Kairyn Cortez
I stared at the woman who had accused me of murder in a mix of horror and surprise. What more could she possibly want that she goes to such great lengths to stalk me? Looking at her for the first time after trying so hard to avoid her, was like putting a picture into focus before taking the actual photo.
She had Short deep black hair styled in a rebel prince manner. Prince-like aura and if she wanted to could pull off a muscular look that wouldn’t have felt forced. She was naturally tall. Probably even taller than a large population of average height for males. Grey eyes that seemed to be searching for something, but could never find it. Annissa Rosario. The woman who framed me.
Finding my voice I finally spoke. “What the fuck? Are you stalking me now?”
Before she could even open her mouth I saw the door open and Quince walk out of our apartment. Walking towards me he pulled me closer to him while giving her a get the fuck out of here look.
“Are you stalking my girlfriend now?” He breathed out, annoyance filling his features.
It was then that I watched her expression change before going, “Wh- No. I was just passing by.”
I stared at her as annoyance filled me. “Passing by? You looked as if you were waiting here. How did you even know what door to wait at?”
She sighed before responding slowly. “The receptionist told me.”
I felt as my expression changed while Quince went to get the bags on my right arm. “Mrs. Castella?” I internally facepalmed myself. “I told her not to do that.”
“Look, I don’t want a dinner invite. Especially not from you. Not after what happened. What I want from you is to leave me alone. Have a nice day.” I told her, then followed Quince inside. I didn’t even feel guilty for leaving her like that. I was more annoyed over the fact that not only had Mrs. Castella told her where I lived even though both I and Quince told her not to do that, but the fact that Annissa had stalked me.
“I hate my life,” I groaned as I plopped on the couch. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I woke up to was Quince shaking me and telling me that dinner was ready.
Over the next couple of days after that apartment incident, I became even more paranoid. I stayed home for several days, focusing on expanding my portfolio, and working with Daiane to build a schedule that would work around me still being in school.
Once I was sure that Annissa wasn’t going to show up at the front door again did I start going to school physically. Even though she hadn’t shown up at our apartment door, didn’t mean that I still wasn’t paranoid. I went to school with Quince and came back home with him every single day. It helped that we both went to the same school and had similar schedules.
Today though was one of those unexpected days. Quince had been called in because they needed help at the hospital, so I in turn was left alone to fend for myself. It helped that I wasn’t working today and I could just go straight home. Instead of going home right away, I stayed after my class to spend time with my friend Camellia and a group of other students.
Camellia Eastridge had been my friend since middle school. Not only did we share similar interests, but were also lucky enough to go to the same school majoring in photography like I was. The only thing we didn’t share was our preferences in dating partners. Where I was bisexual, she was lesbian. Milk chocolate skin and almond colored eyes, Camellia was a five-foot adult with the energy of a six-year-old. She was just a bottomless pit of neverending joy, happiness, and positive vibes. Rocking shoulder-length pastel pink dreadlocks, I watched as she laughed while swinging her legs back and forth from the table she sat at.
Jumping from the spot right next to her, I gave Camellia a heads up, then made my way to the bathroom. Once I was finished, I washed my hands and left the bathroom only to bump into someone. Looking up at the person, I was about to apologize before I saw who it was. I squeaked in shock before my heart dropped in fear. Annissa stood there leaning against the wall waiting, similar to her at the apartment. I stood there shaking as I watched her push herself off the wall then walk closer with a smile on her face. “Hey, It’s been a while,” She greeted.
Shuffling away from her I cursed internally as my back hit a wall. That’s the most cliché thing that could happen. With nowhere to go, I mustered my courage and looked directly at her. “Why are you here?”
At this point, I didn’t want to know how she found me. Just why she kept showing up.
“Why? Because,” Her expression changed to one of sadness. “A certain princess won’t accept her prince’s dinner invite.”
“Dinner?” Closing my hands tightly, I feel as all my fear disappears and all that’s left is anger. “I don’t want to go to dinner with you. Leave.”
I don’t even have time to react as I watch Annissa close the distance between us at an inhuman speed. Slamming her hand above my head, I look up at her in horror trapped. My mind blanks and goes, bitch that’s even more cliché. A kabedon? Seriously? It’s like a scene straight out of L.DK.
