I had slept like a baby the previous night.

For the first time there were no nightmares. No images of Jamie's face or Mr Conner's.

I had a peaceful night for the first time in quite a while. I tried to remember events from the night before. My mind was blank. I was dressed for work and still had no thoughts on the events of the previous day.

I took a gulp or two of black coffee and chewed a slice of bread. Mrs Beckley's freshly baked bread.

I walked towards the door, unlocked the bolts and turned the door knob when I saw him. My main concern of the previous day, besides the death of Jamie. Blue eyes!

He still had the same smile as the night before but he looked cuter up close.

"Hi! I'm sorry I bumped into you this way. I was about to open the door when you..." Blue eyes stuttered.

"Oh no! That's not a problem. It happens a lot with the other neighbours." I lied.

I shut the door and joined Blue eyes on the stairs. I took a few steps down the hallway until we were out of the building.

I took a few more steps and turned. Blue eyes followed still. I did not know if to call him a stalker or a creep. There was silence for a while until my stalker decided to cut short the long awkward minutes between us.

"So...we haven't introduced ourselves properly yet. That's entirely my fault since I've been nothing but a creep. I'm sorry for the whole stalking, gazing and other things that would have made you uncomfortable. I...I liked you from the moment I saw you and...I thought...Hey, why not follow her around for a day and know what she's about?... Which just sounded way better in my head...I've realized my mistake and I'm sorry. I'm known to be stupid in certain situations. I'm Nathaniel Williams by the way. Friends call me Nathan and since I consider you a friend you can call me just that." He had a British accent. It was fast but I got him. It made him even sexier.

He let out his right hand for a handshake. I took his hand. He had a tight grip. I felt it was from all the muscles he had stacked within the sleeves of his black turtle neck sweater.

Stuck in another brief and uncomfortable moment of silence, he placed his left hand in the pocket of his blue jeans, while he fondled his neck-long blonde hair with the right. His behaviour was hilarious. He looked confused and uncertain of his movements. I smiled at him and decided to help him out.

"Nathan Williams. I like the name. There's no need for you to apologize for the stalking. I completely understand...Well maybe I don't since I've never stalked anyone before. I do know a bit about it though and with regards to that fact, don't you think changing apartments is a bit extreme? I mean it's one thing to follow someone you really want to know, but living a few steps away from them? Now that's new."

He laughed.

His teeth were at the right proportion. I gave up with all the admiration. He must have been carved out of a painting, which illustrated a Greek god. He was beautiful.

"Whoa! I do agree. It's rather extreme, but that's something I can never do. See you've got it all wrong my sweet lady. I just got into town. I came back from the University a few days ago and I thought it'd be best if I stayed with my mom. That's when I saw you for the first time actually. Besides that, my mother always talked about you. She still does. I often wondered what you'd looked like. You know...the girl who lived alone and is quite different from everyone else. Every morning my mom would take a loaf of bread from the bakery to your apartment. I can be really curious, so I had to see this girl mother always gave a loaf of bread. One morning, you came out of your apartment while I was about to take a ride downtown...and that's when the whole stalking scheme started." We both laughed.

He was charming and sweet.

"Wait a minute! Loaves of bread? Are you Mrs Beckley's son?" I asked.

"Guilty as charged. Ramona right?" he asked.

"Exactly. Ramona. Ramona Becky Taylor's the name and it's nice to meet you Nathan." I made a playful bow.

"The pleasure's all mine my lady." He replied.

We had a few more giggles and chuckles until we finally got to the front of the Library. I caught my breath from all the laughter. I was having fun.

At that moment I heard a familiar voice a few inches away.

"Yo! Ray!"

It was Wesley. In a short while he joined us and glanced at Nathan and like the warm soul he was he offered the stranger a handshake. I smiled.

"Um...Wes, meet Nathan Williams. Nathan, this is Wesley Stark."

Both men got into a friendly guy talk for a while and then Nathan popped a rather unsettling question.

"Are you guys involved? You know...Girlfriend and boyfriend? Engaged? Married maybe?" We had no idea of which one of us Nathan had asked the question, but Wes and I answered in unity.

"No!!"

Nathan smiled so wide it became an obvious grin. "Alright then. That's good to know. And with that aside, Ramona I was wondering if you'd like to spend this weekend with me. Maybe we could go see a movie or if you're up for it, we could go to a fancy place I know and have a nice dinner tomorrow. It'll be a Saturday after all and it'd be the perfect activity for the weekend. What do you think?"

I gazed at Wesley for a while as though he owned me. I expected him to say something. I knew the question was meant for me, but I wanted him to come up with an excuse.

