Realize (COMPLETED)

4.

Lisa

The afternoon dragged on, each minute stretching into hours, yet I couldn't shake the captivating sight of her. There she was again, perched on the ledge by the corner store, a familiar spot she'd occupied all day. It was the same place where I'd picked up my now lukewarm bottle of water and melted M&Ms. I've watched her with a mix of curiosity and concern as she oscillated between eating, pacing, and sitting down, only to repeat the cycle again.

What could she possibly be waiting for?

My question was answered when a car pulled up to the curb, drawing my attention. I leaned forward, eyes fixed on her as she approached the passenger side, leaning in to speak with the driver—a man whose features were obscured by the tinted windows of his car. In a heartbeat, she slipped inside and they took off. Where the fuck is she going now? Does she even know this dude? Despite my better judgment, I felt a compulsion to follow. I'm too invested now to simply walk away; I have to ensure she's safe.

As the car turned the corner, I started my engine, trailing behind. I kept my distance, staying close enough to see, but far enough to remain unnoticed. The vehicle made a sharp turn into a parking lot, and at the last moment, I followed suit, parking further down to keep out of sight. My gaze never left the car as it came to a stop. She emerged first, followed the guy whose appearance made me frown. Tattoos snaked up his arms, and a bandanna wrapped around his head gave him an air of danger. He didn't look like the kind of guy she would go for, but I don't think she cares too much about that. They walked towards the farthest shed in the park, one of those covered structures where families gather for birthday parties, seeking refuge from the sun's relentless heat. It took a moment to register where we were: the public park on the east side of town. It was deserted, likely due to the sweltering temperatures.

Is this guy her boyfriend? The last guy definitely wasn't. I wonder what he might think of her actions before he picked her up. Unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, torn between my instincts and the undeniable urge to uncover what the hell was going on.

I should go home. What the hell am I even doing?

I can't.

They've been in there long enough for my idiocy to kick in and as I look around seeing that the coast is clear I quietly make my way over to where I saw them disappear. It's as clear as day, her soft moaning filling the empty space. Anyone passing by could hear her, but luckily I'm the only idiot in sight. Again, I'm shocked by what I find. Beauty bent over a picnic table hanging onto the edge while the guy pumps into her from behind. Her eyes are shut tightly and she's taking everything he's giving her. Seconds felt like hours of my leering in their direction, appalled that she's doing this in public, again, but unable to turn away. He gruffly shouted out his release, waking me from my stupor in enough time to run back to my car. Soon, they're speeding back in the direction of the block where I first saw her with me right on their tail. I park across the street and watch as she gets out of his car and he disappears.

Does she do this all the time?

How many boyfriends does she fucking have?

The questions tumbled through my mind as I watched her outside the store, her figure a constant presence in my line of sight. For hours, she repeated the same routine: pacing back and forth, sitting down for a moment, then getting up to pace again. Each time she stopped, she pulled out a snack, mostly candy, and I couldn't help but feel a growing concern for her well-being. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement, she remained fixed in that spot, seemingly oblivious to the world around her.