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Unknown:
Red roses? Really? You deserve way better than generic fucking shit like a bunch of red roses.
I close out of my inbox without responding. I’m not feeding into his psychotic bullshit anymore. Opening my post again, I start replying to the comments, giving the guys way more encouragement than I usually would. I even invited one of them to drop into my DMs. Literally replied with “drop me a DM” and a little love heart emoji. My text messages have been blowing up. Apparently my stalker is not impressed. I, however, am enjoying this change in dynamic. Being able to get at him when I’m always so worried about himgettingto me.
That being said, curiosity does finally have me checking my inbox again.
Unknown:
Little Bee, you are playing with fire.
Unknown:
Do you know what happens when you play with fire, Lucy? You get burned.
Unknown:
LUCY, I swear to God I will end them. All of them. Is that what you want? You want this city painted red? Turned into one giant crime scene? Because I will fucking do it.
Unknown:
You really are pushing my limits here, Little Bee.
My social pings with a new DM. I close out of the text messages, still not having replied to his threats, and open my socials. There’s a message request from someone I’m not following. I click accept and instantly wish I hadn’t.
The Hive:
Little Bee, the only person dropping into your DMs is me. Delete the others, or I’ll delete them. From this world. Permanently.
What the actual fuck? And who the hell calls themselvesThe Hive? I want to know why he chose that name. I’m so tempted to ask, but I don’t want to engage with the creep. So, instead, I shut off my phone completely. Leaving it on the coffee table, next to my new vase of red roses, and head into my bedroom.
It’s Sunday. I need to get ready to go to my parents’ house. Missing Sunday dinner isn’t an option in our family. Unless your name’s Xavier. He seems to get away with it just fine, always using work as an excuse.
* * *
Xavier was a no-showfor dinner again—no surprise there. Which leaves me alone with my parents while earning me their full attention. I know it isn’t a bad thing. I like being doted on. Until my mum starts trying to set me up with her friends’ sons…
According to her, they’re all Melbourne’s most eligible bachelors and I should give them a chance to win my heart. My parents have been together forever, and they believe everyone should get to experience the kind of love they share. I want to find that person for me too, just not yet. I need to finish school, travel, and do all the things you’re meant to do before you settle down.
“Oh, before I forget, I have an event coming up in two weeks and I need you to attend,” Mum says as our plates are cleared from the table.
“An event? What’s it for?” I ask. I don’t mind going. These things are usually for a really great cause, and I absolutely love having an excuse to dress up.
“The fundraiser is for my friend Ella’s foundation. It supports mental health for young girls, but in particular it provides care for self-harmers,” Mum says.
“Oh, okay. Sure, I’ll come with you. Just let me know the details,” I tell her and stand from the table to excuse myself. “It’s late. I think I’m just going to crash in my room tonight.”
“Oh, perfect, we can have breakfast together.” Mum smiles enthusiastically.
“Your mother is feeling the empty nest, Lucy.” Dad chuckles.
“Oh, please, it was you who suggested we adopt another kid becausethis house feels too empty,” Mum mocks his voice.
“Don’t worry, with the way Xavier’s making his way through town, I’m sure you’ll have a house full of grandbabies any day now.” I laugh.
“That’s not even remotely funny, Lucy.” Mum turns her glare on me.
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I shrug. I lean down and kiss my father’s cheek before rounding the table to hug my mum. “Night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