He was the reason I took the important steps I had taken in my life. I did not want to hear those words from Blue eyes. I needed to hear them from Wes.

Somehow it seemed like I had waited for Wesley Stark for a really long time. He made no movement and said no words. He was silent. I had waited for too long. I smiled back at Nathan.

"That would be great Nathan. I'll look forward to having a good meal with you."

"Alright then Ramona. I'll pick you up tomorrow by six in the evening. You won't regret it. So....I'll see you tomorrow then. Have a good day." He took my right hand and patted it gently with his lips, waved at Wesley and walked away.

I took a few steps towards the entry of the large building when something pulled me back. Wesley pulled me so hard I bounced back and my face collided with his chest. The scent of his perfume fed me grossly. I loved it. I loved him. Yet he did not know it. For some reasons I could not explain, I stared at the floor.

"Ray?" Wes called my name calmly, like he always did.

I maintained my position.

He tilted my cheek and my eyes met his.

He had no idea that these were the moments I hated. These moments were trouble. These moments gave me thoughts. It was at these moments my breath tried to cease. Yet he had no idea. He was an idiot. He was my idiot.

"Ray what are you doing? You called me last night, complaining about that guy. You told me that he stalked you and from the investigation, you do know that he's a prime suspect right? He was the last adult seen with Jamie. You heard it all from Tina. She also told you about the endless queries he had given her just to get more info on you! He might be the killer? Ray that Nathan guy might be the Crucifier!"

I hit his hand and escaped his grip.

"Fine then! I'll take my chances. I might find out the reason he's killed every one I know. Who knows, he might be innocent...he might..."

"Wait a minute! Let me get this straight. He was a creep before this morning and now he's a saint? What the hell's wrong with you? Why do you have to be so simple minded? He might not be the killer but, if he gets too close to you he might get killed as well and you know it. Do you want that?"

I was shocked.

I knew Wes wanted to protect me but I was sure Nathan had nothing to do with the murders.

"I don't care what you think Wes. My instinct tells me Nathan isn't part of this and the killer won't go after him. After all, we just started speaking to each other today. The killer would know we're not so close." I explained.

Wes' eyes were filled with rage. I could sense anger in his voice.

"And Jamie? How would you explain what happened to her? You said you spoke to her for the first time on the very day she was killed. Do you think that's just a coincidence? Huh? Think Ray!"

"I don't care Wes. It doesn't matter. That's...I..."

"You can stutter all you want Ray, but it doesn't change the fact that every person you come in contact with meets with doom!"

That hurt me. I felt a thousand arrows in my heart.

I cried but there were no tears. Just pain.

The words were repeated within my skull.

I couldn't look at Wesley. I needed space. I needed my little treasures. I needed my books. I ran into the library without looking back.

I got ready for my date on a beautiful Saturday evening.

I had my bath and racked my closet for something 'different'. All I could see were pants, jackets, sleeves and boot heels.

My years of pretty dresses and stiletto heels were long gone after my father's death.

Fortunately, I still had a pair of my mother's shoes. They were her favourite. It was a pair of nude pump heels with gold tips.

I remembered my mother. I loved her. I missed her.

A knock on the door ruined my solemn moment.

It was a surprise.

"Mrs McQueen! What a surprise. How's Tina?" I asked the figure who came to visit after opening the door.

It was Tina's mother, the woman who had tried to sabotage my relationship with her daughter for reasons that were beyond me.

Mrs Daisy McQueen smiled.

Mrs Daisy was a really pretty woman with beautiful blue eyes and full brown hair.

She looked around for a moment as though she lost something in my apartment. She also held a bag.

"Darling I came to apologize for my behaviour these past few months. Simply put, I've been a bitch and I'm sorry. I judged you quickly and I told my daughter that you were a psychopath. She still likes you. She's also told me wonderful things about you. I decided to make amends to our faulty relationship by giving you this. It's a simple gift from me to you."

She gave me the bag. I opened it and saw a beautiful red mini dress.

I wore the dress and in a few minutes of spray, roll, and fittings with Daisy's help, I was ready for my date.

I also applied a little bit of makeup. I looked different.

Different in a good way. Just the way I wanted to be.

I thanked Mrs McQueen over and over until she was gone.

A car horn honked from the bottom of the tall building.

I looked down the balcony and saw Nathan as he stepped out of his Mercedes. It was black, sleek and very recent.

Nathan looked good in his black suit. Something was also done to his hair. It was parted at the left it looked sleek. Like the kind of hair male celebrities had on during awards and movie premieres. He looked beyond charming and I loved it.

We finally made it to the 'La Fantastique' restaurant.

