The stalking game

DONNA KIRBY's POV:

Life is good. Especially when we are in a library filled with lots and lots of books. And being a library assistant is extremely wonderful. All thanks to my best friend, Jackson. He's the owner of this famous library in Illerora city. The most dedicated, perfect man. The one and only childhood friend I have got.

Speaking of which, my childhood is the worse. The parents I have got are always dependable on someone. As I grew up, I'm not only earning for myself but helping them financially whenever they need me. Bearing all this pain by myself as a single daughter is the ultimate stress.

"Excuse me, can you... can you tell me where is..." a woman in her twenties sputtered. She adjusted her specs, looking everywhere like she was hiding from someone. She must be the version of me in high school. A nerd with so much fear visible on her face. An invisible girl. I'm twenty-three. I bet she's close to my age.

"What are you looking for, ma'am?"

"Um, it's... you know...it's..."

"Are you looking for a particular book?"

"No...it's a section. A specific section..."

"I gotta find and borrow it. I don't like attention. Urghh."She muttered to herself.

"You got to say the section's name?" I asked after a minute of silence.

"Erotica section and I need some suggestions." She said it out loud and caught a few people's attention.

"Shit." She tapped her foot on the floor in anger with her herself. It doesn't have to be such a big deal. She's just afraid that someone might judge her. There's nothing to judge.

"Follow me." I guided her to the right section and introduced a few of the popular books. After a while, she thanked me and went to the counter, clutching the books tightly. With satisfaction, I walked by, taking a turn among all the bookshelves, feeling like it's a labyrinth.

"Damn it, I'm so sorry." I shrieked as I stepped on someone's foot.

"Nothing to be sorry for. How was the interaction with a teenager? I bet you got a lot of books in your mind to recommend." I looked at Jackson. His wavy black hair and blue eyes catch my eyes every time. He must have heard the conversation.

"Stop it. Don't you have any work to be done? An owner shouldn't be lethargic at work times." I told him, flipping my auburn hair.

"I have got enough workers to even handle my works. Anyway, what did you suggest? Fifty shades of grey, punk 57, credence..." As he continued, I pressed my hands on his lips, silencing him.

"Something popular and awesome. If you are going to ask if I have read it, don't ask it. You know I'm into every genre in books."

Jackson smiled, removing my hand slowly.

"Fine. So, is there anything else you got to talk with me?" He followed me as I'm walking towards the fantasy section to arrange the newly arrived books.

"Nothing," I replied, avoiding his gaze. I'm trying so hard to forget the thing that happened a week ago. I swear he's going to take the topic again.

"Look at me, Donna. I know what you have been hiding from me."Jackson seriously spoke this time.

"Doesn't this hardcover look splendid?" I changed the topic, touching the book softly like it's fragile.

"Donna Kirby, I know you are going to resign from being a library assistant in my store." Jackson pulled me towards him, holding both of my hands.

"Jackson Torres, I have fucking dropped a hardcover. Let me pick it up." I shouted, glaring at him. His face softened after a tense moment.

"I'm sorry, Donna. I shouldn't have kicked you out of our apartment."

Finally, he's here once again. I forbid myself from thinking about it. After I left my hometown and settled in Illerora, Jackson and I are living in an apartment together. We were always friends. Our bond is strong. Until he got a girlfriend who hates to see me with him. No matter how much I tried to be nice to her, she's determined to get me out of Jackson's life. How can I forget that one day when I was homeless in seconds?

I was about to open my apartment door after shopping.

"I don't want her staying here anymore, Jack. I just can't stop being jealous. She's with you literary every hour. During work time and at home. Who is she? Is she your wife?"

"Stop overreacting, Max. Donna and I have been friends for a very long time. All that exists between us in friendship. You have got to stop feeling insecure. If you get to know her, you will like her? We three can..."

"Like her? Are you serious, Jack? Do you want the three of us to spend time together? I have already tried once and I, myself, feel like a fucking third wheel."

"What? No... You misunderstanding everything. You aren't interested in playing a game on my PS5. That's why you feel you are left out. I'm telling you she's not a threat to you. You have to-" Max interrupted him again and said those last words.

"You have got two options. Either you kick her out or we break up. I love you, Jack, and I'm afraid that one day I'm going to lose you if she stays with you. Please, try to understand my point." I heard Max sobbing. I can't even tell if it's real or fake, but it hurts like hell to me. I opened the door wide.

