The Stalker

'Woahhh!!!'

We all screamed at the sight of a crazy amount of balloons and fireworks filling the air.

The balloons were of different colours and added character to the moonless night, stretching as far as we could see and soaring higher into the sky.

The fireworks filled the night sky with the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" boldly displayed for the entire world to see.

Of course, there were a few pops, but it was a beautiful sight nonetheless.

The night wind was chilly and we had a fire going. We stood close to the verandah by the pool which now reflected different colours in addition to the stars.

Alex's condo was like any other well-off bachelor his age. A one-storey white building, with a glass balcony, and a big pool in the backyard.

His backyard was floored with marble leading up to a verandah adorned with plush rain-resistant sofas with a fire pit at the centre close to the building.

My eyes were glued to the sky, my heart thumping in excitement at the sound of every firework being lit.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Alex had invited my friends and me over to celebrate my birthday but I hadn't expected this at all.

'Happy birthday my love, ' came his somewhat rough and deep voice which I adored.

He placed his arm around me and gave me a peck on my cheek. I leaned in further enjoying his warmth.

We stood there for a while enjoying the fireworks, my girlfriends chatting excitedly and glancing occasionally at us.

‘Thank you,' I said barely audible to anyone but him, ‘I wasn't expecting any of this. I love it.’ He shifted his gaze down to me.

‘Want to see something more?’ He said taking slow steps with his back towards the pool.

‘What are you doing?’ I asked grinning widely when he was at the edge of the pool. By now all my friends were watching.

‘Showing you how much I love you.' Saying that he fell backwards into the pool. Sharp gasps escaped our lips.

It must be freezing in there, what was he thinking? I made my way over to the edge of the pool Peering in and my friends followed.

‘Alex!’ I called, why wasn't he coming up? I went on my knees leaning towards the pool.

‘Alex!!’

I waited a few minutes peering in to see if something was wrong before calling out again. I was beginning to panic.

‘Alex!!!’ maybe he got a cramp, what if he blacked out? I don't know what I'll do if an--

I inhaled sharply as he sprung out of the water flipping back his hair.

‘What do you think you're doing? You scared me. What would I have done if you'd--

‘--Will you spend the rest of your life with me?’

I clasped my hands around my mouth, trying to remember to breathe. What? A proposal?

He was holding a golden ring, adorned with a large ruby stone at the centre.

‘Get out of the water, you'll catch a cold.’

‘Not until I get a reply.’

‘Yes,’ I said nodding frantically. Which earned a cheer from my friends. ‘Yes, I will. Now please get out of the water.’

‘Well of course my love,' he grinned extending his hand so I could pull him up. I took his hand and immediately got pulled into the freezing pool. The loud giggles and cheers from my friends were drowned the moment he kissed me.

      ~ ~~~~~~

I jumped out of bed breathing heavily, beads of sweat were rolling down my face and dripping on the comforter. My night dress was completely soaked. I pulled back the blanket and made my way to Lisa's room. I spotted her sitting up in bed when I opened her door without knocking. She probably couldn't sleep.

I crawled into her bed shakily and hugged her.

‘Another nightmare?’ she pried concerned.

It was all I could do to nod before the tears began streaming down. Lisa gently began to pat my head. When I'd calmed down enough she ventured to ask me about my nightmare.

‘What was it about this time?’

‘Lionel broke out of jail and came after me.’

‘It's ok, it was just a dream. You should take your anxiety pills, it'll help you calm down. I was about to take some too.’

‘Thank you, Lisa.’ I shifted as she made her way towards the pills. ‘I'm just happy that I'm finally getting married. My father will be so proud.’

‘I bet he will. Here.’ She handed me the pills and a glass of water.

I was sitting on my Turkish ottoman holding my right hand up, gazing deeply at my ring finger. Alex's proof of his love for me. I've been so dazed ever since that evening.

Thinking of our life together, how we'll start a family, raise our children. The vacations to beautiful places with just the two of us...I sighed deeply.

