and went to my dad's house.

I couldn't wait until 9.