The alarm shrilled in the dark lit room. Lazily, Leah’s hand reached out and knocked the alarm to the floor. Cursing she stretches her arms and legs, sighs then reaches over to pick up the importuning clock. Her legs slid over to the side of the bed as she hears her mother’s yells. She showers and brushes her hair while putting on the new outfits she closely picked out especially for this day. Leah started to feel anxious as the realization took that she would be starting college today.
After getting dressed in skinny dark blue jeans, a white button down blouse, leather boots and leather jacket she studied herself in the mirror. She had a pale complexion against her thick wavy auburn hair pulled back into a bun with loose strands hanging down. The evidence of her lack of sleep shown with bags under her eyes. Muttering she says, “This is as good as it’s gonna get”. She then runs down the oak wooden steps into the cozy kitchen to say hello to her mother.
Her mother was in the kitchen pouring over scattered papers and a calculator on the dining room table. Writing profusely, she did not notice her daughter standing in the doorway. “Heya mom today is the big day. I start college. I’ll probably be home late, I wanna pick up some books this way I can go over the material.” She tapped her fingers on the door waiting for a response.
Leah’s mother was tall and lean. Her blond hair was usually pulled back and she was still young and noticed by men for her elegance. Her other, Monica eloped with her father, Sean, back in college after realizing she was pregnant. Seven months later, Monica had a scare, she almost had a miscarriage and a C section was crucial. Yet, thankfully Leah was conceived and her mother was told she would not be able to have any more children do to the fact that she may not be strong enough to live through the next child. Watching her mother, she felt a wave of love and laughter. Monica was intelligent and observant of great detail. However, she had a tendency to be paranoid with current events and what happened. Leah could only imagine what it was like to know you cannot produce more children and to know that your body was the cause of it. Monica’s protection tendencies were usually understood yet Leah sometimes felt like she was being suffocated in this small bubble with just enough air to live but not to experience.
Her mother then looked up as if realizing her daughter was there. Her eyes widened as she said, “Darling, it’s your first day! I remember when you first started school. You never wanted to go and now look at you, a mature young woman ready to take on college life.” her eyes then concentrated as her voice turned grave, “Darling, before you attend classes I want you to be prepared for college life, it isn’t all fun and games. It can be dangerous, do not fall for any strange young man without fully getting to know him, your father and I must meet these men, date rape is too common these days” she hesitated, “Do not think of me as crazy but I did read an article about such aspects happening. Your father and I are not always available to look after you...if you attend a party make sure there’s a legit driver sending you home and watch out for those frat boys I heard-”
Leah then cut her off as she grabbed her bag, “I’m sure you heard plenty of things mom, I’ll be fine. I am not going off to college to meet some random guy and elope with him leaving you with some child to look after.”
Although, she thought, it would get me away from this constant lecturing on all the dangers the modern world has.
Leah bent over to give her mother a hug goodbye and said, “I have to head out, I’ll see you later tonight, love ya mom.”
Her mother stared helplessly as she watched her daughter open the door, “make sure you’re warm enough, it’s gonna be chilly-” but before she can finish Leah was already out the door.
It was a gorgeous day outside as the sun started to lift, brightening the dark sky and creating a pink and orange glow. Leah inhaled the fresh air and smiled. Taking out her metro card she waited for the train to take her to her new school. She looked back at the quiet Brooklyn streets and feels a sense of freedom. She’ll be taking the train every day to Tenth Avenue in New York City.
Finally she gets on the train and analyzes the passengers, wondering if anyone would be in her class. She finds a small corner in which to sit and takes out her novel to pass the time. While pouring over the dramatic scenes she feels as if she is being watched. A tall man sitting on the far left side of the train is staring at her openly. He then looks down and smiles going back to his phone messages. Curiosity took hold of Leah as she studied the mysterious man; judging by his height while sitting, Leah guessed him to be above six feet. He had broad shoulders underneath a black v-neck t-shirt. He wore construction boots and heavy jeans to make it seem like he was about to do labor at a construction area. His black wavy hair fell over one eye as he brushed it back. He looked up and caught her staring at him.
Finally the train announced her stop and she hastily stood up only to have her notebook and all her college forms fell to the floor.
This is definitely not my day.
Leah knelt down picking up the papers while the man came and offered his assistance picking up the papers while glancing casually at one of the forms. Handing them to her he smiled and walked off the train.
