I felt like I was being watched. Someone was staring at me, I felt it in my bones. I could clearly feel my heart beating faster and the nervousness consuming me, I started trembling. It was silly actually, I was surrounded by people, no one could hurt me here. But I couldn't get rid of the horrible feeling. I looked around me again but no one seemed creepy, no one paid attention to my trembling form in the middle of the boulevard. I kept walking, trying to shook off the feeling, maybe I was just getting paranoid. Oh to hell with that, I was not paranoid. I was acting logically, being scared and all. A girl that lived in my neighborhood disappeared two days ago. That was not normal. I lived in a tranquil neighborhood, things like that never happen. I quickened my pace, looking at my wristwatch, I was on time.

Megan should be waiting for me at the bar. She said she's met a handsome guy and couldn't wait to tell me about him. Even the spicy details. I wasn't really interested in that but well, I couldn't bring down my best friend and roommate. She's an amazing girl and we care deeply for each other and we support each other in all of our choices.

We've been living together for the past six years, but known each other since we were little chubby babies. Our mothers were good friends and still are, like us. I entered the bar and looked for my redhead friend, she was waving at me, smiling. "Isabelle" She yelled, making all the customers turn their attention to her and then following her gaze, looking at me. I blushed at that. I hate getting any kind of attention, I prefer staying on my own and get unnoticed. I walked towards my friend and sat down, hoping no one was still looking at me. I didn't dare glancing around, as I could feel these people peeking at me.

"I couldn't wait to see you, Izzy." Megan started talking, she was excited and smiling like a child on Christmas' day.

"You saw me this morning." I said, rolling my eyes. She didn't like that and playfully hit my arm.

"Izzy, he's the one." She breathed out dreamily, sparkles in her eyes. She always says that about guys, but I kept my mouth shut. Why would I ruin her beautiful fantasy? "He makes me feel like I'm the only woman in the world, I feel like a queen." She laughed. In that moment a waitress came and gave me a cup of coffee. "I ordered that for you, I know how you like it. No sugar, no cream, just black like death's soul." The waitress laughed at that and left us alone.

"Now she thinks I'm a weirdo." I whispered.

"Nah don't worry, as I was saying before being interrupted ... Axel " She purrs saying his name. " is the one. How do I explain this ... I felt the connection. Like when we looked into each other's eyes he became my world. This ... this never happened to me!"

"That sounds kinda weird to be honest."

"It's not. It's really simple. I think he's my soul mate, you know I believe in those things. "I sighed at that, I was the rational one, I don't believe in that crap, yet Megs was obsessed with that kind of stuff, she's even sure that paranormal beings roam the earth, we're just not gifted enough to see them.

"Yeah Meg of course I know that ..." she interrupted me

"I'm moving in with him."

"You what?" I almost yelled. "What about our pact? Sis before dicks? You've known him for a week? Isn't it too early?"

"No we don't think it's too early, Izzy. Please try to understand me, you've always supported me."

"Yes I did, and I'll always do. " I stopped talking thinking of what should I say. We were 21, it was about time Meg started living her life, I know she's always wanted to get married and have her own family. I owe her this. " Do what you think it's right. " She jumped out of her seat and hugged me, very tightly. "Okay okay. Don't suffocate me with your huge tits, I know you love me."

Meg giggled and returned to her seat. "Now we only have to find you a cute man, so we can go out on a double date." I snorted in disgust.

"Please don't ever think about it. I love being single, I don't need a man."

"Of course you do." She snapped. "You can't be forever alone."

"Don't worry for me, Meg. One day maybe but not now."

"You always say that." She complained. " I want you to be as happy as I am."

"I am happy. Megan, drop it, please." She was like my mother at times, always trying to find someone for me or setting up blind dates. But I was perfectly fine. I really didn't need a boyfriend. Or night stands. The thought made me shiver. Megan's phone beeped, she smiled checking out the message she's got. "It's him. She wants to take me out tonight. Oh my god. You have to help me get ready." I nodded and we left the bar, heading home. It was going to be a long afternoon.

I went home, this time the way back stretched into long silence since megan was not beside me chatting about useless stuff like 'true love'.