"I will leave by myself before I get kicked out," I said, without letting them see that I'm hurt. Jackson tried to refuse, but Max intruded.

"Thank you so much for understanding. I will not break your friendship. It's just that living together bothers me."

"I get it. I will pack my things."

...

"You didn't kick me out. You also supported me. I left by myself." I tried to keep myself calm. I don't always believe in friendship and I'm realizing I shouldn't let Jackson into my life. Now, I have to let him go slowly. The process is going to harm me, too.

He doesn't know the stress I had to rent another apartment. I refused any help from him and stayed in the closed library for two days.

"I can't forgive myself for what I did, Donna. Let me make it up for it, but don't leave this job. If you did, we will fall apart. I don't want that."

Jackson caressed my cheek. I should not let his words change my decision. Never.

"No, Jackson. It's happening. I'm going to take a formal photo to apply for an interview. I will find a new job in no time." I got out of his touch and stepped back. I don't guess his look. Disappointment or guilt.

"I'm not going to give up on our friendship so easily," He said.

"I think it's time for Max to find you here. And my time to leave. Bye, Mr Torres." I glanced at my watch, seeing it was sharp 4:00 pm. I turned away, letting my word sink. I don't bother to get a response.

There's no point in blaming Max for this. He chooses Max that day. I get it. Girlfriend always comes first. Anyway, I'm not up to being the third wheel. I'm better off alone. Sometimes, I believe that I'm meant to be alone as if it's my destiny. I have no desire to change it. I'm not even expecting anyone as a companion by my side.

When I reached my destination, there were two Photoshop opposite each other. I guess I have to choose. Left or right. My instinct says Left.

I walked up to the empty store with the board 'Austin Photoshop'. There are no people here waiting for the photo. Seems like a peaceful store. Perfect for me.

"Excuse me?" I opened the door, letting my eyes wander over the photos on the wall in a small room and finally to a desk with a computer, printer, and other electronic kinds of stuff.

"Welcome, ma'am," a handsome man who's the same as my age, sitting in a chair, greeted me. I'm feeling something odd as I laid my eyes on him.

Something feels different. New.

AUSTIN RYAN's POV:

The day in my workplace ends so perfectly cause the prettiest woman ever entered here. Usually, I don't give much attention to everyone who comes here but I can't stop wondering 'Who is she?'. Illerora is just a small city. I met a lot of people in a short time since I moved here to build my own shop. But someone new here in the same surroundings. It's__

"Hello...I need a photo size between 10kb and 200kb for my job application. I hope the shop is not closed yet. So, can you do it now? It's important..." The girl with shinning auburn hair spoke silently. She looks too nervous like I'm some serial killer. I bet she rarely goes out and probably hates to interact.

"Yeah, sure. I haven't closed my shop yet. Wait, let me get my camera?" I told her, searching for my camera. I was about to close my shop but I don't mind keeping it open for the no-named girl. It would be weird to ask her name instead of doing my job.

"Can you wait inside the room?" I added. She went in as her eyes were roaming over the two light fixtures. I went in behind her, carrying my camera. I told her to stand in between the room in the right position.

"Can you tilt your chin up? Just a little bit..." I said, noticing how uncomfortable she looks. If I could take her picture perfectly in less than a minute, I don't think I will get to look at her face and study her expressions. Her blue top and jeans fit her small body perfectly. I'm trying so hard to not look at her breasts and...

'Damn it. I shouldn't be thinking of a customer like this. What the heck is wrong with me?'

With two to three clicks, I'm done with taking photos.

"Will it be ready by today?" she asked the same question.

"Less than fifteen minutes is enough. How many copies do you want?" I asked, placing the camera on the table. When I turned to face her, she stumbled as her leg got tangled in the web of cables. Shit... I should have cleaned up this mess a long time ago.

Just in time, I rushed and got hold of her hip. Her hands grabbed my shoulder firmly.

"I'm so sorry, these messy cables are my fault. Are you alright?" I apologised, still holding her. Her body fits perfectly in my hand. I love the way she smells like lavender.

Her amber eyes are mesmerizing to me. Her hands are shaking mildly. She can be a girl who stutters and trembles a lot but it doesn't have to be this way with me. She will realize if I could get a chance to know her more. I could just stay like this forever. Maybe, pull her closer to me without an inch space between us.

