that? I smiled to myself. If the team was going, that meant Kris will be there too. And Carl. I
scoffed. Then my phone rang again. Without checking the screen, I pressed it against my ear.
"You really know the timing, don't you Drew?"
"Oh I do, alright."
The voice was not Drew. I checked the screen and saw an unregistered number. I pressed it
against my ear again. I was about to ask who he was, when he interrupted me.
"Guess Prince Charming gave you a visit. He's driving away now. Good night then, Princess."
Then he hung up.
My mind raced frantically as I stared at my phone. Who was that?
Then it rang again, making me jump in surprise. I stared at the screen first, and was relieved to
see it was Drew.
"Why was the line busy?"
"Someone called," I told him, my voice shaky.
"Who?" his tone alarmed.
"I don't know. But I think he's watching the house right now."
"What?!"
"Anthony left just a while ago, and the caller told me he saw him drive away."
"I'm coming over."
"Hurry."
***************
Chapter 20
I fidgeted my phone mindlessly. Who was that caller? How long has he been watching the
house? I felt my stomach lurch uncomfortably. How did he get so close? Drew was always
watching my every move. And so was Jonathan. But whoever the caller was, he obviously got
so close to me that even my locker combination was accessed.
My heart jumped to my throat when I heard the doorbell ring. Nanny stood up from her seat on
the dining table, but I gestured her to go back.
"Let's wait, Nanny," I told her, trying my best to sound calm. I haven't told her about the call yet, since she might panic and would give Mom a call. The last thing I wanted right now was for
Mom to panic.
She threw me a confused look. "It's getting late. Maybe that's just a prank or something," I said defensively. My explanation didn't convince her, but she resumed her seat nonetheless.
The doorbell rang a few more times. When it started again, my phone starting ringing too. I
slowly turned it to see the screen before answering it. I can't describe how relieved I was when I
saw Drew's name on it.
"Don't you have any plan of letting me in?" His tone half-mocking, half-nervous.
"Coming." I ended the call and proceeded to the door.
"Are you okay, Drei?" I heard Nanny call out after me as I trudged to the door. I waved my hand and called out an affirmative response.
I reached the door and with a flick, the locks loosened. Before I could turn the knob, the person
on the opposite side was already doing it. Heaving a little opening, Drew almost squeezed in
and abruptly shut it behind him.
I stared at him like he was crazy, but I couldn't blame him. We should be as cautious as
possible. I shook my expression off, as he straightened himself.
"What was Anthony doing here?" he started, suddenly catching me off guard.
"Uhh. He asked me something," I replied, my anxieties suddenly at bay.
"I reckon that's very important, since he drove all the way down here."
I nodded sheepishly.
He gave me a gentle shove toward the living room.
"He asked me to a dance."
"He what?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I gave him an impatient look. This wasn't the time to joke around. There was someone lurking
outside!
As if reading my thoughts, Drew sighed and had a serious look as we took our seats in the living
room. "Did you accept it?"
I hesitated, and actually thought about what he said. A moment ago, I was certain I wanted to
go, but with someone spying me, I don't think I'd want to take the risk.
I shook my head. "Not anymore."
"Because of the stalker?"
"Obviously," I nodded.
He was silent for a while, as if checking the options we have.
"If you're going, then we have to be extra careful. But it's not for me to decide," he leaned back on his seat and reached for his pocket. He got out his phone and started dialing.
"Hello Lea."
I waved my hands frantically at Drew. He shouldn't tell Mom! It'll just worry her. And we both
know how she acts when she's worried. To my disappointment, Drew didn't even spare me a
glance. Great. I have to brace myself for what's to come. I limped myself against the couch in
dismissal. I stared at Drew, almost gaping. He was talking to my mom, but I couldn't make out
the words. I was almost in a trance. What would Mom do now?
As if on cue, he hung up. "She has a plan. And you have no choice."
"As always."
"But while she's arranging everything, I'll stay with you here."
"Sleepover?"
"Something like that. But this time, I think it'll last a little longer."
"What do you mean?"
He shrugged. "Depends on how fast your Mom settles everything."
Why do I have the feeling that this is going to be a long week? I sighed. "Did you see anyone
suspicious outside?"
He shook his head. "Not even a shadow. Maybe whoever that was just wanted to give you a
fright. But I'm not letting our guard down. That's why I'm staying with you until everything's fine."
Everything's fine. I winced. When will that ever happen?
~
My alarm clock sounded a little too loud than usual the following morning. I rubbed my eyes and
slowly sat up in my bed. Though I had enough sleep, I still felt drained. After a few more minutes
of staring into nothingness, I hopped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom to get ready.
Minutes later, I was all set. I slung my bag over my shoulder and was about to open the door
when I heard muffled voices from the outside. My heart thumped loudly in my chest. Did
something happen while I was asleep? Then I heard Drew's muffled laugh. Wait, he was
laughing?
I gathered all the courage I have and finally swung the door opened. I stepped outside and
hurried all the way down to the stairs. I gawked at the sight of Jonathan sitting on the dining
table.
"What are you doing here, Jonathan?" I asked as I approached them.
"Is that the new good morning now?"