“I’m not letting you go princess.” Looking down at me I could see the determination in her eyes. “Not until you say yes.”
“I’m not going-,” I started before I was suddenly pulled toward Annissa, her lips slamming into mine. Immediately following this, I heard whispers then what sounded like Camellia’s voice going, “Hey, Ryn you were gone for a long time and everyone else started leaving so I-”
Pausing mid-sentence I heard as she shifted then go, “Oh, shit. Am I interrupting something?”
Pushing Annissa away from me I turned towards her in embarrassment. “Uh, no. You’re not.”
Looking at Annissa, Camellia whistled. “Damn Ryn. You know how to pick the good ones. How come you never told me you were seeing someone?” Turning to look at me she winked. “Your girlfriend is absolutely stunning.”
Shrinking in sheer embarrassment because of Camellia’s statement, I glance behind her and see a crowd of people staring at us. Shit. We’re still in school. “I’ll text you later Mel.” Grabbing my bag from Camellia, I tug on Annissa’s hand and lead her towards the exit. As we make our way outside I hear a bunch of whispers and murmurs. “Did you walk here? Because honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you did considering the lengths you’ve gone to stalk me.”
“No silly,” Annissa responded easily with a smile, “I drove here.”
“So where did you park?” I go to shift the bag on my shoulder before the weight is lifted off me and my hand is tugged towards the visitor parking. We walked for a little while before reaching the visitor parking. Stopping in front of a purple Lykan Hypersport, she fishes out a set of keys while still holding my hand. She unlocks the door, then tugs on my hand. Popping open the hood, she places my back inside, then goes to open the door for me.
“What the fuck. Annissa let go of my hand.” I whisper to her as I try to remove my hand from hers.
“No. If I do that you won’t come with me.”
“Exactly,” I respond back, still tugging at my hand trying to get out of her iron grip. “Let go now.”
Looking down at me, Annissa sighs. “Get in the damn car or else I will make a scene right here, right now,” she whispered in a hushed but serious tone. Giving her a long hard stare, I don’t plan on standing there any longer to see what she plans on doing, before getting in the car. Closing the door she makes her way to the other side.
The car ride itself was awkward and tense. Half an hour later we get to a fancy looking restaurant titled Giovanna’s. Pulling up to the entrance, Annissa parks the car then gets out. As she makes her way to my side, I mentally prepare myself for the hell that’s about to unfold. Opening the door, she holds her hand out waiting for me to take it. Ignoring her hand I get out of the car. “This is not a time for chivalry. Let’s get this over with so that you can finally leave me alone.”
She gives me a hard stare, before reaching for my hand anyway and hands her keys to the valet. We make our way inside the restaurant and not only do I feel underdressed but also like a zoo animal inside a cage for spectators to stare at. Just making our way to the receptionist at the front was a journey all in itself. Even though it wasn't very crowded, the people that were seated and scattered about the lounge wore elegant and expensive-looking clothes.
The lobby area had black carpeting covering the entirety of the floor. Scattered about were maroon-colored couches with tables in the middle making it a comforting lounge area. Placed on the floor along with the couches were loveseats. The walls were grey with gold lining accenting them. In the middle of the lobby area hung a giant chandelier. Towards the left of me was a bar area and towards the right was a hallway that led to the restaurant side.
Annissa stopped in front of the receptionist’s desk, who in turn looked up at us from her computer screen. The receptionist whose name tag read Annabella, was dressed in a pristine looking uniform that consisted of a white long-sleeved blouse with frills aligning with the buttons and what I assumed was a black pencil skirt because her shirt was tucked in. To match this look I assumed she was either wearing black high heels or flats. Her blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun atop her head. Giving us a friendly smile she greeted us. “Hello, and welcome to Giovanna’s. What can I do for you?”
“I’d like a private room for two,” Annissa stated firmly.
“Very well then ma’am,” Annabella said as she typed away on her computer. “I’ll get someone to guide you to your room.”
Not even a few seconds later someone appeared. “Hello, my name is Yasmin. I’ll be your waiter for today. Please follow me.” Yasmin wore an outfit similar to Annabella’s, but with mini black high heels. On her head snuggly wrapped sat a black hijab.
