Secret Admirer

CHAPTER ONE

Once again, I am laying here waiting for this fool to come home. Countless missed calls and unanswered text messages, still there is no response from him. Though this is by far the first time that this has happened, the feeling of loathing only intensifies.

The thought to track his phone or my car came and went for I didn't want to come off stalkerish. Some would refute the stalker statement seeing as though he is driving my vehicle but others may think otherwise.

He keeps telling me I should trust him more and further claims that he was not being unfaithful. At the moment, the truth would be in the pudding because his disappearing acts prove differently. Knowing the people that he hangs around, there is no wonder I am a bit skittish. His friends are some rabid dogs that should have been spayed and neutered a long time ago. The least number of children one of his canine friends have is three. The rest of the crew are nearing ten.

Since this isn't the first time, why should I have to pretend to accept the unacceptable. Considering that I don’t have many family or friends, I have no one to depend on aside from myself. The little voice in my head constantly states that I am crazy for sticking around constantly accepting his promises of forever. The sentimental side of me wants to see this thing through.

Two years I have spent in this relationship, at times it seems as if I were in it alone. A relationship is not meant to be one-sided, nonetheless it seems to be my love life for now, but why?

Is it comfort?

Is it fear?

Why can't I move forward with my life?

With everything that I know about him, one would think I have earned a bit more constancy. Apparently, that is what I get for thinking—loyalty means nothing to him.

The doorbell ringing suddenly shook me from my silent musings. Since Darnell was in my car, he had access to the garage door opener, so it couldn’t be him.

May I help you officer?

Yes, I am looking for Gabriella Cooper.

That is me, what can I do for you?

Do you know a Darnell Fuller?

Yes, that is my boyfriend. What has he done now? Though I was a bit distraught, I did not miss the look he gave when I said boyfriend. The first thing that came to mind was this fool has gotten himself locked up but then I waved that thought away. Police wouldn't come to the house unless it were an emergency.

What is this about? Where is Darnell? The odd feeling that I was not going to like what he came to say began to climb up my spine.

There was a shooting ma'am... Everything in and around me started to swoon. Sadly, I felt relief that he obviously wasn't cheating but felt even worst when I realized he was obviously hurt. Instantly focusing on the negative, I completely overlooked the possibility of him being injured.

Oh my God... Please don’t tell me that he is dead.

No ma'am, as of right now he has been admitted into the hospital. I don't have any information on his condition and the number listed for next of kin belonged to him. Do you have someone you can call to take you there?

No, I have no one and he had my car so I can’t drive myself.

I can drive you but you must hurry.

Oh, thank you so much. Rushing to my room, I dressed in a hurry.

The entire time I was searching for his location, the awkward vibes from anyone I approached made me uncomfortable. The officer and the nurses that I spoke with were acting weird.

Baby, what happened to you? Who did this to you? Flinging myself at his bedside, I was speaking frantically. Touching his head that wasn’t covered in bandages, I had a deep feeling helplessness. The entire time I was speaking to his still form, I did not realize we weren’t alone.

Baby?! A squeaky voice asked. Bitch, who the fuck is you?

Bitch?! Snapping me out of my helpless state, I regarded the chick behind the ghettoness. Who the fuck are you calling a bitch?

You bitch, I didn't stutter! Who are you and why are you calling my man baby?

Your man...

Yes, my man, you need to answer my question hoe. I don’t have time for you groupie bitches tonight. This is not the time. She scoffed. "Dar was with me and our son when some fool was trying to jack us. If he were your baby, then he would have been with you."

Son?! This was serious news to me if this chick is telling the truth. With every word the ghetto vixen spoke, the only thing that stuck out was the fact that he had a son.

I have been with Darnell for five years and we just moved into our new place yesterday on the Westside of town. Our son is four years old. Anything else you need to know? She rolled her neck. From your looks alone, I know you were not his type. Dar liked bad bitches and you clearly don't fit that description. There was no way that I would admit to this female that her words truly did hit home. Too many times, I have questioned Darnell on what he saw in me.

Excuse me but who is the next of kin? The doctor asked walking into the room interrupting the ranting bimbo.

I am listed as the next of kin. Raising my hand, I thought about just leaving the bastard with this bitch and let her figure it out. From the look on the doctor’s face, the news he had to deliver was not good.

