Chapter 3

• CRYSTAL
• Silence followed as the question filled my mind. My heart pounded against my chest like it was going to break free and cold sweat broke across my forehead and I could feel my skin go pale.
• My hands trembled as I grabbed my bag and brought out my phone to call Ella. Ella said she would join me in the police station after I explained all that happened to her on the phone.
• I shoved the letters into my bag and hurried out of the restaurant, ignoring the waiter who bade me farewell as I boarded a taxi that drove me to the precinct.
• As I stepped down from the taxi, Ella was already waiting for me in front of the precinct. She quickly closed the distance between us and pulled me into a tight hug.
• "Hey, it's okay," she said softly, her voice calm and reassuring. "Where's your date?" Ella asked with a furrowed brow.
• I sighed wearily, "He left."
• "What! Why?" She asked in surprise.
• Then I showed her the letters and watched her as her jaw dropped as she read.
• "Oh no! This is bad. This must have been an obsessed fan, and it's very dangerous," she said. "I'm so sorry, babe."
• I tried to speak, but my voice trembled slightly as I replied, "I'm scared. What if my suspicion was right."
• "Don't conclude yet. That's why we are here, right?" She said as we walked into the precinct. "The police will do a good job in tracking the person."
• We approached the police behind the counter and tendered our complaint.
• "We came yesterday, to file a complaint," I said. "We were told to speak with officer Barry."
• The officer nodded curtly, his demeanor uninviting, and called out to officer Barry, who came out shortly.
• "Hello ladies, concerning the complaint you gave. We have tried tracking the number down, but unfortunately, it has been unsuccessful."
• "Are you sure this was the number that called you?" the officer asked, making Ella and I exchange confused glances.
• "Yes, it's the number," I replied. "Apparently, I got another letter from the person some minutes ago," I said, showing him the letter. He glanced through the letter and gave it back to me.
• "Do you have an idea who it could be? Friends? Family? Neighbors?" He asked as he scribed on his jotter.
• "I don't," I replied.
• "Okay. We would need more of your information and also, we are on it and would get back to you soon," he said as I was provided with materials to write down my information.
• "Thank you, officer," I said.
• I felt relieved getting assurance from the officer, at least I know that their hands are on the desk, looking for this stalker.
• It was quite late, Ella refused to go home and insisted on staying with me for the night, but I turned her down after assuring her that I felt better and at rest. After much persuasion, she decided to go home and promised to check on me the next day.
• I dropped on the bed as I got to my hotel room, tiredly took off my dress and laid on the bed when I saw my phone buzzing and Jack's name lighting up on my screen. It was the first time he called after leaving me the other day. I rolled my eyes as I took the call, then waited to hear what he had to say.
• "Hello, Crystal," he said. "Hey, I'm so sorry about leaving you like that in the restaurant. It's because–"
• "Is it because of the letter?" I asked, knowing fully well that, that might be the reason.
• Silence followed briefly, then he spoke up.
• "Yes, it is. I have always kept a reputable profile because of my status, and I don't want something that would tarnish my image. I'm so sorry, I didn't feel at peace since I left that day… I should have done better," he said, remorsefully.
• "It's okay," I replied, abruptly. "I understand, anyone would have done what you did if they were threatened like that," I said.
• "I'm truly sorry, Crystal. Sincerely, I promise to make it up to you," he apologized.
• "Who sent the letter? Your boyfriend?" he asked.
• "Not at all. I haven't met him before, it's just some crazy fan" I said, trying not to dive into the 'stalker' discussion.
• "That's dangerous. Does the police know about this?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
• "Yes, thank you."
• "If you need my help, I'm always available and if you get any messages from the stalker again, let me know, I will make sure to track him down," he said with all seriousness.
• "I will, Jack. Thanks for that," I replied.
• "Remember I told you that my company will be holding a party this weekend. I hope you will be there," he said with enthusiasm.
• "Huh, I will think about it."
• "I'm truly sorry, Crystal," he apologized again. "If you don't come, I will take it that you haven't forgiven me."
• "Don't sweat it, Jack. I really understand your point," I replied.
• "Thank you," A brief silence followed. "So, what do you think of settling in NYC for business?" he asked.
• "Stay in New York City for business?" I muttered as it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't really given it a thought.
• "Yeah."
• I stayed quiet as I thought about it, forgetting that we were still on the phone until Jack excused himself, saying he had something urgent to attend to and would call me back.
• *****
• UNKNOWN POV
• I stood in a dim light room filled with Crystal Morgan's pictures. The walls are covered now. Every inch. Her paintings, every one of her social media pictures, and I can't seem to get enough of taking her pictures since she arrived in New York City.
• Her paintings have given peace to my troubled heart since I encountered her artistic work two years ago. I had not stopped following her since then. It's like she quietly saw my pain, my memories, and translated them into color and form without a single word.
• I took one out of the many pictures on the wall, the picture of her at the Aether's award ceremony, "Such a beautiful sweetheart," I said, as my fingers trailed the surface of the picture. "You broke the walls that had sealed me in a confined space since I was a child. You did what my parents couldn't do for me."
• I muffled a small laugh, "I know you haven't met me yet, and you are curious about who I am," I paused. "I can't wait to meet you physically and have you in my arms forever. That's how badly I want you."