Unrequited Love 17

"Aw dammit you were right." I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose and realsing a heavy sigh. She was always right about who the killers were in the crime TV shows we watched together.

"I knew it was gonna be the husband." bragged Sadie. She positioned her body closer to her boyfriend, Derek, as she tapped her temple with one finger, "can't fool this brain, I could solve crimes with my eyes closed." She held a smirk as her sky blue irises disappeared behind their lids.

"It's like she has a sixth sense about these things." Derek chuckled, "my little detective." He nuzzled his nose into her sandy blond hair and Sadie giggled like a schoolgirl.

I made a fake gagging sound as I pointed my index finger to my open mouth. Love birds were so yucky. I leaped from my spot on the lumpy couch and stretched my arms, it was deeper into the night and I needed to sleep before my work shift the next morning.

"I'll see you in the morning Sadie and you too Derek if you decide to stay the night." They both gave me hand waves and finished off the motion with a "Goodnight" then I made my exit.

I was kind of jealous of Sadie, it must've been so nice to have a boyfriend to spend time with and satisfy all the attention cravings a girl had. I wanted that, hell, I needed that. Years had passed since Sadie and I became friends after college, and it was obvious we were going to live together too. We were two peas in a pod, looking out for each other like biological sisters. We did almost everything together, that is, until Derek stole her bleeding heart. Now, I was forced to be the third wheel in every activity because Sadie needed her precious man to accompany her everywhere. He wasn't even close to being in her life as long as me and she treated him like losing him would be the end of her existence. Was I less valued now that he'd stepped into my place at her side?

I wouldn't have been so salty if I too had someone to love on and steal my attention, but I've never been good with men. Relationships were destined to crash and burn for me. At 28 years old, I figured my time was never going to come, so I guess I settled for the life of being a sad shadow following on my best friend's heels.

I let go of a deep sigh as my body connected to my bed, the soft fabric surrounding me and bringing some level of relief. I really wish I had the love and affection Sadie gets, I deserve at least that, don't I?

......

A small spot on my pillow was soaked as my eyes popped open from the depths of sleep, I must've been way more tired than I thought if drool was flowing out of my mouth like that. I remembered crying some as the thoughts of lost love flooded my mind and I guess I passed out. My head jerked to the alarm clock on my nightstand, it was almost noon. Well, I missed half my shift at the convenience store and I'm sure I'm going to get a mouth full for it.

"I guess I'm calling in" I mumbled as I lifted myself from the messy sheets below me. My coily afro appeared more matted than usual as I stared at my reflection in the bathroom. I pulled the locs into a bun puff at the crown of my head and did my usual morning routine before I scooped up my phone to check any missed notifications.

Just as I thought, there were a couple of missed calls from work and one text notification from Sadie "Me and Derek went out for a late night dinner." She ended the text with one of the kissing face emojis and I found myself rolling my eyes. Derek this, Derek that, how about Derek wack. The thought made me smile and forgive all the ways I was tired of being reminded of Derek. I'd seen him more times than I'd liked to in the past three months and I was especially annoyed when she invited him to TV crime night yesterday. A part of me just wants my friend back and the other half wants the type of relationship she has.

I shuffled into the kitchen to prepare some coffee for my aching heart. No sign of Sadie, well I guess I did wake up four hours late, of course she was gone, she had a job too, and a boyfriend. I grimaced at the last thought, it's not her fault I can't get a man. Hell she'd be the very best wing woman if she knew I wanted to find love and needed help doing it. I couldn't be mad at her for my shortcomings.

I went back towards my room, the harsh truth motivating me to go and work the rest of my shift. Then I'll stop by a store and get a cute dress and go out tonight to find someone to make my forever person. Sadie will help me too and even if she brings Derek, he'll be the backup wingman.

I fist pumped the air. A perfect plan.

My fingers grazed my phone screen and swiped up to unlock the device. I needed to text the idea to Sadie and get her on board for our fun night. The message sent with a short wind sound.

I paused on my heels as an unexpected ding echoed in the room.

My eyes redirected to the sleek square device on our island and my heart started beating five times faster.

