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    Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)
    Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)
    Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)
    Ebook427 pages7 hours

    Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)

    By Rita Hestand

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    Melanie George just finished college and her nursing school and was ready to take on her first job as a nurse at Mercy General. She also had another first, her first apartment. Her life seemed on track and now that she had broken up with Brad, she looked forward to settling into some kind of routine work at the hospital. She took an apartment close to her work so she could walk if she had to. But it wasn't long after she settled in that her first walk home scared her to death. She was sure she was being stalked and she didn't know what to do about it. She had no idea who it could be. She suspicioned the maintenance man at the college, but with no proof, she could accuse him.

    After telling her handsome neighbor, Dex Cooper about someone following her, he made sure he could give her a ride home, since he worked at the same hospital. Dex was becoming more than a good friend, but who was stalking her? And more importantly, why?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRita Hestand
    Release dateJun 15, 2017
    ISBN9781370682058
    Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One)
    Author

    Rita Hestand

    Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

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      Book preview

      Afraid in the Dark (Stalker Series Book One) - Rita Hestand

      I like it! Melanie George checked the apartment carefully. The smell of fresh paint assailed her, wafting through the newly painted apartment. The carpet sank against her feet as she walked about. She liked the dark and light brown shag. She kicked off a shoe and ran her toes through it. It tickled, she smiled. The man watched her as though she'd lost her mind.

      Never could resist running my toes through new carpet.

      He feigned a smile, as he looked sharply at her.

      Sure, she was as interesting as a dying washing machine that coughed and spewed a quick death, she grinned and slipped her shoe back on. Despite his obvious lack of enthusiasm, she was determined to enjoy this moment.

      This was a big decision for her. Excitement, fear of the unknown and a tinge of self-doubt ran through her all at once. The day had finally come, she was now a real adult. The impact of her joy was lost in his impatient glance. There had been so many things going on in her life, lately. What with graduating, applying for a job, and finding an apartment. But this man didn't know it, he stood with relaxed impatience.

      She'd acquired a nursing job at Mercy General last week, and she needed a place close enough so if she had to, she could walk to work, especially since her old Ford was on the blink half the time.

      She walked into the kitchen. It sparkled, with recently used cleaning fluids. There were plenty of cabinets and she liked the black appliances. It had wood flooring, but she'd buy some rugs to go around the sink and stove. The bathroom was small, but it would hold her things easily. The bathtub was small too, but she could manage with that. There was a sink and a vanity to the side. She liked that, as the mirror extended across both. Her bedroom was fairly roomy, and she could easily fit a desk in here later, she thought to herself.

      A million new plans for herself flirted with her imagination.

      His ironic smile narrowed on her now, as her cheeks blossom with color.

      Obviously, the apartment must have just come up for rent not long ago as it was in very good order.

      She glanced out the blinds to the patio and smiled. She was on the third floor, of this beautiful brownstone apartment complex. She'd have a good view around her. She liked that. She could see the traffic, but the exhaust wouldn’t blow inside up here.

      Is this your first apartment? The manager asked, his voice indulging. Obviously, he decided that conversation would make the time go better for him. He stared at her strangely as his thick black eyebrows flew up a notch, waiting for her reply. He rubbed his goatee as though it itched, or he wanted to draw attention to it. His slicked black hair made him look like something from a gangster movie. He slouched against the wall, one hand in his pocket, jingling his change. He dressed in camouflage pants and a black skin-tight t-shirt. He was not the kind of guy you would want to meet on a dark street, Melanie contemplated, and yet compared to the maintenance man at the dorm, she liked him. Evidently, he liked role playing. He was memorable in many ways, if nothing else.

      He smelled like an old bottle of Jade East that had long outlived its usefulness. However, he seemed to indulge her glee at finding a place so close to her work. She guessed she amused him, in some strange way.

      She licked her bottom lip, tasting the waxy texture of lipstick that needed retouching. She glanced at him, realizing he was waiting for her answer.

