"Don't worry he's okay. Liam is actually here on a date with my friend. I introduced them last week, after she got back from her trip…"


Completely distracted grading papers, I'm haunted by the thought of Alexandra following us in New York. There were too many coincidences, and so many unwanted reasons for her to become a part of our group. I mean, she was 'dating' Liam for starters. Everything about that picture felt wrong.

Shaking the thoughts from my head, for the 5th time, I continued to correct the stack of exams. To top things off, Byrnn's mom had invited us over for dinner. Understanding her weak and nauseous symptoms, coping through her last months of pregnancy, I hoped that was the legitimate reason for not showing up to the barbeque. Seeing as how my gut-wrenching feelings were always on point, brushing this third time off was unlikely.

My mind was slightly relieved by the distinct ringtone of Brynn's call, only to be pushed even further to the ground.

"Hey sweetheart."

"Harry, I-I'm kind of panicking right now." Her voice trembled.

"What's wrong Brynn?!" The hairs on my body shot up, sensing danger.

"I-I don't know, I got this weird letter. It has no return address nor does it say who it's from."

"What does the letter say?" My voice grew frantic as I stood up, rubbing my forehead in worry.

"That's the weirdest thing, it just says "He deserves better." What's that supposed to mean? Is this about us? Is it that girl from your texts?"

Before Brynn could ask the third question, I was already out the door. Shoving the pile of papers in my briefcase, I told her I was on my way. Once we hung up, I sped-dialed my TA and gave him instructions for the following classes. If Brynn was in danger then that's where I needed to be.


The letter had no further clues; the envelope was blank. The words were typed. Deciding it was time to confess all the details about this suspicious Alexandra "Liam's date" to Brynn, I braced myself for her reaction. The thought of a single student causing this much stress in my life, that's one thing, but now it was affecting Brynn. The cops had better do something now.

"So you think Alexandra-Alexis, took these pics?" Brynn asked while observing the texts on my phone.

"Who else could it be, Brynn? She's the only possible suspect I can think of, and not to mention her persistence in texting me over and over again."

"Does she even realize her obsession with you, how it's crossed the line? Do you think she's just mentally ill and can't take no for an answer? . . . The awful thing is, I don't believe we have enough evidence of her posing a threat to us. Plus Lilah won't buy it."

"Can't you see? She finds out Lilah's my cousin, they're instantly friends and bam! Now she knows our friends, our family…she was inside my house! She now knows where you live. I think we have plenty of evidence!"

"Then let's tell the police everything, hopefully they can tell us what to do."

---

As Brynn had foreseen, there wasn't sufficient evidence. The best they could do was look for any suspicious activity from Alexandra and run a background check. Knowing things were still in its first phase, I acted promptly, worried what could happen if it grew into the worse stages. Imagining if something should happen to Brynn while I'm away in San Diego--could I even go back?

My instincts told me different, but Brynn didn't want to mention any of this to her parents, to not cause alarm. I had a hunch she didn't want to add to the weight of our engagement; her mother would surely see me unfit for her daughter. But now we're finally going to have dinner with her, and while I'm usually a pretty confident guy…I was terrified.

Driving up to the house, Brynn let out a sigh, she seemed disappointed and confused.

"What's he doing here?" Her tone went cold.

Noticing a truck in the driveway, I could only assume it belonged to Liam.

"I thought it was just us and your parents?"

"So did I. Harry, I'm sorry. I know this isn't easy for you. And I also want to apologize beforehand on behalf of my mother. I honestly don't know what's gotten into her lately. She's been so distant with me…"

Byrnn was saddened by this reality. From what I gathered, she and her mom had an amazing relationship; it was enviable. The fact that I knew I was the source of the problem laid a tremendous burden on my shoulders. Willing to endure it but unsure how to resolve it, I mentally prepared myself for the evening.

"It makes me sad to hear you say that, and I know it's because of me."

"No. No, I will not have you saying that or believing it. I love you and we are together. Whoever doesn't like it will just have to deal with it, whether it's some psycho stalker or my mother!"

Smiling sympathetically at her attempt to convince me otherwise, we encouraged one another and got out of the car. We had made a quick stop to pick flowers for Brenda, and I made sure to hand it to her personally. Greeted by both her and Kevin, we walked in and I gave a friendly smile to the rest of the company that awaited us in the den.

Liam sat on the floor by the fireplace while Janet and Ian were on the couch, with a little boy I assumed was his son. This wasn't an intimate dinner at all. I shook Liam and Ian's hand then proceeded to sit in one of the empty arm chairs. I felt singled out, attacked by a stealth virus. I remained calm and nonchalant. Then Brynn came to sit on my lap which made me feel a whole lot better.

