Stalked For Love

by Royale, KC

  “So you didn’t see a man pull me out of the way?”

  He shook his head, and I nodded as I saw the paramedics approaching me. I glanced over at my friends, who all wore the same expression. I could tell by the creases in their foreheads, that they all probably thought I was too drunk or just plain crazy. Maybe I was, darting out into traffic like that, putting myself at risk of getting hit.

  I released Sherry’s hand, before walking over to sit on the curb, and put my head in between my legs. I knew no one would believe me, but I knew what I saw and what I felt. Someone had saved me, and I think it was the same man who was watching me.

  A few days after that whole ordeal, I’d decided to cut my losses and move out of the house ASAP. I was originally going to stay in the house until a few weeks after graduation, but decided against it. I needed to get away from that area, because it just didn’t feel right staying there now, too much had happened and I wasn’t going to prolong the inevitable any longer.

  After securing my apartment and moving my start date up for my new job, I was beyond thrilled. Those next few weeks were good, all was calm. There were no more appearances from my supposed stalker or any more incidents of me being too drunk to function.

  I was very glad that I was able to be moving on from it all, one mile at a time. It was such a great feeling to glance in my rearview mirror and see my then, while looking ahead and seeing my now. I was on the way, to a new beginning that was waiting for me… once I got there.

  Chapter 6

  A week later…

  I had so many things going on in my life. I was now a college graduate, had fully moved into my new apartment, and was starting my new job in three days. It was such a great time for me, that I literally could not stop smiling. My family had flown in from Michigan, for my graduation and I was elated to see them. We had fun at dinner, and spent an extra day together before they flew back out.

  My parents are wonderful parents and I was very lucky to have them. I missed them so much already, and they’d just left. They always made me feel as if I was their top priority, even though I wasn’t living at home anymore, and I did the same in return. My father was such a great guy; he was into fishing, grilling and extensive home repairs. My mother was the complete opposite, she was very outspoken and the adventurous type. How the hell they ended up together still boggled my mind, but there was a delicate balance between them, and it was special.

  I always hoped that I would have a special kind of love one day, but until I did I had my dad. I was and always would be; a daddy’s girl. Because he was my hero. He worked so hard over the years, to ensure that I wouldn’t have student loans hanging over my head for the next twenty years. He’d paid all of my tutoring and college expenses, and bought me my grey Camry in my sophomore year.

  After I’d told him about a so-called “friend” of mines nauseating experience of being watched one night, when she was walking home from the library. He then decided to get me a car, to ensure that I didn’t have to walk home late at night alone anymore, and be afraid. I didn’t want to tell him that there was no friend, and that it had actually happened to me. But I didn’t want to cause him to panic, and I felt as if I had things under control, somewhat.

  I decided a long time ago, that I would not accept any jobs offers near campus, and move away from the area as soon as I graduated. A decision was made. My father always understood my stubbornness, while supporting my decisions, and I loved him for that. He and my mother always provided for me and I loved them so much, we have a great relationship.

  I found myself smiling as I thought about my parents, while downing my glass of wine, and choosing a dress out of my closet. I was going out tonight. I deserved to have some fun before I started my new job this week, and I would. I knew that my old roommates were having a get together at the house tonight. I really didn’t want to go, but I promised Sherry that I would at least stop by for a bit.

  I didn’t have anything to worry about, I didn’t live there anymore nor would I have to deal with the aftermath of the madness that would occur. So I’d go to the “get-together” for a little while at least. What’s the harm in that?

  It was the last week that they would have the house, so that meant that they were having a party. The house was a good twenty miles away from my new residence, but I knew if need be, I could stay in a hotel for the night, if I didn’t feel like the drive back home.

  Because there was no way, not under any kind of circumstances, would I be staying another night in that house again. I was not interested in reliving any of those audible nightmares that I had to endure repeatedly, while living there.

  The idea of getting drunk off of cheap beer was not appealing to me at all, so I opted for a glass of white wine at home while I dressed. But I haven’t had dinner yet, so I needed to eat some food, once I got there.

  I had no intentions of partying so hard that I passed out or got sick, being as though neither was my style at all. That kind of idiocy was for the idiots, not me. I’d rather do things my way and keep it simple and enjoy myself. I applied my makeup, slipped on my heels, zipped up my two-layered, silk-covered, laced pink and black dress, and was on my way. I really didn’t feel like going to this party, but I did want to go and wish them all a farewell, and have a little bit of fun before I entered the real world of adulthood.

  I had my own way of thinking and only followed my own rules, for my life. I am a twenty three year old woman with light blue eyes and long dark blond hair. I have always been told that I have a very pretty face, and that I need to loosen up a bit more. But I don’t listen to strangers and I definitely don’t listen to my friends either. I only listen to me. I am 5’8” and I loved that I wasn’t stick thin.

  I have curves and I loved my body, no matter what society classified as beautiful, because I was born to be me. I’ve had only one boyfriend, and he was from back home in Michigan, and his name was Michael. We dated for three years, and it was nice. So nice that he was my first and only lover. I thought we were destined to be together, but after finding his massive porn collection, and another girl’s panties in his room one day, I broke it off.