      Yes, well, I mean, I lived in a dorm at college, but this is the first apartment of my very own. I just got a job at Mercy General, and it's close. I can walk it if I need to. She smiled nervously. Wondering why she was telling him all this because it was obvious, he wasn't a bit interested. He wanted to rent the apartment and get out of here, she could tell just by the way he kept jingling the change in his pocket, like a nervous tic.

      She glanced at him and smiled.

      His glance slid up and down her slender form for a moment, lingering on points of interest before meeting her gaze. He did have long lashes and pretty eyes, but he certainly wasn't her type, that is, if she had a type. We got a couple of college girls' downstairs. Are you a nurse or something? He asked.

      Yes, I am. My first job too. She explained proudly.

      Lots of firsts for you, huh? The man grinned, presenting ultra-white teeth that glared at her. That didn't seem to fit his gangster like persona. She figured his teeth would be yellow and in need of care. Instead they flashed at her like a beam of light. He was a contrast of himself, surprising in many ways. A lesson in judging a person too quickly.

      Yes, she glanced at the man again. He was lean and looked to be in his thirties. But her parents had taught her not to judge a person on their looks entirely, something she forgot momentarily. Some people were automatic role players and this fella looked the part. Perhaps he liked the tough look. Perhaps on the inside he was a teddy bear. She couldn't be sure, she hadn't known him long enough, or well enough to judge, of that she was sure now.

      No, a teddy bear wouldn't begin to describe him.

      Is it safe here? She asked not bothering with his strange facial expression as she asked the question.

      Again, he indulged her foolish questions.

      Safe? He looked at her as though no one had ever asked him that question. His glance shot upward, We got water sprinklers, if that is what you mean.

      No, I mean, I might be doing shift work, is the neighborhood safe to like walk in at night? She explained.

      Oh, he rolled his eyes to the ceiling once more and nodded. He gave her a once over glance, Never had no complaints that I know of. But if you are gonna be working shift work, it might not be a good idea. I can't guarantee the streets all hours of the night, you know.

      Yeah, I guess no one can. I hope I didn't offend, it's just I'm not used to being on my own. She tried to explain why she even asked that question. It's a question I had to ask.

      He nodded, his eyes sweeping her. His eyelashes swept down on his cheek like a broom sweeping a cement floor. They were so long. She didn't know why she stared at them so, except it was his nicest feature. Although he seemed to enjoy looking at her, he wasn't hip to her line of questions. Well what do you think? His impatience was growing thin with her multi-layered questions.

      I like it. I'd only have to walk about nine blocks. That's reasonable, I guess. How much?

      Nine hundred, you pay all utilities. He informed her. The way he clipped that off, made her think he'd been waiting for the opportunity.

      Being a dreamer, she often wished the world could see things through her eyes.

      Oh yes, of course. She nodded. I'm glad you have blinds

      Why's that? His brows knitted as he tried his best to figure her out. Her mind was flitting about like a butterfly trying to find a place to land.

      Because I don't have curtains to put up yet. She explained.

      He shrugged, obviously not his problem. Some never put any up.

      He took the toothpick out of the side of his mouth as he stared at her. There's a deposit of two hundred dollars, unless you have a pet, then it's four hundred.

      That's reasonable. A couple of other places wanted twice that much. And no pet, at least not yet. She smiled and reached into her purse to take out her checkbook. She filled it out for the rent and deposit and made a note on the check what it was for and handed it to him. Any other rules I should know about?

      Naw…they aren't too strict about what you do, unless a neighbor complains. Just be considerate of your neighbors, don't make a lot of loud noises especially late at night, and if you want to swim in the pool come by the office and get a pool pass. It's fifty a year to swim in the pool. When you get ready to move out, you need to notify us two months before or you will be charged for it.

      He looked at the check, Your name is Melanie?

      Yes

      My name's Earl.

      Alright, thank you. So, who do I call for Maintenance?

      Me, I'm the weekend manager, and the full-time maintenance man. He cracked a smile.

      Oh, good. Maybe that explained his appearance. Well, I sure appreciate it, thanks.

