Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 21003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
I try not to wait, but I find myself distracted. I keep peering outside, pacing back and forth and checking the front window to see if his car is outside. That’s when I remember that I have snow that needs to be shoveled. Popping on my winter gear, I step outside and then go to work, clearing the snow from my front steps and the walkway. I’m just about finished when I see his sister come home.
She waves at me, and I return it. She has her hands full, so I holler, “Do you need any help?”
“No, I got it,” she grunts, shutting her passenger door with her hip. I understand her to a tee. I’m like that too. One trip, and I don’t need any assistance from a soul.
“You’ve got enough going on there.”
“I suppose you’re right.” I laugh. “Goodnight.” I wave and finish the last two feet before putting my shovel in the garage. I go inside and make hot cocoa and sit on the sofa with a movie.
The moon is high in the sky when I finally give up waiting for another doorbell ring. It’s past time for me to call it a night, and it’s clear he isn’t coming. I pull two pillows from my bed and make myself a little cozy spot on my large sofa to nestle down. My eyes focus on the tree and my two new ornaments until I finally fall asleep.
****
When I moved in, I bought stickup cameras. I attach it to my car when I park and want to see if someone tries to send me a nasty message today. I’m not bothered about it because I received such a sweet note last night.
The day goes fine for the most part, but then I get a note again. You’re a stupid bitch. This time I have it recorded, and I drive home to check it in the safety of my home. I make sure no one is around, then I go inside. When I check the footage, it’s Tom. Seriously, why is he doing this? He didn’t even seem to like me, and yet he’s leaving nasty notes.
I send him a message.
Me: Tom, stop with the notes. You don’t even like me, so why are you harassing me?
Tom: I’m not doing anything to you. You’re crazy.
Me: I’ll go to the cops.
Tom: You’re nuts. I send him a screenshot of him putting the note on my car. You better not call the cops or I’ll ruin you.
ME: Just leave me alone.
I try to calm down, but I’m stressed out. As I walk around my house, I wonder if he knows where I live. The doorbell rings, and I jump out of my skin. I peek out, and it’s the same delivery guy from yesterday. “Thank you,” I say as I accept it. This box is so much larger than yesterday’s gift.
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
“Do you know who is sending these?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not given that information.” I nod and thank him again, even though I don’t believe it. He just isn’t allowed to tell me. I close and lock the door before opening.
Day two of learning to not hate Christmas
Inside is a pretty pink and white wreath. I gasp and put it on my front door, replacing the cheap one I had on there before locking it again.
The rest of the night I’m on guard. I should be a little more cautious and contact the police, but I’m hoping the picture is enough to warn him off.
The next day, I don’t see Tom and there is no note, but I do receive my gifts.
Day three of hating Christmas a little less
In the box is a pink and white mug set with a fancy hot chocolate brand I’ve never heard of and some classic Swiss Miss with two different bags of marshmallows. I laugh and smile.
I repeat my day again, and just like before his delivery man comes with a new package.
Day four of forgetting my hatred of the holiday
In the new pretty pink foiled wrapping is a matching hat, scarf, and glove set in a gorgeous pale pink. On the front edge of the hat and the end of the scarf is a tiny golden Christmas tree. It’s perfect. I press them on my face and feel the soft, warm texture.
I don’t know how long he plans to play this game, but it’s working.
Chapter Seven
Parker
The beautiful thing about my sister having security cameras at her house is that I can watch my pretty little angel with one little touch of a button. I sit in my office and watch for too long as she shoveled the snow yesterday. I wanted to send somebody over there, but by the time they’d arrive, she was going to be done. And how would I play that off?