EZRA
I stare at Harlem, location long forgotten, net worth long forgotten and probably name long forgotten. My throat tightens and my heart thrashes in my chest. That was the most beautiful one-hour event I have ever watched. I want to walk up there and kiss her, to tell her I'd kill whoever hurts her, to fix all her problems so can be happy, but if it's not with me then I'd rather she isn't.
That's when I feel it. The crazy obsession I have for this woman; morph into something more possessive and stronger. My heart aches as I watch her and the others bow. I look away for a moment, she's too beautiful to behold and I want it all for myself.
I clear my throat and take a deep breath. Is this what a cardiac arrest feels like? Because it sure feels like it.
"Are you okay dear, you look like you're not breathing." Mrs. Marilyn whispers to me. I smile at her and nod, trying to recollect myself but it's proving futile when my whole being feels like it's under water and she's air.
Lucas walks up the stage and looks like he's at loss for words. He states a few things, then calls out Briggs for sponsoring the event, calls out the production team, makeup team, costume team and so on. He then tells everyone how the 5 months went, how talented the cast members are until he falls on Harlem. He states he had never seen anything like her, how amazing she is and how talented. I flex my jaw. Yeah, something definitely went on over there. He might as well have a sign on his head that says 'I'm in love with Harlem Tamrin.' Guy wears his heart on his sleeve.
I mean, I'm no fool. I see the way he looks at her. Is he the kind of guy she fucks with? A do-gooder with blonde hair and eats rainbows for breakfast. I can taste the jealousy on my tongue and I feel it coursing through my veins. I refrain from looking at Lucas as he tells everyone why he's in love with her. Have I been a fool all this while? Hoping she'd look at me, SMILE at me when she gives it all to Lucas for fucking free. I scoff as he talks. If this play wasn't already over, he would have been a huge problem. But now, I might just avoid him, so things don't escalate. Because he doesn't get to see her smile and I don't. I won't allow it.
The audience claps some more but I don't bother to, the person I'd like to clap for is backstage.
A little more speeches and it's over. I stand up like my chair is on fire but I'm stopped when I see Tyrone walking up to me from the aisle. I sigh, I really wish he didn't see me this way. But maybe he wouldn't be able to tell I'm a whipped, obsessed and very much pissed off mess right now.
"Who stole your Backwoods?" he asks raising his brow in question. I sigh and pocket my hands. Of course.
"I thought you said you may not make it since you and Rose had to go for a book signing?" he shrugs.
"You sounded pretty excited about it, which is rare. And I couldn't miss up on my chance on sighting Harlem. But damn, she IS a sight to behold and she's really good at what she does. I actually... I actually had a nice time. I kinda wish Rose came too though" I scoff.
"You want to suck up as well? She'll eat guys like you for breakfast" I say turning to Mrs. Marilyn. Yes, she will. Which is why I'm going to refrain myself from going backstage. It could only get worse.
"Mrs. Marilyn, please tell the driver to ready the car. I'll be going home in five." she nods and leaves.
"Wow, I might even like her more. But seriously, aren't you going to meet her? Won't she be like expecting you or something?" I laugh sadistically.
"She won't notice I'm gone. I'm doing myself a favour" I say looking away. Ty is silent for a while. "Are you assuming? You know, if there's one thing I've learnt while being with Rose is that they ALWAYS want to see you try." I look at him.
"Well, she doesn't need me. I'll only make it worse." I walk away and decide my best option will be to walk away from her direction.
On my way home, I call the family florist. "Get chocolates, jewellery and whatever designer bags are trending, also with red roses in excess and send them over to the address I'm going to send you, first thing tomorrow morning." I cut the call and realise one thing.
I can't stay away.