by Dawn White
“I could use another drink. How about you?” Lauren said against my muscular chest.
I tapped her softly on the bare shoulder, and said, “Yeah I could go for another.”
She tapped my chest lightly with her hand, got up, and put a black silk robe on. It didn’t take her long to bring the silver tray into the bedroom.
Lauren smiled at me as she placed the silver tray on the end of the bed, turned and walked out of the room. The music stopped, and Lauren walked back into the room and grabbed the remote on the end table next to the bed. I slid my legs to the side of the bed and pulled my boxer shorts on. I slid back to the center of the bed and grabbed my tumbler full of whiskey. Lauren flipped the television on and started flipping through the channels.
“Have you seen the last season of Vikings?” Lauren asked excitedly.
“No, I haven’t even seen the first season. Do I smell a marathon?” I said with a laugh.
Lauren laughed and flipped the Television to her blu-ray player. “They have the whole series on Hulu.” Lauren said as she tapped the button for hulu.
“Do you want popcorn or anything to snack on? I can order take out if you’re hungry.” Lauren said as she narrowed her eyes at me.
“Actually I am kind of hungry. I know this amazing Japanese place that delivers twenty four hours. We can get the couples bento box, and the sushi boat. If you like sushi that is.” I said with a questioning raise of my eyebrows.
Lauren laughed and responded, “I love sushi! Let’s do it! And we can have a buffet in bed while we have a Vikings marathon!”
I laughed and grabbed my cell phone from my pocket in my jeans. I placed the order, and sat back and waited as we started the first episode.
The doorbell rang, and Lauren and I rushed to the intercom to answer Max.
“They’re okay Max, we ordered.” Lauren said.
“Roger that Miss Lauren. Sending them up now.” Max responded.
Chapter 3
*Lauren*
It’s been three weeks since Clint and I have been seeing each other. It just feels right. As if I’ve known him for years.
Unfortunately I’ve had a few more occurrences of Mr. Stalker. But Clint and I have been spending a lot of time at my place, so I’m never alone, except when I’m at work.
I walked in the door and just felt something was off when I turned the light on. I looked in all of the rooms, but just couldn’t put my finger on why it felt weird, but it did.
I took my jacket off and hung it up on my coat hanger, and dug my cell out of my oversized purse. I had five missed calls from Clint, and three voicemails. I proceeded to listen to them.
“Lauren, just calling to check in on you. Apparently you’re too busy to answer.” –click
“Why aren’t you answering the phone Lauren? I was just calling to check on you! Call me back when you get this!” –click
-click
I deleted both messages with a weird feeling in my stomach. I don’t understand why he was getting so angry about me not answering. I was at rehearsal and couldn’t answer.
I went to grab a bottle of water and was affronted by one of my lovebirds dead in my fridge. I cried out and rushed to the cage in my office. Mr. Tweets was all by himself, and sad.
I cried out as I reached my hand into the cage to caress him. “I’ll get you another hunny Mr. Tweets.” I said as the tears streamed down my cheeks.
I grabbed my cell and called the cops. I sat down on the edge of my couch and waited on them. As I was waiting I called Clint.
“Can you come over? Mr. Stalker struck again. This time he killed my female bird and put her in my fridge.” I said with a sob.
“I’ll be right there, I’m right around the corner. Just relax.” Clint said in response.
The buzzer sounded and I rushed to see who it was.
“Miss. Lauren your friend Clint is here.” I quickly hit the reply button and answered him. “Let him up. Oh and the cops are coming, so you can just let them up also.”
It didn’t take long for Clint to get up to me. As soon as he knocked on the door I was there to unlock the door, and fall into his arms.
“It’ll be ok, I’m here.” Clint said as he slowly, and lovingly stroked my hair.
“Did you call the police yet?” Clint asked.
“Yes I did, right before I called you. I knew something was wrong but couldn’t put my finger on it. I never expected him to kill my birds. Now I have to go get Mr. Tweets a new girlfriend, and hope he doesn’t kill her.” I said as I strained to stay calm.
