The stalking game

DONNA KIRBY's POV:

Life is good. Especially when we are in a library filled with lots and lots of books. And being a library assistant is extremely wonderful. All thanks to my best friend, Jackson. He's the owner of this famous library in Illerora city. The most dedicated, perfect man. The one and only childhood friend I have got.

Speaking of which, my childhood is the worse. The parents I have got are always dependable on someone. As I grew up, I'm not only earning for myself but helping them financially whenever they need me. Bearing all this pain by myself as a single daughter is the ultimate stress.

“Excuse me, can you… can you tell me where is…” a woman in her twenties sputtered. She adjusted her specs, looking everywhere like she was hiding from someone. She must be the version of me in high school. A nerd with so much fear visible on her face. An invisible girl. I'm twenty-three. I bet she's close to my age.

“What are you looking for, ma'am?”

“Um, it's… you know...it's…”

“Are you looking for a particular book?”

“No...it's a section. A specific section…”

“I gotta find and borrow it. I don't like attention. Urghh.”She muttered to herself.

“You got to say the section's name?" I asked after a minute of silence.

“Erotica section and I need some suggestions.” She said it out loud and caught a few people's attention.

“Shit.” She tapped her foot on the floor in anger with her herself. It doesn't have to be such a big deal. She's just afraid that someone might judge her. There's nothing to judge.

“Follow me.” I guided her to the right section and introduced a few of the popular books. After a while, she thanked me and went to the counter, clutching the books tightly. With satisfaction, I walked by, taking a turn among all the bookshelves, feeling like it's a labyrinth.

“Damn it, I'm so sorry.” I shrieked as I stepped on someone's foot.

“Nothing to be sorry for. How was the interaction with a teenager? I bet you got a lot of books in your mind to recommend.” I looked at Jackson. His wavy black hair and blue eyes catch my eyes every time. He must have heard the conversation.

“Stop it. Don't you have any work to be done? An owner shouldn't be lethargic at work times.” I told him, flipping my auburn hair.

“I have got enough workers to even handle my works. Anyway, what did you suggest? Fifty shades of grey, punk 57, credence…” As he continued, I pressed my hands on his lips, silencing him.

“Something popular and awesome. If you are going to ask if I have read it, don't ask it. You know I'm into every genre in books.”

Jackson smiled, removing my hand slowly.

“Fine. So, is there anything else you got to talk with me?” He followed me as I'm walking towards the fantasy section to arrange the newly arrived books.

“Nothing,” I replied, avoiding his gaze. I'm trying so hard to forget the thing that happened a week ago. I swear he's going to take the topic again.

“Look at me, Donna. I know what you have been hiding from me.”Jackson seriously spoke this time.

“Doesn't this hardcover look splendid?” I changed the topic, touching the book softly like it's fragile.

“Donna Kirby, I know you are going to resign from being a library assistant in my store.” Jackson pulled me towards him, holding both of my hands.

“Jackson Torres, I have fucking dropped a hardcover. Let me pick it up.” I shouted, glaring at him. His face softened after a tense moment.

“I'm sorry, Donna. I shouldn't have kicked you out of our apartment.”

Finally, he's here once again. I forbid myself from thinking about it. After I left my hometown and settled in Illerora, Jackson and I are living in an apartment together. We were always friends. Our bond is strong. Until he got a girlfriend who hates to see me with him. No matter how much I tried to be nice to her, she's determined to get me out of Jackson's life. How can I forget that one day when I was homeless in seconds?

I was about to open my apartment door after shopping.

“I don't want her staying here anymore, Jack. I just can't stop being jealous. She's with you literary every hour. During work time and at home. Who is she? Is she your wife?”

“Stop overreacting, Max. Donna and I have been friends for a very long time. All that exists between us in friendship. You have got to stop feeling insecure. If you get to know her, you will like her? We three can…”

“Like her? Are you serious, Jack? Do you want the three of us to spend time together? I have already tried once and I, myself, feel like a fucking third wheel.”

“What? No... You misunderstanding everything. You aren't interested in playing a game on my PS5. That's why you feel you are left out. I'm telling you she's not a threat to you. You have to—” Max interrupted him again and said those last words.

“You have got two options. Either you kick her out or we break up. I love you, Jack, and I’m afraid that one day I'm going to lose you if she stays with you. Please, try to understand my point.” I heard Max sobbing. I can't even tell if it's real or fake, but it hurts like hell to me. I opened the door wide.

“I will leave by myself before I get kicked out,” I said, without letting them see that I'm hurt. Jackson tried to refuse, but Max intruded.

“Thank you so much for understanding. I will not break your friendship. It's just that living together bothers me.”

“I get it. I will pack my things.”

…

“You didn't kick me out. You also supported me. I left by myself.” I tried to keep myself calm. I don't always believe in friendship and I'm realizing I shouldn't let Jackson into my life. Now, I have to let him go slowly. The process is going to harm me, too.

He doesn't know the stress I had to rent another apartment. I refused any help from him and stayed in the closed library for two days.

“I can't forgive myself for what I did, Donna. Let me make it up for it, but don't leave this job. If you did, we will fall apart. I don't want that.”

Jackson caressed my cheek. I should not let his words change my decision. Never.

“No, Jackson. It's happening. I'm going to take a formal photo to apply for an interview. I will find a new job in no time.” I got out of his touch and stepped back. I don't guess his look. Disappointment or guilt.

“I'm not going to give up on our friendship so easily,” He said.

“I think it's time for Max to find you here. And my time to leave. Bye, Mr Torres.” I glanced at my watch, seeing it was sharp 4:00 pm. I turned away, letting my word sink. I don't bother to get a response.

There's no point in blaming Max for this. He chooses Max that day. I get it. Girlfriend always comes first. Anyway, I'm not up to being the third wheel. I'm better off alone. Sometimes, I believe that I'm meant to be alone as if it's my destiny. I have no desire to change it. I'm not even expecting anyone as a companion by my side.

When I reached my destination, there were two Photoshop opposite each other. I guess I have to choose. Left or right. My instinct says Left.

I walked up to the empty store with the board 'Austin Photoshop'. There are no people here waiting for the photo. Seems like a peaceful store. Perfect for me.

“Excuse me?” I opened the door, letting my eyes wander over the photos on the wall in a small room and finally to a desk with a computer, printer, and other electronic kinds of stuff.

“Welcome, ma'am,” a handsome man who's the same as my age, sitting in a chair, greeted me. I'm feeling something odd as I laid my eyes on him.

Something feels different. New.