Ecstasy

04: Cops

04 - cops

My breath hitched as my eyes slowly trailed up from the man's chest to his face, meeting his gaze.

Grey eyes.

They were stormy and cold, like an overcast sky before a downpour, and something about them sent a shiver down my spine. I felt like a rabbit caught in the gaze of a wolf, frozen in place as I tried to process what I was seeing.

He was tall—really tall—towering over me like a shadow. His broad shoulders and muscular frame made me feel small, and not in a comforting way. His short, fluffy blonde hair seemed so out of place, almost innocent compared to the intensity of his eyes. He was gorgeous, sure, like someone who could model for some high-end cologne. But those eyes... I couldn't shake the feeling they were watching me too closely, like he was devouring me with a look.

I swallowed hard, trying to pull myself together. I didn't want to be rude, even though everything inside me screamed to get away from him. "Sorry," I mumbled, my voice barely louder than a whisper. "I wasn't paying attention."

He didn't say a word. Not a single word. He just stood there, staring, his gaze never leaving mine. My pulse quickened, my stomach twisted, and for a second, I thought I might throw up. Why wasn't he saying anything?

Why was he just... looking at me like that?

I forced a nervous smile, but his silence was unbearable. I needed to get away from him. Now.

Without another word, I turned slightly to my right, putting as much space between us as possible, and kept walking. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved past him, and I had to resist the urge to run. Once I was a few steps ahead, I glanced over my shoulder, expecting him to still be standing there, watching me.

But he was gone.

I stopped, my heart thudding in my chest as I looked around frantically. Where did he go? He had been right there—there's no way he could have disappeared that fast. I scanned the area, but there was no sign of him.

Am I losing my mind?

I shook my head, trying to brush it off. Maybe the stress was getting to me. I had enough going on with my mom, my missing phone, and everything else. I didn't need to add hallucinations to the list.

I kept walking until I reached the strip. The lights of the stores and bars blinked brightly, and for the first time in hours, I started to relax. I grabbed a cold drink from a nearby store and made my way to the beach, hoping the ocean breeze would help clear my head. I just needed a moment to breathe.

The cool air brushed against my skin as I walked along the shore, the sound of the waves calming the storm brewing inside of me. But no matter how peaceful the beach was, I couldn't stop the single tear that rolled down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, feeling the weight of everything hit me all at once.

My mom. My damn mom.

I tried so hard to be what she wanted, but it was never enough. I wasn't enough. My dad? He was never around. I learned early on not to expect much from him, even though his promises always sounded so good at the time. I guess that's why I ended up with so many issues when it came to people. I could thank him for my trust issues. And my mom? Well, she made sure I knew just how much of a disappointment I was.

Thank God for Jessica. If it weren't for her, I don't know how I'd make it through some days.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of police sirens. Flashing lights appeared on the strip, and officers started moving people off the beach. The loudspeaker blared out a warning: Curfew is now in effect. Please head home.