“We can go get him one after the cops leave. In the meantime I’m going to order you a new fridge.” Clint responded.
I stopped trying to be strong and sobbed openly into Clint’s strong shoulder. Clint kept his strong arms wrapped around me. As I leaned up to kiss him, the cops knocked on the door. I pulled from Clint’s arms and pulled the door open.
Officer Mike was standing there in his handsome uniform. The radio on his hip squawked as he reached down to call in, then turned the volume down. Officer Mike looked between me and Clint, raised an eyebrow and said, “I heard things have escalated Lauren. I want to see the bird. And how long were you gone today?”
“I—.” “She was at rehearsal since 7 a.m. I left here around 9 a.m. and returned when she called about her bird.” I started to talk but was cut off by Clint.
Officer Mike looked at Clint sideways as if he doesn’t trust him and said, “Well I talked to the doorman like I always do, and he said he didn’t see anyone weird come through the lobby. Apparently the stalker knows about the garage elevator. Show me the bird please.”
I nodded at him and lead the way to the kitchen, and pulled the fridge door open and stepped back to show them. I walked out of the room to my office and checked in on Mr. Tweets. I opened the cage door, and gave him a handful of treats, and patted him on the head. Mr. Tweets chirped at me as I withdrew my hand and closed the cage door. I turned to walk out but was startled by Clint standing in the doorway.
“You scared me!” I gasped as I grabbed my chest. Clint just smiled and held his arm out in a sweeping motion for me to walk by. I stomped through the door and into the kitchen. Officer Mike was putting Mrs. Tweets into an evidence bag.
“How many birds do you have?” Office Mike asked as he finished sealing the bag.
“I only had two lovebirds, Mr. and Mrs. Tweets. Now I have to go buy another or Mr. Tweets will die.” I said sadly.
Officer Mike patted my shoulder for comfort like he always does, and walked into the living room. Clint narrowed his eyes on Officer Mike as he walked out, and followed closely behind. I walked through the dining room, and took a seat on my ottoman.
“I’m going to need you to sign these papers, and I should be good. I’m going to put in my recommendation for your concealed carry permit again, this time though I’m going to bring it directly to my captain for his signature. But you know how to reach me if you need me.” Officer Mike said as he finished gathering his paperwork.
I nodded at him, and got up to open the door. Officer Mike nodded at me as he walked into the hallway. I closed and locked the door behind him, and returned to my ottoman.
“He’s awfully friendly with you isn’t he?” Clint said as he looked at me suspiciously.
“Don’t be a dick, he’s a cop, not a potential suitor!” I said as I raised my voice at him.
“Now when you’re done being a jealous ass you can join me, as I grab something to eat and get Mr. Tweets a new girlfriend.” I said with an obvious annoyance in my voice.
I grabbed my coat, purse, and cell phone and headed for the front door. The hallway was empty like it usually is at this time. Clint grabbed his stuff and rushed out the door. We stood in silence as I turned around and made sure all of the deadbolts were locked. Clint grabbed me by my shoulders, a little harsher than he planned, and spun me around to see him. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. I kissed the soft nook of his nec
k and pulled free. Clint grabbed my hand and we slowly made our way to the parking garage. I followed him to his car, and we made our way to our favorite Japanese restaurant. I ordered a cherry blossom when I sat down, and proceeded to look through the menu. I reached in my purse for my cell phone, and looked for a new fridge. Clint leaned over my shoulder at what I was looking at.
“I already ordered you a stainless steel refrigerator. It’ll be delivered tomorrow at noon.” Clint said as he pulled out his cell and showed me.
I put my cell away, and leaned in for a sweet kiss. Clint lightly flipped his tongue against my lips, which only left me wanting more as our waitress brought our drinks.
“Thank you, we’ll have the double bento box with beef negimaki please.” Clint said to the waitress.
The waitress narrowed her eyes as she took the menus, and turned and walked away. We sat in silence, as we sipped our drinks.
