The Heartthrob's Dark Obsession

Chapter 37

Chapter 37:

December 5, 2013

Theo paced around his New York condo. Had this been the right choice? His career had taken off, so money wasn't an object. But he shouldn't be wasting it this way. He should be looking for the one.

His phone buzzed. He should go if he wanted to catch a glimpse of the girl. He hadn't seen her in almost four years.

He put on his hat and sunglasses and made his way to the train. The easiest way to blend in when famous was to act like all this was normal. No one ever seemed to notice.

He got off near NYU and walked towards her building. She should be leaving class any moment.

Such a weird way to spend a birthday. But it was what he wanted. He needed to see the girl to put his mind at ease.

He paced outside the building. The doors swung open. He tilted his hat down. He saw a flash of bright red hair. That had to be her.

"Nori, wait up!" called a voice.

She turned to the voice. Theo's breath caught in his throat. She was perfect. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. His prediction had been right. She'd turned into a gorgeous young lady.

"Oh, shit, Andrea, I didn't see you," giggled Nori. Her voice was angelic. It was more mature than when she was younger. But it fit her perfectly. Though he didn't like her cursing. A proper lady should never curse. Then again, what did he care. It's not like she was the one.

Her eyes flashed over to him. He quickly realized he was staring. He waved in the distance and ran across the street, in an attempt to hide his intentions. He rounded a corner before looking back at the girl.

He had been sending anonymous gifts to her for years. He even funded her scholarship. He felt bad that he'd caused this girl to be alone. When his father died he at least had the benefit of having a mother. But he'd taken everything from this girl.

She was all alone in the world and had no one to protect her.

"So, I talked to my mom," said Nori's friend whom he thought was called Andrea.

"And?"

"You can come for Christmas break and summer holidays. She felt so bad about not inviting you for Thanksgiving. Had she known...Had I known, I never would have let you stay in the dorms for the holidays all by yourself."

"It's okay," said Nori softly. The two girls walked past his hiding spot and he quietly slipped behind them. "You didn't know that I was...You didn't know. I don't know why I hid it."

"Dude, I get it. You weren't going to tell a stranger, hey my parents are dead and my foster family doesn't want me back now that I am in college. That's kind of an awkward conversation to have with your roommate, especially when you don't know her that well."

"Yeah..."

"How are you paying for school, anyway. I assume there are scholarships, cause of your situation."

"I got a bunch from the school and a private one to pay off remaining expenses. You know, books, pocket money, room and board."

"Lucky..."

Nori's eyes widened and looked at the girl, heartbroken. She looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"I didn't mean it that way. I just meant lucky you don't have student loans."

"Yeah. I guess."

"I'm sorry! What if I go take you to a party over in Hoboken on Friday to make up for it. I have a friend over at Steven's..."

"Andrea, I really don't feel like going anywhere. Besides. I think it's supposed to snow this weekend. I don't really do snow." Nori started to pull away from her friend.

"Nori, wait!"

Nori ran off, crying. The poor girl was still traumatized by what happened. He had to keep taking care of her. It was all his fault.

Her friend, Andrea, ran after her. "Nori stop!" Andrea grabbed Nori by the arm and pulled her to a stop.

Theo ducked into a doorway and watched. He couldn't risk being seen. He was just here to check on the girl. Nothing else. He couldn't let himself get distracted by her full lips and beautiful eyes and gorgeous red hair. He mentally scolded himself. When this was over he'd focus on finding the one.

"Nori, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you," said her friend.

"Andrea. You didn't upset me."

"Clearly, I did, because you ran away. I'm sorry. Come on, let's get some lunch or something."

"Okay. Can we get pizza?" asked Nori.

"Do birds fly? Of course we can."

The two girls walked down the road and Theo continued to follow them at a distance.

"You go get us a seat, Nori. I'll be right in. I've just got to make a quick call."

"Okay." Nori walked inside. Andrea rapidly barged up to Theo.

"Hey, are you following me and my friend?" asked Andrea.

Theo stood up tall over the girl.  He decided it was best to use an American accent to hide his identity further. "In all honesty, yes," said Theo.

He carefully followed the girl's movements under his dark sunglasses. Her phone was in her bag. She wasn't reaching for it to call the police.

"Why are you following us?" asked Nori's friend.

"I'm one of the people covering your friend's scholarship. I just wanted to meet the person who's education I'm funding, but the school wouldn't let me."

"Then maybe you should stay away."

"I'd love to. But then how can I know that my money is going to good use?" asked Theo. He knew it was going to great use. But he couldn't let her friend know that.

"I can assure you, it is. She's a great person. She studies hard."

"Can you continue to assure me? I'd pay you for your continued assurance."

"I'm not interested."

"You said you have student loans. And you're going to school for film. I have connections in the industry. If you can send me regular updates on Nori for the rest of her time in school I'll leave her alone. You'll never see me follow her or you. And in return I'll guarantee you a job after graduation."

Andrea stood silently for a moment. She reached for her phone. "Give me a number to contact you at. I'll think about it."

Theo typed his US number into the phone and handed it back to Andrea. "I look forward to hearing from you." He turned to leave.

"What's your name?"

"Just call me T." Andrea turned to the restaurant. He was certain he'd hear from her. And with that taken care of he could resume his search for the one.