Nathan opened the car door and I smiled when I saw the look on his face. His eyes strolled about me, from the top of my head to the sole of my heels. I looked good.

He cupped his arm, elbow bent so gracefully, yet gallant like a prince and he smiled at me "My lady shall we?"

"Yes Sir Nathaniel." I replied as I let my arms slide through the ridge between his fore arm and his gallant muscles.

The restaurant was fantastic indeed.

Very unnecessary candle-like lights shone in pretty radiance from gold vases, which held stalks of gracious white petaled flowers. The flowers were placed round tables covered in exquisite white embrioded lace and cotton in the expensive eatery.

Tiny fountains spread their love in form of streams of clear water which bounced out of glass dolphins in each corner of the building.

Chandeliers lit the royal like building which was filled by the beats of all music called 'classical'.

I tried so hard to compose myself but it was getting uncomfortable. Yet somehow I liked it. I missed that life.

The life of luxury and class, forks and knives, main course and dessert.

The times when I had no worries. My parents oft went for events of high classed galas and made donations in five star restaurants. I loved being reminded of the feeling, but a part of me still hurt. Nathan noticed.

"I'm sorry I brought you here. If you didn't like the main course how about we switch to dessert? I'm guessing you like ice cream with berries, cherries and other kinds of fancy goodies or a fancy truffle perhaps."

"Those are really good guesses. Yes. I would love to have dessert now please." I smiled.

Nathan called a waiter and gave the young man our order.

After a few minutes there was silence and Williams gazed at me for a long time.

"So you still don't recognize me. From high school?"

I almost jumped out of my chair. Why would he mention High school? I got scared.

He slowly removed something from his pocket. He still smiled.

Maybe Wes was right! Maybe Nathan was the Crucifier!

My legs shook and I held a table knife in my right hand tightly. It was my only weapon.

Just then, Nathan placed something on his face.

Very large goggles were settled on his cute face.

He looked different. I laughed.

"So?" he asked.

I laughed some more.

Of course I remembered. He was the English geek stalker back from high school. He was also a reporter for the school newspaper.

Back in high school I oft had my picture on a page in the school papers.

Good things were always written about me even after my father's death.

I loved it but when I found out who was responsible I called him short creep because, he knew too much about me. That creep was Nathan.

He had started stalking me after I saved him from a group of bullies.

I was really mouthy, even after my dad's death so I was feared among popular souls in high school.

Nathan however, was so helpless then.

Now here he was before me, a tall handsome man with a mind-blowing smile.

Back in high school, Nathan was a short, fat and blonde kid. What miracle had occurred?

"You didn't graduate with us did you?" I asked.

"No I didn't. I skipped a grade and went straight off to college. That's two grades skipped in high school actually. I deserved it. I was older than a lot of students back then." He replied.

"So you ran off after I saved your ass. What a coward." I said. Nathan laughed.

"I really liked you Ramona. Why did you save me that day?" he asked.

"Well I figured you were the typical desperate geek. You did homework for the cheerleaders who had promised you a rain of kisses and boy paradise but you ended up getting your ass kicked by their boyfriends; the football players. I had to help. It's what a normal person would do." I replied.

"No Ramona, not normal. That's what an amazing person will do. You're an amazing person. And your theory was right. I was desperate for a bit of popularity. Sometimes they mocked my accent and called me names...The pipe piper, royal ass, jester, hunch back of England... but you were there for me. I would have asked you to the homecoming, but you already had a boyfriend. I think Mark was his name. I'm not a bad person but I often wished he was out of the way."

I almost choked.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked.

He smiled

"I mean I'm sorry he's dead. But Ramona I wanted to do everything in my power to get you. I had to clear the way. I just wanted to get rid of anyone who got between you and I. It was always you Ramona Taylor. It's always been you. I love you."

That was it. I choked.

I was saved by Nathan. In that moment I learnt he was a doctor.

After a few more drinks, we headed out of the restaurant.

He dropped me off, but followed me to the huge entrance of the building.

"So...I had a good time." I said.

"Thanks I did too." He smiled.

He was shy but I was not.

The night sky was beautiful. It was quiet. Nothing but streetlights and the chirping of crickets.

It was a perfect moment.

He took a step towards me and got so close, I could feel his breath. He took my hands and our eyes met. He really had beautiful blue eyes. He was perfect.

He moved closer.

In a while his skin brushed mine.

His lips were so close to mine, his breath created a shudder in my bones.

He was handsome. He was funny, I had a good time.

But he was not Wesley Stark.

I moved my face and stared at a distance. Nathan pulled back.

"I'm sorry. I guess I pushed too hard huh?" He said.

"It's not your fault I just..." I tried to explain.

