Page 4 of Haunt Me

I just reply with a dry laugh as I look down at my drink.

As I sat across from her, she noticed the bags under my eyes and the anxious look on my face.

"You okay?" she asked with a concerned tone. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to speak. "Um, well, for the past week, I haven't been sleeping too well. I keep waking up through the night with a strange feeling that I'm being watched. It's like a weight on my chest, and I can't shake the feeling that someone or something is watching my every move. I'm at my wit's end, and I don't know what to do."

As soon as I finish narrating the details of the cat incident to Chloe, she looks at me with a perplexed look on her face. Her eyes widen and remain fixed on me as if she is trying to gauge the intensity of my emotions. I explain to her how the incident has left a lasting impact on me, and how I have been struggling to shake off the eerie feeling that has been haunting me ever since that night.

“You are probably still a little on edge. I would be too if I lived all by myself and something like that scared the shit out of me. Don’t think too much of it, but if it gets too much, you can always stay with us for a few nights.” She tries to comfort me.

I nod and give her a faint smile.

“So, this friend of Adrian that’s moving back, apparently he spent six months in some sort of institution before deciding to make a return.”

“Gosh, why?” Frowning at Chloe’s words.

“I’m not sure,” she replied with a shrug. "But I do remember him being a real rebel, always pushing the boundaries and causing trouble as a kid. He was frequently sent away by his parents.”

That’s sad. Poor guy.

“Sounds like the guy has a lot of issues,” I say, the taste of the last drops of bourbon lingering on my lips.

Yeah, I know. Bourbon is agentleman’sdrink. But come on, I love the taste. Sue me.

“Issues or not, he’s drop-dead gorgeous. Walking red flag—but I’d still let him ruin my life.” She states, rolling her eyes back like she’s getting off or something.

“Okay,youhave issues,” I tell her, shaking my head.

Just as Chloe starts making moaning sounds, she gets a text from her mom.

Saved by the bell. Thanks, Mrs. Whitlock.

“Shit! It’s my brother’s birthday dinner tonight, and of course, I completely forgot. I have to go, Star, but you’re welcome to come along,” she said, giving me puppy dog eyes.

“As tempting as that sounds, I’m going to have to politely decline,” I reply with a chuckle.

Chloe’s parents are divorced, and it’s always really awkward when they’re in the same room. So, that’s a no from me. Groaning, she grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.

“Fine, your loss—but I’ll see you later tonight, and after your shift—it’s party time, bitch.” I walked her to the door, and we said our goodbyes. Just as I opened the door, my mother was standing there, just about to knock.

How fun. Mother dearest is here.

“How long were you planning on keeping this from us?” my mother immediately starts while Chloe shoots me a thumbs up, mouthing 'good luck'.

Oh God, here we go.

“Afternoon mother, how have you been? I’m great, thanks for asking.” Giving her a snarky response and heading back to the kitchen for another glass of bourbon.

I’m gonna need it.

With an exaggerated sigh, my mom continues. “I had to find out that you’re not in law school but studying some crime crap and that you’ll be leaving Chicago when you graduate.”

“Criminology mother, thecrapI’m studying, is criminology. And where the hell did you hear it anyway?”

“Your sister told us.” She responds, eyeing me as I pour another drink.

Of course, my brat of a sister told them. Bitch.

“You know Mom, I don’t care what you and Dad think of me anymore. I’m not a puppet you can control. I’m almost 24 for fuck sake, not a child. I’m no longer letting you or Dad plan my future for me and if you don’t like it, you know where the door is.” I don’t have the energy for this bullshit anymore.

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