"So have you guys talked about the big day? Do you have a date set?" Brenda asked dryly.

I desperately wanted to talk to her, alone, see if she would confess her true feelings again like she had done that day. Regardless if I didn't follow through on her wishes to hold off on marrying her daughter, she had to know I was willing to do whatever it took to make Brynn happy; even if that meant changing my future plans entirely.

I liked Ian, he seemed very observant as he took notice of the awkwardness between Liam and I. Trying to be neutral, he'd ask us both questions to get the conversation going. I had no problem with nice talk, unlike Liam who kept his answers to a minimum. He was preoccupied texting on his phone, and I prayed that he wasn't inviting Alexis over.

"I'm going to check on the casserole. Kevin, get the wine in the garage please, honey," Brenda instructed.

She struggled to get up, if it weren't for her husband's assistance. Knowing this was my chance, I patted Brynn on the knee so we could switch. My heart was in my throat, my mouth completely dry.

"Brenda…" She turned around and gave me a flat smile. "I just want to apologize if I've disappointed you in any way. . ."

It took her a moment to respond. That hurt. Taking off her mittens, she held onto the counter and shot a mama bear stare.

"Harry, yes I am disappointed. I thought we had an understanding, that you were willing to back off or at least put any wedding plans on hold…for a few years."

"You know I love your daughter and she is happy. If that weren't true then she wouldn't have said yes."

"She doesn't know what she wants . . . She needs to live her life without being completely attached to men that-that hold her back."

"I'm not going to hold her back. I'm going to encourage her to succeed in her dreams."

"Excuse me," Brenda said and left me alone.

Clenching my fists against the counter, I felt a horrible stab in my stomach . . . she still didn't approve of me. For one moment I wondered, if I were Liam would I have been accepted?

"Are you ok?" Brynn asked as she walked in the kitchen.

Not wanting to make a bigger deal, I nodded. The rest of the evening was uncomfortable and straining. I grew tired of faking smiles and hiding my true feelings for others to question. Even Janet, her stepsister, wasn't very welcoming. Doubts pulsated, not of my love for Brynn but of the possible sacrifice she'd be making to stay with me.

---

Months cooled off the tension with Brynn's family. We held off thinking about any dates for the wedding, giving a chance for everyone to warm up to the idea. Throughout that course of time, the weird texts and notes had stopped as well. My guard wasn't completely down, but slowly Alexandra was winning over the hearts of all of Brynn's friends…including Brynn.

It freaked me out, the only physical difference between Brynn and Alexandra were their eyes. From behind they looked like twins, while face to face Alexandra had bold almost ghostly blue eyes. It reminded me of a sci-fi horror film with the body snatcher, Alexandra being the clone. She was sweet with everyone. A little too sweet.

On my way to Brynn's place for the weekend, I was alarmed by the girl chatter from the doorway. I walked in to find Brynn with Elizabeth, Janet, Lilah and Alexandra. Feeling like the odd man out, I said my hellos, kissed Brynn and got clothes to change into after my shower.

"Hey," Brynn whispered as she closed the door behind her.

Drying myself with a towel I gave her a look.

"I know. I know you don't like her here. But how many times does she have to apologize?"

Sighing heavily, I shook my head in submission as I wrapped the towel around my waist.

"You're right. I'll stop with the paranoia. I just-don't want to come home and my fiancé butchered in an alley somewhere," I smirked.

"Shhhh," she smiled and shookher head. "So we're going to the mall for a while. Do you want to come?"

"Uhhhh, let me think about that one. . .No."

"Louis will meet us there, so you won't be the only guy. Please, I told him you'd come with us." Brynn pouted.

"Oh so now I'm getting sweet-talked into going? Under one condition…" Brynn narrowed her eyes and I leaned over to whisper in her ear. "You wear those leopard panties for me tonight."

Giggling, Brynn caught hold of my towel.

"How about we find some newer ones that I can model for you in the store?"

"Even better! Let's go shopping ladies!" I shouted, resulting with laughter outside the bathroom.

I slapped on some jeans and a plaid shirt then took Brynn and Elizabeth in my car. Lilah drove her own car with Janet and Alex. I didn't know what stores we were hitting but I was looking forward to our stop at Victoria Secret, and most likely Louis was too. We met him at the entrance, at first we started holding our girlfriend's hands but ended up walking behind the group.

"So Brynn says you're finally coming around." Louis initiated.

"I have, for her sake. But you know that weird feeling you get with some people?" He nodded. "I can't help it."

