ARI
I listened to Jeff talk about everything with the texts and Ian. He only shared what was necessary, but I saw his eyes, I saw that expression. I understood even more when he mentioned the strong threat. I knew he felt my gaze, but he chose not to look at me. He was worried.
My stalker was trying to hurt him, so I was crossing a line. Maybe it was time to protect him, because even though I distrusted everyone, I knew I didn't trust him.
That's what defines us as friendship.
I know not everyone likes me. I don't know why I'm so intrigued when I've never done anything to them. Don't get me wrong, I don't feel like the center of the world. I'm still young, and I still get annoyed by my behavior, even though I wish it weren't the case. I'd like to change so many things.
Have you ever felt this way?
As if every time they move forward, something stops them.
I've heard a lot of times that people think I'm very confident, but if I'm honest, it's just a mask... a show.
There was a time when I felt pretty without makeup, but I grew up. It was the same mirror, but I wasn't the same anymore. As if my surroundings were corrupting me. I started to feel bad about who I am, about my appearance. I felt like a bad person for distancing myself from others, for being afraid they would do the same thing they always did: hurt me. As if I had a thorn in my side reminding me that I'm not enough and that I was too foolish to fall in love.
But I know very well that it's not just about love. It's about me. It's about the fact that every time I open my heart, I'm afraid of being judged. And that I give too much importance to stupid things.
The looks.
The scoldings for my character.
And I'm not trying to play the victim. Believe me, every time I apologize, I mean it sincerely. If it were within my power to change in a second just to please, I would.
Do you think I don't hate myself?
I look at myself every day and ask myself:
Why am I so cold? Why am I so avoidant?
Why am I so sensitive?
Why do I get angry so easily?
To end up realizing that it's not about other people being bad, it's about me. That I can't stand myself.
I hate my scars. I hate my sense of humor. I hate so many things. Even the makeup that makes me feel pretty... I hate it. Because it's a love-hate thing, even though everyone sees beauty in me. I'd like to see myself the way they see me. And I'd like them to maybe understand me at least a little, because that's what I expect from them, even though they're so predictable with their words.
Not everything they say is negative. They're not bad people. But to them, it's ridiculous, because they haven't felt or experienced it. Or because, for them, it's simply easy. Which isn't for me.
I'm sorry. Forgive me for everything. Sorry for being so annoying.
Maybe it's better this way...
Because I'll never be able to say these words without drowning in my tears.
"That's all he showed me, and I honestly don't think he's lying," Jeff said afterward. He showed him the messages Ian had shown him, and the officer nodded as he took notes. "I'll send you the photos, but look for the accounts; either they deleted them from Instagram, or they did it themselves."
"The investigation will move forward. We have that name, so it will be very helpful if we find that person before the attacker acts," Officer Garcia said. We agreed: if the same thing happened to him as to the girls, we might be missing out on important information.
Even though Nay lied to us about not knowing anything, I'm not mad at her. And even though I thought she'd be mad at Daisy too, I knew it wasn't fair to blame her.
With a huge weight on my shoulders: having been cheated on, used, forced, drugged... and many other things that no one knows, even some I still don't understand. Why did she blame me? How many girls came before me? And if any of them are still alive, I must find them and ask for their help. I need to know how to get out of this situation.
Each person is different, a completely different world.
"So it's not anyone from high school?" I asked.
Officer Garcia shook his head. Although I expected to feel relieved knowing that, at least, the high school was a safe place, that answer didn't reassure me. Something in me rejected that idea, although I couldn't find a concrete reason to think Officer Garcia was lying. He had helped me before, and I knew he wouldn't lie to me, despite his somewhat cold demeanor, shaped by his job.
"I'm not entirely sure," the police officer replied, "but everything points to someone outside. We're looking for someone at least a little older than you. The list of suspects is already being investigated, but I can't share that information yet. When we have more information or find the culprit, you will be informed immediately."
