Natalie's Point of View
I tiptoed with my already drenched body, frantically looking for the switch and I had a loud thud which made me scream my lungs out.
There was someone in the house, and I was lucky to find something to cover my body as I literally flew to Paula's room.
I knocked, and I was lucky to find her door slightly ajar as she was still awake.
"There's someone in the house" I said, trying so hard to catch my breath. Paula looked at me like something was wrong with me, but I was sure I heard something.
"You should go to bed, you're probably hallucinating". Paula said, shoving it off, but then, a knock came, and she knew I was dead serious.
"I didn't mean to scare you, I couldn't take my eyes off you today, so I thought finding you anyhow was going to be the best thing to do". The voice sounded really familiar, it was the guy down the street.
"That's so embarrassing, you know, right?" I finally found my words.
"Yes, and I am really sorry about that. I have a huge crush on you and I can't help it". I was disgusted when he said that he had a crush on me, and he couldn't wait for dawn to tell me and maybe tell me.
"How silly," I cursed under my breath.
"I didn't mean to annoy you, I'm sorry". He said, looking at the ground. He looked like he was a bit above 25. He was quite handsome for his age.
"You should leave now. I am not going to take this. You just disrespected me and my sister". Paula was just dumbfounded as she was lost for words. She recognized him as the son of the widow who stood adjacent to hers.
"You should leave now" Paula eventually spoke, obviously still in shock of what had just happened. "I'll call the police on you if I go in, and you're still here'.
For me, stalking has become a normal thing, but this was really extreme. He took a final look at me and left.
I heaved a sigh of relief as I also retired to my room. Paula had long gone as she felt so reassured that she knew his house, and she had evidence to warrant his arrest.
I retired to my room after bolting the door on his dismissal. I got into bed and shut my eyes to sleep. I remembered Mr Jerkins. I wouldn't want to be in his bad books anymore.
I looked up at the ceiling for a while, started counting each one of them and I slowly drifted off to sleep.
"Good morning Mr Jerkins" I greeted, at the top of my voice this morning. I was early today and I wanted him to notice me at least. Who wouldn't want to please their bosses?
"Uhm, uhm" he muttered something to seem like a reply, but I really didn't care as he wasn't throwing tantrums around.
"Hello Kayla, may I use your computer for something?" I said to the lady over the counter. I needed to email my alma mater as to why I wouldn't be able to come to the reunion party over the weekend.
"Sure you can, but you'd try to be swift about it. I do not want Mr Jerkins' headaches", she said, revealing those perfect dentures of hers.
"Sure". I smiled back, typing as fast as I could.
"You should be at your desk, not Kayla's," Mr Jerkins said, standing behind us. "You look good, by the way," he said, and left.
We were amused. Mr Jerkins was a hard man to please, so a compliment seemed like a golden trophy. I was lost for words and screamed "thank you!" in his absence. Myle and I giggled as I quickly rounded up what I had to do.
"Thank you, Kayla, see you later at lunch" I said as I danced and walked into my work space. I don't know what was making me happy today, but I definitely was happy.
I started my work for the day, cleared my drafts and sent emails to customers that needed them. I tactfully went to look for Caritlyn, but she wasn't in her seat, so I left.
I continued with each and everything I had to do, while listening to Elvis Presley's album. A notification popped up on my phone, but I didn't bother to check as I was still a bit stuck at work.
"Hello Natalie". I turned to see Caritlyn in my office. "Hey Cat, why are you here? I do not have the energy to defend you if Mr Jerkins catches you here". We both laughed at the not-so funny joke I cracked.
"I was going to come see you after work today", Caitlyn said, "I have something to tell you, and one that might interest you as well."
"Oh. Okay?" I was as curious as anything. My mind kept wondering what it could be that sounded so urgent that Carityln needed to tell me.
"Give me a clue desperately, you've increased my curiosity, I can't think!" Carityln laughed so hard as my facial expressions screamed desperately.
"I'll tell you." Carityln paused like she was trying to remember something. "Can I ask you out for a dinner date with me?"
"Sure". I hastily replied.
"I have drinks, food and snacks, all stocked up in my freezer. Do let me know if you will need anything extra" Carityln said, as she stood up to go. "I have a lot on my desk and I need to get it cleared."
"Sure, I'll let you know. Thanks for coming, you're a darling". I said as I gave her a heartwarming peck on her left cheek. She smiled heartily as she made for the door.
My day was going on beautifully. I had a beautiful life, but I was sad that I wasn't in any relationship with a man who would buy me flowers.
"Not again, Natalie" I thought to myself. Thinking about relationships made me depressed, and I really didn't want to spoil this happy mood of mine already.
But what did Caitlyn want to tell me, that she had a mixture of happiness and sadness on her face? Why was it that important?.