IV

~Akia~

Esme has been staring at me for the last 20 minutes. She hasn’t said a word, and the air is thick with tension. I know she’s waiting for an explanation, but I really don’t want to go there. I do kind of owe her, though, because she did help me out. It isn’t that I’m not interested in Matt; it’s just that my past keeps me from letting go. “You aren’t getting out of this, Akia.” Esme leans back on the couch. She pulls her hand up, checking her nails. I know she has no thoughts of letting me out of here before I speak on my life.

I let my body slump at the other end of the couch and lean my head back. “Why, Esme? What does it matter?”

“How could it not matter? There’s something that you’re keeping from me. You’ve been keeping it from me since we met. I want to know what it is. I want to understand my best friend.” Okay, play dirty, why don’t you. I can feel the tears start to build, but I refuse to let them fall.

“Fine.” I shift on the couch, making sure that I’m not facing her. “Since the age of 11, I’ve been dealing with a stalker.”

“Wait, that’s it? A stalker? Not to be insensitive, but you are talking about someone following you around. What’s the big deal?” I say nothing, understanding why she sounds like that. “Um, no offense, but isn’t 11 really young to have a stalker.” I laugh at that, but it isn’t one of humor.

“You’re right. Who gets caught up with someone who’s only 11? I still don’t have an answer for that after all of these years. It’s beyond weird to me, but it’s been my life. I have no idea who the stalker is. They started by leaving gifts and notes and ended with murder.” The air in the room changes at my words, instantly becoming colder and more still.

“Murder? What are you talking about?” I tell her everything I know about the night I found my parents. “How do you know it was the stalker? You said you didn’t see anything and no one found any clues.”

“That may be true, but who else would kill my parents? It had to be the stalker, but I just don’t know why. What my parents ever did is something I will never know.” Esme lets out a breath.

“I’m so sorry that you had to deal with that, but what does it have to do with refusing to date?” I tell her about Scott and even the dog. Esme shakes her head and leans forward. “Sh.it, Akia! I get it now. I get why you want to keep to yourself. I’d bet your stalker is some guy and that’s creepy as fu.ck. Who the hell gets obsessed with an 11-year-old? No offense to you.”

“I’ve asked myself the same thing over and over. I don’t have an answer to that and it drives me crazy.” Esme scoots over to me and puts her arm around my shoulder.

“I love you, Akia. I promise to protect you. Let’s get ready to go to the party.”

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Esme and I stand outside, waiting for Matt to drive up. I really didn’t want to go to this party, but I promised Esme. Also, this party is a way to keep Matt at bay for just a bit longer. Can’t we just try and get to know him better?

What if we’re still being watched, Bree? Are you really okay with risking Matt like that? Bree retreats to the back of my mind, but doesn’t answer.

Matt pulls up and hops out of the car. I don’t miss the look on his face as he eyes me up and down. Esme convinced me to dress the way I am. I’m super nervous because I don’t like eyes on me. If Matt’s reaction is any indication, I will have eyes on me from all angles.

Esme put me in a dark blue leather mini skirt. It barely covers my butt; I got a voluptuous one from my mother. She paired it with a black halter top that showed off enough cleavage to make it clear that I have a decent chest. She had me put on a pair of strappy wedge heels, and my braids are in a ponytail sitting on the top of my head. I feel gorgeous, but I’m not totally comfortable. “You look amazing.” Matt’s voice breaks through my thoughts. Coming back to reality, I notice that he has the passenger door open for me. I look around, hoping to have Esme take this spot, but she’s already in the backseat, cheesing at me.

I slide into the car, and Matt closes the door before hurrying around to the driver’s side. Once he gets in the car, we take off. The drive to the party is short, and Esme spends the time in small talk with Matt. I keep my eyes glued to the window, watching the scenery pass us by.

Walking up to the frat house is a journey all on its own. There are people outside the building. They are laughing and drinking. The music can be heard outside, and there are some people dancing.

I follow Matt into the house with Esme close behind us. We walk straight to the kitchen, and Matt hands me a small can. I take a sip, enjoy the light taste. I’m not sure how he knew, but it’s not heavy alcohol.

We walk back to the living room, where there’s a crowd of people dancing. Some are enjoying the rhythm of the music, and others are grinding on each other. I look around, not recognizing anyone here. I watch Esme get swept up with a guy she’s been crushing on. I nearly jump out of my skin when a warm hand touches my back. I turn to see Matt looking at me, and I immediately look away. His warm breath touches my outer ear as his deep voice washes over me. “Maybe we can go somewhere quieter.” I nod and let him lead me out the back.