I saw Jeff nod, but Liam had a serious expression. He seemed to see something we didn't... or maybe he was just overthinking it.
"Did they find the girls' families?" I asked, remembering Nay's comment about having a big problem with hers. While it sounded realistic, it could also have been an effect of the drugs they forced her to take, thus distorting her perception of reality. Still, it must have been painful to think that they abandoned you just when you needed them most... when you needed them most.
"Yeah, they're probably claiming the bodies. The two girls had been reported missing for months, and I'm surprised they stayed alive... Well, that that boy kept them alive. Even more so, that he even made them come out. He seems to be a manipulator: he isolated them from the world to make them believe he was the only one there for them, even when he hurt them," the policeman replied, taking a sip from his cup. "And to think a young man did this..."
The police officer looked at me, and I felt that look of pity that made me shudder. I knew that expression well; in a way, it was the same one I saw on the woman who presented the news when other girls were found dead. It was the same look on the people who left mementos at the places where those girls had last been seen. I saw myself just like them.
The only difference between those girls and me... is that I hadn't disappeared yet. But maybe I would, even if I tried to stop it. Even if my mind filled with fear, even if I investigated, even if I distrusted... I knew I was cornered.
"It was the drug that made them believe their lies and projected their fear. Maybe it told them that, and when they took it, it made them see things that weren't real... and they took it for granted," Liam said.
I looked down. I knew he was speaking from experience, and I relived those moments when he'd yelled at me, when I thought I'd lost him. But at least now he was here... safe.
"Most likely, young man," Garcia replied. "The narcotics department is investigating the drugs and has already arrested several dealers who have started appearing in the city. We hope to see changes soon."
"Will we have to give our statement?" Jeff asked.
I looked at him, worried, knowing he was thinking about his father... that he would be in trouble again because of me.
"I'll try to talk to your father," I said, but he quickly shook his head.
"No, you won't," Jeff replied. "I don't want you to have problems with him. He'll get mad at you."
—Let him be angry with me, as long as he isn't angry with you.
—It doesn't matter. He always is, especially with me. So don't worry. The last thing I want is for him to forbid me from seeing you because he thinks you're dangerous or a bad influence.
"It's dangerous," I replied.
Jeff looked at me, as if that answer caused him an internal conflict.
—So you're suggesting I leave you alone? You'd be an idiot if you thought I'd do that.
"I just think it would be best if you stayed away for now. You know very well that the last thing I want is for you to end up involved in this. He'll try to hurt me... and I don't want him to do that to the people I love," I explained.
Jeff looked at Liam, searching for support, as if he needed help finding the right words.
"Jeff, I think it's for the best," Liam chimed in. "I was really hurt by that guy two years ago, and he tried to attack you too. I agree with Ari. I know you don't like the idea, but it would be best if no more people were hurt by this situation."
"Now you're worried about me?" Jeff said with a bitter laugh. "Do you see this as an opportunity to be with her?"
Officer Garcia seemed surprised by the conversation taking place. In response, Liam got up from his seat and left the room, evading the question... evading the topic about me.
Jeff followed him outside to continue the conversation, which took me by surprise. I hurriedly got up, thinking they might start fighting right in the hospital.
I saw Liam walking calmly, but Jeff grabbed his arm tightly, turned him around abruptly, and forced him to look at him.
"Answer me," Jeff demanded.
Liam looked at him with a serious expression, visibly uncomfortable with the situation. Then he looked up, peering at me over Jeff's shoulder. I looked away... and soon saw his gaze shift back to Jeff.
"I said I wouldn't try to get back with her..." Liam's voice trembled slightly, though he tried to remain steadfast. "I'm not playing with her feelings. I was clear, I told her we were over. But at least... at least I have the courage to admit that I haven't stopped loving her."
He said the last part, looking me straight in the eyes, with an intensity that pierced my soul. It was as if every word had been withheld for a long time, as if he were speaking from a still-open wound. But that didn't change anything.