“Leave it to me to make a fool out of myself when someone finally notices me” she muttered under her breath. An old woman turned her head and said, “Excuse me, I’m hard of hearing”. Leah just shook her head and headed to class.
She was running late through the streets trying to finding the proper building. Students were practically sprinting down the long city blocks with coffee and schedules in their hands. She was already five minutes late, running down to the nearest building she finds a waiting security officer leaning against the wall, “Can you tell me where this room is?” The security guard takes the paper and smiles, “You’re on the wrong block, go down two more and make a right, inside go up two flights of steps and find the class” he shakes his head then as she says her thanks and starts running. Her breathing quickens and her chest starts to feel pressure and pain but still she ran.
Ten minutes later, she finds the classroom and opens the door to walk in with fifty eyes staring back at her. Leah’s face was all red, hair coming out of her bun and her heavy breaths breaking the silence. She moved in between tight desks, almost knocking down a girl’s books in the process. A tall and stern looking professor with thinning gray hair stares for a second and explains what psychology is, “Psychology is the study of the human mind and how it affects our emotions and our behaviors. One must remember that a psychiatrist has the authority to prescribe medicine to their patients whereas a psychologist does not. However, lately things have been changing with those laws. We will go over some common deficiencies people experience that affect their normal way of life. Can anyone tell me a categorical disorder that affects people in society?” His monotone voice faded as he waited for a response. Glancing around the room, he points to Leah holding her head on the desk. He smiles and states, “Since you were so fashionably late, can you indulge us with a disorder?”
Leah lost all conscious thought and stared blankly at the teacher not even hearing what he said. The class waited and she felt their piercing eyes boring into her flesh. Suddenly a male’s voice rose and said, “I believe professor if I may that Schizophrenia is a category according to psychologists.”
Leah turned her head and recognized the man from the train, their eyes locked and he gave her a lopsided smile as he waited for the answer.
The professor merely looked from both of them and nodded his consent, “Very well since you answered for this young lady, I can admit that you are right. While there are plenty of various types of Schizophrenia, it is considered a category in disorders” he then scanned the attendance sheet and said, “Can I have your name please?” The man looked up and clearly in a deep voice said, “Troy Williams”. The professor gave a curt nod and wrote on the paper, sighing the professor yelled, “Alright get to your next class and read chapters three to eight, we’ll be skipping around the chapters a bit. Good day to you all.”
The students shuffled out of the class while Leah struggled to fit all her books in her bag. A shadow cascaded over her and blocked her light, as she turned her head, she saw him there. He had a serious face that made him appear as if he was in his thirties. Yet seeing his soft brown eyes one realized he was only a handful of years older than she. He held out his hand and smiled, “I’m Troy Williams, just moved here from Massachusetts. I’m sorry if I stole your spotlight over there, but I had a feeling you were thinking about something else.”
Leah looked at him and said, “Well I didn’t mind in the slightest, you actually saved me back there. Usually I’m more focused and ready to answer any question thrown at me.” Her feet shifted nervously as she watched his eyes study her, finally she shook his hand in response, and “I’m Leah Anderson. As you can see, I am off to a good start on my first day of college. You were on the train this morning weren’t you? I never got the chance to properly thank you. I’m usually not this upfront talking to people yet when I’m nervous I tend to start blabbing which you definitely don’t want to stand and listen to because I’m probably making you late for class. Well its great meeting you and now I should leave before I make a fool out of myself.”
She let out a long breath and quickly side stepped him and went out the door. Going down the hall she studied her schedule and heard someone yelling, “Leah!”
She turned around to see Troy running up to her, “Will you let me take you out to dinner sometime?” Troy stared at the ground then at her while he kept darting his eyes and rummaging his hand through his hair.
Leah taken aback just stared at him in shock, “I uh, did you just ask me out?” Troy let out a laugh relaxing in composure, “I thought you said you were usually quick to answer questions?” Leah looked at him hard then but her lips softened into a smile, “You’re right, yes I’ll go out to dinner with you”. They quickly exchanged numbers and decided he would pick her up at seven that night.
As he walked away, Leah felt elation seep into her soul. Finally, things are looking up she thought; I must be doing something right! Traveling home all she thought about was the big date planned for later on. All petty annoyances seemed less important as the day wore on. As she walked in the door she found her mother searching the internet for flight tickets.