What the hell?

Before my mind could react, my body was already in motion. Thick thighs carried me the distance to her phone and the anxiety building in my core was at a dangerous level.

I skimmed the top of the black screen like I was afraid to touch it and the object beamed to life with white light. She left her phone but how did she text me? I opened my own device and checked the time of her past message.

12:03 am, why would she leave her phone after texting me? I guess she could've messaged me then sat it down and forgot about it. Derek did live close and maybe she decided to stay the night there. My heart slowed to a steady pace. That was a logical explanation. That was believable. Well, however her night went, I hope to see her soon, preferably before my night hunt that I wanted her to aid in.

.......

I dragged myself and my newly acquired dress through the door of our rental home. The shift was brutal, hell it almost felt like I worked a full eight hours, but I pushed through and stopped by the store like I said I would. I was getting better at this productive self care thing. My muscles relaxed as the familiar scent of our safe space tickled my nostrils.

I flicked the lights on and had my attention forced to the black phone still in the exact same place I'd left it. My brow arched, trepidation creeping its way around my body. Maybe she and Derek spent the day together too. She'll contact me eventually, we know each other's number by brain memory and I'm sure she can get Derek's phone to text me or call. The reassurance for this scenario wasn't as strong and I could feel an aching panic rising from my core. Well, I guess Derek wins this round too, no night fun for little ole me.

Hours had passed and there was still no contact from my best friend. The sun was gracefully falling as the moon soared higher in the sky.

That gnawing feeling of panic grew more prominent as the minutes ticked by and I was almost at my breaking point. Even weed didn't seem to calm me down, it only amplified my paranoia as I started conjuring up more reasons why Sadie wasn't contacting me. She always lets me know where she's at or what she's going to do, after all we'd had each other's backs for years. I just couldn't shake the feeling that something seemed off.

Eventually I called Derek. Muscles in my body twitched and ached with each ring and my heart briefly stopped at the pause between them. I was seriously losing my shit when the robot women started telling me to leave a message and that obnoxious beep drove me over the edge.

"Derek!" I snapped at the phone " Is Sadie with you, Can you guys give me a call real quick?" I tossed the phone on the couch cushion beside me and pulled my legs close to my torso, allowing the sound of a true crime documentary to surround me.

.......

I jolted out of my sleep, my bun puff taking the form of the couch. I shook my head trying to get more blood there before I stood. The rental home was dark and silent which means Sadie didn't show up. I zoomed over to the island and almost passed out when the phone stared back at me. She really never came back.

That's it. With my legs launching in motion, I grabbed my keys, phone, and wallet then put on my work shoes. I was going to Derek's house to find out what the hell was happening. I paused at the threshold, should I bring her phone too? No, I'll leave it in case she comes back I thought. Please come back.

Tension coated my skin as I slowed the car to a crawl and maneuvered it into Derek's driveway. He had a garage so I was unsure if his car was here or not, but the slab of concrete was empty. I tore open the driver door and stomped my way up to his front porch, if he was here and saw my face he'd know I was pissed and good for me but bad for him. How dare he steal my best friend and not contact me with her whereabouts and safety. Dammit I was basically a boyfriend to her too.

I clenched my fist and slung my arm against his door repeatedly. He better be here and I'm gonna give him a chewing out for scaring me like this. I continued the beats for a couple of minutes then huffed back with my arms crossed at my chest.

No answer.

I repeated the heavy knocks and got the same results. Fine.

I trailed the dirt path lined with small pebbles and diverted once I saw a window. I placed the palms of my hands down on the cool glass then lifted. To my surprise, the frame slid open and there was a slight hesitation in my form before I made my next move.

I wasn't skinny and I wasn't fat but I knew I was out of shape and I hadn't climbed through a window since. I blinked a couple of times. Since ever.

"Fuck it" I encourage as I lifted my small frame on the ledge and hoisted myself through the window. My fingers skimmed the area for ground before I dropped my weight on his tiled floor.

"Damn Derek, you got taste" I admitted aloud. Though he'd been a prominent part of my life after my friends' infatuation. I never got to see how he lived or who he truly was. I only knew his address from days I had to pick Sadie up from here. Now that I really think about it, all my interactions came with Sadie being an unspoken middle man between us.

