Don't

Days pass without any sign of Harry. After a few days of constant looking over my shoulder, I decide to finally breathe. I felt relieved I wasn't being stalked anymore. It unfortunately didn't make the feeling of being watched go away.

I finally had time to take my car in too. When I finally got the news it wasn't a total piece of junk, I was ecstatic. But the good feeling only lasted until I found out why it broke down in the first place. The gas line had been cut. If I'd tried to drive it earlier than I had, it would have sparked and went up in flames.

I couldn't believe I didn't notice oil spilling below it. It was such an obvious sight. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact I completely ignored it.

I just hoped this would be the last of my worries.

****

"Dahlia, table four needs their check. Come on," Matthew complains, "We are almost out of here."

"I'm hurrying."

I dash over to the table, check in hand, placing it lightly in between the couple.

"Call me when you're ready."

I dash back into the kitchen, grasping onto the counter as I attempt to catch my breath.

"The running around getting to you?"

I glance up at Gerard and let out a breathy laugh.

"A little. I hate these long hours, I swear."

He shrugs.

"At least it's not completely awful."

"Why not?"

"Because you have this amazing guy to brighten your peasant life."

"Ooooohhh the sass."

He laughs.

"Hey, so I was wondering-"

"Dahlia! Table four!" Matt calls out to me.

"Ermm, hold that thought."

I run out, grab the bill, wish the couple a good night, hand the money to Matt, and head back into the kitchen.

"So, want to walk with me outside while you tell me what you were going to say?"

He nods.

"Sure."

As we leave the kitchen, I toss my apron to Matt.

"Could you put that in the podium please? I have to hurry home."

He sighs irritably,

"Fine, but don't get used to it."

"Thank you."

As Gerard and I step outside, I notice a beautiful star glimmering alone in the night sky.

"How fascinating," I breathe.

"So, I was wondering...." he mentions as we near my car.

"Yes?"

"Would you maybe want to go...."

"Yes?"

"To the movies tomorrow? I want to see that new movie but I REALLY don't want to go by myself."

I laugh.

"I have to run a ton of errands tomorrow. What about Matt?"

"He said he has to go visit his girlfriend out of town."

"Ermmm.. What about if I had Kelsey go with you? She likes going to see movies."

"If she wants to go then perfect! Thanks Dahl."

"No problem Gerard. See you Friday."

"You too. Drive safe."

I wave goodbye and get into my car. I sit in silence as I go through my phone to see any new texts. My phone vibrates, alerting me of a new message from an unknown number. A chill creeps up my spine.

Gerard better keep his distance. ~H

My mind automatically assumes it was Harry. I frantically search around to find where he could have been to have seen what happened. Another thought that scared me was how he could have gotten my number.

I start my car in a panic, speeding off home as fast as I possibly can without breaking speed limit.

****

"Kelsey!!" I shriek, "Kelsey!!"

Almost immediately, Kelsey comes sprinting out of my house to me. She grasps onto my arms.

"Kelsey!! There's-he-he-"

"Dahl! Spit it out!"

I search around as I rapidly speak,

"There is a-a guy, he's following me. I think he's stalking me!! He was gone but now he's back! He sent me a text!! It was after I was talking to Gerard and-and"
I take out my phone, practically shoving it in her face.

"Who's H?"

"Harry. His name is Harry."

"Harry who?"

"I-I don't know."

"So, he told you his name but not his full name? And he's stalking you?"

"He has to be!"

"Dahl, how do you know this isn't some sick prank Matt is playing on you? Or Gerard?"

"I never told either of them about Harry. I haven't told anyone."

She sighs irritatedly.

"Dahlia, you do realize how stupid this all sounds right now. You couldn't be THAT stupid to not tell anyone you have a stalker."

"But Kels he's real. He's real and he's out there! He could be watching us right now!"

"Dahlia-Dahl. Listen to me, you are tired, you're over worked, and you're paranoid for no reason. Sleep on it okay? There is nothing to be afraid of."

She pulls me into the house and leads me into my room.

"Go to bed," she says before closing the door gently.

I take a deep, shaky breath as I turn on the light. I move to my dresser and look through my clothes for something to wear for bed. I take out a pair of sweat pants and a sweater and throw them onto my bed. I unbutton my work shirt and toss it to the side. I slip the sweatshirt over my head and hear a buzzing sound come from my phone. I stare at it, horrified of who I had a feeling it would be. I pick it up, checking my texts.

You really should close your curtains. You look quite good without a shirt love. ~H

I rush towards the curtain, drawing them as fast as I can. My heart pumps loudly. I snatch up my sweat pants and finish getting ready in my bathroom.

Notes