  Luckily for me, I was only two weeks away from being shipped off to college, so I was able to mourn and sob in another city, and not drive my family crazy too much with my depression over the breakup. Because that’s exactly what I did that first year away from home.

  I mourned, heavily and it was terrible. Eventually I realized that it was a good thing to find out he was a jerk, better now than later. Since Michael, I had only gone on two dates during my whole four years in college. That didn’t mean I didn’t get countless offers, or pressure from my friends to do the casual sex thing, but I would always decline. I just didn’t want or need the distraction, and to be honest, I wasn’t that bored.

  Two dates in four years, and both dates were disasters. They both looked like gentlemen, but were anything but. As soon as we ate dinner, both of them begged and pleaded for me to immediately have sex with them. One was literally rubbing his cock while groaning; obviously thinking that he was turning me on. Umm, no! The other couldn’t keep his mouth off my ear, he was trying so hard to wind me up that it completely turned me off.

  I only agreed to go on a date, to get to know them a little more. I didn’t agree for them to get laid, but let them tell it... But those were college guys for you; most of them were all about having fun. I was hoping that some nice guys would come to the party tonight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if none showed up. I had no clue where the hell they were all hiding. “Hey, nice guys… Come out and play once in a while, would you!”

  I was now ten minutes away from the house, and it was so strange to be passing by my old college. Because now, I was a college graduate. I wondered if Professor Brennan was really leaving Morgan State, his fan club would be crushed.

  They probably would begin cyber stalking the man, since most of them graduated. I giggled at my wayward thoughts, but all of that was no longer my
concern, I just sincerely hoped he wouldn’t leave the university.

  He was such a good professor, and he had a master of science and he taught psychometrics. He was so accomplished to be so young. I always had a feeling that he was under thirty, and I was right, because I’d found out he was twenty-nine. He was a young professor who has only been a professor for five years.

  This man had graduated high school at sixteen, and then went to Berkeley on a full scholarship, before attending grad school. I actually took the time to read his bio on the university website, when I was requesting my records to be mailed to my new house address. I almost wished I would have read it sooner, to have a little insight about my brilliant professor.

  I would always remember Professor Brennan. Always. Regardless of his many accomplishment, he was still a man you couldn’t forget too easily. In my opinion, he was what I considered to be a real man.

  He certainly had the ambition of a man, and he was very handsome. But he had other attributes that I appreciated. His presence for one, and his way of thinking, and I really liked how his character and demeanor, were always intact. Those were just a few of the things that made him attractive to me.

  But when I was his student, I had immediately blocked those thoughts out of my mind, for the last three years. But I wasn’t his student anymore, and now my mind could roam guilt-free about sexy ass Professor Brennan, whenever I wanted too.

  I turned the corner as the house came into view, to see that there were cars everywhere. There were some up on the side on the lawn, as well as some still running, with no one inside them, in front of the house. What the hell? Did I really consent to coming to this? Now all I wanted was a nice bath, another glass of wine, and maybe a good book by; Ramona Gray, to read.

  I parked on the other side of the street, turned off my ignition, and found myself staring silently at the car in front of me as I took a few deep breaths. I then realized that I had a little buzz from the glass of wine I’d drunk, maybe because I’d only eaten breakfast today? I started to giggle as I reached for my purse to head inside.

  My dress and heels now made me feel overdressed, for the rave that was now occurring before my eyes. If my best friend hadn’t been in there, I would have just left. But I promised her I would come, and I needed to see her, even if just for a few minutes. But I already knew that it wouldn’t take much to happen here, for me to be making a mad dash back home. I exited the car and crossed the street.

  There were people all over the lawn and it seemed that everyone had a red cup, which I already knew was a bad sign. I walked up the concrete stairs, and ignored the whistling from a few guys, as I made my way into the crowded house. The house was packed. It has never been this crowded, ever. There were college kids everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. I could barely move.

  It was as if I was at a concert, and I was in the first row trying to get to the back door. Bodies smashed on each other, some people were dancing and others were pushing and shoving one another, while others were jumping up and down. O.M.G.

  This was just insane, and everyone smelled of beer and cigarettes. I suddenly felt claustrophobic and a little lightheaded, this was not my scene at all.

  I couldn’t believe that I had driven twenty miles for this. Instead of pushing further inside, I turned, and began pushing my way back out. I was not going to deal with this circus. After five minutes of being shoved, and having my ass groped by random hands, I finally made it back outside, and I practically ran to my car and slammed the door. I took a few deep breaths and wondered when the police would show up, because it really wasn’t a question of if at this point.

  This neighborhood had never been so live, and I was sure this party would be ending very soon. I pulled out my cell phone, knowing my best friend wouldn’t hear hers, with the music as loud as it was, but it was worth a shot to try and call her. After four rings, her voicemail picked up. “Hey, you’ve reached Sherry. Leave me a message and I will return. -Beep

  “Hey Sher. I’m outside, and I couldn’t get in because the place is overcrowded. A warning would have been nice, but I’m leaving now. I can’t do this, so we will have to catch up before you leave for Jersey tomorrow evening. Maybe I will stay in town at a hotel for tonight, possibly the Marriott. Call me in the morning, and I will see you for lunch, maybe around two? Love ya. Bye.” -Beep

  I started my car, and headed toward the nearest beltway, so I could find a hotel for the night. I had only ever stayed in one of the hotels closest to the campus, and it was so bad that I promised myself I would never stay there again. I drove five miles to the nearest hotel, which actually turned out to be the Marriott. This hotel was not in my budget, but I did have a credit card for emergencies, and I would classify this at an emergency.

