Abounding In Love

Chapter Four

There's a part of me that hoped I'd have no further thoughts of Anna Maria. There was also a part that knew I'd probably never go another day without thinking of her. So when I woke up this morning after having dreams of Anna Maria, I realized that my fascination with her runs deeper than I had believed.

I have yet to know but a few mere facts about Anna; what she wants to be, that she likes to read. Even with just that, I could give a list of reasons why her presence is so desired by me.

Anna Maria isn't very active on social media, unlike the rest of the world that seems to only be able to breathe with it. She only has two accounts; Facebook and Instagram. Her last post on Facebook was over a year ago. Unless you're a young parent or older, Facebook wouldn't be your first form of communication. She posts on Instagram about once every few weeks. With a total of only sixty three followers, it appears she doesn't have many friends, more than likely just people she goes to school with or knows of. Although, her account that isn't made private suggests that she's open to them.

Other than her profile picture, she doesn't share photos of herself. Her entire page is filled with books, meals she found to look extra appealing, and random scenery. Given how beautiful she is, I expected to see the exact opposite.

My dreams of Anna last night, I know, are due to spending the duration of my day yesterday wondering when I will see her next, researching her.

I stand in my bathroom, hands braced against the sink as I stare at myself in the mirror.

Today is the day you get to be your best self, Xander...

A killer.

No more mistakes. A fresh start.

Prison worked. It made me realize that I never want to go back, that I want to be a better version of myself. I really took the time to assess and understand what I had done wrong.

Which is why I will now perfect the art of getting away with murder. I have the opportunity to do differently. Whereas I was an eager teenager before...I'm now a still man. Slow and steady wins the race.

I'm not a bad guy. I'm just a guy with controversial passions.

Truth of the matter is...I've been itching to get my hands on someone. Most people have a guilty pleasure, something they splurge on, not all the time, but often enough to get their little fix. Killing is how I get mine.

It's not about the money I'll get by doing this today. I never expected to be a couple hours away from killing someone on my fourth day out. Don't get me wrong, I would've been burying a body at some point soon rather Malcom asked this of me or not.

Somehow I always find myself in odd situations and places, not sure how a certain series of events led me to them. It's a blessing and a curse. In this case, with Malcom, it's a blessing. Getting connected to him and receiving such opportunities is all the more reason for me to believe that this is my second shot at mastering being my true self. Everything that's necessary for my success has fallen so easily into my lap in a matter of days. This is meant to be.

I only heard the voices downstairs for a few seconds before the sound of footsteps running up the stairs echos.

A grin forms on my lips from my seat in my desk chair.

My parents wouldn't be doing anything but walking to get to my room unless something was wrong. That only leaves it be one other person.

Anna Maria doesn't bother knocking as she enters my bedroom in determination.

You couldn't stay away, could you?

I was thinking about you too, Anna. An unfair amount.