Deadly Stalker

Walid Jawara

Chapter 3

Last night before going to bed, I received an email from Professor Collin from Opal University. So today, I would be checking the results of my last assignment, as well as picking up my new assignment and a couple of study notes. I could feel the anxiety building up in my chest as I rushed to collect my files. Thankfully, I wouldn't have to spend my entire day in lectures. I really wasn't in the mood for that but I was glad that I got called to college today. It meant that I didn't have to go to work and besides, Jaden told me that I shouldn't go back to work until I learned to control my temper. I thew on a light olive-green jacket, jeans, trainers and wrapped a maroon scarf around my head before grabbing my bags and leaving for campus.

The drive was not too long and there was not a lot of traffic on the roads. It was just before lunchtime so my timing was relatively good after all. I found an empty parking space in the students' lot and grabbed my backpack before locking my car and literally running toward Professor Collin's office. Luckily for me, I managed not to trip and die on the way there. Professor Collin's office was open so I walked in and greeted her before taking a seat while she sorted through the high stack of papers on her desk.

"Zaynah Arafat... Alright, I've found you," Prof. Collin handed me my assignment, her blonde hair bouncing as she moved, a genuinely pleased smile on her face. "You've gotten the highest mark in your class. Well done. Keep up the good work and let me know if you find any marking errors."

I scanned the papers of my assignment, happy with my results, yet anxious to receive the next task. Once I was satisfied that my paper was marking-error-free, I handed back my assingment to Prof. Collin, who in turn handed me my new work for the semester.

"Sorry for the interruption, Zaynah Arafat, please report to reception if you're present today. Zaynah Arafat, please report to reception. Thank you."

The intercom beeped, signalling the end of the announcement. I thanked my professor for her time and left her office as fast as I entered, my scarf streaming behind me as I ran. I entered the office and shoved my files and books into my backpack before taking a seat in the waiting area - there was nobody at the front desk. The brown suede couches seemed unused and I immediately felt uncomfortable in the posh, yet stuffy office environment. A water feature outside the office grabbed my attention as I watched a few birds cleaning themselves in the gentle running water. Bird-watching was one of my favourite pass-times which I, unfortunately, barely had any time to do lately, what with studying and work, etcetera.

"Salaam, are you Ms. Arafat?" Some guy with sparkling eyes and bright smile asked as he took a seat on the couch to my left.

"Salaam. That's me... And you are?"

"Walid, Walid Jawara."

"Nice to meet you. You can call me Zaynah," I replied, letting out an incredulous laugh.

Why was he being so formal?

Walid chuckled, "I heard the announcement on for you on the intercom on my way here. Don't worry, I'm not a stalker or anything."

My blood ran cold. Was this weirdo trying to hint to me that he was, in actual fact, my... Stalker? I sighed internally as I took in Walid's appearance; his hair was thick and black and rather curly, a neat beard hiding half his face. His eyes were a deep black and he seemed to be making a real effort to be friendly. He seemed like the normally reserved type but hey, who was I to judge a fellow human being? This guy didn't come across as the psychotic maniac who would be obsessed with a normal - even boring - girl like me. Poor Walid, at least he was being friendly. Most guys would ignore me. I laughed mirthlessly. I felt my heart tugging inside my chest. Why was I feeling so strange?