  Since I hadn’t eaten any food before I started drinking, I was too buzzed from my “glasses” of wine to drive home safely. Hmm, sounded good to me. I just hoped that my father bought it. But truthfully the wine did have me a little off balance, so it was best not to attempt to drive the twenty miles back home. Especially when I’d only have to come right back in the morning to meet Sher.

  My only hope was that I wasn’t being watched while I was here in town. It was such a good feeling to not have the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, not once, since I’d moved. I felt as if I were free and also in the clear from all immature creeps. I gave my keys to the valet, and went inside the Marriott to get a room for the night.

  As I headed to the front desk, I heard some music from the on-site lounge, and it sounded like jazz. After the couple in front of me walked away, I stepped up to the front desk and smiled.

  “Hello, and welcome to the Marriott. How may I help you?” The receptionist asked.

  “Hello, I need a room for tonight. A king size bed, non-smoking floor, and a late check-out please. Oh, and what time does your room service stop delivering?” I murmured, all in one breathe.

  “I see you are one to know exactly what she wants,” a man stated behind me, but I somehow sensed recognition in his voice. I then turned around to see Professor Brennan standing there, with a smile on his face. I found my eyes involuntarily roaming down his body, as shock coursed through me. I’d never seen him like this, so relaxed and normal, and he wasn’t wearing a suit. He had on blue jeans, and a white button shirt, with a dark blue blazer. He looked very nice, and he smelled good too.

  “Um, hello, Professor Brennan.” That was all I could say to him, since I was still in shock. What was he doing here? Was he alone?

  “Hello, Jessica, how are you?” He asked smoothly.

  “I am, fine,” I said, swallowing, and finding my eyes roaming once again over his body. I knew in that moment, that this was a very bad time to be tipsy.

  “Are you here for the jazz being played tonight?” He waved his arm toward the music that could be heard from where I stood.

  “I guess you can say that, since I was just getting a room,” I replied, before turning back to the lady. I handed her my credit card as she smiled, though I think it was more of a smile for him than me. He just seemed to bring that out of women, but I always found it be intimidating.

  “Care to join me? I have a table reserved already,” he asked. I nervously looked over at the lounge, and then back at him, and he smirked. Oh God a dimple!

  “Professor, I don’t think—” He interrupted me.

  “Come on, Jessica. I’m staying here tonight as well, and we can catch up.”

  “Umm, I guess that’s okay, for a little while at least.”

  I knew I didn’t believe the words I was speaking. I knew this was wrong, so wrong. But I couldn’t stop the desire clawing at me, to just be near him now. Since I wasn’t his student anymore, I wouldn’t be seeing him or talking to him about anything in the future. Truth be told, I missed his conversations, even if it was only about academia. I wasn’t a part of his fan club, but I appreciated a real man when I saw one. Besides, at this stage in my life, I’d only seen two so far. My father an
d Professor Brennan.

  “Okay, professor, I’ll join you.” I confirmed again, but mostly to myself. It seemed as if I needed to answer the question again and again, to myself. Jazz with Professor Brennan, is this right?

  “Excuse me, Miss Moore?” The receptionist murmured. I then turned to her, and she handed me my room key and credit card. “So room seven thirteen is ready for you. Room service is open until midnight, and we have a free breakfast set-up from eight until ten, in the breakfast area to your left. If you need anything else, please call us,” she stated, and I nodded to her.

  “Thanks,” I replied.

  “Excuse me, do you have any packages for room seven thirty six?” Professor Brennan asked her, and I felt the color drain from my face. We were booked on the same floor? What are the odds of that happening? I took a deep breath as she handed him a small envelope, which he’d then slid in his suit jacket, and then he turned to me with a smile.

  “Shall we?” He asked.

  “Sure,” I said.

  “Great, and by the way, Jessica… I feel the need to reiterate that you are no longer my student, and I am no longer your professor. So with that being said, you can call me Thomas. My name is Thomas Vincent Brennan, and you, Jessica Moore, look very beautiful tonight.” He stated, as his eyes roamed over my pink and black dress and black heels.

  He didn’t linger at my body too long, because his eyes were back on my face in seconds. I knew I was flushed and dazed, this was just all too much. I was only just thinking about him on the drive over, and now he’s here and we’re about to go to a hotel lounge together.

  “Yes, I see. Thanks, you too,” I muttered warily.

  What was I saying? Was I even making sense? He then held up his forearm and I looked down at it for three long seconds, while his hand rested over his ribcage, as he silently awaited my compliance. I then entwined my arm into his and we then headed in the direction of the lounge. I didn’t know about him, but I knew what I needed right now, and that was a drink… or two.