      He handed her the keys which he dug from his pockets. They'll assign you a parking space in a couple of days. Mailbox is by the elevator's downstairs, they'll slip all information in your box. Need to get your power in your name and set up your utilities. There's phone, and TV hook ups on both sides of the living room and bedroom. Here's a card with our phone number on it. Anything else you can check with the office on Monday.

      Thanks Earl. You've been very helpful, and patient, she said with a smile.

      He smirked, We aim to please. Hope you like it here.

      I'm sure I will, thanks again.

      When he finally left, she checked the thermostat and set it at a comfortable temperature. She went into the kitchen to check out the refrigerator and cabinets. She was so thrilled to find something this close to the hospital. It wasn't fancy, but it had everything she needed. He'd left the keys on the kitchen counter as he walked out, she put them in her purse. The counter was a speckled combination of browns, blacks and tans. She liked that it wouldn't show dirt as easily. Very attractive she thought with the black appliances. She made note of the cabinet space, not many apartments had this much. Not that she had that much to store, but here she could expand on what she had and there was room for that expansion.

      She had plenty of room in the kitchen, she went into the bathroom and was pleased that it was big enough to hold most of her stuff. She had a storage area on the patio, which would sure come in handy too, she thought as she opened the cabinets and checked the tub. She'd need to buy a shower curtain. She needed so many of the little things to complete the place, but she didn't have to buy everything now. She needed a few paychecks under her belt before she went on a real spending spree. Her mind whirled at things she needed to do before she started work.

      Coming from a rich, affluent family in Lone Oak, she could have lived off her folks all her life if she wanted to, but Melanie chose a different path. At twenty-one she inherited a great deal of money from her grandparents who were multi rich. It was more than she could imagine, and she really didn't want to become dependent on that money. She invested half of it and decided she'd learn to live on the rest after paying off her student loans. Instead of her family paying for her college, she'd worked hard and earned a reasonable scholarship so that she wouldn't go into immediate debt. When she'd turned sixteen, she'd gone to work at a local restaurant and put that money toward college. She knew what she wanted to be at a young age. Nursing was all she was ever interested in, aside from boys.

      Melanie went out on the patio now and looked out. It was fall and the leaves on the trees were turning gold and brown. The air was cooler now, but not unpleasant yet.

      She could see the hospital from here. The giant gray building stood out like a huge monster with wings on both sides. She always wondered why hospitals looked so drab on the outside. To keep the spirits up of the patient, shouldn't it be bright and cheery?

      She leaned on the railing of her patio. But part of the railing was loose, and she'd have to report that immediately, it could be dangerous. She backed up and went inside.

      She glanced around her apartment and smiled. She could have found a bigger even nicer apartment with the money she'd saved, but that wasn't what interested her. She wanted to live her life, not be given it.

      At least there was a drive-in parking lot in the back. She'd even have a numbered place to park. That made it easy and it was covered.

      She whirled around in the living room, her very first apartment. Her first job too! It was hard to believe. Silently she wished she had someone to celebrate with. And that thought brought Brad front and center in her thinking. Four years she'd wasted with Brad. She should have known it wouldn't work. Brad was a rich kid who didn't mind flaunting the fact. Despite his vanity, he was fun to be with and they enjoyed most of the social life at college. Still, there were things about Brad she hadn't known before and she was glad she broke up with him when he got a job in Chicago. It was the perfect reason to break it off, and he didn't seem to mind that much. Obviously, the relationship wasn't going either fast enough or in the right direction.

      She preferred Houston. And she certainly preferred not being abused by a man that said he loved her. He wasn't really that bad, but one slap was enough for her. That had made her mind up quickly.

      She shrugged, she didn't need anyone to celebrate with. She was finally on her own, and she was elated and a bit scared.

      Starting from scratch she realized she'd have to get some furniture. All she had at the dorm was her bed, a small table for a night lamp, her television, and her stereo, and all the bathroom stuff.

      She'd pick a few things up, gradually.

      She phoned her mother, but she couldn't hear. She couldn't get a good reception in the apartment, so she stepped out on the balcony and she heard her mother's voice. Mom, She said as she leaned against the door frame. I got it. I got the job, and I just got an apartment, just a few blocks from the hospital. Can you believe it?