"I mean from what she told me, I see your reasons for not trusting Alex. But I think she's proven to be a pretty nice girl."

"Yeah, I guess. I just want to be married already. I keep dreading something bad is going to happen before then."

"So plan the wedding sooner," Isaiah suggested.

"Hell I would . . . but what about Brynn's mom?"

"Maybe now is good time since she's distracted with the baby."

"True. I didn't think about that."

Alas, after stopping at every clothes store we hit lingerie heaven. Brynn broke free from her clique and took me along to the many bins of colorful panties. Like a candy shop, there was so much to choose from. Louis and I carefully stood by the entryway of the fitting rooms, waiting for the opportune moment to sneak in. I watched his back first before running in.

I didn't realize how fond I was of animal prints until I saw them on Brynn. I wanted to buy them all. I snuck a couple of nibbles on her neck before she pushed me out. Louis snuck out shortly after and we repositioned ourselves back at the entrance, right as Alexandra walked in.

"You guys behaving right?" She giggled.

"Of course, we're not beasts for goodness sakes," Louis replied.

"How far did you get." I teased.

"Farther than you I bet," he said wiggling his eyebrows.

Laughing, we gave each other high-fives. Suddenly, Alexis walked out to stand in front of the wide mirror towards the end, wearing only a hot pink set. Thrown off, we immediately turned around. What the hell was she trying to pull?! She knew we were standing right there. Louis' face said it all, and for once someone was beginning to side with me.

I refused to make any eye contact with Alexandra as we stood in line, she was in front of us chatting with Janet.

"I think Liam would love this one don't you think, Brynn?" She said raising the pink bra high for all to see.

Brynn looked at me funny then rolled her eyes.

"Lilah, I have to stop by and get my boxes from the garage after this," I blurted.

"Okay. What if we ordered pizza and watched a movie tonight. We could invite Liam and Ian."

"Count me out. The hubby has been with the kids all day. I have to relieve him of his duties, while wearing this nice black piece," Elizabeth smiled while holding the bundled nightgown in her hand.

"Nice, now that's a good wife!" I grinned at Brynn.

Receiving a shy blow to the stomach as Brynn so loved to do, I smothered her in my arms instead.

"Yes, Brynn, take notes darling," Elizabeth added.

"I'll text Liam right away," Alexandra interrupted.

Cringing at the thought, but not wanting to take Brynn away from her friends, I played along. If Alexandra was busy with Liam, no matter how awkward it was, then Brynn and I could snuggle somewhere…hopefully not on the same couch.

When we arrived I headed straight for the garage and began repacking some of my last boxes to take to my trunk. Walking back, I hadn't notice Alexandra standing at the corner.

"Can I help you with anything Alexandra or is it Alexis?"

"I prefer Alexandra, at least I wish my mother would have given me that name instead of Alexis."

"How are your classes coming along?" I focused, organizing the rest of my things on the shelves and storage tubs.

"They're great. I heard you were teaching down in San D?"

"Yup."

"That's a lot of traveling back and forth, doesn't Brynn get lonely."

"She's been handling it quite well. I'm very lucky to have her."

"She's a strong woman. I know if it were me, I would just move down there with you. I guess that's what I like about her, she's so sweet and optimistic. I want to be just like her."

I couldn't believe how creepy that sounded. "You are fine just the way you are, Alexandra. You don't need to be like anyone else."

"I know but maybe if I was more like her . . . I could also find my very own Harry Styles."

Like an evil magnet, my hairs shot up with fear. I wish I were wired so I could have this little chat recorded. Running out of every possible response towards that, I was done cleaning.

"Let's head back inside shall we." I clenched while passing her.

What to think or feel about this girl hanging around Brynn? Was Brynn in danger? Was it too early to get restraining orders? I hurried inside to tell her I wasn't feeling well and wanted to leave. I felt like a girl about the whole situation, but I couldn't explain it all now.

"I'm just going to run to my room and see if I have anything left in the closet."

Running upstairs and searching through the closet as quickly as possible, I had almost missed the pink duffle bag by my bed. It wasn't mine. My curiosity got the best of me as I hoped it was Alexandra's. I locked the door and tore through it, shoving out every piece of clothing. Then at the very bottom, I spotted one of my undershirts. I pulled it out and a book fell out.

A thin journal. There were pages upon pages of writing which I didn't care to read. But when I flew to the middle of the book, I found printed pictures of Brynn and me. Not excluding short articles I came out in, there were at least a dozen pages. I put everything back in the bag except for the book. Grabbing a small backpack of mine, I stuffed a few shirts in with the journal and took off.

This time I had my evidence.

Notes

To be continued . . .