As we followed Yasmin through the hallways and into an elevator, we passed many pictures and awards of the restaurant’s accomplishments, milestones, and beloved staff members. The hallways also had the same black carpeting and grey walls lined with gold that the lobby held. The only difference was that the hallways also held white roses placed inside black vases which were sitting atop black granite blocks. The walls also held gothic style candelabras, giving the entire place a very dark and brooding feel. Regal almost. Almost as if the devil had worked his ass off through a part-time job and opened up a restaurant, just to prove that he could.
When the elevator door opened, our waiter gestured for us to follow her until we reached a mahogany-colored door. Opening the door for us my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. The room itself shared the same qualities as both the lobby and the hallways. The carpet that covered the floor was black. The walls were grey lined with gold and held gothic style candelabras. In the middle of the room sat two black leather loveseats facing each other, separated by a glass table that was resting in the middle. Instead of regular walls, the room was surrounded by tinted glass windows revealing the beautiful cityscape from the very high altitude we now stood at.
Leading us towards the seats, Yasmin waited until we were seated before she handed us Ipads that held a menu. “Please call if you need anything. I’ll be back with your meals after you have ordered.” With that she turned around and left, closing the door behind her.
I sat there waiting for Annissa to start talking as she picked up an Ipad and began scrolling through it. A few minutes pass before she says something, breaking the silence. “You should order something. We’re not leaving until you eat something.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why are you so set on having a meal together? If anything I want nothing to do with you.” Picking up an Ipad I scrolled through it until I found something to order. I ordered a Blackberry Infused Earl Grey Iced Tea Latte along with Spicy Thai Noodles.
“Because I wanted to apologize to you.” She simply stated.
Glaring at Annissa, I took a deep breath. “You’re not sorry.”
“Believe whatever you want to believe princess but,” She paused, “I apologize. I’m sorry for pinning a murder on you. I should have thought about my actions. Sorry.”
“Stop that.”
“Stop what?” Annissa questioned tilting her head while placing her Ipad down.
“Stop calling me princess. I’m not some helpless bubble gum bitch.” I stated firmly.
“Oh,” Lifting her hand up and placing her elbows on the table, she rested her head on top of her palms. “But you are.”
I smiled at Annissa before saying in a calming tone, “Don’t be a cheep cheep.”
“Oh,” she responded smiling, “So I’m a cheep cheep now?”
“Yes,” I responded still smiling.
“I’m not some mindless fish though,” Annissa said through a smile. “But since I have your attention I’d like to ask for your help.”
I tapped my fingers on the glass table while I looked at her. “So shameless, you really are a cheep cheep. Whatever it is I don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
Shifting her head to a different position Annissa went, “Why? You took last time’s events really well. That makes you the perfect person to work with.”
Rubbing my temples I sighed. “No. Just no.”
“Why?” She asked again while sitting back on the loveseat and folding her arms. “You can help though.”
“I could but,” I stopped tapping my fingers on the table, “You could also do this by yourself.”
“I could do this alone, but I still want you to help me.”
“I don’t want to,” I answered back.
“Listen, Kairyn I don’t want to force you into this-” She started but I interrupted her.
“Then don’t. Just leave me alone.”
Annissa looked at me seriously. “We could either do this the hard way or you could simply agree to help me.”
“I. Don’t. Want. To.” I stated annoyance filling me and my patience wearing thin.
Annissa leaned forward and placed her hands on the table. “You either accept this offer or before you even step foot outside this building, you’ll be a wanted criminal. They’re still investigating the case for that murder you know.” Annissa stated smoothly.
I glared at Annissa and grit my teeth. “I do know.” We sat there for almost a full minute before I went, “I’ll do the bare minimum. No more, no less.”
“Very well then,” She stated calmly, sitting back once again.
At that moment or meals arrived. We ate in silence before Annissa called so that we could be escorted back to the lobby. Annissa paid and as we started to leave we heard, “Thank you for visiting Giovanna’s. We hope to see you again.” Coming from Annabella.
The drive back was just as silent as the meal had been, if not worse. The tension was so thick, it was like drowning underwater. When we finally reached My apartment complex, I quickly gathered my things, then practically ran inside. “See you soon,” I heard Annissa call out to my retreating figure.
I opened the door and immediately went to my room. Dumping everything in a corner I flopped onto my bed, tired from today’s events.
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