He and I were destined to be apart. Not because of a lack of love... but because of everything around us. Because of everything we'd lost.
In front of everyone.
"So... she's your weakness," Jeff snapped, as if those words were enough to loosen the grip he still had on Liam's arm. "And what makes us think you're not the one responsible for all of this?"
"Jeff, stop!" I intervened forcefully, my voice breaking for a moment as I approached them. I felt everything spinning out of control. "Stop attacking him! He's not to blame for anything."
"Why are you so sure?" he shouted back, hurt. "Every time you defend him, it's like you trust him blindly. But you never give a reason... not one! The policeman said it: we have to distrust everyone."
"Do you want me to distrust everyone? Even you?" I asked, a lump in my throat.
"Would you distrust me? I'm your lifelong friend, Ari! You know me better than anyone..." Jeff replied, hurt.
"I don't," I said softly. " But just as I trust you, I trust Liam too. We've been through things... things no one else would understand. We've had to hide so much... face the worst."
"What happened between you two?" Jeff asked tensely, looking at both of us.
"When no one believed me… when they yelled at me that I was crazy for thinking he wasn't responsible… we kept searching for the truth," I replied, my voice choked with memories. "We discovered it was all because of those pills. But still, Liam was suffering. He was having seizures, he was broken… and so was I. I had to investigate alone, because no one else was going to do it."
"And you found out who it was?" Jeff murmured, holding his breath.
I looked both ways; the hallway was deserted. There was no sign of Officer Garcia. We'd wandered too far. Jeff had followed Liam without thinking, and he'd already walked a long way, thinking he'd left him behind.
"Yes..." I replied in a pained whisper. "But I can't give that information to the police."
"Ari, they can help us!" Jeff insisted desperately.
I slowly shook my head, holding back tears.
"Not the kind of monster we're facing," Liam chimed in, his voice deep and heavy with dark memories.
"I don't understand... What's stopping them?" Jeff asked, confused, and for the first time... scared.
I sighed deeply, my gaze fixed on the ground. Then I looked at him, and my eyes spoke before my voice.
—Because it's not just about catching him, Jeff. I want him to pay... with everything he's got. I want him to feel every bit of the hell he put us through. He did it to me, he did it to Liam... he tried to hurt you... and who knows how many others.
I stepped forward, my heart pounding.
—I want to finish him off... with my own hands.
That person lied to me... that person I believed in with all my heart. When you place all your trust in someone, you expect loyalty, truth... but instead, they stab you in the back, without any remorse.
ARI
I was young when I lost my parents, but I felt at home when my mother's brother—whom I now consider my father— raised me for years. In contrast, my relationship with my adoptive mother was always difficult. We had good days, but I think it was difficult for her at first, too.
I tried to understand her: someone had arrived unannounced into her life, and to top it all off, she would have to live with me every day.
I miss my parents. I still have memories and I'm grateful that they were good to me. They were loving. To this day, I still wonder how they suddenly disappeared from my life that day of the accident.
I met a guy who, in my opinion, was the complete opposite of me. He seemed closed off to meeting people, while I've always been a very outgoing person.
"I hate tests, seriously, I hate them with all my heart," Camila said, touching her head as we left the classroom after finishing the test. "How did you finish it so fast?"
"I told you I studied days before," I replied, and she nudged me.
"I didn't think it would be that difficult... he trusted me," he said, to which I laughed. "Seriously."
"So you'll come with me to the library to study?" I asked, but she quickly shook her head. I rolled my eyes, not very surprised by her response.
"Studying isn't for me. I have trouble concentrating," he replied. "Besides, my mom's already here waiting for me, she's in the parking lot."
We were already walking towards the exit when he approached and kissed me on the cheek as a farewell, which I reciprocated.
I headed to the library near the high school, hoping there weren't too many students there.
I only had to walk a few minutes. I sent a message to the group with my parents letting them know I'd be there and that after a few hours of studying, I'd be back home.