You are a liar! The obnoxious little twit yelled. I am his wife. She added insult to the other injuries that I have received tonight.

"I am Gabriella Cooper and was contacted by an officer that Darnell was shot. I am his fiancée and he is on my insurance." The stress of the early morning drama was now weighing heavy on my mind and body. Faintly, I heard the doctor calling for security to have the trash taken out of the room. Since the trick wasn’t on the list and couldn’t prove that she was family, she was told to leave. Quietly, definitely did not belong in her vocabulary.

I apologize for the interruption. That young lady has been glued to him since he arrived. We assumed she was the wife because of her earlier statements. And your name is listed as his sister, according to the emergency contact card. He said all of this and waited for it to sink in before continuing.

I am sorry to say that Mr. Fuller has suffered some serious injuries and is on life support, as you may have noticed. A rare bullet hit some major arteries and dissolved into his blood stream. He suffered major internal bleeding and serious blood poisoning from the melted metal. The doctor stated his condition. It is solely up to you on our next course of action. The brain damage is substantial because of his lack of oxygen and the poison combined. It is not guaranteed whether he will make a full recovery or not. Only time will tell for sure.

Without pause, I issued my decree. Pull the plug, I said void of emotion.

Ma'am, would you like to think about this?

We have discussed this in detail, he wouldn't want to continue like this. Also, he must be cremated, immediately. His wife, as she states, should receive the ashes. If the doctor had any arguments over my verdict, he did not speak it aloud.

Yes ma'am if you are certain, please sign here. The doctor pointed out the areas for me to sign and went over the final details of the process. Numbly, I listened to his pointless ramblings; I just wanted to leave the premises as quickly as possible. As I watched a nurse come into the room to assist the doctor with the process, I waited unmoved for the deed to be done. There was no emotion to be felt besides extreme anger.

Upon leaving the room, I heard the chick demanding that they give her Darnell’s stuff so she could retrieve their car. All too eager to burst her bubble, I added fuel to the fire.

Do you mean my car? Smugly, I asked the taunting question.

That is what I was explaining to this young lady, the officer from earlier said. I have your car keys but I must keep everything else until the investigation is completed. Your car will need a thorough cleaning but otherwise there is no other damage. He further explained.

I don't want anything, just my keys, and maybe a ride to retrieve my car. He nodded his approval. Before I turned completely around, I remembered one last thing that needed to be said. Feel free to go back in now. I would hurry if I were you; the funeral home will be here soon.

FUNERAL HOME!!! The whole floor could hear the heartbreaking screams and sobs coming from his hospital room. However, the stone built around my heart did not allow any more compassion. From that moment on, I was fresh out of fucks to give.

Farewell, you bastard... As we boarded the elevator to take me away from that bullshit, I whispered those words to the atmosphere.

~

Thank you for trailing me home.

You're very welcome. He responded as he walked me to the door.

By the way, what happened to... HIM? Taking a deep breath, I wanted to refrain from claiming Darnell as anything other than a memory.

...

I assure you I can handle the truth.

It was an assumed carjacking that resulted in a shooting. Allegedly he may have been reaching for a weapon and one of the robbers opened fire. They did succeed in stealing his wallet and other things inside of the car.

Am I in any danger? Would they come after me because of the address on his license?

I highly doubt it.

You mentioned other things were stolen, could this have been drug related?

...Again with the silence but I was fine with the little knowledge he gave.

Thank you for breaking protocol by speaking with me and going out of your way to assist me tonight.

I figured you would need a bit of the truth after the night/morning you've had. He said and then paused as if he wanted to say more. You deserve better. He finally added.

... His confession rendered me speechless as he bid me a goodnight.

After packing my belongings and the special hidden items of his, I let the dam break. There was no way that I could stick around the place we shared. His presence would dwell within these walls, I had to move. The other crap that belonged to him would be shuffled into the trash when the apartment was cleaned.

Yes, I answered the ringing phone.

It was all for you. An ominous voice stated.

What was for me? Who is this?

You do deserve better, you know?

Who are you?

You're guardian angel... The voice stated and then added, of death.

CHAPTER TWO

Six months after the ordeal with Darnell and the drama that came with his name, I was living with a minimal amount of fear. Receiving the mysterious phone call alone was enough to evoke some serious fear into me.