Probably yet another business trip thought Leah.
“Mother I won’t be home tonight...you see I met someone. Before you freak out he’s a very nice guy that helped me in class” she inhaled a breath and quickly said in a rushed voice, “he asked to accompany me to dinner tonight and I accepted. I’m really excited and you have nothing to worry about.” She bit her lip and watched her mother’s reaction.
Her mother looked skeptical and uneasy, “You know your father must meet this man and I agree with him whole heartedly. He can be anyone, you just met him and in order for you to leave this house I want to know who this man is” she paused then her voice reached even a higher pitch... “What if you go missing and I never see you again? I must be able to describe him. More and more girls are missing lately. Haven’t you watched the news? You just met this man and you’re letting take you out to God knows where?!” Her mother then went out of the room telling her that’s that and that she better deal with it.
Leah shook her head then sat on the cushioned seats holding her hand to her forehead as she looked out the window. Her mother was paranoid it was true yet she was right about the missing girls. More and more girls were missing every few weeks. The last case was a young girl about her own age that went missing in Boston, Massachusetts. Her mother only remembers that she was excited about meeting a “mature, young man”. She claims that a few weeks later, her daughter became very withdrawn and jumpy. Yet the mother only thought it was stress from school. But what were the chances of the next missing girl was going to be herself? It was one in a million chances and she knows how to be careful, she wasn’t as foolish as the other young women, and that happened in Massachusetts, a totally different state no less!
Running upstairs Leah sat pondering on what to do. Her fingers twirled around the phone cord. It wouldn’t hurt to postpone the date till next week. This way they can talk in class for bits perhaps hang out on campus. She then went on the college’s network and looked up his name...there should be some sort of student directory. Her fingers flew over the keys as she typed in, “Troy Williams”. Nothing came up. That’s strange she thought. Running down the carpeted staircase she rummages through the cabinets until she lifts up the heavy white pages.
Skimming through the letters, she thinks, how many Williams can there be? Apparently there were perhaps hundreds living in New York. Oh well I guess I’m just going to have to go out on the date, no one can say I haven’t tried can they? She then smiled to herself and ran back upstairs to get ready.
Two hours later, she wore a off the shoulder red silk top with a mid length black ruffled skirt. Her auburn hair was pulled back with a black rose barrette. She appeared two inches taller with open toed high heeled shoes. As she was fixing up her makeup she heard the doorbell ring. As she went to go answer the door she already heard voices between Troy and her father.
“Hello sir, I’m here to pick up Leah. My name is Troy; we take Intro to Psych together.”
“Troy is it? It’s great to meet you. Wish I can say I heard a lot about you but never knew you existed until tonight. Uhh...Why don’t you come in?”
“Thank you, I think I will.”
Leah then grabbed her bag and went to meet her parents and Troy in the living room. The living room had a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere. On the walls were watercolor paintings of places her parents have visited...Italy, Prague, Paris, the works. She could stare at those paintings for hours and get lost within them. Her eyes then shifted to the maroon colored walls and how it contrasted with the white roses in the antique vase. The hard wood floors held a beautifully woven rug of intricate designs of various patterns and vines. There sitting on the tan fabric couches were her mother staring at Troy. Her father laid in the recliner pulled back talking about various business deals he was hoping to achieve. Troy was sitting on the edge of the couch with his hands folded while apparently at ease while continuing the insignificant chat.
Smiling Leah decides to interrupt the interesting scene.
“Hey, I’m sorry I took so long, found a loose thread. Troy shouldn’t we be going now?” Leah caught Troy’s eyes and dragged her eyes back and forth between him and the door. Her mother then grabbed Troy’s attention:
“Troy, you haven’t told us much about yourself yet, the night is young! We are all so curious about Leah’s new interest!”
Leah’s mouth fell open, “Mother!”
Ignoring Leah’s exclamation, Monica continued, “Ignore my daughter’s sudden outbursts, I’m afraid she got that from her father’s side.”
Laughing Troy put his hand through his wavy locks and said, “It’s quite alright. She definitely has spirit. Well, I was born in Massachusetts around the Salem area. I attended school and had a knack for writing and decided to give it a shot. It helped keep my mind off things. I have a younger sister and an older brother both who are still back home.” his eyes then darkened for a brief second then his eyes suddenly held its usual charm, “My parents were never really around for us, usually busy with their own affairs and dinner parties.” He then hesitated. “When I was sixteen my parents were in a fatal car accident. It was a foggy night on this empty route, a drunk driver came and well you can picture the rest...Anyway now here I am in the grandest city of the world taking your daughter out on a date.”
