Chasing Calliope

Chapter 14: Own Dark World

“Ms. Brown? Ms. Brown? Are you listening?”

My mind was so preoccupied that I haven’t noticed that Travis has been saying something to me. I sat straight and tried to comprehend whatever he was saying but none of it has registered to my brain. It’s like my brain suddenly stopped working. And I caught myself staring at nothingness several times. I think my mind is not doing okay because of everything that happened this past few weeks.

I am always nervous and scared. I can’t even sleep properly at night. I feel anxious and I feel like I’m going to have a nervous breakdown anytime!

“Ms. Brown?” Travis called me again and I snapped out of my own dark world.

I turned to look at him, I can see his face laced with concern.

“S-sorry..I am just.. I am just-“

“You don’t look well, are you sick? Do you want to go home early-“

“No!” I cut him and was already panicking.

I am now in the middle of contract signing! There’s no way that I am going to give an impression that I have been taking for granted the opportunity that the Company has given me.

It’s only one month before my internship will end, and Travis gave me a good news that the company wants to absorb be. They wanted me to work as a real employee! And that is awesome! It’s privileged! This is the ticket to my dream! There’s no way I’m gonna waste it!

Not even my fear!

“I mean.. I’m okay, I don’t have to go undertime or something!” I shook my head and I can see the worry on his face.

I might look like I lost puppy to him because he nodded as if he’s just giving into my plea!

“Okay, but you have to promise me when you are not feeling well, you will go home, okay?”

“Thank you,” I said before I nodded like a good child.

“Okay, go and have lunch with your friends.” He said as he gave me a warm smile.

My eyes widen, I did not notice that time flew so fast! I was busy in my own dark world!

“Oh.. okay, thank you!” I said again and stood up fast.

I picked my wallet and left the room.

As I am waiting for the elevator, I saw Paxton.

Our eyes met, and we stared at each other.

He gave me his signature boyish smile but I can’t even smile back at me.

My forehead is starting to sweat, my heart started to beat fast, and my body began trembling.

No, he can’t come near me. I can’t be seen with him.

My stalker might be around us and he will pay me a visit again if he will see me with Paxton.

I licked my lips as I hold my hands trying to stop myself from shaking.

I slowly look around us if someone is watching over..

“Hey, gorgeous.” Paxton greeted me when he is already beside me.

My head snapped towards him with my eyes wide.

I tried to step back to create more space between us and that made his brows furrow.

“Hey? Everything alright? He asked in a worried voice.

I nodded without looking at him.

“Yes..” I whispered.

“Are we okay?”

That question made me turn to look at him.

“Y-yeah, why did you ask?” I said as I gave him a fake laugh.

“You sure?”

I looked away from him.

Afraid that my face will tell the truth.

“Uhuh..” I said as I nodded fast.

I clicked the button of the elevator several times, hoping that the door will open soon. I don’t want to stay here with Paxton. It is not safe!

“Hey.. chill..” he laughed.

“S-sorry.. the girls are already waiting, I’m late.” I reasoned out so he won’t notice that I am not comfortable being with him.

Not when I know that we are being watched.

“You’re being weird this fast few days,” Ava said as I ate silently while they are so full of energy talking about everything.

“Yeah, I think so too, she’s awfully quiet and her energy is nowhere to be found! She’s like a walking zombie!” Polly joked that made the girls laugh but I can also see that she is worried.

I tried to give them a smile and shook my head.

“I’m okay, just tired..”

“Shouldn’t be jumping in joy because you were offered an employment contract? That’s your goal, right? That’s your dream!” Polly continued.

“Did something, happened with you and Paxton?” Naomi asked which made me sit properly.

I shook my head and gave them an awkward smile.

“No..we’re good, why did you ask?”

“Because you have been weird ever since the day that Paxton drove you home,” Polly said.

I was about to tell them that nothing is wrong between me and Paxton when I was cut by a sweet voice.

“How are you bitches?!”

We turn to where the voice came from and we almost scream when we saw who it is!

“Lola!” We said.

“Missed me?” She asked when we take turns to hug her.

“Of course, stupid!” Polly said.

Lola had been away for 2 weeks due to a family problem, but now it seems like everything is now okay.

I hope I can be like Lola, she was so problematic and anxious the last time we saw her, but now she looks calm and problem-free.

But I will bet that her problem is far more different from mine.

Because mine is disturbing.

Mine is scary.

And unlike me, Lola has a support system. She has a family while I am an orphan.

“Hey, Calli girl! How are you? You look like a mess, a beautiful mess!” she said before she winked at me.

“Is that a compliment or a not so nice remark?” I raised my brow at her and gave her a smirk.

“Depends..” she said and we laugh.

Yes, I laughed.  And I am almost surprised by myself. I laughed after how many weeks. And it feels good. I feel normal. But then when I saw a glimpse of Paxton on the other side of the pantry. It’s like it reminded me..

Of everything!

That it will ever be normal.

My life will never be normal again unless I will send the bastard to prison.

But for me to be able to do that, I must know who is he!

The stalker bastard of mine!