I walked through the park as the leaves fell from the trees, since it was autumn. I shook my head to clear some of the leaves that had fallen on me.
Then I crossed the street and opened the library door, the sound of the bell announcing my arrival. The librarian greeted me with a smile.
"It's nice to see you, Ari," he said, sounding a little tired. He was older now, and last time he'd told me he was planning to retire soon so he could rest.
"I'll just take one book today," I said, taking out my card to hand it to her. She began recording my information as usual.
"Another romance book?" he asked. I nodded, and that brought a slight smile to his face.
She handed me back my card, and I headed toward the shelves, finally reaching the romance novel section. I never tired of the silence, the smell of books, and the tranquility that place made me feel.
"Which one should I take?" I wondered quietly, looking at the titles of the books that seemed to have just arrived: The Theory of First Love, 200 Days of Being with You...
Both caught my attention, although I didn't recognize the author's name. They were a bit high, so I looked for a stool they usually left nearby.
Although I wasn't allowed to use them, since they were for employees, Mrs. Cami always let me.
I positioned it properly, carefully stepped up, and reached out to pick up 200 Days by Your Side. As I held the book, I lost my balance and stumbled back. Just as I was coming to terms with the blow, I felt hands grab me and surround me. I opened my eyes immediately.
"How could you fall from such a small height?" a male voice asked. When I opened my eyes, I saw his face. He was looking at me curiously, and seemed to be amused by my embarrassment.
I quickly moved away, uncomfortable with the closeness.
"Thanks for not letting me fall," I thanked him, and hurried out, leaving him even more confused.
But who was more confused... him or me?
I was nervous about being in such close contact with a guy. And not just any guy, but an attractive one. I shook my head. Enough with the cheesy stuff... it just helped me.
Well, it doesn't have to be any different. It's the same as the other times I talk to guys.
Enough. I'm sociable, I'm friendly. I thanked him, and that's all.
I glanced back to see if he was still there, and noticed he'd sat down at a table, surrounded by open books. So, was he studying? He didn't seem like the smart kind of guy... I realized how undisguised I was when he turned his head to meet mine. I immediately turned around and left.
That day I had to explain to my parents why I arrived so early and why I refused to stay in the library.
The next day, I was searching the shelves. But I wasn't looking for a book... I was looking for him. He didn't appear anywhere.
So I forgot about it. However, every time I returned to the library, I had that same thought: Will I ever see him again?
"Since when do they accept students mid-year?" Camila asked as we watched several new kids arrive from other high schools. "Do you think we'll have a new classmate?" she asked as I put on lipstick, closed the mirror, and looked at her.
"Maybe," I replied, not recognizing anyone. "Let's go, classes are about to start."
Ten minutes passed. I was sorting through my notes from the previous class, praying the teacher wouldn't ask for the homework. I'd completely forgotten, and I didn't even see Camila's texts that night letting me know.
"Look at the boy who just walked in," Camila said to me. It took me by surprise, and I turned my gaze to where she was looking. I opened my eyes immediately and tried to hide it: I recognized the boy.
It was the same one from the library.
"They say he's a very good athlete," Camila said, noticing that she was showing interest in him.
"I see..." I replied as I looked down at my notes, trying to downplay it.
"Okay, guys, take your seats. We're about to start class," the teacher said. I simply didn't look at him. I felt someone staring at me, but I didn't want to confirm it was his. I was too nervous.
The class went by and I just didn't look at him, although on some occasions I would look away when I saw him concentrating on taking notes.
I was just curious... or at least that's what I kept telling myself from the first day at the library.
The class ended, and for the next two classes, I didn't see him anywhere. Without thinking twice, I raised my hand, and the teacher immediately looked at me.
"Yes, Ari?" he asked in his usual tone.
"Can I go to the bathroom?" I asked. He nodded, letting out a small sigh as he jotted something down on his list.