I took out of the fridge the pizza leftovers from last night and put them in the microwave. My stomach growled. I was really really hungry. The microwave beeped and I quickly took out the pizza and attacked it. I was eating my third slice when I got the same feeling of being watched. I immediately abandoned my slice of pizza on the plate and turned around thinking Meg was home and I didn't hear her coming back. But no one was here. I was alone. Yet, I knew someone was looking at me. I walked towards the balcony but nothing. It was deserted. The streets were deserted. I closed the curtains and checked the door: it was unlocked. The feeling subsided a bit and I could breathe again. I looked at the pizza on the counter, the hunger I felt moments ago was gone. I was scared. I threw away my dinner and washed the plate. When I was done I ran to my room and locked the door, immediately going to check the bathroom and the window. I was secured. No one could enter my room. I breathed out, relaxing my body. I started laughing thinking how stupid I looked, terrified of my own shadow. I shook my head and jumped on my bed checking out my phone. I had no messages or calls, but that was normal. I'm really antisocial and the only people I talk with are Megan and my parents that call me once a week to make sure I'm still alive. I sighed and opened the Netflix app. I had to catch up on Daredevil so Meg and I could analyze every minute of it.

Halfway through the second season I decided I was too tired to keep watching, I closed the app and put my phone on charge, and fell asleep.

I'm in bed and I can feel something touching my thighs. I think it's the sheets but the touch is too hot and soft to be my sheets. My heart start beating faster, I can feel cold air on my body. I know I'm still covered tho. It's weird, I can't explain it but I can feel whatever is touching me moving higher and higher till it reaches my panties. I try to move but I fail, it's like my brain and limbs are disconnected. I freeze in fear. What is happening? I wanted to scream but no sound escaped my lips. Suddenly I can't feel anything anymore. Whatever was touching me it disappeared. I closed my eyes, at least I thought I closed them. I could feel a hot breathe fanning my neck and a whisper: "Sleep well little angel."

I woke up screaming and almost fell out of my bed as I started to move uncontrollably. I was in a tangled mess but successfully sat, with my back pressed on the headboard. I turned the lights on and looked around my room, no one was there. It felt so real, I could still feel the hotness touching my legs. I looked at the window and seeing it wide opened shocked me. I knew I closed it. I checked it twice to make sure of that. Oh my God.

I got out of bed and closed it. Maybe Megan was

in my room, yeah that was possible. Maybe she

thought I was hot. I reached for my bedroom door

and remembered I locked it. It was impossible for

her to unlock it. I shivered. Getting even more

scared by the minute. No. No one was in my

room. Keep calm Isabelle. I pressed my back on

the door and breathed in and out. In and out. I did

that for five minutes. I was just being paranoid.

Surely I thought I closed the window but maybe I got confused. It was only the wind. A powerful gust of wind opened my window. That's it. Nothing else. I got back in bed and turned the lights off trying to sleep. I looked at the clock on my nightstand, it was 4 am. And I had to get up early to work tomorrow. I groaned and covered my face with the sheets. I had left only two hours of sleep.

*

I turned off my alarm and groaned. I was so tired I couldn't even keep my eyes opened. This day was going to suck. I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. I looked like trash. Ugh. Fantastic. I took a quick shower and got dressed. I only needed coffee. Meg was not at home - not that I expected her to be since she's gonna live with her boyfriend from now on but I missed her singing in the morning and making a delicious coffee. I sipped my coffee while watching the news, the girl that lived in my neighborhood was still missing. Her name was Cassandra, 17, last time she was seen was Thursday night, with a mysterious guy no one could really remember. Poor girl. I turned off the tv and grabbed my coat and purse, I couldn't stand my apartment that day. It was warm, but since I had a 15 minutes walk I decided to wear my coat, I didn't need to get a cold right now when they needed me the most at the bar as seen as Jessica, one of my co-workers got married and I had to take her turns. But it was okay, I needed the money. I arrived at The Cafee earlier than usual, Marc, our boss was already there, drinking coffee. As soon as he saw me he smiled.

"Good morning Marc." I greeted him politely, smiling.

