The Stalker Chronicles
However, I got the distinct impression that Pilar was very good at waiting. Plus, I had done my research, and I knew they, stalkers, could return and start the stalking all over again. The statistics were not in my favor.
    It was late Saturday afternoon, and I had pretty much not done a damn thing most of the day. Sometimes, lately, all I wanted to do was sleep. Even in sleep, I wasn’t always guaranteed peace. Pilar interrupted that, too, lately more and more often. Even out of my life, she was still stealing my joy.
    I slowly walked into the kitchen and opened my stainless steel refrigerator, looked around at my choices, and retrieved the orange juice carton from the back. The bright orange carton was half full, and I made a mental note to pick up more. After pouring myself a cold glass and gulping it down in three swallows, I picked up my cell phone, which was lying on the countertop, on silent. A quick glance told me I had missed two calls and I had two messages, both from Bailey.
    â€œHey, sweetie. Check your e-mail. I forwarded you my flight itinerary. Can’t wait to see you again.”
    I checked the second message.
    â€œCall me later? Why do I always ask that question when I know you won’t? Sometimes I can relate to Pilar from your movie, because it is hard loving someone when they won’t or can’t love you back. Well, I’m off for my jog.”
    â€œWhat the hell? What did love have to do with anything? Love shouldn’t even be in the same sentence with my name and hers.”
    I had made up my mind that, after Bailey’s next visit, I was going to cut off all contact with her. It was for her own good. She couldn’t seem to comprehend what I had been telling her from the very beginning. And what was up with all that shit about identifying with Pilar? Had she lost her fucking mind? Don’t step to me with that drama. That definitely wouldn’t give her any brownie points in my book.
    I know most would ask why I would wait until after her visit to cut all ties. I admit it. I’m a dog, still trying to become a reformed one. Bailey had some sweet pussy that I wanted to hit a few more times for old times’ sake.
    As for Dre’, I couldn’t wait to meet the woman who had him talking like a Hallmark greeting card. Little did I know, she was about to play God in both our lives.
    â€œThis is going to be your room,” the aunt said excitedly, stepping aside so that the quiet and shy girl could enter and take a look around. “Don’t be afraid. Come in, baby.”
    The girl slowly entered the pink and white bedroom and did a quick sweep of it with her lowered eyes. Her facial expressions didn’t reveal if she liked it or not.
    â€œI hope you like it. I wasn’t sure if pink was one of your favorite colors,” the aunt said, patiently waiting for an answer. “I think most girls love the color pink.”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” the girl said, never taking her eyes from the floor or wall or wherever, never making direct eye contact with the aunt.
    â€œI know it’s a little bare in here, but I figured you and I could go on a huge shopping spree and shop until we drop. You can pick out whatever you like to make this room all yours. We’ll even get you one of those signs to hang on the door that states, ‘Knock before you enter.’”
    The aunt thought for just a second that she had glimpsed a small smile, almost unnoticeable. The entire time she had been trying to gain custody of her niece, she had never seen her smile. And what a beautiful smile she had.
    The aunt walked over to the window and opened the curtains. “Let’s get some sunshine up in here,” she said, sitting on the edge of the full-sized bed. The aunt patted the bed beside where she sat. “Baby, come here and give me a hug. I am so happy to have you here. I love you so much. You do know that, don’t you?”
    The girl nodded her

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