Paranoia
“Don’t go in there, you’re gonna die!” I shouted in a blur.
“Do you do this everyday?”
“Shhh.” I waved over my shoulder, watching the screen in suspense. My favorite mystery cartoon was on.
Ari laughed and came around the couch with a stack of books and papers. She dropped them on the table and sat. “I thought you stopped watching this show like ten years ago.”
“Nope, I still love this show. Are you studying?” I grimaced at the pile of schoolwork.
“Yeah. Would you mind turning it off so I can focus? I study best in here and I have an exam tomorrow. We can do something in a little while, though?” She adjusted her large orange glasses as I happily agreed.
“Where do you wanna go?”
“I dunno. We’ll figure it out.” She dragged the thickest book onto her lap and flipped it open. “Get ready and we can decide after.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I went upstairs before she could change her mind. I took a quick shower and got dressed, throwing on dark jeans and a plum bustier. A while passed before Ari appeared in my doorway.
“Are you ready?” She was donned in a plain white t-shirt and jeans. I made a face at her at the exact moment she made one at me.
“Are you wearing that?” We both chorused.
“No. I’m in it for funsies,” I said, zipping into a pair of black boots.
“I wanna see a movie.” She sat on my bed and grabbed Frankie, watching while I blended shimmery black eyeshadow with the silver.
“A new horror movie just came out.” Her eyes lit up as they caught mine in the mirror.
“It’s late afternoon, so it might not be that crowded anymore.
At least not with kids. They always spoil the mood during scary shit. ”
“Perfect.” I threw my mascara down in excitement, then grabbed my phone and keys. “I’ll drive.”
“No way. I’m driving.” She rushed past me and led the way downstairs, snatching her purse and keys along the way.
I took over music when we reached her car, putting on my favorite playlist as we backed out of the driveway.
“What is this?” She slammed on the brakes and reached for my phone, but I pulled it away just in time.
“My favorite band. You’ll get used to them.” I grinned and cranked up the volume as she headed down the street. I sang along until we reached the tiny mall across town.
“Do you have to do that?” She pulled into the nearest space and cut the engine. “You’re so tone deaf. I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you, but it’s pretty bad.”
“Rude.” I unlocked the door and got out. She gently closed her door, then shot me a glare when I slammed mine.
“I know you’re mad you can’t sing, but don’t take it out on my car.”
“Stop being a hater.” I laughed, my heels clicking against the warm asphalt as we set off for the theater. “How many movies even play here? This theater is microscopic.”
“Usually four at a time. Each room has like twenty seats.”
I stopped dead and stared at her. “What kind of theater is this? A theater for tiny people? Hermits? People with no friends?”
“Sorry it doesn’t fit your standards, miss princess.” She rolled her eyes and continued walking. “It’s a small town but you should be used to it. You used to visit enough.”
“Yeah, but then I got used to big cities.” I sighed as we reached the ticket booth.
This was a huge change from Newark, where I’d spent the last five years.
“Two tickets, please.” I pointed to the movie title and leaned against the counter, eyeing the man on the other side.
“Does it get boring here all by yourself?” I smiled as he caught sight of my shirt. Or lack thereof.
“Sometimes.” He hit a couple buttons and rested a hand suspiciously close to mine.
“I got it,” I offered, pushing Ari’s hand away before she could pay. The guy’s eyes fell to my chest as I handed him cash. He counted out my change and gave it back, along with two tickets. “Thanks, hun. Maybe I’ll see you after the movie?” I savored his expression before leaving the booth.
“Do you even think he’s cute?” Ari asked once we were out of earshot.
“Not really.” I slid the change into my pocket before staring down at my cleavage. It was nearly perfect, but it could be better. I adjusted my chest to find the best placement.
“What’re you doing?” Ari cocked her head as I fiddled with the bustier.
“Trying to fix my cleavage. I feel like there’s not enough. Here, take one.” I held out her ticket as we rounded a corner, then stopped in my tracks. Both tickets fluttered to the ground as I stared at Dennis.
“What’s wrong?” Ari asked, following my gaze. I blinked as she grabbed the fallen tickets. No one was there.
“I saw him… I just…” I stared ahead at the now empty space.
“Who?”
“Dennis.” I frantically pointed at where he’d just been; leaning against a wall and snickering at my attempt to enhance my cleavage. “He was just there. You didn’t see him?”
