Waffles and Betrayals - ENG

Chapter 11

Warning! This chapter contains foul language and various types of insults. References to stalking, obsession, nausea, anxiety, and car sickness.

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"I'm Simon," said the voice on the phone. Lenora cursed under her breath, thinking that man was really an idiot.

"I can see it on the screen, but I have no idea who you are." Right after, she heard a short laugh that made her roll her eyes.

"Yet we talked so much last night. Apparently, I'm not as unforgettable as I thought," he said, sounding disappointed.

Lenora got out of bed and started walking barefoot around the room, back and forth. She had heard that voice before. Could it be...?

"Skeleton? Is that you?" She said it with apprehension, hoping not to make a blunder.

"Excuse me, what?" It seemed like the man was choking on his saliva.

"The American guy called you that."

"My name is Ghost, you idiot."

Yes, it's really him, Lenora thought. She looked at Lexie and gestured with her hand to indicate that everything was fine. "It's the one from last night," she whispered.

"I don't see the difference." She laughed, hearing another frustrated sigh from the other side. "How did you get my number?"

It was Simon's turn to laugh. "You shouldn't leave your phone unattended."

Lenora's eyes widened in disbelief. How did he discover her passcode? Lexie, seeing her worried, got alarmed as well. "What's happening?"

"Nothing, nothing. Go to Travis," Lenora said, trying to push her out of the room. She couldn't possibly tell her that the man was completely crazy. Otherwise, she would tie her to a chair to keep her from getting involved again.

Her attempts to push Lexie out were in vain, especially since Lexie was much taller than she was.

"Anyway, I'm outside your house. If you come down, I can explain everything in person," he added, hearing them bickering.

"What the hell do you mean you're outside? Is this a joke?"

"No, really. Come see."

She couldn't believe it. "He's out there," she whispered to Lexie, nodding toward the outside. Her best friend looked at her apprehensively but said nothing. Curiosity got the better of them.

Lenora ran barefoot down the hallway, nearly slipping on the uneven parquet. Of course, Lexie followed her. The two girls reached the kitchen and positioned themselves in front of the window.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, it was all true. In front of the door, they saw Travis's black sedan, parked with him, unaware of everything, inside. Across the street, in front of the Schneider villa, was Simon's blue Ford. He was outside the car, leaning against the body with his gaze directed at the window. When he saw them spying on him, he raised his hand and waved.

That day, he wore a black cap and a matching neck warmer, with a half skull drawn on it in white. He had on the same windbreaker as the night before and below, some dark blue camouflage pants. On his feet were standard-issue black matte combat boots. It was an outfit that certainly didn't go unnoticed in a neighborhood where, on Sunday mornings, old folks shuffled along the street, headed to the florist or church.

"I'm coming," Lenora said on the phone, then hung up. She looked at Lexie, who was beside her with an expression full of mixed emotions. "Is that really him?" she asked quietly.

Lenora nodded, nervously biting her lower lip. "In the flesh."

"Well, you don't see stuff like that often," Lexie commented, referring to the man's build and half-covered face. Simon was truly imposing, with shoulders as broad as a wardrobe.