      That's wonderful dear. I can't wait to see it. I'm so proud of you, wait until I tell your father about this, he'll be so happy for you. He's still bragging about how well you did at college, making the A honor roll like you did.

      I guess all that studying paid off for me. I'm so excited. But it's kind of scary too. A lot of firsts for me.

      When will you move in?

      As soon as possible. I start work next week, so I've got this week to get moved in and settled. She laughed into the phone. I've got to buy a couple of furniture items. A coffee pot and toaster, a shower curtain and a few little things. I also need to get some groceries. But then I'll be good to go. I've still got a few dishes, enough to get me by for a while, I just don't have a lot and if I have company, I'll have to take them out to eat until I've picked up a few things. I do have a lot of cabinet space in the kitchen and a little in the bathroom, and I have plenty of bathroom stuff. At the dorm, I was the one to furnish the bathroom stuff, so I have plenty of towels and such, but of course I need a new shower curtain, but it's mainly kitchen stuff I need right now.

      Go through your gadgets for your kitchen, you never know how many little things you need, until you need them dear. You can pick things like that up at a second-hand place. And I guess you'll be needing some furniture too. Your father and I were thinking we could buy you some furniture sort of as a Graduation gift.

      That's not necessary mom, I told you. I want to support myself. I've got the inheritance money, but I don't want to dip into that right now. In fact, I really don't want to dip into it at all.

      Well it's yours dear, you can do what you want with it.

      Yeah, I guess, but I'm not going to buy all at once. I don't have that much money right now. And I don't want to get too low until my first paycheck.

      Don't be ridiculous darling, you have the inheritance money, how could you possibly need money?

      Melanie made a face into the phone, this is what her parents didn't understand about her. I know I have it, mother but I don't want to spend it like that. I'm supporting myself and I want to see how well I do. That money is for emergencies. How can I learn to budget and do for myself if I allow that other money to pay for everything? There is no lesson in that.

      You're as big a tightwad as your father.

      It's not that. I just don't feel like it's mine, okay?

      Your grandparents wanted you to have that money.

      I know.

      Melanie didn't want to get into this right now. She had been so upbeat when she called, she didn't want to argue.

      Her mother puffed for a moment then gave in. Check the second-hand stores for what you need dear they are cheaper. You can buy nicer stuff after a few paychecks maybe. There was a tolerance in her mother's voice.

      Good idea. How's everything there?

      We're fine. Your father is thinking of retiring soon and that means we can do some traveling like we've always wanted.

      That will be nice and you two have earned it.

      Yeah, but I think I'm going to take your father to the eye doctor. He needs glasses now, I'm sure of it. He can hardly drive. He's so proud, he won't admit his weaknesses.

      Oh, well, he needs to get that taken care of then. Melanie agreed. Especially if you do much driving while traveling.

      Is it a good neighborhood? Her mother asked.

      Melanie rolled her eyes. It's decent mom. Not the best, but so close to the hospital and I have a couple of locks on the door and I should be safe here. We have sprinklers in the ceiling, and fans. The air is working well, and I'll check out the kitchen appliances later when I get some food. She explained, trying to reassure her mother. If my car breaks down, I can still get to work. It's not too far to walk.

      Walk, are you serious. I don't want you walking in downtown Houston! She scolded.

      I don't mind, it'll keep me in shape.

      Well it will do that, but I'm afraid for you to walk. I don't think you realize that you are a George and come from an affluent family. Someone might try to kidnap you for heaven's sake. Especially if they knew about your inheritance.

      Mother, the way I'm living right now, no one would suspect I have a dime. So, don't worry.

      Well, that is probably true. Alright dear, I never can win an argument with you. We'll come to see you as soon as we can. She promised.

      Thanks Mom, well, I better get back to the dorm and pack. Registration is next week, and I want to have all my stuff out of there as soon as possible. They are going to let them look the dorm over so, I don't want my stuff there.

      Alright honey, wish I was there to help.

      No, you don't. Melanie chuckled.

      I guess you are right. Her mother laughed. Love you dear.

