Elizabeth

The trees swayed in the breeze like they were dancing to a silent song. Rustling leaves and cracking of the branches. The wind had picked up the last few hours. The season had definitely changed the last few weeks of September. The temperature had grown from warm at the beginning of the month to nippy. Long gone are the light hoodie jackets and replaced with thicker coats. Scarf and gloves would be making an appearance soon. I hated the end of September into October. All the leaves crunching under foot, brown and black rotting. The leaves falling every second on my freshly raked lawn. The sky is blue as The Mediterranean Sea. If I didnt know what season it was, by just looking at the sky it would be summer. Summer isn't my favourite season but it would be better than Autumn and winter. I hated being cold.

I stand at my kitchen window with a cup of tea in both hands clutching it tightly trying to warm myself up. Sighing loudly, I turn and lean against the sink. I really need to wash up but my brain is not having it. Its been four days of cups, bowls and plates piling up on the side and starting to smell but I dont care. Nobody is complaining as I live on my own. I love living on my own. Peace and quiet, nobody to answer to, nobody to demand your time. Get up when you want, go to bed when you want. The only person demanding time in my life was my publisher. Sarah has been calling constantly demanding to know when the bloody book will be finished. I promised her it should of been finished last month, but I cannot find the enthusiasm or the ideas to finish it. I walk slowly back into my office next to the kitchen. I put the cup down on the desk and wrap my cardigan around myself for warmth. I am glad I wore my thick joggers and fluffy socks today, its bloody cold. I turn the heater up one more bar and settle into my chair. The curser is blinking on my computer. The last sentence typed 3 hours ago. I stare for a further 30 minutes then I lean back into the chair and stare at the screen. The story of love, magic and werewolves was my genre and third installment in my works. The first two books flowed so easily. I completed them in no time, but this book has been a thorn in my side. Nothing comes to me at all. I thought a break and a cuppa might bring some ideas but nothing is happening. My brain has decided to retire.

I save what I have done today and log out. I turn everything off and walk upstairs. I live in a modest two bedroom house, bought from the proceeds of my last two books. I am very lucky for a girl of 25. All my friends are still living at home with parents or renting. I walk into the bathroom and turn on the shower full temperature. I want this hot and scolding, punishment for lack of work today. The steam starts to fill the room. I open the window and start undressing dropping everything on the floor, I will drop them into the hamper later. The shower is so invigorating and I could stay under the spray forever but when the wrinkles start I decide its time to get out.

Its only 4pm but decided to find my fluffy pajamas and more clean fluffy socks. Stay warm thats my moto. I walk to the window while towel drying my hair. I have such gorgeous auburn/ginger hair, all my friends are jealous of it. Its waist length with a bit of a curl. I find my afro comb and start detangling the knots. I find the park across the street with children playing on the swings, trees blowing, couples walking hand in hand along the path laughing at each other's jokes. A child trying to fly a kite with his dad. A normal Saturday. The light starting to fade but people refusing to leave and admit defeat to Autumn.

The last few days I have felt a sense of being watched. Not any evidence but a feeling. Everytime I stand at my bedroom window I have a sense of something is coming. It's probably my imagination going into overdrive and the stress of finishing this book. I do need to get out of this house and get some fresh air. I will tomorrow, definitely, mark it in my brain calendar. I will make my feet walk to the park. It will do me good. I know it will. I look at the park scanning it for someone, anyone standing staring at my home. But I cant see anyone. Everyone is going about their own business without a second thought of a young woman losing her mind with stupid ideas of someone stalking her. "For god sake Elizabeth, get a hold of yourself". I turn away and walk back into the bathroom. Collecting the dirty clothes and the hamper in one swoop walking downstairs and start a load of laundry.

The light was beginning to fade so I bend to turn on the lamp in the lounge. I was just about to leave and put the kettle on and the home phone starts to ring. I groan internally as I know who it is going to be before even answering it. There is only one person who uses the phone apart from spam calls, my Mother. She refuses to use my mobile as apparently she is "old fashioned". "Hello Mother", a gasp on the other end has confirmed my suspicions. "Elizabeth, how did you know it was me?". "Your the only one who uses this phone remember, mum?". She tuts under her breath "well thats not the point, I could of been someone else". "Doubt it" I say sitting on the sofa to get comfortable. These calls are never quick, its the same every week. "How are you?, Have you got a man yet?, "Hows the book? and the classic "When was the last time you got out of the house?".

"I wanted to let you know that I am going on holiday with Edith next week and wont be back for two weeks". I can hear her zipping something in the background. "You just got back last month from a holiday with Edith mum, are you trying to spend all my inheritance?" I laugh as I know this conversation always ends in a mini argument. "You have enough money of your own Elizabeth, you dont need mine. Anyway, I want to enjoy life, I am still young". I roll my eyes as I look at the bay window. I start having that feeling again. I need to end this call and pull the curtains quickly. My lounge is lit up like a bloody Christmas tree and I feel like I'm on stage, exposed. "Mum, I need to go as I am on my way out". I am going to hell for lying to my own Mother. "Really?" Her voice goes high pitched and surprised. "Thats fantastic hunny, you need to get out more and away from the computer screen. I do worry about you". "Well, I am, so you don't need to worry. They are picking me up in 10 minutes and I am not ready, I need to go". I start to panic now and fidget on the sofa. My eyes keep darting to the window. God, these calls are exhausting. "Okay Elizabeth I'll let you go, come round for dinner when I get back, I will bring you back some tatty souvenir. See you later then. I love you". The line goes dead before I can say anything else.

I dart from the sofa so fast. I grab the edge of the curtain and stop. Something across the road has caught my eye. Someone is definitely standing there leaning against the railings watching. Dressed all in black with a baseball cap, black trench coat and trainers. I cannot see his facial features as the light has faded too much. The light of the sunset is behind him highlighting him in a silhouette. I start to close the curtains extremely slowly while still watching him. He doesnt move at all, he's like a mannequin or dead, one or another havent decided. I get the curtain to the middle and it stops which pulls me out of my state. I go and grab the other curtain and stop. Hes gone! Like smoke. Did I dream him up, am I hallucinating it happened? God, I need to get out of this house tomorrow. I am going mad! Fresh air and exercise, thats the plan tomorrow morning, decision made.