I got up and left the living room. I was walking quietly down the stairs when I started hearing voices. At first, I didn't think anything of them, until I recognized one: it was the boy from the library. He was talking to a girl.
Before they noticed my presence, I stopped and hid behind one of the hallway walls to discreetly spy.
"Why do you have to be so rude?" the girl demanded, sounding hurt and annoyed. She looked to be about our age and had her arms crossed, as if trying to maintain her composure.
"I told you no," he replied in a firm, straightforward voice. "I'm not interested in you, and I won't be in the future."
The girl looked at him incredulously, as if she expected another answer. She took a step toward him, frowning.
"That's it? Are you going to keep pretending you don't care?" he said, his voice rising in pitch by the second.
"I'm not pretending," he said, evenly.
She pressed her lips together in frustration. She shoved the boy, who barely moved.
"Idiot!" he snapped before turning around in a rage and marching down the hallway, his steps hurried and noisy.
He just stood there, still, letting out a soft sigh as if he was tired of that kind of situation.
I, still hidden, felt my heart beating rapidly. I didn't know if it was from the scene or from having seen him so close again.
"Get out of there," he said suddenly, his voice firm.
I froze. His back was to me, how did he know I was there?
"Didn't you hear me?" he insisted, without even turning around.
It can't be... Was he talking to me?
"Apart from being clumsy, you're also a busybody," he added dryly.
I quickly left my hiding place, feeling completely exposed.
"I'm none of those things," I retorted, crossing my arms, annoyed. He turned around then, his expression a mix of annoyance and mockery.
"I didn't think I'd fall," I added with a shrug. "And I didn't go down the hall because I didn't want to interrupt."
"How thoughtful..." he said sarcastically, as if he didn't believe a word of it.
"Whatever," I replied dismissively, trying to downplay it, and walked over to him. "I need to go to the bathroom."
"Wasn't that just an excuse to find me?" he asked suddenly, stopping me in my tracks.
I turned around, surprised, my eyes wide open.
"What...?" I murmured, puzzled. " Why do you think that?"
He raised an eyebrow, an amused half-smile on his face.
"I don't know... I had a feeling," he replied, watching me closely.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I replied immediately, crossing my arms more tightly and trying to hide my nervousness.
He didn't respond. He just looked at me with an expression that was hard to decipher: somewhere between curious, amused... and maybe a little intrigued.
"I'm leaving," I said dryly, turning to leave.
But then I heard him laugh. At first it was a soft, almost suppressed laugh, but then he let himself go. I stopped, taken aback. It was strange to see him like that... his teeth were showing naturally, and his normally serious and cold face was completely transformed.
He seemed genuinely cheerful, even smiling. Nothing like the expressionless boy from before.
"What's your name?" he asked suddenly, still smiling.
"Ari," I replied, still puzzled. "What are you laughing so hard about?"
He put a hand to his face, as if trying to calm himself.
"You look funny when you're confused," she said, still laughing.
"Excuse me..." I replied, between annoyed and embarrassed, frowning.
"My name is Liam," he added, without me asking.
I nodded slowly, not quite knowing what to say. His sudden change of attitude had me off-balance, and he seemed to enjoy it.
And that day was the one that made the difference in my life.
[PRESENT]
"So that's all you're going to tell me?" Jeff asked me as we drove toward my parents' apartment. "Are you really not going to tell me?"
"I'd like to, but then the plan wouldn't go the way I wanted it to," I replied. I'd thought about it many times: whether I should tell him, whether he'd believe the story I'd concocted. But I held back. I held back because I wanted everything to go well.
"Is it someone close to me? Have I spoken to that person? Just tell me, and I won't ask any more questions," Jeff insisted, sounding worried, anticipating possible disappointment.
—Yes. We've both spoken to that person.
—Woman or man?
—Jeff, you said it would just be those questions.
"I'm just worried. I don't understand when all this went to hell," he replied.