      Love you too, mom. Talk to you soon. Melanie told her.

      She moved back inside the apartment and sighed.

      She locked up, turned all the lights off and left.

      Chapter Two

      Melanie, I was afraid I'd miss you. Corinne was saying, her soft smile, light banter, honest and always explicit personality, was a driving force for Melanie's sanguine characteristics. They seem to fit each other from the beginning. They'd been best friends since the start of their four-year stint in college and that would never change.

      Corinne stood on her side of the dorm room, packing her stuff. She'd already moved most everything out though, she just needed to get her clothes and personal stuff.

      Where are you moving to, do you know? Melanie asked putting her blonde hair in a short pony tail. She usually wore it around her shoulders, turned under, but she didn't want to sweat while she worked. She needed to get it out of her eyes.

      San Antonio girl, I'm starting in a new law firm. Can you believe it? I'll be a legal researcher at first. I'll have to work my way into a full partnership, but hey, it can be done. Corinne laughed.

      And you’re the one to do it. Melanie chuckled. Always so positive, I love it for you. I know you can, you have such a great grade average. You could choose anywhere you wanted. She seemed to study her a moment, then blurted, isn't Jared from San Antonio?

      Corinne's red lips made a wide arc. He is; why do you think I chose a new law firm in San Antonio. I got three offers and this one was the best. This was no accident, my friend, I will get to see him during the holidays when he comes home from law school. Corinne chuckled. That is if he still wants to. I haven't told him I'm moving down there yet. I was hoping for an engagement announcement, but he's been very quiet these last few days.

      Hang in there, it will happen. He's crazy about you. It's a smart move, on your part. I knew that relationship wasn't over.

      I'm not letting a catch like him get away. Corinne smiled at her. You know, I'm sorry about you and Brad, it seems like such a waste of four years.

      Melanie sighed, Well, I think our breakup is very wise really. I don't regret it. I've got a new job, and I've found an apartment, so I'm set to start a brand-new life. I'm actually looking forward to it. I got the job at Mercy so I'm very happy about that.

      I can't believe you want to stay here in Houston, haven't you had enough of the place?

      I like it here, it's familiar, you know.

      And Brad, no regrets at all? Corinne stared in disbelief, I mean girl, he was a catch. He was rich, good-looking, and certainly had enough charm.

      None! I guess that sounds funny doesn't it, I mean after four years and all. I don't know why I went with him as long as I did.

      Oh, that's pretty easy, besides all the attributes I just mentioned, he took you to all the school functions. And you were having a blast. I just hate to see it end for you.

      Nothing has ended but our relationship. I'll find someone that better suits me.

      Well, I hope you do find someone you want to keep around. Corinne looked at her with a sad sigh.

      Corinne was dressed in sweats and had her curly hair up in a knot on her head. She was a stunning black girl with her smooth complexion and sleek black hair and eyes.

      So, when are you going to start looking for a new boyfriend? Corinne encouraged.

      I don't know. Men are not on my list of have to haves. Melanie sighed heavily. When Brad and I broke up, we just couldn't agree about our careers. I think I can safely say that relationship is over. But I'm not that eager for a new one, just yet. You know how you feel when you're at that point of breaking it off. You go through a phase where you just don't care if you have one. Unless I meet someone special, I'm in no hurry.

      I just wish the two of you could have made it work. Sometimes when you love someone you have to give in or give up a lot. Corinne explained.

      Melanie hadn't shared some of their rougher moments with Corinne, so her friend didn't have all the facts, and she wouldn't be sharing them now. She was a bit ashamed to say she even dated Brad, knowing his hidden nature. Some things you just didn't discuss with even your best friends.

      That was just it, she didn't love Brad. And Brad didn't love her either. She realized that late in the relationship, but they had fun together, for a while…

      Brad was such a good catch, everyone else thought, and no one understood why she let him go. But they didn't know everything, and she wouldn't be admitting it. Their relationship had been quite rocky those last two months and she saw a side of him she didn't want to see again. It proved to her that when the chips were down, he wasn't a contender.