“Where’s the nearest pet store?” I asked.
Clint smiled and pulled out his cell to type it in, and said, “This says it’s only a block from here. So I guess we can just keep the car in the garage and walk.”
We finished our food and drinks, and walked to the nearest pet store. I walked around the birds as I looked for the prettiest one for Mr. Tweets. The pet store employee came up and asked, “Can I help you with something?”
I quickly responded, “Yes, I need a really pretty female lovebird, or maybe two.”
The employee walked towards a cage at the other side of the store. “This is where we keep the females. We can’t keep the males and females together, because if they bond here, they won’t be happy when we separate them.” He said as he touched the cage.
I looked through the cage at a few multicolored love birds, and pointed. “I want that one, and the one with the red on top. Now these are both females right?” I said.
The employee nodded and walked to the backroom to get what he needed. He quickly returned with a small cardboard box. I watched the pretty birds as he plucked them out and put them in the box. He handed me the box and said, “I’ll meet you up front.”
I nodded and gingerly held the box with the pretty girls. I briskly walked to the register and paid cash for the little ladies. Clint walked up behind me as I was grabbing my receipt.
Clint put his hand on the small of my back and guided me through the door, and into the busy street. We walked briskly back to the car and rushed home to introduce the new lovebirds to Mr. Tweets.
The majority of the car ride was quiet until we got to the elevator, and the love birds started squawking, loudly. We rushed them to their new home, because it was chilly in the garage.
I unlocked the deadbolts and rushed inside without closing the door behind me. The office door was open, so I quickly flipped the light on. Mr. Tweets was sitting alone starring at himself in the mirror. I opened the cage door, and popped open the box. I gingerly pulled one girl out at a time. Mr. Tweets turned his head all the way around in the creepy way, and watched as the girls slowly walked across the perch bar. Mr. Tweets turned himself around and started to side step on the perch bar, towards his new harem of pretty girls.
Clint walked up behind me as I slowly closed the cage door so I didn’t scare them. He rubbed my shoulders and helped lead me back to the living room.
Chapter 4
*Lauren*
After such an eventful Tuesday, I was more than happy to get back to rehearsal on Wednesday. I can’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that Clint is perfect in every way except one— he can’t control his jealousy, or his temper for that matter.
I finished putting my leg warmers on over my tights, and lacing up my pointe shoes. Today I decided to wear my black tutu that just happens to go with the character I’m playing in Swan Lake. I’m not under any delusions that the only reason I’m the black swan is because of my dark hair. Madame Rousche stated as much last week, when she was in a rather foul mood.
I closed my locker, and followed the locker room around to the big wooden double doors. I swung the door open, and was startled when I saw Clint standing on the other side. “Why do you always insist on startling me?!” I said with an exasperated breath.
Clint snickered, as I grabbed his arm and walked him around the corner behind the curtain.
“What are you doing here? I have rehearsal, and I’m going to be late if I don’t head in there right now.” I said with a frustrated tone.
“Hey, I just wanted to see you. I’ll be around when you get off. Do you want me to meet you at your place?” Clint said enthusiastically.
“Yeah, that’s fine. We’ll order in, and watch season two of Vikings. Now I have to go!” I said with a smile, as I hugged him and turned to walk away.
Clint grabbed my arm and pulled me into his arms. He embraced me, and bent me over for an exaggerated kiss.
I shook my head at him in annoyance and turned to walk away. As I was walking away I noticed we had the attention of all of the dancers. Julia, and Michelle whispered as I walked by, and looked back at Clint, who just stood there and watched me walk away. I watched Clint out of the corner of my eyes, and was finally able to let my breath out I was holding when I saw him turn to walk out the backstage exit.
I pressed my hand against my chest in frustration, and started to stretch. Michelle walked up next to me and started a leg raise on the barre right next to me.
“So who’s the yummy blonde?” Michelle said with enthusiasm.
I shook my head in annoyance and answered her, “That’s Clint, the guy I’ve been dating.”