“No.” She stared at the wall for a few seconds before asking, “Did you take your meds today?”
“Yes.” I ran a hand through my hair and set off for the glass doors. That was one of the most annoying questions a person could ask. “Forget it. I guess I’m seeing things.”
“Have you been seeing things a lot lately?” She shot me a worried glance as we walked.
“I dunno. Maybe? It’s hard to tell sometimes.”
My mind wandered as we entered the theater and took our seats.
Despite how hard I tried to focus, every thought found its way back to Dennis.
I barely heard a word of the movie. Relentless thoughts of him were making me paranoid.
Hallucination or not, it was concerning.
I fidgeted while the movie played, doing my best not to distract Ari.
By the time it ended, I had no clue what we’d watched.
“Did you like it?” Ari turned to me once the credits began to roll.
“Uh-huh.” I forced a smile as we stood and maneuvered our way between seats. “I’m actually freaked out,” I said, keeping closer to her than usual. “By the movie and the Dennis thing. You’re sleeping in my room tonight. I need company.”
“You wouldn’t trade blow pop flavors with me last night, so I’m not giving you shit.”
“I don’t want your shit, Ari. That’s disgusting. Go use a toilet.”
“You know what I mean.” She shoved me as we left the theater.
“I really thought you’d be potty trained by now. You’re almost twenty-one. You need to get on that.”
She laughed as we headed for the parking lot. “Thanks for getting my ticket, by the way. Are you hungry? I’ll get dinner.”
“What’s around here?” I turned to await her response but gasped and tripped over my feet instead. She caught me, giggling.
“I swear you’re constantly falling down.” Her tone was teasing, but the smile dropped when she saw my face. “What’s wrong?”
“I saw him again,” I said, staring at the parking lot.
“You did? Dennis, right?”
“Yeah.” I took off walking and she ran to catch up. There was no sign of him. The entire lot was empty. There were cars but no people in sight. No one I could’ve mistaken him for in the growing darkness. “I’m officially going crazy. I’m not hungry anymore. Can we go somewhere else?”
“Yeah, of course. Where do you wanna go?”
I glanced around to make sure no one was following us. It felt like we were being watched, but I was almost sure it was my imagination. “Let’s shop.” I laced an arm through hers and did an about face, heading back the way we’d come. A distraction should help.
I spotted a lingerie store right away and practically skipped inside. I pranced through the store, choosing every cute item like a shopping spree from the movies. Ari trailed behind, poking things but not choosing anything for herself. Eventually we went to the dressing room to try on my favorites.
“How do you like this one?” I pulled the stall door open to model for Ari, who was sitting in the middle of the changing area.
“It looks like the last six you tried on,” she droned, dropping her chin in a hand. “I’m bored. Do you really need my opinion on all of these?”
“Yes. I know it’s similar, but look at this.
” I pointed to the bra, where the cup dipped much lower than the last had.
“Do you know how much more I can show off with this one? There won’t be so much bra in the way and I can just walk around like ‘hey, look at me.’” I cupped my chest and bent forward to wink at Ari, who did not look amused.
“Okay, fine. I’ll change and we can go.” I shut the door and shimmied back into my bustier, then straightened my clothes and strode out.
“You’re getting all of these?” Ari asked, prying the chosen sets from my hand.
I nodded. “Do you want some, too? I’ll buy. I can wait while you try them on. I don’t mind.”
“This store is so expensive.” She checked each price tag before handing them back.
“Who cares?” I waved my new babies in the air. “What else am I gonna use my extra money for? College? Children?” I started laughing at the very thought. “I’ll start dancing again when I find a good spot and make this back in a shift. Go pick yours out. I’m getting hungry again.”
“Thanks, Emy.” She smiled and headed to the pink section.
“It’s stuffy in here. I’ll be outside. Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll come back to pay.
” I placed my bras and blouses on the counter on the way out.
There was only one lady working and she was in the back at the moment, but I figured the chosen merchandise would be safe until my return.
My eyes lit up when I spotted a tattoo parlor a few shops down.
I rushed inside and made a beeline for the wall of designs.
“Ever had any ink done?” A very muscular, very tattooed man was watching me. He came around the counter to see which design I had my eye on.
“Yeah. I have a few.” I touched a gorgeous fox before asking, “How much would that be? I really want a vixen tattoo. I love vixens.” I ran my dark nails along it in admiration.
“Depends where you get it and how big. What do you have so far?”