Maya
Conrad had fallen asleep next to me. We came to bed after dinner to watch a movie, but he fell asleep quickly. I think he pushed himself a little too much today; he was exhausted. I had turned the movie off and dimmed the lights to let him sleep, and am reading until I am ready to sleep. I glance down at him and smile. He always looks cute when he sleeps. I reach in and gently stroke his face, not hard enough to make him wake up.
I pull away after a moment and focus on my book. My cell vibrates from next to me. Who could that be? I sigh and reach for it. There is a text from a number I don’t know, and there seem to be photos attached. My stomach churns at the sight because I now know who it is without looking. Callum! He has been keeping his distance since he hit Conrad with his car. I knew it wouldn’t have been the last of him, though.
I take a deep breath and open the text to get a better look at the photos. When I do, I realise the photos were from today. They are of Conrad and I at the park. He was there watching us? How did I not sense that? There were about ten photos. How long was he watching us?
I read the message attached to it.
I bet you thought I had gone. I see your boyfriend is on the mend. Always remember, Maya, I will always be somewhere. I am good at hiding. How do you think the police haven’t found me yet? Have a good night, gorgeous. I am sure we will see one another soon…very soon.
A shudder runs through me as I read, and I feel sick. What does he mean by saying he will see me soon? I feel myself starting to panic. No, I can’t let him get me in such states again. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, but a very uneasy feeling takes over me.
Is he outside right now? I carefully climb out of bed and head through to the living room, peeking out of the blinds. I can see anyone, but it doesn’t mean he is close by. I would call the police, but what if I am only being paranoid and he isn’t here? I wouldn’t be wasting their time. I will go to the police station tomorrow to show them the photos and text. I don’t know if they can trace the number. Callum will probably dump the phone after sending me what he did. I wish he would give up already!
I don’t reply. I double-checked that everything was locked, and the alarms were on. I take another look outside, just to make sure he is not there. There is no sign. I sigh, take a few deep breaths, and return to the bedroom. Conrad is still sound asleep. I will leave him for now and tell him tomorrow about the photos. I don’t want to stress him out, not after our good day together.
I climb back into bed and try to get some sleep. Just as I settle down, my cell vibrates again, but this time it is a call. I reach for it and see the same number Callum texted me from.
Any panic I was feeling has now been replaced with anger and annoyance. I exit the bedroom again to answer.
“What do you want, Callum?” I hiss.
“I thought I had made it clear, no? I want you, and until you come back to me, I won’t leave either of you alone. How long do you think this can go on before things get worse?” he laughs.
“I will never come back to you, you pathetic, cowardly excuse of a man. The police will find you, and when they do, I will be right there laughing because you will get what you deserve. Now, leave us the fuck alone, asshole.” I snap and hang up.
I blocked the number before he tried calling back.
“Maya, what is wrong? Are you okay?” I hear Conrad’s worried voice ask from behind me.
I sigh and turn to face him, “Callum. He was watching us at the park today. He sent me photos, and then he just called me.”
“What? He has been following us again?” he asks, the anger evident in his voice.
“Yes. I don’t know for how long or he just started again today. Conrad, what are we going to do? I can’t take much more of this bullshit.” I whimper.
He pulls me close and hugs me tightly to his chest, “I know, angel. He will be gone soon enough. He can’t run and hide forever.” He says.
I bury my face in his tee, “He said he would see me soon, which must mean he plans on being around again.”
“He will get nowhere near you. I will make sure of it. We can go see the police tomorrow.”
“Yes, we will. It’s not like it will help find him. He will ditch the cell now that I blocked the number.” I reply.
“We could always go to the house in the Hamptons and stay there until he is out of the way. I won’t be back at work for a couple of weeks at least, and you can work your classes from there?” he suggests.
I look up at him, “A part of me wants to do that, but at the same time, I don’t want to run away because of him.”
“It is not running, beautiful. How about we go up, even just for a week or a few days?” he says, stroking my cheek.
“We could do that. It would be nice to go back.” I smile.
I don’t want to run away from what is happening, but a little break will do us some good.
“Great, we can head up in a few days. Will you be okay to drive? If not, I can get a driver for us.”
I shake my head, “No, it is fine. I don’t mind driving.” I smile.
“Okay. Now, please, try not to let the bastard get to you and come back to bed.” He says softly.
I nod, “Yes, boss.” I tease.
He chuckles and kisses me, “Good girl.”
I smile brightly at him when we part. I will try my best to forget about Callum, but sometimes, it is easier said than done. He takes my hand and leads us back to the bedroom.
“Turn your cell off.” He says as we climb back into bed.
“I planned on it.”
I switch it off and toss it in the drawer. Conrad motions me to come closer to him, which I happily do. I cuddle into him, my head on his chest, and he wraps his good arm around me. I bring the covers over us.
“Rest, sweetheart. He can’t get near you.”
“I know he can’t,” I whisper, nuzzling his neck.
Conrad strokes my hair, “I love you, Maya.”
“I love you too, baby.” I coo back.
Any worries or fear have vanished now I am wrapped tightly in his arms. I wonder if there is a way I could make it easier for Callum to be arrested. I could use myself as bait, but I know that won’t end well. He will see right through. He is a horrible bastard, but he isn’t stupid. I can’t put myself at risk. I need to believe it will sort itself out in the end and in the best way possible.