Burning Desire

Chapter 12

*Unedited*

Isabelle was, of course, shocked to see a boy in front of the door. She hesitated, unsure whether to open it or not. After all, she didn't even know the boy.

The boy outside waited patiently, holding what looked like a bouquet of flowers. Isabelle took a deep breath and decided to open the door.

"Hello, how may I help you?" Isabelle asked the boy, who was taller than her.

"Hello, my friend asked me to give these flowers to you," the boy said. Isabelle glanced around, searching for his friend.

"Oh, who?" Isabelle asked, confused. Why would anyone give her flowers in the first place?

"He would like to tell you his name when he talks to you," the boy said, which made Isabelle feel weird about the situation.

Isabelle felt uncomfortable and glanced over at the café. She noticed Yvonne sitting alone outside, her gaze fixed on them. Isabelle hadn't expected to see the woman there, let alone watching them.

The boy stood there, still holding out the flowers, but Isabelle declined. She didn't want them, especially since she didn't know where they came from. With one last glance at the boy, she turned her attention back to Yvonne.

"Sorry, but I have to meet a friend. She's waiting for me," Isabelle said as she closed her door and walked past the boy. Crossing the street, Isabelle approached Yvonne.

"Hi there, who's that boy?" Yvonne asked Isabelle, noticing that Isabelle seemed unsettled or upset, which immediately sparked her concern.

"Are you okay, Isabelle?" Yvonne asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Yes, I'm just uncomfortable. Can you come to my apartment, please?" Isabelle replied, her tone indicating that she really needed some comforting at the moment. Yvonne nodded in understanding.

The boy had already left, disappearing into the streets, but Isabelle didn't pay much attention to his departure. All she wanted was to retreat to the safety of her apartment. Feeling uneasy, Isabelle and Yvonne entered the apartment, seeking refuge from whatever had unsettled Isabelle.

They settled onto the sofa, but Yvonne could still sense Isabelle's distress. Worried, she turned to her friend, ready to offer whatever comfort she could.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Yvonne asked with genuine concern as she noticed Isabelle's distress. Isabelle met her gaze and explained what had happened.

"Oh, you didn't know the guy? That's strange... Do you have any idea who might be sending you things like this?" Yvonne inquired, trying to make sense of the situation and offer her support to Isabelle.

"I do think I know... There's this guy I've seen around lately, at the café and sometimes when I'm out walking. He mentioned he might have a crush on me or that he likes me, from what I remember," Isabelle explained, recalling the encounters she'd had with the mysterious admirer.

"Well, I don't like him either. It's unsettling and makes me uncomfortable, you know? I have no idea what he wants," Isabelle said with a sigh, feeling overwhelmed by the situation and unsure of how to proceed.

"Do you feel unsafe here?" Yvonne asked, her voice filled with concern.

Isabelle nodded in response, confirming her feelings of unease and vulnerability in the current situation.

"You can sleep at my house for a while if you'd like," Yvonne offered, extending a gesture of comfort and support to Isabelle in her time of need.

"Oh, no, thank you, Yvonne. I'm fine, but maybe you could stay here for a bit?" Isabelle suggested, appreciating the offer but feeling more comfortable having Yvonne's company in her own space.