"There's no need for that Ramona. I had a good time too. See you soon. I'll call you." He walked briskly to his car.

"How did you get my number?" I asked.

"I'm your number one stalker remember? I have my ways. Good night."

I laughed and bid him good night.

Soon his car was out of sight and a tall figure approached me from the darkness.

"That went well but you ruined the moment." Wesley said.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him. He was no blonde man with blue eyes. He was Wesley Stark and that I loved.

"Well I was not ready for 'the moment'. I'll know it when I'm ready." I replied.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I don't know what came over me. I'm really sorry Ray."

"There's no need to apologize Wes. We're good."

He looked at me in a way he had never done before. His eyes were all over me until I felt discomfort.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.

"You look...You...I...You're beautiful." He replied.

"Thanks. So were you following me or did you just get here?" I asked the unimportant question, as I tried to change the topic for the sake of my blushed cheeks.

"I followed you and your date to the fancy restaurant. I spent a lot of cash on a tiny thing. It was so tiny; it looked like a dot on the plate. The worst part was I hated the taste. It was all leaves and no steak!" he replied.

I laughed.

"Also Nathan might make me his sole enemy. I made him know he was the prime suspect in Jamie's murder case earlier today. He didn't take it so well and...I just had to make sure you were safe." Wes continued.

"Oh that's so sweet. I think you're my number one stalker Wesley Stark." Wes smiled

"No Ray, Nathaniel Williams is your number one stalker. I'm a guy who's stuck to you like glue. We're two sides of a coin and I'm never leaving you. I made a promise remember? Good night Ray!" He called out as he walked into the darkness in between the street lights.

I had fun that night. Nathaniel Williams was amazing but something was missing. He was not Wesley Stark.

Work was over on a peaceful Monday evening. I hated Mondays. It was the start of the week, the start of the hustle, the start of waking up early for work.

I was off to the police department. Wes had called me earlier that day.

As I walked, I thought of how grateful I was for the previous week after Jamie's death. No sign of a rose or murder. I could not predict the future but for the first time in a long time I tried to have hope.

I got to the station and settled down in Wesley's office.

"Nathan's alibi checked out. He was the last adult to talk to Jamie within the school but there's more. He really is a stalker. He saw you talk with Jamie, the morning you met her and he thought she knew a lot about you, so he went to question her like he did to Tina. But he was in the hospital at the time Jamie was killed. He had a surgery appointment and this was confirmed by other doctors who were in the O.R. with him. So your instincts were right. Nathan isn't our killer." Wes explained.

"I told you so!!" I boasted in a playful manner.

"We still have to protect him Ray. The Crucifier might get to him too."

"I know."

In that moment, a phone rang.

This time it was not the one of the phones which belonged to the police department. It was Wesley's phone and he looked worried. He kept saying things I tried to put together.

"Tina...Where are you? It what...Where exactly...You just stay there don't move. We're on our way."

He dropped the phone and moved around in a hurry.

"What's wrong Wes? Is Tina okay? Why aren't you saying anything?" I asked in confusion.

"I...its Nathan...He's...He's..." Wes tried to make out words. My heart hurt more than it ever did. I was in anger and pain.

"He's dead." Wes finally said.

I stood in one spot for a long while and tried to pull myself together. Then Wes and I raced the police cars to the city park with other cops.

Just when I had hope, the Crucifier went into action again.

Tina ran in haste with tears flying freely from her eyelids. She hugged me tightly while I stared at Nathan's stiff body.

My eyes were heavy and my throat was dead sore. My head banged but my heart hurt the most.

Nathan lay lifeless on a stack of brown leaves. His face was pale. He wore a lemon green sweater and a blue pair of jean trousers. He was dressed smart as always. His sweater had been soaked in red blood at the middle of his chest. The brown leaves around his body also had red spots.

I tried to walk towards him but I could not. I was terrified by something.

Dead Nathan held a red rose to his chest.

I did not want to believe it. Why Nathan? He did not deserve to die. None of them did.

I could not believe that Nathan's beautiful blue eyes were shut to the outside world forever.

I wished he was asleep, but he was not.

I wanted him to stand up and say it was a prank, but he did not.

Sirens were heard clearly, but I cared not.

Tears ran down my cheeks and landed on Tina's head. The poor thing still held unto me.

I was cold. I did not care.

Nathan's bloody corpse was bagged up and placed in an ambulance. Tina was also taken into one of the cars.

Wes walked up to me. I looked at him. He wiped my tears, kissed my forehead and held me close.

"I'm sorry." He whispered into my ears.

It was all like a typical crime movie, but it was different.

It was real and I hated it.

I hated my life as much as I hated roses. Red roses.