      You're probably right, but we needed a break from each other. We dated all during college. A lot of kids break up after college because they must go their own way. Brad and I are going in two very different directions. He won't give an inch, and I don't feel like I should start a more permanent relationship with a guy who can't bend a bit too. If I start giving in all the time, then it would set a cycle I don't want to think about. Well, if it was meant to be, something will happen to bring him back. But I don't think so, and maybe that's for the best. Melanie sighed heavily. If not, I can always start a new relationship, if I ever have the time to invest in one. I'm told work at Mercy General can be quite grueling at times.

      That's a big hospital. You were lucky to get in there. What about that guy you were dating from home, when you first came? Whatever happened to him?

      Jesse? Melanie hadn't given Jesse much thought in a while. She still liked Jesse a lot, they got along so well, but he didn't pursue her here and she took it that he was no longer that interested.

      Yeah, what happened to him?

      Melanie tried to remember how it was with Jesse, but she couldn't remember. Jesse wasn't like Brad in that he hadn't known what he wanted to do in life. Last time she dated him her folks were afraid she'd get serious about him, and she did like him, a lot. They were afraid he lacked ambition and that he wouldn't do well. Besides, he never came up here after her, never asked her out again either.

      Kind of the same story. We still talk every now and then but not about us, we're, she paused to find the right word to describe the non-relationship, good friends. But when Brad asked me to marry him, Jesse quit calling, naturally, and so our relationship sort of fizzled to no relationship. You know how that is. I don't know, he probably got married or something. It just didn't work out. And I do still like him, as far as looks go, he's twice the hunk. I guess the real thing with him was that we were both so young and really didn't know what we wanted at the time. And…he never came after me.

      Oh, then you were hoping?

      I don't know, it would have been nice if he had. Who knows what might have happened if he had. I never got along with anyone better than Jesse.

      He was a hunk, girl. You introduced him to me once, when he came up here with your parents. He took my breath away. I mean he had such abs. He was all muscle and brawn. She chuckled. He was absolutely gorgeous.

      Yeah, he's a hard worker too, I can tell you that. Jesse was my first real date. But the same with him, he has his life back home, I have mine here. Melanie didn't feel an attachment for either man right now. In fact, men were not on her mind as of late. She was just too keyed up about her new job, and new place to live. She'd keep busy with both, she was sure. But for now, men were not required to make her happy.

      Deep down, she had to admit, she'd been disappointed that Jesse hadn't come up here after her. Who know what might have happened if he had?

      They say you never get over your first love. Corrine glanced at her pensive expression.

      "Was he her first love? She remembered their first kiss, it was awkward, but she was in heaven. Still, he knew her parents and he never got fresh with her once. At the time she told herself he was just being a gentleman.

      Oh, but we were so young, and I don't know, I moved here to go to college. I did have a big crush on him at one time. But you know how it is, we weren't into long distance relationships. My parents didn't approve of a serious relationship at that time and I tried to keep it light.

      Why not?

      I don't know. I guess it had to do with they didn't think of him as marriage material.

      My God, parents can be so blind. Maybe he's changed? Maybe they were wrong.

      I don't know, I haven't seen him in a while. I dated Brad longer than anyone. But she just didn't what it took to make it work. I mean, not like you and Jason. Melanie sighed. Maybe I wasn't as gone on him as I thought, because I don't feel like I'm leaving anything behind in that relationship

      And what about with Jesse?

      She stared at her friend as though in shock. I guess he really was my first love. But he didn't take chances, he was always worried about what my folks would say. Then when he didn't come up here, I felt he didn't care as much as I did. So, I turned him off and quit thinking about him.

      Woe, you were in love with him.

      I was young…

      Maybe, and just maybe he's the reason you and Brad didn't make it.

      "Oh Corinne. No, Brad was the reason. You see, after Jesse, I wouldn't let anyone in that far again. So, on the surface, Brad and I had the perfect relationship. But love, we didn't love each other. We had fun together. We knew all the same people, we went to all the functions, it was fun, until the last. But the pressure we were under if it had been love, we'd have survived like you and Jason. It didn't. Does that

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