Monica’s eyes then scrutinized him, “I am so sorry you went through such tragedy at such a young age, it’s tragic for anyone, but to be such a young boy and go through it I cannot imagine. However, what became of your younger sister, she doesn’t reside with you?”
Troy then cracked his knuckles and stared at Monica, “She lives with my grandparents, I couldn’t stay in Massachusetts, couldn’t bear it. My elder brother is at a University around the area so he checks in on her.” Checking his watch he then said, “well the movie is going to be started soon, perhaps we can continue this chat another time. Leah? Are you-“
Monica then cut him off, “She can wait a minute, when are you bringing her home, and she does attend early classes.”
Leah’s father, Sean interrupted, “Mom, let them go out, it’s early. We interrogated the man enough.” Looking to Troy he smiled, “you must forgive my wife, she’s very protective over our daughter, and bring her back by midnight, that should be sufficient.”
Monica closed her mouth and decided it was best not to argue. Once his mind was made up there was no way to persuade him out of it, she would at least need an hour and a few minutes were hardly enough time to show her husband her views. Nodding her head she walked over and hugged her daughter whispering, “Be careful love.”
Leah pulled away and smiled, “Ok let’s go Troy! Love you mom, thanks dad!” She then pulled on Troy’s arm as he quickly told his thanks and “nice meeting you” to both parents. They then closed the door leaving her parents standing there.
Two hours later after the movie was finished, Troy sat opposite of Leah in a quiet booth in an Italian Restaurant. The lights were dimmed and waiters were dressed fashionably in penguin suits. Troy wore a tailored gray suit that showed the deepness of his brown eyes. He smiled as they discussed classes remarking on how beautiful she looked.
“People say that candlelight gives off someone’ best features, yet I believe you’re the light of this place. Your beauty is magnificent. The way your eyes turn a light green in such a light.” He studied her for a few moments as Leah shifted in her seat.
“You are a charmer and such compliments I’m definitely not used to. I haven’t been out on a date in awhile I’m afraid. Usually I’ll be studying or reading as much as possible. I hope to become a writer someday.” She then looked down towards her plate.
Troy then reached over and lifted her chin, “Well I have a feeling you won’t be out dating for long. There’s something between us and I intend for us to be together. Do you know the stars determine our fates? If one can just study them, they will know where to go in life.” His eyes seemed to be distant as if picturing a scene far away. “For instance, I can tell by your personality that your astrological sign is a Cancer and judging by your impressed face I know I’m right. You are the sign of the moon, beautiful, romantic and maternal, you’ll be a wonderful mother.” hHe then looked her over possessively as he said that.
Leah took a sip of her water and swallowed, her fingers drummed the tables nervously. “It is way too soon to even think about such things, I’m nineteen. I am romantic and plan to fall in love and let it take me to wherever it does, but I’m in no rush to move it.”
“You must understand time cannot be counted on, it’s crucial to plan everything accordingly. When I first saw you I knew you were the one. On the train did you not feel such power? My sign is Capricorn. We are compatible and I waited such a long time to find someone whom I felt connected to. I could have found other Cancer’s but I saw the desperation and struggle in your eyes and I can fix that. The stars are on our side. With my ambition and your romanticism we can build a life together.” His fist banged the table in excitement and fellow customers turned their hands staring at the strange couple.
He then grabbed her hand, “You must feel it too, don’t you?”
Leah hastily pulled her hand away and took a breath, “Your passion is fantastic. I am not “the one.” I cannot be “the one”. We only talked briefly before and you act like you know who I am! The stars are beautiful and I always want to believe there’s some sort of path constructed for us yet what you are telling me, what you are obsessed with is that we are practically engaged in your eyes!” Realizing her voice was getting louder she moved inwards and whispered, “I do not think I’m the one you’re looking for and definitely not the power to your life search. I want you to take me home now.”
Leah then signaled the waiter and got up and walked out of the restaurant. Outside in the cold, she folded her arms to her chest as she waited for Troy.