—I told you you don't have to get involved. It's better if your family doesn't get caught up in this problem.
—That just confirms that he's dangerous. I don't want you to end up drugged like Liam was, much less get hurt.
"Nothing will happen to me," I replied firmly.
—You don't know for sure. Your father must know the seriousness of this. Even your mother is going to be worried about the turn this is taking.
—Policeman Garcia knows, so don't worry.
"I just hope you stop talking nonsense about leaving. You know I'd give my life for you," Jeff told me. Those last words surprised me. I hadn't expected them.
"And I would do it for you," I replied. Then I got out of the car just as it stopped. He knew I was lost at that moment. Scarred by what happened with the girls... and by my stalker.
I knew he was afraid I'd get lost again, but he didn't. He was more aware than ever.
I was clear about what I had to do.
I've had it clear for a long time.
Camilo and Ámbar asked me how I was feeling. They were worried, perhaps because we didn't see each other as often as before. It's common among best friends to see each other often, but I was distancing myself somewhat.
Because I was about to make decisions that could change everything.
I lied to Jeff. I lied to my parents when I said I hadn't encountered the bully before. But that was precisely my goal.
Put myself in the lion's den.
I looked around. I remembered the other day, when I pretended to think it was all Jeff's joke. I made him think I was stupid and hadn't noticed. But I did. He didn't.
And that gave me a certain advantage. It gave me hope that everything would turn out all right.
I watched Jeff's car drive away and the sound of the engine slowly fade away.
Is it here? Right?
I feel his presence. As if he were always lurking.
"Are you staying there?" I asked.
I didn't get a reply.
"Will you stay in the shadows, like always?" I insisted, while I looked around, searching for where he was hiding.
—I suppose you don't want to talk because you think I'll think I've found out. Is that what you think? Maybe I already know who you are.
I'd barely said that when I heard footsteps. I turned to my left, and there he was, standing. His chest was rising and falling heavily with his breathing. I didn't take a single step back.
"Will you hurt me?" I asked, looking into his eyes. They were a different color. Red. He'd been wearing contact lenses the whole time.
I waited for him to speak, but he just shook his head.
"Why?" I asked, and, to my own surprise, I leaned closer. He was exposing himself, but my confusion was greater. I felt like he was answering my questions with gestures, but I needed to know more.
He raised his hand and offered it to me. I stared, expecting a strong, violent grasp. But it was gentler than I imagined.
He gently pulled me up and leaned his head towards me, lowering it to my ear.
"Because I love you, Ari." I knew that voice... yes, I knew it. I looked into his eyes and saw that absorbed gaze. He loved me, but in the most perverse way.
"You said you wouldn't hurt me," I said, feeling the weight of the decision to approach him.
"Not you... but I'll enjoy watching you suffer, losing the things you love most," he replied. I didn't understand how he could speak so clearly when he was hooded and his eyes were the only thing visible.
"You forgot one thing," I interrupted. "I'll make you suffer."
And before he could react, my free right hand shot down toward the knife hidden in my jacket. I raised my arm and brought it straight to his abdomen. I didn't hesitate. I staggered him. I pulled it back and watched the blood flow out.
"I won't finish you off now... because I want to see how much love you have for me. If, despite this, you still love me," I said, leaning toward him, watching him moan and cover his wound, "I'll make you pay for everything you've done."
Then I was startled.
I opened my eyes suddenly, breathing heavily. I looked to my side and realized where I was: in Jeff's car. He had his eyes on me, completely concerned about my condition. I looked at my hand... there was no knife, much less the jacket I'd seen in the dream.
The pain in my head increased as I tried to remember the voice. No... it can't be. I can't do this to myself. That voice... that voice! I can't forget it, but I was doing it.
"What's wrong?" Jeff asked me.
I stared at him with wide eyes, trying to stay calm and convince myself that none of that had happened.
A dream? This time it felt like something more. As if it had been a vision. Or was my mind betraying me?
