Chapter 4

My full name is Rose Melody Jacobs. I am a Love fanatic. I was named “Rose” because my parents were Love fanatics too. When it comes to dating, I have had my fair share of heartbreaks.

Three heartbreaks. I broke up with them all.

I have not been dumped in my life. I have a problem and I may need to seek professional help from a shrink or something because I am seeking something that doesn’t exist.

A perfect Love. Love that is void of mistakes and imperfections.

Well, I know it doesn’t exist but I subconsciously seek it in all my relationships. So I ended up leaving the relationship.

I think it stems from the fact that I saw my parents’ Love as perfect and without blemish. It was not, but that was how and still how I see it.

Even though my father is dead, I feel deeply that his soul still loves my mother more than I could ever imagine.

Maybe that explains why I’m in a stranger’s car. Heading to the “I don’t know” avenue. Maybe that explains why I trust this stranger more than I have ever trusted anyone.

Because I am seeking this perfect Love.

“Do you like this song, Rose?” His voice is calm. His eyes are trained on the road. Yet I feel like he’s paying more attention to me.

The song playing is one of my favorite songs. I absolutely love it.

“No, I don’t like it.”

“Lies. Don’t lie to me, Rose. It’s your favorite song. “ He laughs in an eerie way.

It is. He’s right. The song playing is “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron.

“Okay,” I say in a breathy way as fear creeps up on me.

I am frightened. Scared. My anxiety is through the roof right now. But I’m still in this man’s car.

“Where are you taking me?”

“Oh, don’t worry.” He turns the wheel of the car easily. Leading us to a dirt path.

“I have to pick up my mom. She just texted me. She’s very ill.” I try to find an excuse for him to take me back. Gosh, I don’t want to die!

He stops the car and pulls out his phone. He clicks on the screen numerous times and scoffs lightly.

“No, your mom didn’t text you. She’s still at work. She’s talking with Susan, her co-worker right now.”

“How—how do you know that? Take me back please.” My body is visibly shaking. The hell? This is giving me serial killer vibes.

“Take me back now.” My voice is surprisingly calm but my heart is dancing the salsa.

“Okay.” He stops the car suddenly.

“Wait, what? Really?” I ask, taken aback but hopefully.

He must be joking or something.

“Sure. Where to? The coffee shop or home?” He’s actually serious. He’s looking directly into my eyes. His eyes feel safe. I feel safe suddenly.

“Home. Take me home, sir,” I tell bravely.

He chuckles. “Don’t call me sir.”

“Okay.” That is all I say.

I just want to go home. What I did was stupid. Going miles away from the city, where I know; so I can live one my fantasies out? Even I’m disappointed in myself. I could have been killed.

I am not usually like this, my emotions are just wack right now.

I don’t always make the right choices when this time of the year comes around. And when I say this time of the year, I mean my father’s death anniversary.

“You say 'okay' a lot.” He has turned the car around and we’re heading back from where we came.

I don’t talk again. I’m a bit sleepy but I rather die than fall asleep in this man’s car.

Once we reach the highway. He turns the volume up on the radio and sings along to the song playing. I can’t help but smile at how carefree he looks.

Maybe he’s not so bad. I’m not taking any chances though. I want out. Enough curiosity for one day. Or forever.

The ride back to my high-rise helped me think a lot. I was mostly quiet while he sang every single song on the radio.

At first, it was cute. But later, it became annoying. Who sings every single song on the radio? Every single one.

When we reach the high rise, he parks the car and gets out quickly. I don’t know why and honestly, I don’t care.

He walked around to my side of the car and opened the door for me as I was getting my bag and other little kinds of stuff from the car.

“Thank you,” I say dryly.

“Are you seriously mad at me?” He asks sincerely.

Am I mad at him? Not really.

I am really not. I’m mad at myself for this little adventure I allowed myself to go on.

“No, Sterling,” I managed to say. His name feels good on my lips. I should say it more.

Wait, no. I’m not going to see him again. Never!

He smiles so big when I call his name.

“Okay, Rose. Goodbye.” He walks around the car, gets in, and simply drives away.

I’m left standing trying to understand what the hell just happened.

I grab my bottle of water from my sling bag and head into the building. I drink half of the bottle in seconds, then close the rest and step into the elevator.

The elevator is empty and it’s 6 pm.

I like it when the elevator is empty. It gives me time to think and just chill. But right now, I wouldn’t care whether it’s empty or not. I just want to be in my room, showered, and on my bed right now.

Suddenly a thought pops into my head. My stalker—I mean Sterling knows a lot about me. Not just past things, but things that happen every day.

He checked his phone when I lied about my mom being ill. Does he have hidden cameras in my home and other places?

Hell to the no! He can’t watch me shower! Or sleep! Or walk around in shorts in my home! No!

I have to tell the police!

But he hasn’t committed any crime. I would look like a fool. And I voluntarily did all that he asked me to. He had my consent. Shoot!

I can’t go home. I press a button on the elevator and in a few seconds, I start to descend. I will sleep at Wesley’s house. I will take an Uber and explain it all to him.

He would know what to do. He always knows what to do.

I text him to give him a heads up and he’s totally fine with it. I will be at his place for three days. I’m sure it would all be figured out in no time.

Wesley’s father is a detective too, I can explain it all to him! I trust him. And he knows I’m not mentally deranged enough to make all this up.

My Uber driver is really nice. He gave me peppermint gum and it reminded me of my teacher, Ms. Flowers. I should really try to double up in her class.

In no time, I arrive at Wesley’s house.

It’s a simple family house. Very beautiful, and made of brick. It gives me a New York feel. The lawn looks like it should be advertised. I almost forgot how much of a perfectionist Wesley’s mom is. I really like her.

His huge dog welcomes me. His name is Jelly and he’s a brown German shepherd. His name was obviously chosen by Wesley. His little sister loved it!

His parents have two kids. Wesley and Sarah. He is the oldest and he never fails to remind his sister of that fact. At a time like this, she’s probably doing homework.

I pet Jelly and he wags his tail while playfully barking. I then walk to the door and try to open it. It doesn’t budge.

When I’m coming over, they always leave the door open so I can walk right in. But it’s locked so I’m confused a bit.

I decide to knock.

I knock a few more times and the door opens. What or rather who I see on the other side of the door is enough to give me a heart attack.

It’s not Wesley or any of his family. It's not even the Easter Bunny!

It’s Sterling. It’s my stalker in the flesh!