Her mind was running a mile a minute. What was supposed to be the night of her dreams turned into such a nightmare? How can someone who seemed so perfect be so terrifying? His obsession made her uneasy and she felt uncomfortable with the prospect. It was as if he was claiming her without her own choices. She felt his eyes at that table, the way he looked at her made her feel as if she was tied to the chair, unable to move. Definitely not in the romantic, love struck sort of way. Perhaps the Fatal Attraction movie was more like it. She must end it before it got out of hand.
A touch on her shoulder made her jump. Turning around she saw Troy staring at her. Taking a step back she felt the cold hardness of the brick wall and the heat of his eyes staring at her. Forcing a smile she said, “Tonight was great but I really should be getting back now”. She then took a sidestep trying to move around him only to be faced with his arm blocking her way. Troy’s eyes narrowed as he stared her up and down and replied, “I will take you home, but you will see that we belong together”. He then smiled and held out his arm motioning her to walk in front of him.
The car ride was tortuous and silent. Leah stared out of the window, her hands clenched to stop them from shaking. What should have felt like a twenty minute car ride felt endless. The sky was a midnight blue and the clouds had all departed. The trees passed with a blur as they moved along the highway. As she was about to break the uncomfortable silence, Leah noticed the knuckles on Troy’s hands were pale white as he gripped the steering wheel. His blue eyes turned dark and all demeanors were cold. She looked and saw an old Volkswagen in front of the car moving at an average pace.
His voice rang out in a fiery yell, “Get off the fucking road!” His hand held the horn and Leah pulled on the handle above the car. “Troy, calm down! You’re gonna get us in an accident!” Troy barely seemed to hear her and just yelled, “You have to get back and study, that old bag of a woman is going to move whether she likes it or not!”
Troy then swerved the car and the tires screeched. The car rubbed against the dirt causing friction and Leah’s screams pierced out. She looked back to see the other car fading into the distance. Holding her hand against her pounding heart she said a silent prayer to have her return safe.
Ten minutes later, the car was pulled in front of the two story house. Leah unbuckled her seat belt and reached over to open the door. Troy’s arm shot out over her and pulled the handle closing the door. His voice was gruff and demanding, “You are mine, remember that.” his arm still held her. Leah looked down at her lap while she struggled to pull his arm off her. He then took his other arm and grabbed her face roughly, “Look at me! You’ll realize it soon enough. See you tomorrow.”
He then let go of her leaving the imprint of his fingers on the side of her face. She opened the door and ran towards the house. She fumbled with her keys as she kept looking back. His black Mercedes was double parked with the headlights on. Even without seeing him she can tell he was watching her every move. Finally, she found the key and twisted it in the lock, pulling the door open she rushes in and locks the door. Breathing deeply, Leah looked out the window; the black car was still double parked. She checked the time on the cable box only to see that it was only 10:20 p.m. Still catching her breath she looks out the window only to see the car smoothly driving away...
The next morning Leah woke up and walked down the steps only to run into her mother. Her mother looked at her and asked, “How was your evening?”
Leah just shook her head in response, “He’s not for me. We have totally different outlooks in life. I would rather not talk about it.” Leah then pushed past her mother and fled into the kitchen.
Monica then yelled to her daughter, “Leah! What happened?!”
Leah’s response was stressed and cold, “I said I do NOT want to talk about it! Just leave me alone!” The slamming of the door made the picture frames shake and leaving her mother open mouthed at the sudden change of her daughter.
Leah ran outside towards the busy streets. Her mind raced with questions on what to do. How can she face him in class? He must have seen the terror in her eyes. She had a feeling there would be no reasoning with him. Classes have just started and to drop out due to some astronomy obsessive guy wasn’t worth it. She had to stick it out. She then swiped her metro card and waited to get to class.
After a long and delayed trip on the subway, Leah finally reached her class. Going to her desk she came across a withered rose and a note which read, “A withered rose resembles love denied.” Leah’s hands shook as she read the note over and over. The class shuffled in and murmurs surrounded her. Students glanced over her, hiding smiles behind their hands and taking their seats. The petals of the rose crumbled in her hand.
Surely the note is just some silly prank, she thought. Yet as her mind told her logical explanations, her intuition told her otherwise.
Composing herself she took a seat and pushed the note into her jean pocket and the rose in her shoulder bag. As she watched the second hand on the plain clock move, she dreaded the moment he would come into that door. Yet soon the class was dismissed and he never showed up.