Michelle looked puzzled then said, “Well I’m not sure, but I don’t think he knows you’re just seeing each other.” Michelle said as she air quoted the term seeing each other.
“He’s kind of clingy. I don’t know why he’s like that but that’s just him. He’s a good guy though.” I said.
“Well I hope it works out.” Michelle said.
I leaned into the barre as I did my calf stretches, and turned as I heard the sharp slap of Madam Rousche’s wooden stick on the worn wooden stage.
“Let’s go people, we have to get started!” Madam Rousche said with her thick Russian accent. I can never tell if she has an attitude or if she’s just always miserable.
Madame Rousche walked towards me as she said, “Miss. Lauren, we aren’t going to make it a habit of having visitors now are we?”
“No Madam Rousche. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.” I said with obvious irritation.
“Good, see that it doesn’t. Now you’ll be working on your lift today with Savian. Get yourself ready.” Madam Rousche said as she turned and walked away.
Savian walked towards me and finished his stretch. I could feel the other dancer’s eyes on me, and just couldn’t wait to get the day over with. I all of the sudden had a sick feeling come over me. I rushed to the locker room, only in time to get sick in the waste pale.
Madame Rousche stood in the doorway waiting for me to finish. As I looked up, and wiped my mouth she said, “If you’re sick Miss. Lauren please go home. We can’t have sickness on the stage. We can work on something else today. See you tomorrow if you’re feeling better.”
I nodded my head at Madame Rousche and walked to the sink to wash my face.
I opened my locker to get my clothes so I could change, and rushed out the door when I finished. I hailed a cab and rushed home. Max opened the door for me, as I paid the driver.
“Thank you.” I said feeling nauseated.
I jumped in the elevator and hit nine for my floor. The ride was quick. The elevator door opened and I slowly made my way down the hallway to my door. I shoved my key in the door and turned the key. When the door opened there were vases upon vases of flowers as far as my eyes could see. I walked room to room finally stopping in my room to drop my gym bag. Clint was in my closet with my underwear drawer open.
I crossed my arms and looked at him sideways, and just waited for him to notice I was there.
I cleared my
throat for Clint to hear me. Clint turned and looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
“I was jus—“ He said as he stammered for an explanation.
“Why the hell are you in my underwear drawer?” I said with aggravation evident in my voice.
“I was just seeing if we needed to go buy you some lingerie.” Clint stuttered in response.
I shook my head, and pressed my lips further together in response. Instead of arguing with him, I just walked out of the room and into the kitchen. I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of evian water. After I popped the cap, I opened my cabinet and grabbed my ulcer medicine. I tossed it into my mouth and bit down on it to hasten the effects.
Clint stood in the doorway with a look of bewilderment evident on his face and said, “I just dropped by to wait on your refrigerator that’s supposed to be delivered today.”
“What’s all of this for?” I said as I walked into the living room and waved my hand at all of the flowers.
“I just wanted to surprise you. I know yesterday was hard on you, and just wanted to make you smile.” Clint said with a boyish grin. His blue eyes sparkled as he moved closer to me so he could touch my back.
“I don’t like people in my house when I’m not here. You know I have had problems with a creep for almost five years now. I’ve been chased away from every city, and apartment I’ve lived in because of him. Please don’t just take it upon yourself to let yourself in unless I’m expecting you.” I said with obvious frustration in my voice.
Clint pulled me in for a hug, and plopped down on the couch with me on his lap as he said, “Why are you home early? Are you not feeling well?”
“My ulcer is acting up, I vomited blood at rehearsal. I’ll be down until my medicine can help me with the pain.” I said as I reached out and grabbed my purse I had left next to the couch. I pulled out my pain medicine, twisted the cap off and pulled two pills from the bottle. I tossed them in my mouth, bit down and scowled as the horrid taste overwhelmed my taste buds. I grabbed my water bottle quickly and gulped down half the bottle, and just hoped it’d help with the taste.
