Anim
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"Sorry, Miss Avery and Miss Lee. We really can't help you. It might be just a prank, you know... teenagers." The middle-aged police officer said as he looked at us seriously, his hands in his slacks' pockets and his lips are formed in a thin line.
"But if this continues and crosses the line. We'll take action, as soon as possible," The police officer then bowed his head and is ready to leave.
"W-wait! Can't you guys take action now? So we can stop him before he goes too far," I said nervously. The cops are no use at this point.
"The other day, I saw a hooded man following me, and I saw this jewelry box and letter on my bed! Inside my bedroom! Aren't you going to do something? This doesn't look like a prank anymore," I said truthfully and to convince them.
"Okay, Miss Avery. My team and I are going to patrol the area tomorrow. Thank you, Miss Lee, Miss Avery... have a good night,"
And by that, he again bowed his head and left.
"Thank goodness, the police are patrolling," Aisha said then sighed. "But you know? Let's discuss this tomorrow, I'm so tired," She added as she yawned.
I was dozing off. The happenings still won't sink in me. The stalking, the hooded man, and the fact that someone went inside my bedroom... I'm so scared, he might be watching me right now.
————
It is now 1 AM and I still can't sleep. Only the ticking clock and Aisha's loud snoring can be heard.
I roamed my eyes in the dark room, feeling off.
Why do I feel like someone is staring at me? I think I really need to sleep, I'm getting paranoid because of the happenings.
I stared at the pitch-black ceiling. I still can't sleep!
I took my phone from the bedside table then texted our group chat where Colten, Axel, Aisha, and I are there.
To: "not a group chat";
"Hangout tomorrow? But in my house this time!"
I waited for a minute and there was still no response. The boys must've been sleeping or busy watching something. Who knows?
I invited the boys because I am feeling unsafe, especially that Aisha and I are the only ones in my house.
I felt drowsy. I checked my phone for the last time as I doze off. I felt my phone fell off my hand and it hit the floor causing a loud thud. I didn't bother to pick it up, I don't want to use my energy anymore so I let the darkness swallow me.
————
"Waaah! What are you guys doing here?!"
I jolted from my sleep when I heard Aisha scream. "W-what? Aisha! What's wrong?" I jumped out of my bed, grabbed my phone from charging. Wait- when did I charge this? As far as I remember, my phone fell from my hand. Nevermind, now is not the time. I ran outside my bedroom and went downstairs.
"Aisha?" I asked in the living room. Hoping for an answer.
To my surprise, she was smiling from ear-to-ear and suddenly "Oh hey, Fleur! Good morning," Axel's here?
From the other side of the house, "Hi Fleur," even Colt is here!
I just gave them a wide-eyed stare. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"Don't you remember? You invited us!" I did? Oh yes, I did! How did I forget that?
"You didn't tell us what time we should be here, so I came here as fast as I can," Colt said like it was an achievement.
Axel looked at him in disbelief. "But I came here first!" He said braggingly then he eyed Colt.
"But I stepped inside first!"
"I don't care, I touched the doorknob first!"
"Cut it already!" I sighed. "I'll get food for everyone. Let's eat breakfast," I cut their rivalry before it becomes an anime fight scene.
I went inside the kitchen and looked for food. I may not be the best at cooking but surely it's edible.
When I stepped inside the kitchen, Aisha was already there sitting on one of the chairs.
"Hey, you forgot something~," She said.
"What did I forgot?" Not again! Why am I forgetting everything?
"You're going to help me... with Axel!" She whispered, almost inaudible.
I rolled my eyes on her. "Fine... but later!" I don't know how to help her with Axel so I'll just go with the flow with her soon-to-be plans.
"Yes, ma'am!" She said then salutes.
I shook my head and began searching cook-easy foods in the food cabinet.
————
"So what are we going to do today?" Aisha asked as she shoves fried mozzarella sticks in her mouth.
"I actually didn't plan today," I shyly said. Indeed, I didn't prepare anything for today.
"That's fine. We can chill and do homework," Colt suggested.
"Good idea, Colt! The only bad idea was the 'do our homework' part," Aisha approvingly said then she pulled the mozzarella stick creating a long cheese pull.
Our conversation was cut-off when my doorbell rang.
"That must be the police!" Aisha said in a sing-song voice. How can she be so jolly at times like this?
"What are the police doing here?" The boys said in unison. Of course, they'll ask! I was about to answer, but before words come out, Aisha cut me off.
"Hmm nothing much, they're patrolling the area because Fleur has a stalker problem," she said then opened the door. Aisha was greeted by the same officer yesterday.
Aisha looked at me and gestured that she can handle the talk with the officer.
"Fleur, let's talk," I looked up from my seat to see Axel standing in-front of me with a concerned face.
"O-okay."
————
"So, what are we going to talk about?" I asked. I don't know if we need to talk privately, but I still dragged Axel in my bedroom just in case it's a private talk.
"Why?" He asked.
"What do you mean?" I answered him with a question. I mean, isn't he the one who invited me for a talk?
"Why didn't you tell me earlier about the stalker?" He said pouting.
"O-oh, I just don't want you and Colt to worry about me. It's also the reason why I invited you two because I kind of feel unsafe," I said that all in one breath. It's so sad that I feel unsafe even inside my own house.
"Look. Don't ever hesitate to reach-out on me," He said soothingly. "I am always there if you need me. Always," He added. I just nodded as a response.
He stared at me and with all seriousness in his tone. "I want you to only depend on me, Fleur."