"It's okay." She mutters and went out of the room. I got back to my desk to develop the photo.

"I love all the pictures on the wall. Did you take it all?" I heard her speak brightly for the first time.

"Yeah. I travel a lot to take some natural photos, amazing sceneries. I do that as a passion and this...as a job," I replied, clicking on the mouse.

"Cool. You must be having a great life if you can travel a lot." She said, not taking her eye off from Mount Fuji picture.

"Do you want to see more photos like this?" I offered without thinking twice.

"Ye..yes," she replied with hesitation. I took out an album full of my favourites photos. I let her see them all while I worked. The only disappointing thing is she doesn't need her name below the photo. How will I know her name? The name is not going to be enough for me to meet her again.

"Thank you," she politely smiled and pulled the door and left. She's gone. No one's going to visit a photoshop daily. How will I see her again? I don't know her. She doesn't know me. She will eventually forget me in a few minutes. Why am I thinking of a stranger till now? She's definitely not a stranger to me.

I turned on the television to distract myself for a few minutes. These new thoughts about an unknown woman bring me the thoughts of Betty. She and I have been together for 4 years in high school time. I don't bother to think about her for some years but I was obsessed with her when I was in high school. She was the one who was into me first. But she didn't take our relationship seriously. Everything was difficult with her. She made me think blonde girls are the worst.

She flirts with lots of guys. She cheated on me and apologises like nothing is her fault. She thought she can manipulate me easily. But I'm not a fool. I was watching her every day. Almost every time. I know all her moves and her intentions. After knowing her reflection of her true self, I wanted to hurt her so badly. She was mine until she wasn't. She never was. Before I could lose control of myself and did something to her, she vanishes on graduation day. She ran out of her house. I never get to know why. A wanted poster of Betty was everywhere in the near surroundings. But no one found her. I could have if I wanted to. I choose not to see her face for the rest of my life.

"Tv is definitely not helping to distract my stupid old thoughts," I complained to myself, packing my things in frustration. Suddenly, something caught my eye on the floor. Is it a...?

"FUCK...the girl has left her ID." My eyes spotted her name in a blink of seconds.

"Donna Kirby...Donna..." My mood brightened as I spoke her name. I want to say it again. It's her work ID. I didn't know a library assistant has an ID card. Why haven't visited the library? All I know is a someone named Jackson owns it. I have never been interested in reading a book. I could do it from now on. There's still time for the library to close. I got to get her address from there.

"Donna, I knew we are supposed to meet. I'm coming for you." I kept the card in my pocket and rushed to get out. I got out and got back again to turn off the tv. I heard a reporter's voice in the news. I could gather new words before I could turn it off.

"Illorra's most wanted criminal has escaped the prison around 4:00 pm. She was known for two murders and has stolen $20,000 from the Central Bank of Illerora. Police department....

The reporter's voice faded in my head as I saw the killer's face. A woman with short pink hair is smiling directly at the camera. She looks like she loves the orange prison dress. No wonder she's a killer. Her expression says it all. It's written all over her face. She looks perfect for a prom queen but a wanted criminal. Are they giving price money to catch her? If yes, I would do that.

At the last second of turning off the news, her name flashes in the news.

FELICITY TODD

VICTORIA FLYNN

"Felicity Todd, Felicity Todd, Felicity Todd. Can't they stop saying my name for one minute? There must have been a hundred dangerous murderers or thieves better than me. Isn't it right?" I asked the fake security guard in frustration. My pink hair is falling on my face continuously as we ran into safety away. Helicopters have been searching for me from above. It's not even an hour since I have escaped from prison. Here I'm, hiding from the Helicopter lights and police.

"Those thieves haven't broken out of the prison as you did. If you could just shut your mouth for a minute, I will concentrate on taking you to sir August. I'm already risking my life to save yours." He complained as I followed him onto an empty road with fewer houses and lights.

"If you are afraid, just fucking leave. I will manage it on my own with no one's help." I snapped. I can do it. It's just August, my boyfriend, who got a few guys wrapped around in his hands. They are pretending to be guards and entered the prison with some tactics. I ended up in jail after murdering someone and stealing 20,000 dollars from the central bank. Whatever I had done was not for my benefit. I killed a boy in high school who bullied my brother. That motherfucker broke my brother's arms and made him stay in hospital for weeks. I couldn't control myself if someone messes with my brother and sister. I stole that lump of money to make a living for my siblings.