Leah walked out of class only to have a girl pull on her arm. Leah turned to recognize a young woman staring back at her with worry and confusion. The girl had olive skin and long dark hair with big brown eyes. She gripped her books to her chest. “I’m sorry, it’s just...I saw the rose and the letter” she waited, “I know it’s none of my business but it has to do with Troy. He’s been telling people about your relationship and well...your intimacy with each other. He talks as if he owns you. I thought nothing of it, thinking he was just a random jerk but then I saw the rose and wanted to let you know.”
Leah moved towards the wall and leaned against it. The girl looked back at her with worry asking if she was alright, should she get help. Leah heard voices but could barely tune into what the girl was saying. Her mind raced and she felt light headed. The faces of passing students blurred and before she knew it all was black.
Leah’s eyes opened as confusion swept over her. Unsure of where she was she jumped up grabbing the bed sheets. Her eyes then adjusted to the lavender walls as she realized she was in her room. Searching her mind she tried to remember what had happened. Her mind focused on the girl that told her of Troy’s discussions with the other students.
Feeling the prickling against her thigh she pulled out a crumpled piece of note paper with the almost mesmerized words, “A withered rose resembles love denied.” Her life felt like a nightmare only she was living it each day.
Whispers downstairs brought Leah to her feet slowly, propelling her to the door. Moving out into the hallway she looked down the banister only to see her father smiling at no other person than Troy. Troy was wearing jeans with a tight gray knit shirt. In his hand were red and white roses. As if sensing her presence he looked up and his eyes caught hers. Shivers went down her spine as she forced her feet to gain power and bring her back into her room. Her father yelled up, “Leah you have a visitor, he’s coming up.” The father then outside where the noises of hammers and power saws drilled into the air.
Leah moved towards the window as she heard Troy’s steps. His steps carried on slowly, “Leah, Leah, I’m coming. Everything is alright now.” His steps moved closer to the door. For a moment all went silent. She watched as the knob turned slowly and he walked in.
To a regular onlooker, Troy would appear well distinguished and handsome. His strong jaw and the wavy hair that fell over his long lashes made him appear god like. Yet to Leah, the charm and façade of such handsomeness made her see through it all. His eyes appeared to lose all reality. They held determination and coldness. His jaw seemed to be clenched as he forced a smile. His posture was tense as he stood in the doorway.
Leah gripped the edge of the window as he started to walk towards her. He stood in front of her and his hand caressed her face, “Why won’t you let me love you? These roses I brought for you. The red and white represent love and unity. It’s us don’t you see?” She pulled her face away from his hand and stared at him with a new defiance in her eyes.
“I will never love you! You forced your way into my life. You charmed my father into believing you’re a victim struggling in life. You picture yourself married to me after just learning my name. Why won’t you leave me alone?” she yelled.
“You said that you believed the stars constructed a path for US! You felt the connection just as much as I did. You are a siren trying to pull me into insanity!” He threw the flowers as well as the vase against the wall. The glass vase shattered and pieces of glass flew into the air. Water and petals mixed on the floor.
His anger startled Leah who tried to push past Troy as she grabbed a letter opener from her desk, “I said no such thing, and I said it would be convenient if the stars planned life out for us so we wouldn’t have to live in the unknown! Us as in people. There is no us, there will never be an us! You hold some morbid obsession with me.” She pointed the letter opener towards him, “Get out of my house!”
Troy lurched forward swinging her around as he held the letter opener towards her neck. Leah felt the cold steel pressed up against her skin as she struggled to fight. He leaned his mouth towards her ear and whispered, “I’ll return and make you my bride. Tell anyone and that rose will be you. If I can’t have you, no one will and I am not someone to doubt.” He threw her against the wall as she crumbled to the floor on top of the stinging glass. He left the room with quickness and moments later she heard the door slam shut.
Weeks have passed since that day and Leah lied to her parents, saying she pulled the cloth in which the vase fell. Her parents were skeptical but knowing how Leah is usually truthful, they dropped the matter entirely. Her mother pulled Leah aside one day and asked, “Leah your father and I have to go visit your aunt, she’s ill, but if you like we can postpone if it makes you feel better.” Her mother then studied her.
Leah then shook her head and smiled, “Mom I’m alright, nothing is wrong. I thought I had some trouble with Troy but I think we established that we aren’t going out. Go and send my love to Aunt Tess. If I didn’t have classes I would go.”