I kept my head on a swivel as I studied Derek's home. The furnishings were nude and classy and had a polish feel to them. He was definitely a modern aesthetic man, I would've never guessed considering he didn't dress the part.

I explored every square foot of his house searching for anything that seemed out of place, but his home was spotless. Literally. It was almost as if it had been deep cleaned seconds before I came inside. Not a dust mite or trash spec in sight.

There was one thing that caught my eye though, A metal door at the very back of his home. I paused in front of it, cocking my head as I wondered what secrets were held behind it. Wood doors are normal and get the job done as dependable barriers but metal doors were created to keep something locked in or out. I studied the structure and noted the keyhole glistening beneath the handle. I wouldn't even know where to begin to track down a key.

I sighed. What the hell am I doing. Breaking and entering my best friend's boyfriend's house. I've lost my damn mind. I cringed, I guess I'll get back home and shame myself for being a shitty adult.

Ensuring nothing was out of place, I climbed back through the window, headed to my car and drove home in silence. Embarrassment and guilt weaving into my thoughts as I replayed today's events. Apparently, I'd do some crazy shit for the people I care about.

The door flung open as I kicked it in, hoping that Saide was there to ask what the hell my problem was. Once again, the silence was loud as there was no evidence that anyone was in the house but me. My shoulders sagged, if I wake up tomorrow and she's not here, I'm gonna have to make a police report.

......

Day 2

I woke up frantic and bolted out of my room almost dropping to my knees when I realized it was quite in the shared living space. Again nothing had been touched and her damn phone mocked me with its presence.

Heated tears accumulated in the corners of my eyes as I checked my own device and had no new notifications. Nothing from Sadie, nothing from Derek. I messaged Derek and called him some not nice words and maybe, possibly threatened his life if I didn't hear from him or my friend.

I plopped down on the sofa and let the TV roar its sound into my living room. Of course a crime show was airing which instantly reminded me of Saide. What was I going to do about her? We've watched enough crime shows to know it's never too early to report a missing person, but what would they go on? She doesn't have her phone and she's been gone for two days, last seen with her boyfriend. Sounds like regular couple activity.

My mouth meet my fingers as I chewed my anxiety away." What to do" I asked tapping my foot at the sound of each word. Then I got it. Got something stupid, but I got it.

My dumbass was about to break BACK into Derek's home and wait there for a day to see if he comes back with my friend. I'll take the bus then walk there so he won't see my car and I'll dress in all black for maximum stealth. Lastly, I'll do it at night. There might have been better plans, some with more logical approaches, but this was my plan and I was going to stick to it.

I shifted my gaze to the ceiling and tilted my head back, then released a deep sigh. Yep, I had lost my mind, but that didn't stop me from setting my plan in motion and the next thing I knew I was at that same window. Prying the frame open and throwing my petite body on the floor, making an audible thud when I hit it. I was a lot smoother at breaking and entering when I wasn't trying.

Once inside I positioned the window back and made my way to his walk-in closet, something I discovered on my first sweep here. Now I just wait and try my damn hardest not to fall asleep.

I remembered to silence my phone and turn down the brightness just in case anyone tries to contact me, especially Sadie.

"Just in case" I repeated aloud, the words were my only source of comfort.

......

My eyes shot open at the distinguishable sound of a door closing. I gently tapped my lock button and maneuvered the phone screen to my aching, sleepy eyes.

1:12a.m.

Oh. My. Fuck. I can't believe I fell asleep in a closet no less. I silently smacked my palm against my forehead, there's no telling what crucial information I missed. I can't stay awake no matter how hard I try, a downside to aging I'm sure. I guess I'm gonna have to stop sleeping forever.

Luck must've been at an all time high because I have no idea how Derek, if that's who's in the house, didn't find me.

