Rogue Undecided

~•~Chapter Thirty~•~

"I'll be there in a minute," I whispered back. "I just need some air."

My lie would have been convincing if it wasn't for the slight tremble in my voice. Unfortunately, like always, Thayer noticed.

"What's wrong?" Climbing out of bed to stand next to me, Thayer wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. "Is it your dreams again?"

I've woken Thayer up every night this week with my screaming, and each time he wraps me into his arms and whispers soothing words to me until I calm down. He never asks me what I dream about, which I am thankful for. Even if I wanted to tell him, I don't think that I could get the words out.

"He's taunting me," I whispered. "I can feel him watching me, but I can never find him. I know that it is just just a matter of time before he-"

"We will find him," Thayer promised. "He won't lay a hand on you."

The scars on my back seemed to itch at the moment. "He already did!" I fired back. "He doesn't want to hurt me physically Thayer. He never has!"

His fave scrunched up in fiery and confusion. "What did you mean?"

It's all about patience Farrah. The longer you drag out the hunt, the more unstable your prey becomes.

"Step one, make yourself known," I resided the same words that Drake said to me as he butchered me across the back. Tracing my fingers down Thayer's scar, I felt that coldness seep through me again.

Why would you do that Drake? Why would you make them suffer like that?

Because it gets in their head.

"Step two, wear them down mentally." I traced the bags under Thayer's eyes from the stress and lack of sleep. He never broke eye contact with me.

And when you get in their head, they become their own worst enemy.

"Step three, initiate paranoia."

Why did you stalk them like you do? You never actually touch them, so what's the point?

Paranoia is a wonderful thing Farrah. They can feel me watching them, but I leave no trace. Never knowing if you are going to die, it does strange things to the mind.

"Step four, initiate a head start."

If you learn only one thing from me, let it be this. Always give your prey a head start.

Why? Isn't that a little cruel?

Of course not. I'm giving them the most wonderful gift of all! I'm letting them believe that they have a chance.

"What's step five?" Thayer whispered.

"There isn't one," I closed my eyes. "By then you are already dead."

~•~

I never thought that I would come to miss something about my foster parents, but hearing Emily's horrendous singing as I walked down the stairs warmed something up in my soul.

"Good morning honey!" She sang.

Is this what it feels like to have a mom?

"Is that bacon you're cooking?" My mouth watered.