Her mother looked at her and pulled her into a hug, “Alright love, if you need anything, just call”. She then left Leah standing there hoping she made the right choice.
That night her parents left to visit her aunt for a week. Everything seemed to go back to normal for Leah without any signs of turmoil. School progressed and signs of Troy had ceased. Rumors had it that he moved back to Massachusetts to check on his sister. Leah did not care as long as he was gone for good this time. Leah’s studying increased and proved to be significant, resulting in a B+ average. Soon she felt comfortable to go on casual dates with men from some of her other classes. Slowly and surely, her life was getting pulled together again.
As she was getting ready to go out on a date, a beeping of her phone went off. Reaching over towards the end table she opened the phone to realize she received a text. It was from a random number she couldn’t recall, “Your black dress is lovely tonight.” Her hand let go of the phone as she looked around the room. All was well and she figured it was one of her friends she talked to earlier playing some joke. As she went over towards the window, she noticed a car parked across the street under an oak tree. She strained her eyes to see who the driver was but only saw a faint shadow. The hair on her arms prickled as she closed the window and walked back to her bed. The doorbell rang as she ran down the steps kissing her parents goodbye. She was now dating a man named Jared from her English class who shared all her passions of literature. As they descended the stoop and into his car she looked in the rearview mirror to see the parked car slowly follow behind. Shaking all crazy thoughts, she smiled at her date.
Throughout the date, Leah wasn’t her usual self. She forced conversation between her and Jared yet her mind kept drifting back to the phone message and the strange car. Pushing all thoughts aside she smiled at him, “I really appreciate you taking me out, I’m not really my-“, the phone started beeping, “Excuse me”. Leah answered her phone, “Hello?” Hearing only slight breathing Leah continued to ask who the caller was only to hear a click. Hastily she picks up the menu and smiles, “So what should we have?”
Jared looked at her skeptically, “Who was that?”
Leah pushed a strand lock of hair behind her ears and looked at him, “It was just a wrong number, nothing to worry about.” Fumbling with her phone under the table she pressed for it to go on silent. After the date, Leah thanked Jared and gave him a kiss goodbye. She closed her bedroom door and plopped on her bed. Forgetting she put her phone on silent, she checked for any important messages. In the inbox there were twenty unread text messages. The messages ranged from sexually detailed descriptions to threatening remarks. Skimming the texts she felt tears burn her eyes. The texts kept coming repeatedly. A sense of desperation and anger filled the air as she read his words. The beeping on the phone persisted which caused Leah to grab the phone throwing it at the door where it fell.
That night Leah slept with unease. Her mind kept forming pictures of Troy’s menacing eyes and his power like grip on her arms. She felt vulnerable as she struggled trying to break free of his grasp. Her breathing turned shallow and the feeling of being suffocated overtook her. All she kept hearing was his whispers, “If I can’t have you no one will and I am not someone to doubt”. His laughter rang her ears as her legs got tangled beneath her sheets. She felt terror seized her.
A loud noise broke the nightmare bringing Leah back into reality. Leah then reached over into the drawer on her end table and pulled out the letter opener. Swiftly she took the blade and put it under her pillow.
A car alarm went off in the distance as Leah lifted herself in a sitting position as she broke out in sweat. She walked into the dark hallway towards the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. Her bloodshot eyes looked back at her with fear. Lately she hasn’t been sleeping well or at all even. She turned on the faucet as cold water came out. Cupping her hands she splashed water onto her face. As she lifted her head up she saw a glimpse of a shadow. Swinging around she looked for something to grab. She realized the shadow was the curtain moving with the wind near her bedroom. Sighing, Leah walked over and closed the window pulling the curtains shut. As she went to turn around, a wet cloth covered her mouth and nose.
Strong hands pulled her against a hard chest. Her legs kicked and struggled as she tried to breathe, only to inhale the chemicals of chloroform themselves. She smelled the sweetness of the chemicals as she fought the intruder. Her hands pulled at his arm relentlessly. As the chemicals came in, her kicking ceased as she fell into his arms. She only heard, “Now you’ll be mine.”
Leah awoke with a start. The pounding of her head was perpetual. She arms and legs felt weak and she could barely lift up her head. The sweet aroma filled her nostrils making her want to vomit. She tried to move her arms to no avail. Opening her eyes fully she found herself on her bed. Confusion swept over her as she tried to adjust to the light. A dark shadow fell over her body. She heard his voice, “Leah my love, I am so happy you’re awake. I’m sorry about drugging you but it had to be done. You wouldn’t have cooperated anyway.”