An unnerving feeling riddled my body as a thought seeped its way through. What if this wasn't Derek? That means that someone else would find me hiding in his closet and possibly hurt me or call the cops. Fear was wrapping around me at a rapid pace and strangling me with its grip. The moment my ears picked up the gut wrenching sound of footsteps gliding across the floor, my heart dropped into my stomach. I held my breath as the steps rang louder. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

The handle jiggled and I slammed my body flush against the furthest wall from the door. Pain shot through my lungs as I tried to keep all my breath prisoner in my chest.

The door opened and in walked the man of the hour, his large frame illuminating as light bathed over the room.

"Bre?" The sound of my name stopped blood from rushing to my heart and I finally released the captured breaths to stabilize my nerves. I slowly lifted my pupils to meet his grassy colored orbs and propelled my petrified body from the cream walls.

"Hi" I raised my hand like a stop motion to greet him and he arched a brow. What I did notice was how there was only one set of footsteps and Saide was not glaring at me beside him. So where was she?

"What the hell are you doing?" He crossed his biceps over his large chest and studied me. I'm sure the all black attire and hiding in his closet gave away my intentions, I even smudged black eyeliner around my eyes like Batman to perfect the sly look.

"Where's Sadie?" I asked, completely changing the subject even though I was entirely in the wrong. Sure he could threaten me with the cops or beat me up but none of that mattered until I knew Saide was safe.

"She's at home." He stated matter of factly.

"Bullshit."

His confused face contorted into one of anger, "The better question is why the hell are you in my closet?"

I kept my eyes glued to his gaze, sizing him up "You didn't get my phone call? I just wanted to know if she was okay since she left her phone at home." I snapped.

"And that's your excuse for being in MY closet at one in the morning?"

"Derek please, "I just wanna know if she's ok and then I'll leave."

I closed the distance between us, getting closer so he could see the genuine worry and anguish bouncing around my irises.

His towering body blocked the door frame and this was the first time I actually got a good look at the man. Long strains of brown hair fell across his forehead, the dark appearance was a stark contrast to his meadow green eyes. He was fit, I could see each bicep flexing as he held his arms in place. His shirt clung to a broad chest and the width ensured it could easily pin me if it ever came to that. I'm sure his strength would out match me too. If I needed to fight, I didn't see a way of winning unless I used weapons....with deadly force.

He cleared the remainder of distance separating us then peered down into my almond shaped orbs.

"She's at home." He hissed, "go there and see for yourself." He positioned himself away from the threshold and gestured his arm like he was pushing out wind. The way I eyed him was diabolical, I didn't trust him but I couldn't pinpoint why. After all, I was the one breaking and entering HIS home. He should be handling my presence with extreme caution. I raked over his form one last time and slowly maneuvered through the door.

I was free from the closet as my legs started galloping towards his front entrance. I was running, full throttle running, and I knew he was too. The heavy stomps behind me closed in as I cleared his room and set my sights on the living area. The main door mocked me as I reached it, the deadbolt ironically trapping me in instead of out. Fingers tangled themselves in my bun puff and yanked down so hard, my feet swept from underneath me.

I was greeted with the tile in mere seconds and the image of Derek appeared in my vision. His emerald eyes were darker now as a crooked smile formed on his lips and a maniacal laugh echoed in the room.

"You wanna see her then I'll show you." He shouted.

Painful pins and needles scattered across my scalp as he used my puff to drag me like a ragdoll along his floor. My body ached all over as I kicked and screamed bloody murder. My hands were clamped over his trying to loosen the iron grip on my coils but the efforts proved useless.

"You fucking pussy bitch!" I was hysterical now, cursing and yelling obscenities as if they were punches that could hit. His strong hold only tightened as he maneuvered my body through obstacles. He paused and I could only assume the slight jingle sounds were keys. Hinges creaked from the metal door as it flung open and Derek lifted me and tossed me inside. The action, apparently, took minimal effort since he was able to slam the metal obstacle before I could even scramble to my feet and react.

My body froze as the door slammed shut with an audible clank and left me stranded in a sea of impending doom. I tried to calm my breathing, panicking wasn't going to help me out of this situation but I couldn't get a grip on my fucking senses.

I skimmed the room for an exit or something that could pry open a metal door and almost dropped to my tailbone as my legs gave way.