‘You can't get enough of staring at it, can you?’ came Lisa's voice bringing me out of my thoughts. She was smiling at me from the couch on the other side of the living room. She thrust her nose at me. ‘You were daydreaming.'

I chuckled, ‘Who wouldn't be? This is a dream come true.’ I rubbed the ring with my fingers.

‘What did it feel like?’ She asked with a bit of seriousness in her eyes. ‘The proposal I mean.’ She clarified.

‘Um, let's see...my heart was thumping loudly, and when he handed me the ring...’ I paused to think back on it blushing and grabbing my cheeks to contain my excitement ‘That moment felt heavenly!! I lost contact with everything else around me.’

Lisa's lips were slightly ajar now and then her lips turned up in a smile. ‘It must be nice to experience true love I guess.’

I realized I had been completely insensitive to her feelings.

‘I'm sure you'll find someone to spend the rest of your life with someday.’

She looked up at me and smiled widely. ‘Thank you.’~~~~

         ~~~~~~~~

‘Raisa! Raisa wake up!’ I was grumbling at whoever wasn't letting me sleep in. I'd shut off my alarm for this sole purpose.

‘Let me shweep.’ I complained pulling the blanket over my head.

‘You're going to be late for your fitting.’

I shot up like a lightning bolt throwing the blanket away. The fitting! I forgot, I growled messing up my hair. I had been so excited about it that I couldn't sleep a wink last night. I fell asleep at daybreak and shut off my alarm on impulse.

I glanced at my alarm clock, it was 9:30 am. Alex was supposed to come and pick me up by 10:00 am.  Now I'll never make it in time.

‘What am I going to do? I won't make it in time.’

‘Don't worry, I've got you covered.’ She flashed a reassuring smile at me. ‘Your bath has been prepared, I picked out something decent for you to wear and your breakfast is ready.’

‘Oh...Lisa, what would I do without you?’

‘You can still make it if you hurry.’

I stepped into the bathtub humming a tune to myself. Lisa was somewhat like a mother to me. We were both of the same age and lived together in this apartment after we moved out of my parents' mansion.

Lisa and I met at school during our secondary school days. Her father's entire life's work went down the drain in one day due to a risky business decision which led to a heart attack. Her mother was weighed down by debt and grief and having a chronic heart disease, soon followed afterwards leaving their only child with a mountain of debt and grief.

Being an only child, I could relate to what Lisa was going through. I couldn't bear to imagine how I'd feel if I'd lost both parents. Lisa's grades dropped drastically, she was being passed on from one relative to the other who kept wanting nothing to do with her when they realized the mound of debt the family had to pay off.

The mortgage on the Arrow's mansion could no longer be paid and the bank soon claimed the house. Everyone felt sorry for the little girl who was going through a lot.

One day in particular, I was feeling depressed and taking a walk when I spotted a girl standing on the bridge. She was in motion when I caught her nearly diving in with her myself. When I'd successfully pulled her back we just sat there together and sobbed. It felt like we both understood each other more than words could say.

I'd thought of jumping over the bridge myself but didn't want to be ridiculous. My father and I had grown apart and although I lived in a large house, I always felt lonely. Of course, I couldn't compare what I was feeling with what she was going through but now my mind was made up.

I brought Lisa home that night and convinced my parents to take her into custody. That being done, I somehow talked my father into settling some of their debts and getting their mansion back. Lisa doesn't know yet, that the mansion has been redeemed. I thought it better to wait till the payment was completed. The mansion was fully paid for and in her name and I plan on telling her that soon.

I stepped out of the bathroom, I was lucky to have her in my life we've been through thick and thin together and I no longer felt lonely with her around.

         ~~~~~~~

This was my wedding week, the girls and I had planned a get-together to decide on some finishing touches for my wedding. Lisa cancelled last minute saying she had a date. I was thrilled to hear that, she hadn't dated anyone in a long time.

I called the hotel we loved to visit to make our reservations after Lisa had left, I was used to having her do these things that I almost couldn't manage without her. The hotel however had no open reservations left. Having our favourite spot taken, we had no choice but to shift the venue to another hotel.