Leah could even picture him smiling in a ruthless way as he told her his plans. “I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about our union. We really don’t need God to make a marriage legit as long as it’s consummated and our love binds it.” She watched with horror as he climbed onto the bed. His body then leaned over her and she felt the heat radiating from his skin. She struggled and cried as she tried to move from underneath his grip. Furiously he ripped her pants opened and began to caress her legs slowly whispering, “I have always loved you. Since I was a child I wanted to find some sort of love that can never be denied.”
Leah started to feel her legs come to life again as she attempted to kick him, “Get off me!” Her voice was strained and raspy. She then looked at him and spit in his face. Troy then pushed her farther into the bed, “My parents never understood my need for attention, my struggle to please them. So I sought it elsewhere. Women were always charmed by my looks and my intelligence. I gave them the chance to love me, I did. They were beautiful, oh not as beautiful as you Leah, but they filled the void in my heart.” With his hands he opened up his belt and zipper moving closer to Leah. Her cries rang out as she moved her body repeatedly back and forth trying to move out from underneath him but his body held her down. Her hand was on her side as the other one was underneath her head near her pillow.
Troy continued with hardness to his voice, “They didn’t understand me! Their idea of love was superficial. They couldn’t see beyond their everyday lives. I tried to enlighten them with the ideas of the stars and how the stars can align to determine when we’re meant to prevail, when our love would prevail. Those women refused to even comprehend. They called me insane, pushing me from them. Police ransacked my computer forbidding me to even go near. Those women are gone now, I was the only one who can have them and in my death they will be mine and we will meet.”
His smile gave her chills as he looked at her, “You my love will be mine in this lifetime. No more mistakes.” He then pressed his lips against her as he tried to pull down her underwear.
Leah pushed her hand under the pillow as she finally gripped the letter opener. With all her strength she took the blade and kissed him back with fierceness, “Death cannot come swifter for the likes of you.”
She then took the blade and using all her energy pushed it to his neck. Blood spurted out like a fountain as his arms moved wildly gripping his neck. He stumbled off the bed to the floor pushing against his knees to get up. Leah ran down the steps towards the phone dialing the police. The busy signal tolled as the operator told her to please wait a moment and to remain calm. Leah dropped the phone and ran to the kitchen grabbing a kitchen knife she turned on all the lights in the house. Seeing the blood on her legs made her want to throw up. She felt pain and terror as she heard the operator’s voice. Leah ran to the phone and put it to her ear, “Someone is in my house, p-please help me, he tried to r-rape me” her sobs rang out as she begged the operator for help, “I stabbed him, I d-don’t know where he is.” Quickly Leah gave her address and locked herself in the bathroom.
Minutes later sirens rang out as police broke down the door. Paramedics followed in after the police searching the house. Knocking down the bathroom door, they found Leah huddled in the corner gripping a butcher’s knife. Her body was trembling and she seemed unsure of where she was. Her auburn hair was matted with blood and her clothing was torn. A mixture of tears and blood stained her cheeks. The police searched the house for Troy but only found blood on the bed and a pool of dark red blood on the floor along with shreds of sheets soaked. They explained to her that Troy was nowhere to be found. A police officer spoke to her, “Miss we are searching the area. He will be found. You’re one of the lucky ones. Three women haven’t survived his attacks. He was a suspect but no evidence could be held against him. He’s been moving around for quite some time ever since he cut the brakes on his parent’s car as a kid.” He then looked at her with worry, “Miss?”
Leah just shook her head and clutched her arms to her chest rocking back and forth. The officer then told her that her parents were on her way. The paramedics came in checking her over to make sure she was alright as they transported her to the emergency room.
Two months later, Leah was diagnosed with panic disorder. She suffered from flashbacks and night terrors every so often. Her witty demeanor turned into a quiet and isolated state. As she was watching the news a bulletin came up, “Today in the small town of Cleveland, a young woman of eighteen was reported missing. Her parents claim that she was seeing a young man fitting the description of the alleged suspect, Troy Williams. We encourage young women to be careful who they let into their lives. Troy Williams’ only surviving victim was that of Leah Charles.”
