chapter 4

Isabella:

I felt sick to my stomach and depressed at the thought of Terrence having a family. Following my heartbreak and how wild he is, it's not something I'm proud of, but it appears I've caught feelings for him, because that could only explain why I'm feeling this way.

I want to scream and cry into my pillows for being so naive to think he wanted anything to do with me. Rowland is a fucking millionaire, but Terrence is a billonaire or a Trillonaire. Creekside is a small town in comparison to here, so Rowland's family thrived there. But this man has complete control over the city.

I don't realize I should have called an uber in advance until I'm already outside the gate. For a while, I stand in frustration, unable to process my thoughts. My work starts tomorrow, and I'll have to face the fact that Terrence is married. Thank God I didn't have another panic attack like the other night; I'd only embarrass myself further.

After a brief internal debate, I decide to walk. I figure it will take me about thirty minutes to get back home because our house is fifteen minutes away.

My phone rings the instant I move. I sigh and pull it out, hoping it's Rowland texting because he wants me back, but it's actually Isadora.

Please bring me some postinor pills on your way back... ILY

I sigh and stuff my phone back into my pocket. I knew she needed me to leave right away because she had a dick appointment. I can't believe she went raw; that's so unlike Isadora. Hudson might actually be different.

At least she's having fun and getting some action, I think to myself.

I take a short walk until I reach a park. I'm only two streets away from Terrence's house, but I'm completely exhausted. I haven't seen a taxi anywhere because apparently everyone around here is wealthy and owns a car.

I can't do it anymore, I tell myself as I walk to a park bench. I immediately request a driver through the Uber app. Then I wait patiently for him to arrive.

A blue butterfly flies by and lands on the soft grass nearby while I wait for my driver. My journalistic instincts kick in, and I find myself wanting to photograph and write about this magnificent creature.

I immediately stand up and attempt to take a photograph. Then it flew away, but I'm not one to back down from a fight.

Bring it on, I mutter as I charge after it. I was determined to get a good shot and learn more about this beautiful species. It appeared to be rare and delicate.

I chase it for a while, and it disappears deep into the park, stopping in front of a small pond, behind a shrub. I pause for a moment to catch my breath, then proceed to the butterfly, where I am astounded by what I see—a whole Kaleidoscope.

This has to be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, I think to myself. I immediately take out my phone and begin photographing them from every angle possible. Some are scattered near the pond, providing a better background flavor. This excites me, and I can't wait to start writing about it.

I could publish them in a newspaper or something; perhaps it will make headlines, I think to myself.

I spend a long time in the park, completely forgetting about my uber and the fact that I need to go to the pharmacy to get some drugs.

When my 6 p.m. alarm goes off, I realize this. I quickly turn it off, then notice the uber hasn't called. I check the app and see that he had canceled nearly an hour ago.

Great, I think to myself, and I resume my thousand-mile journey.

I walk two more streets away from the park until I come across a pharmacy.

I should probably get Isadora's drugs, I tell myself. Then I head over to the pharmacy.

I suddenly regret not putting on more clothing underneath as the weather outside turns chilly.

The bell wired to the Pharmacy's door dings briefly as you pull it open. I close the door and proceed down the aisle, which leads directly to a counter in front of me.

"Hello.. is anyone here?" I ask as I walk toward the counter.

Nobody responds, and I sigh from exhaustion, as well as the fact that it's getting dark and I should start heading home.

I notice the television is turned on and the sitcom "Friends" is on. So I reason that the person in charge must be nearby.

I sigh and rest my hands on the counter for a moment, hoping that the pharmacist will come in at any moment, but they don't.

While I'm waiting for the pharmacist, I notice a glitch on the television. I'm willing to bet that Isadora was watching that program and is probably cursing the news station.

"We interrupt this program to bring you an urgent message," it says, and this catches my attention.

I stand up straight to look at the news.

"There was a murder on Eastville Street downtown. The police are already on the case, and residents are advised to properly lock up their stores and homes because the perpetrator is still on the loose. Cancel all of your plans for tonight because the police have stated that this could be a case of serial murder."

"In case you are still on the road, be vigilant, make sure you are not alone and be on the lookout for a man in a black winter jacket. Happy New Year, and good night,"

I scoff for a moment, then notice a seat to the left, and I want to go over and take a seat.

I hear an empty can being kicked down as soon as I take a step away from the part of the counter that can be seen directly from the store's clear doors.

My mind wanders to the news headlines, and I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm.

"Hello, is anyone there?" I ask, looking at the door from where I'm standing.

For a brief moment, everything is silent as the television goes blank.

Calm down, Isabella, it's just your mind playing tricks on you, I tell myself.

"And then I said..." The TV show begins loudly, and my heart skips a beat before I clumsily knock something on the counter—a tiny table clock.

As I try to catch my breath, I clutch my chest in fear. Calm down, Isa, I tell myself. Then I hear someone tinkering with the back door lock behind the counter.

My eyes immediately widen, and adrenaline kicks in. I start running down the aisle to the door.

I can't die just yet, I think to myself as I make my way to the door.

When I get close to the front door, someone pulls it open, and I'm relieved, only to look up to see a man putting on a black winter jacket.

Is this the end of my life? I mutter to myself as my life flashes before my eyes.