How could I not be afraid?

Someone basically admitted to murdering my boyfriend. In actuality, I suppose it would be considered as attempted murder but those are simply technicalities. Even if he did deserve to suffer in a major way for being unfaithful, did he have to die? Was his deceit so great that he deserved to be murdered?

What else was he involved with? What was considered as public knowledge, could not be the entire story.

Why did someone do that with me in mind?

Considering that I was no one special, there was no reason for anyone to be infatuated with me. Faithful despite Darnell’s indiscretions was enough to prove that I wasn’t sleeping around. Not only that but I hadn’t led anyone to believe that it was possible either.

No one from my past would have lifted a finger to assist in this manner because a clear majority of my ex boyfriends were cheaters also. All of them would be considered as dogs, maybe I was destined to end up with a mutt. History was definitely repeating itself but the ending to this one was not favorable for the dealer.

What if this person was dangerous enough to harm me? What will I do then? Although I feel a tad bit safer because of the extra precautions I have begun to take, the underlining fear still remains.

Remember to make sure you have a firm position. Keep the hand holding the gun steady. Calmly breathe as you brace your other hand for support and pull the trigger. James my instructor said. The police officer that arrived the night of the shooting has been a Godsend. Though he could have gotten into trouble the night he played taxi, he still helped me when I was in need.

Good girl, you hit the mark. He applauded. James was a good seven inches taller than me and packed a bus load of muscles to boot. He had a smooth exotic skin tone and the most spellbinding brown eyes. Long dark brown tendrils hung from the nape of his neck and a neatly trimmed goatee surrounded his sexy lips. If it weren't for all that I have been through, I probably would have propositioned him.

Awesome, I am getting pretty good at this.

Yes, you are but you failed to mention why you feel the need to protect yourself suddenly. He said casually.

It's probably nothing.

What's probably nothing?

I have been feeling like someone is watching me. My skin crawling has me afraid that someone is out to get me. I admitted quietly without revealing too much. Forget I said anything, it's probably nerves with all of the crime happening all over the city.

You know people make the mistake of brushing off their fears for the simple anxiety of being helpless. He continued to put away the firearm and bullets.

I'm not helpless...anymore.

What has happened to make you feel helpless even for a moment?

Let's just say I have been receiving strange calls suddenly and like I said the feeling that I am being watched is overwhelming sometimes.

Do you have any reason to believe that someone would want to hurt you?

You are truly sounding like a cop. I tried to laugh away the tenseness of this conversation but he didn't crack a smile. Like I said, it's probably nothing.

In truth, I was a little worried about the creepy feelings I have been experiencing but I didn't want to burden James with that knowledge. Having never told him about the phone call the night of the incident, I fear that I will never tell a soul.

What if this guardian angel already knows the troubles brewing in my mind, would I be safe? Is he still watching or guarding in the shadows? What if he was simply a figment of my imagination? Did I dream the whole thing?

What is that on my car? I practically screamed. Mortified beyond measure, people were beginning to gather in the parking lot to see what was happening. Obviously, someone reported the vandalized vehicle to personnel and they were coming to inspect.

Is there something you would like to tell me now? James asked in an accusatory manner.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU - YOU WILL PAY - DEAD

Those were just some of the messages spray painted on my car. Someone was making it plain and clear that I was on their hit list but the reason was not clear. Silence was all I was capable of as I tried to form a correct sentence. My car is now destroyed with anonymous phone calls added to the mix, this is confirmation that someone is indeed following me around. How else would anybody know to find me here?

The gun range where everyone in the building is licensed to pack or with someone who is licensed should be a safe place. Police officers not only patrol this area heavily, they frequent the establishment throughout the day. Despite the busyness of the area, someone still had the nerve to write obscene things on my car.

Gabriella, I can’t help you if you do not confide in me. James said through gritted teeth.

I don’t know what is going on, honestly James. I can’t tell you anything that I don’t know.

Well, you can’t drive your car looking like that.

I don’t have much choice, this is the only car that I have.

I will give you a lift home.

I can’t keep putting you out like this James. I really appreciate all that you have done for me thus far but…

You are not putting me out if I offer my assistance.

What will I do with my car? I can’t very well afford a new one at the moment.

"I will take care of