We were seated at a table for four, discussing over dinner.

‘Raisa, it's such a silly idea to decorate the venue using your art.’

‘I agree with Vivian. If you want art pieces that bad, why not one from a renowned artist?’ Pauline pointed out.

I looked from left to right at my friends, I'd always wanted to show people my artwork and displaying them at the wedding seemed like a pretty good idea, but--

‘And the meals seem to be too bland. As the only daughter of a businessman, your wedding plans should be top-notch.’ Added Sarah.

‘We can always make changes to the meals don't you think so?’

They all nodded in agreement.

‘I was thinking though,’ I said with a bit of trepidation, ‘I'll like to pursue art as a career after I'm married.’ They all gasped. Their faces looking horrified. ‘It's not like I'll be managing my dad's company or anything once I get married, I was thinking of finding my own identity, doing something I love.’

Vivian was the first one to speak, ‘As the wife of a renowned businessman, I don't think it would be proper. These kinds of things should be kept as a hobby.’

‘Left to professionals.' cried Sarah.

‘You don't really think your artwork is good enough to be sold do you?’ Pauline said as more of a statement.

I lowered my head and brought my gaze to my hands resting on my thigh. Why did I always feel the need to talk about my dreams? It hurt. They were probably right though, my artwork wasn't good enough. I wasn't really good at anything. I felt tears sting my eyes.

‘I mean,’ I could hear Vivian's voice from my thoughts. ‘If I was in her position, I wouldn't need to study for a job. There's one waiting for me without having to lift a finger.’

‘That's probably why she doesn't get worked up over anything. Must be great being an heir.’ They all giggled at Sarah's remark.

‘Cheers to Raisa,’ they all lifted their glasses. ‘For being the best friend and hosting the most luxurious parties.’

‘CHEERS!!!’

‘I need some air,’ I muttered getting up.

I was trying to gain control over my emotions, I wish Lisa was here, she'd understand. I was heading towards the door when I spotted a brunette that looked familiar. She laughed and threw her head backwards in a cute way. The gentleman she was with must be very good company.

He reached across the table to stroke her hand tenderly, I couldn't help but pause in my strides.

‘I love you.’ he said to her, drawing out his words.

‘How many women have you told that to?’ She asked, sounding a bit displeased.

He chuckled before responding, ‘I think what matters is who I've been honest with, and right now, that's you.’

‘So your feelings for her have never been real then?’

‘No. She's far too clingy and too much of a daddy's girl to be my type.’

They both laughed a little.

‘I can totally relate to that,’ the lady said flipping her hair, ‘she's a complete crybaby.’

These two were cheating on a friend. How cheap! I can't even begin to imagine how I'd feel if my fiancé and my best friend were having an affair. They're the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm just glad I can rely on them.

‘Break up with her then, I want you all to myself.’

The lady's words left me shocked. I knew that these kinds of things happened, I just had never witnessed it in person. I felt sorry for the poor lady who was about to end up with a broken heart. Was there something I could do?

I'd been in a lot of traumatizing relationships and I knew what it felt like to be rejected.

‘No. Not yet.’

‘When then? Want to hear something funny? Have you ever wondered why she's so clingy?’

‘I figured, she's just a spoilt brat whose parents never denied anything.’

‘Well, that's not the only reason, just the root of it. She loves her father dearly and wants his attention. There's an old Russian culture that says a woman's purpose lies in marriage and a woman is not fulfilled until she's married.’

‘Woah!’

‘Yes, she's been trying to get married ever since she turned twenty to make her father proud. More like to snag his attention. Most Russian ladies are married by twenty-three. She's been so desperate to get married that she's ruined every relationship she's ever been in. Or maybe she just has bad taste in men.

‘Are you trying to say I'm a bad choice?’

‘You're an exception.' She sipped her drink gracefully.

My body was trembling and I couldn't move. That was--that had been--that was LISA.