18. Winver
EIGHTEEN
My eyes peer up at the box that’s been untouched since I moved here. The two hundred thousand dollar diamond necklace that used to always sit on my neck, now sits in the back of my closet collecting dust. Reaching up for it, I slide it off the top shelf, catching it as it falls down. The impact makes the dust particles scatter around my face, making me cough.
I lay the box down on my bed, staring at it with every intention of opening it. I pace my room as I start biting my nails. The box has never crossed the back of my mind until the nightmare I had early this morning. When I woke up again, all I could do was stare at my closet door as if a monster was about to pop out and scare me.
Because the real monsters live inside this box.
Taking in a few, much needed, deep breaths, on the last exhale I lift the opening, letting out all the entities that have been trapped inside. Watches, earrings, notes, and flash drives take up the space. Rummaging through them all, I find what I’m looking for at the very bottom. There sits the necklace that added on to my “worth”. I take it out slowly, the diamonds still sparkling like they did the day I picked it up. Just holding it makes my hairs rise in goosebumps.
Walking over to my vanity I sit down, putting it up to my neck. I remember just how mesmerized I was when I found out he had picked this out for me. How lucky I thought I was for having him in my life. I was so fucking wrong, but, then again, everything happens for a reason. I just don’t understand why I was dealt with such a sick and twisted man.
“Win!” Ansley calls out from behind my door. I run over to the box, putting the necklace back then shove it under my bed. I sit down, moving the distraught hair strands that lay on my face.
“Come in!” I greet her. She opens the door, tapping her feet with excitement. I look at her confused, watching as she continues doing it a couple more times before running up to me, plopping down on my bed.
“Well someone’s in a good mood.” She nods her head in agreement with a wide-eyed smile.
“That’s because I have a boyfriend!” She squeals out the last word and my mouth drops open.
“What?” I breathe out.
“Ian asked me this morning after he made me breakfast in bed and of course I said yes!”
Oh no…
“Didn’t you just meet him? Do you even know his favorite color?” I ask, looking at her with a concerned look.
“It’s a different feeling, Win. I can’t explain it but it just feels…right. And yes, his favorite color is chartreuse.” Okaayyy then…
I know everyone has different experiences with dating and hopefully much better than mine, but Ansley’s my best friend. The last thing I want is for her to end up hurt because of a guy who thinks manipulation and love are the same thing.
“Just be careful, Ansley.” I say her full name with seriousness, but it’s all out of care.
“Of course, Win. I know you’ll be the one to cut his dick off if needed.”
“As long as my bestie is happy, then so am I!” I playfully slap her leg. Both of us break out in laughter, but mine is quickly winded away. Please be careful…
Spooky, Scary, Skeletonsby Andrew Gold plays throughout my car as I drive down main street with real and plastic jack-o-lanterns lining the sidewalks, black and purple tinsel wrapped around light poles, and plastic bats hang across the buildings, lighting up as nighttime falls. Each business decorating their windows with something different and unique, creating the most perfect Halloween feeling. I’ve been so drowned and occupied the past few days that I forgot October is here. My favorite fucking month!
I left for work early today to go to Scream Box for some much needed dopamine and to see, of course, Mr. Ron. Pulling up in the employee parking lot, I get out and make my way two blocks down. The familiar Halloween scent warmly greets me as I walk into the store. It’s not as busy as it would be on a weekend, but there are a few people filling up the space. Most being moms, finishing up their decor shopping while also picking out matching family costumes. It makes me wish my own mom was here with me right now. I miss when we would spend the weekend decorating our house while watching Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown.
Mr. Ron waves me down from behind the counter. “Winver!” His cheery, old man voice greets me.
“Hi, Mr. Ron! I just came to stop by before work. I’ve been so…busy…the last few days and I need some happiness right about now.” I mean, I”ve definitely been busy, but not in a normal aspect by any means.
“It’s always nice when you stop in. I got something for you, though.”
He bends down behind the counter, getting whatever it is he has for me. Popping his head back up, he lays a figurine of a skeleton on their knees praying with black wings.
“Awh, this is beautiful, Mr. Ron. Thank you!” I walk behind the counter giving him a big hug.
“It also came with a note.” I pull back, tilting my head to the side. “Came with?” I ask.
“Well, this item came from my store, but someone bought it and asked if I’d give it to you when you stopped by again. Hold on.” He reaches under the counter again, pulling out a note with the same burned edges I’ve seen before. When he gives it to me, I fold it up and place it in my back pocket, not wanting to read it in front of him. Lord knows what one of the guys said this time.
“Thanks, Mr. Ron! Do you by chance remember what he looked like?”
“Kind of…” he says, rubbing his chin together, trying to remember. “He had dark hair and blue eyes, but I can’t remember…” His eyebrows furrow in while mine raise up, remembering Weston’s sapphire eyes.
“It’s okay, that’s all I needed to know! Thanks again.” I give him another quick hug then walk out of his store, eager to see what the note says. I walk down one block before pulling it out of my pocket.
Only some know, but everyone will find out soon…
Vulnerability is something only your eyes catch sight of, leaving everyone else nothing besides your blood.
I read over the note, not knowing what any of it means. It’s not burned like the others. I lean in closer, noticing that some letters are darker than the rest. Spelling it out, pointing to each darkened letter, I mumble the word under my breath. “Seven?” What does that even mean? Seven what? Folding the note back up, I put it in my purse along with the figurine, keeping it to ask the guys about it later when they decide to break in again.
I can see her mouth out the word as I stand across the street. She pays no attention to her surroundings besides the note that commands her vision. Silly girl…
As she starts walking to her work, I follow from across the street, keeping my head down and eyes up. Now that she’s inside, I take a seat on an outside table at a coffee shop, crossing my legs as I stare right into her soul.
It amazes me she wakes up every day as if nothing ever happened. What she did to me. To us. I have to give her props, though. I wasn’t expecting her to find out about everything so soon, but she proved me wrong. She dragged me under the water, eating me alive in the process like a monster would. I gave her everything she could have ever wanted and in return I got sent underground. At least for a little bit.
I know you can feel me.
I know you’ve been thinking about me.
And I know I’ll never escape your mind.
“Excuse me, sir, these are for paying customers only,” a young lady says, sticking half her body outside the door from the coffee shop. My eyes are taken away from my obsession, now having to look at the cunt that interrupted me. I smile at her, getting up slowly. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. May I get a coffee then?” Her cheeks grow red and her smile shows her whitened teeth. “Of course, sir.”
I hold out my hand, taking hers and kissing her knuckles gently. “Please…call me Ian.”