"I can't go further. Get into the telephone booth and call your boyfriend. We have arrived in a busy street away from the prison and the roaming police cars. Don't---"

"That's enough. I can do the rest." As a said those words, he nodded and ran from the way he came. Next time I get arrested, I shouldn't allow myself to get help from anyone. No one should say what I should do or I shouldn't.

I kept my hoodie on and walked like a normal young woman walking casually in the busy streets of Illerora. I'm defiantly not looking normal, but I know people are too busy when Halloween is only five days away.

I went into the telephone booth and called August's number. I waited impatiently, even when it only took ten seconds for him to attend the call.

"Hey, get your car here in Paper street. I will be standing next to the telephone booth."

"On my way, baby." I bet he's smiling right now. He must be excited to see me after two months of talking over the phone with timelines in prison.

After a few minutes, I saw a blue Kia Rio car that stops right next to me. He's in time. Now, I'm completely safe. I got into the back seat, closing the door.

"Start driving. Now." I yelled as he started the engine.

"Is this how you greet your boyfriend after three months of a long-distance relationship, baby?" He asked, looking back a little.

"I know. I know. But I'm not going to ask sorry. I got at an enormous risk of getting out. You do not know how bad it feels." I told him, looking at my bloody hands. After all the chaos, I'm feeling the pain of the injuries I got in my body. A dressed-up fake guard who knows August unlocked my cell and got me out. On my way, I got caught by two other real guards. I tackled them both and ran for my life who have already warned the others. I broke a window from the second floor and escaped. I could have died if I stepped one wrong foot. When my feet touched the ground, the scared fake guard took me to paper street.

It wasn't the craziest escape mission I had in my life, but it made me so anxious.

"I do know the feeling. I have been working for a mafia gag before I got kicked out. I bet I have told you everything about it." August said, taking a turn.

"Yes, you did." Suddenly I became silent thinking about everything he has shared with me, but I haven't. There are some secrets which I will take to my grave.

"So, how did you get this outfit? Especially the Hoodie. Did those guards lend you---?"

"Oh, don't be silly. Some sewing girl made it for me."

"Made it for me? Impossible to believe." August knows I'm lying.

"Finnee. I stole it. She can easily make another one if she wants."

By the time, we have reached August's apartment. How am I going to get in without the security guard suspecting that Felicity Todd is out here?

"Hey?" I called August.

"When we get outside, act like you are deeply engaged in a conversation with me. Don't let the guard see my face. If something goes wrong, I will manage." I told him, getting out of the car.

"You always have a solution, don't you, baby?" He smiled to himself and got hold of my hand after a long time. I'm already half-home. When I visit my little siblings, my heart will be filled with pleasure.

"When are you going to take me on a date?" I randomly started some questions to act normal, like everyone else.

Once we reached the lift, I'm about to press the button for the third floor. But who knows someone's going to enter with us? A man in his thirties in a cop uniform is walking towards the lift. He's looking at his watch. If he lifts one eye, I'm down. Why does a cop have to live in this apartment?

"Fuck!!" I cursed and turned to August. I pulled him closer and kissed him deeply before the man sees me. I have to be careful in everyone's eyes.

"I didn't expect this, baby." August kissed me back roughly like he's starving. From the side of my eyes, I saw the man looking at the floor uncomfortably. He's probably worried about his decision to get in the lift with us.

August and I kissed and kissed until we reached the right floor. When the man was finally gone, I tried to break the kiss. But I can feel that August is turned on. I can feel the bulge in his pants.

"Okay. Okay. Stop. The cop is gone." I stepped away, fixing my hair.

"The cop... is that why you kissed me? Didn't you miss me at all?"

"No... No... I mean yes. I have missed you so much, August, but we are not alone yet and I'm defiantly not safe. You don't want me to get back in prison, right? Do you understand me now?" I whispered, placing my hands on his chest.

"I absolutely do. But even if we go back to my house, you can't go out ever. Illerora police department won't leave you alone." He said with concern.

"I know what I need to go. I have to become my own self." I told him.

Felicity Todd is the identity I stole long back ago. Now, it's time to restart my life as Victoria Flynn.

"My savage Victoria is back," August commented, as his face brightened.