"I dreamed about him," was all I managed to say. Jeff brought his hand to my forehead.
—You're burning with fever. We have to get to your house as soon as possible.
Minutes passed. Jeff immediately parked, got out of the car, and hurriedly opened the door to pick me up. The whole way, I felt my strength slipping away. Something was eating me away... and it was him.
As he carried me in his arms, I couldn't help but turn my gaze toward the same place where the encounter had occurred in my dream.
Jeff entered the elevator and pressed the button. I watched as the doors closed.
"Put me down," I asked, but he didn't respond. "Put me down, I'll try to walk."
"You're so weak... I can barely feel you holding me," Jeff said. I tried to get down, but I felt his hands grip me more firmly to keep me from falling.
"I can't show weakness... much less like this, with you," I said, struggling to wriggle out of his grasp. I leaned against the elevator wall, trying to stay upright.
—What do you mean, "much less with me"? Is that weird now? We've always treated each other like that, since we were kids.
"We're not kids anymore," I replied, avoiding his gaze. "Besides... the stalker might think we're a couple."
"I don't give a fuck what he thinks. He's ruining your life, Ari, and you're letting him!" Jeff said, his voice thick with helplessness.
I put a hand to my head. Cold sweat trickled down my back. I took out my phone and showed him the screen. His face changed.
"It's not that I think so, Jeff... he really believes it," I said, my voice low. "He's waiting for us on the floor of my parents' apartment."
"What? How do you know?" he asked, coming closer.
I handed him the phone so he could see the security cameras. The figure, still, waiting for us. As if he knew exactly when we would arrive.
—My parents gave me 24-hour access to the building's cameras. They've done everything they can to keep me safe... but there it is. Standing there. Waiting for us.
Jeff swallowed. His jaw tightened.
—How many floors are left?
I looked at the small screen above the elevator door. The number was slowly rising.
"Five..." I murmured, taking a deep breath. "You said you 'd do anything to help me."
—I said it... and I'll do it. Do you have a plan?
I nodded. He leaned closer and listened silently to every detail. Just before I arrived, he gave me a strong hug, one that spoke volumes. It held fear. Hope. And determination.
[...]
The doors opened with a metallic sound. I didn't hide. I stood tall, staring at him.
The figure was there, just as he had seen it on camera: hooded, still... waiting.
"Were you expecting someone else?" I asked, my voice tense. Her eyes darted around, as if searching for Jeff. "Did you really think I'd let you hurt him?"
He turned his head slightly, as if trying to decipher something. His hands weren't empty. In his right hand, a gun.
My heart was pounding. I couldn't show my fear... even though I felt it all. Inside, it tore me apart.
"Leave my friends alone. Do you understand?" I demanded.
I looked behind him.
-Now.
He raised an eyebrow, confused. But I anticipated the movement.
Jeff emerged from the shadows, stealthily. He grabbed him from behind, wrapped his arms around his neck, and kicked him to his knees. The gun slipped from his hand. I ran toward her.
"Don't take it, daughter!" my father shouted, appearing from the hallway next to my mother.
My father's voice shook me. My mother's face was pale, and her eyes were full of fear.
"Just... throw it away," he added urgently.
I did it. The gun flew across the floor and hit a wall. Jeff was still pinning the boy down, but he was losing control.
I was so close... so close to knowing who I was.
The stalker.
That idiot who had been playing with my mind, with my life.
Jeff pushed him hard to the ground. The hooded man's body went completely still. He fainted.
My mother ran to me and wrapped me in a hug. I felt her trembling, her fear... and for the first time in a long time, I felt protected.
"Time to see who this idiot is," Jeff gasped, bending down and pulling the hood off with shaking hands.
When the cloth fell, Jeff stepped back as if he had been hit.
He tripped over himself. His face fell.
"Ian..." she whispered.
My legs went weak. I covered my mouth with both hands. And Jeff looked at me , devastated.