Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan
Chapter 269

Cam 26- Mess and miss

I wake up late, probably around ten am and check my phone. Thank goodness I left it on silent because I have five missed calls from ‘Dingbat‘. I can only imagine how pissed off I would have been if he woke me with his pestering. I doubt there is any way I would have been able to resist answering that call and tearing into him. Which would probably be satisfying, but I doubt that it would be productive. As it is, I did put my phone on silent, I did get to sleep in and as a result I am actually in a pretty damn good mood. I take my time showering, doing every pointless beauty ritual I can think of and when I get out I dress in my daggiest clothes. A pair of small, but super unflattering shorts which somehow hang baggy over my ass while barely having enough fabric to be considered an actual piece of clothing, and a worn out, oversized green t–shirt with cartoon characters andJapanese writing on it. I have no clue what the writing says to be honest but it’s

Super comfortable so I just don’t care. I order food to be delivered from a local bakery for breakfast and I make myself a coffee with unnecessary chocolate flakes on top using my very overpriced but completely necessary coffee machine. Once I’ve had carbs and coffee I spend some time doing the housework that I’ve been procrastinating all week. Okay, so I actually spend a couple hours dancing around to music. while I move mess around. But I did wash the dishes and put on a load of laundry, so it wasn’t a total loss. Plus I danced around so much that I basically got a workout in too! So it

was technically a fairly productive morning, right?

Around lunch time I give up the pretence of cleaning and decide to get some fresh air. It’s nice outside and I need some groceries anyway. I slip on some shoes and head out as I am. It’s not like I’m planning to go anywhere important. What, is someone going to judge me for being comfortable while I pick up my fruit and veg for the week? I wander slowly towards the shops and enjoy the sunshine. My phone is vibrating again. A quick glance at the screen shows that it’s Simon again so I ignore it. A few text messages come through but I ignore them too. I’m not willing to let him ruin my good day. I do my shopping and end up with more than I thought I would buy. I contemplate calling a taxi just so that I don’t have to carry everything home but I decide against it. I can carry everything, just. No need to waste money on a ride. I’m just paying for everything when out of the corner of my eye I think I spot Simon out front. What the hell is he doing here?Maybe I’m mistaken and just imagining things. I hope that’s the case. I scramble to get my phone out. He was calling and texting carlier. Maybe something that he sent will give me clue on if it’s actually him out there or not. Either way, I’m staying in here where there are cameras and witnesses until I know for

sure.

1/4

Cam 26- Mess and miss

Dingbat- You’re late. I told you not to be late.

Dingbat- Are you seriously not planning to turn up? I can’t imagine why you would do something so stupid..

Dingbat- Is it that you enjoy being chased? I’m not thrilled with the idea but I suppose I could put in a little effort.

Dingbat- I’m outside your workplace. Are you here?

Dingbat- I’ve texted your mother. She promised to send me your address so I can come pick you up. Will that make you happy? You’re very high maintenance you know.

Dingbat- Did you go out? I think I see you.

Well shit. He is following me. Although it doesn’t sound like he’s actually sure that I’m here. Maybe I can sneak out without him seeing me? No, that won’t work. There’s only one exit.

Damn this is not good. I need… I don’t know what I need. Should I can the cops? But I doubt

they would do anything since Simon hasn’t really DONE anything to me.

“Miss? Are you okay?” The teenage girl working the checkout asks me awkwardly and I realise I’ve finished my transaction and I’m just standing here.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” I grab my stuff and move away from the register towards an empty corner where I won’t be in anyone’s way. As an added bonus, it’s not visible from outside. I’ve just about decided that I have no choice but to make a run for it, abandoning my groceries if need. be, when my phone rings. I repress a groan, assuming it will be Simon again. I’m surprised and oddly relieved to see that it’s Harry calling.

“Hey Harry.” I answer.

“You answered fast.” He observes.

“I guess?” I respond. I can hear the shrug in his voice.

“I thought you might make me wait, Or that you wouldn’t answer at all.” He confesses. although he doesn’t actually sound all that offended by it.

2/4

Cam 26- Mess and miss

“Oh… No. I wouldn’t do that without a good reason. I conclude. I’m a little distracted trying to look outside to replace out if Simon is still hovering.

“You alright? You sound… busy. I can call back.” Harry offers. I’m quick to decline. Something about having him on the line makes the thought of dealing with Simon a little less stressful. Maybe because it’s hard to take anything too seriously around Harry since he is so often. ridiculous. Although that might be a little unfair to Harry, I’ve seen his more serious side recently.

“You don’t have to go, I’m fine. Did you have a reason for calling?” I wonder.

“I wanted to replace out if you miss me yet. I’m calling to see if you wanted to call me.” He explains in an amused voice.

“Excuse me?” I ask, confused.

“I thought that you might not call me, even if you wanted to because you might be embarrassed to call me first since you spend so much time pretending that you can’t stand me.” He explains his convoluted logic.

“Right… Well… I’ve just been having a relaxing day and I’ve been enjoying the quiet. So I can’t say I really thought to call anyone.” I admit, hoping he isn’t offended by it.

“I figured. But it was worth a shot. Imagine if you had said yes you did miss me.” He sounds dreamy, like he’s imagining some sweet, wonderful thing. I roll my eyes.

“You’re weirdly honest sometimes. You know that?” I point out.

“Yep. So, what are you up to?” He asks, changing the subject.

“Oh, nothing much. I just did some grocery shopping. I was about to walk home.” I explain. Just as soon as I can figure out a way to get past Simon without drawing his attention.

a

“Woah, hold up!” Harry half yells.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, concerned.

3/4

Cam 26- Mess and miss

“You’re walking home? Walking you home is my job! We never specified it was just from

work. Where are you?” He demands.

“Uh, just the grocery shop a couple blocks from my house.” I tell him, a little confused. He isn’t seriously coming here is he?

“The one across from the dog park with the weird looking playground that is most definitely

not safe for children?” He confirms.

“Uh, yeah, I guess?”

“Great. Wait right where you are. I’ll be right there! You hear me? Don’t go running away!” He hangs up the phone with a click and leaves me standing there, not quite sure what the hell is going on. I could leave… but I don’t want to deal with Simon, so I guess I’m waiting for Harry to turn up. Hopefully he doesn’t take too long.

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