"Hey Izzy. You seem tired." I only nodded and didn't give him any explanation. I didn't want to worry him. Marc is a 50 years old man, he treats all his employers like his own children, his wife, sadly, is not as nice as him. She's like a poisonous snake always ready to attack you. I didn't get how their relationship could work, but it wasn't really my business so I never wondered too much about it. It was time to open the bar.

The day passed by rather quickly, I didn't have time to relax or take breathes and I was glad for that actually, that meant I didn't have time to think about last night or the fact that my best friend was moving in with her boyfriend. The weird thing is that Meg has not called today. She usually sends me at least a message. That thought worried me, was she okay? I told Marc I needed a five minutes break and went to the bathroom to call Meg. She didn't answer. She always answers.

I left her a message to the answering machine, hoping she'll call me as soon as possible. I went back to work. It was my turn to close the bar today. When the last customer left I grabbed my things and locked the bar. It was really dark outside and I shivered, thinking about all the dangerous people outta there. I made a short prayer and headed home. I was near my apartment building when I felt a cold breathe on my neck. I turned around scared and ready to kick someone but No one was there. The wind. I told myself. It was only the wind. I laughed it off and quickened my pace. My apartment is small but cozy, perfect for me. Mom helped Megan and me to buy all of the furniture. Cheap stuff but I loved them and I would never leave this place to live with some guy I met a week ago. I sighed thinking about Megan, I hoped she was okay or I had to find this Axel guy and destroy his existence. I undressed in the middle of the living room, grabbed my dirty clothes and headed towards the bathroom. I only needed a hot shower and sleep. I wasn't even hungry. After the shower I wore my favorite pajamas, it was a cotton nightgown with fries and burgers on it. I never wear sexy stuff, I mean I don't need to impress anyone right? After I locked my door and checked the window I jumped on my bed an snuggled at my pillow. Ah, how I missed my bed. I fell asleep instantly without a worry in the world.

It's like silk touching my skin, a feathery touch, almost nonexistent but real. At least this seems real? I'm in my room again, my bed to be exact. I can't see anything because it's dark - I should remember to get a lamp next time. I hear a sensual chuckle that makes me shiver. Where's that coming from? It seemed so close but so far away. The soft thing touching my skin starts moving, up my legs, and I can feel a delicious pressure down there, that keeps pushing. This has never happened to me and I don't even know what this is. My breathe catches in my throat when the push gets deeper and deeper. What's happening? I start shaking my head. This is a dream. This has to be a dream. I have to get up. I can hear my heartbeat and the blood pumping in my veins. Get up, I tell myself. GET UP!

"Get up!" I yelled sitting on my bed, still shivering. "What the fuck was that?" I can still feel the tingle in my private parts and the wetness that has formed there. "What the fuck?" I turned the lights on and got up from bed, on my shaking legs. I went to the bathroom and took off my panties and threw them with the other clothes I had to wash. I rapidly cleaned myself and went back to my room, looking for another pair of panties - if you wanna know yes, I wear granny panties. I hear a shuffle in the living room. Not thinking twice I grab the vase from my desk, unlock the door and with a yell I run to the living room only to find Megan with a guy, that are too busy sucking each other faces off to realize I'm there. I grunt in disgust and go back to my room without locking it. I hear the entrance door open and close and I know the guy has left. I hear a knock on my door.

"Yes?" I know it's Megan.

"Izzy. Hi. I'm back."

"I know. I can see you."

"Don't get sassy with me. I'm sorry I haven't called you back ... I was.. ehm.. busy." She blushed and I swear I've never seen Megan blush. Never.

"Don't worry. It's okay. You must really like this guy." I mutter. She nods, smiling dreamily.

"You should come with us tomorrow night. We're meeting with some of his friends and I didn't really wanna be the newbie. Please Izzy, please!"

"I have to work tomorrow..."

"So am I! Come on! We work together! I'm sure Marc won't mind if we leave earlier. Please" she gave me the puppy dog eyes and I couldn't resist, that's my weakness.

"Okay, you win. I'll come with you, but you better not play matchmaker tomorrow Megs, I'm serious. Look at me." She did was she was told. "Promise."

"Ugh, you're no fun. I promise" She replied with a devilish smile. I knew she was up to no good.