"Hey there Candy Cane." I froze. Only one person in the world called me that. And the voice on the phone was most definitely not him.

"Fuck you." I spoke, refusing to let this disturbed individual know I was scared.

"I bet you're feeling a bit confused right now." The voice spoke. I felt a small shiver down my spine as I processed. The voice was so much different than the last time. I could almost recognize it. I listened more closely as it spoke "Your Prince Charming hasn't been around lately. Aren't you concerned?" I didn't answer. I couldn't. "Self absorbed as always my dear Candy."

"Don't call me that."

The voice on the other end of the phone sighed. As if it was annoyed with me. Which was ironic, it was tormenting me. Not the other way around. "If you payed any attention to anyone other than yourself maybe you would have noticed a few important things."

"Like what?" I muttered back.

"How long have you known the Avery family? You think you would have picked up on one of the most important facts. You're supposed to be a genius and all. But the more and more I watch you I realize that you're nothing but a dumb bitch." The voice on the other end didn't sound familiar I had decided. But the way it spoke, I knew it. But where from?

"What are you getting at?" I said looking around. The street was empty of any humans. It was daylight. Honestly the town looked like freaking Sunnyvale. Not a freaking grass blade was uncut.

"Catherine." The voice uttered.

"What about her?"

"Go back in the house Clarice." The voice said.

There was an audible "click," and the line went dead.

I turned my body back towards the Avery house. I noticed Marsha's figure retreat from window and a shiver went down my spine.

What did my stalker know that I didn't? And what would whatever that may be even mean? I couldn't image it would be positively helpful. All I knew now was I had to get back into the Avery house.

As I turned towards my house I couldn't help but think what did Catherine have to do with it.

I was deep in thought by the time I got home. I felt like I didn't know my left from right at this point. Nothing made sense.

What did my stalker gain from me looking into the Avery family? Why did any of this matter? This incident was so different from the others so far.

Was it even the same person? Was this something entirely different?

I wished more than anything that I would just close my eyes and this be all over. I have often considered just checking myself into a psych ward and calling it a day. No one would get me there right? If I just got to stay in a mental hospital I wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore.

I flinched at my own thoughts. Fuck that. I was going to absolutely kill the son of a bitch who did this to me. And then I was going to finish off that piece of shit Craig. I don't care if he is in a fucking coma. He was going to pay for setting off this chain of events. Then I would gladly rot in jail. It would be my karma for giving Lucas such a hard time.

The first thing I did when I walked into my house was to tear apart the house for the old photo albums. I needed to find any picture I could of my parents and the Avery family.

I looked everywhere.

And a big fat nada.

I was just about to give up when I found myself outside my fathers old study. I paused before I touched the door knob. I hadn't been in here since he was alive. Which if I thought about it was when I was three years old. So honestly I had never been in there.

I turned the door and walked in the room. I looked around feeling confused. It smelled familiar- the smell of forest and spices filled my senses. I smiled softly. It was the cologne my father used to wear. My mother bought a bottle every year. She would come into his study every so often and spray the room and sit in his old chair.

I could tell nothing has changed in this room. I smiled softly. I stepped further in, the wooden floor creaking under my weight. The room was small, filled with just a few shelves, a desk, and a small alcove bay window with a small chair sitting right in front. The walls were painted a soft yellow color. On the desk was a photo of my mother and her large goofy grin, with a small baby version of me in her arms.

I could feel tears threatening to pool. I missed a man I couldn't remember.

I went to the chair in front of the window and sat down. I just kept craning my head, taking in the small space. Wishing again that I could just stay here forever. Safe from the world. Away from everyone.

I squeezed my eyes praying that I wouldn't feel this way. I had to get it together. My eyes opened slowly and a small red book came into focus.

I got up and reached out, my fingers gently touching the spine. It was a photo album. I grabbed it and sat back down.

I started absentmindedly flipping through the pages. I smiled a bit as photos of my parents flashed before my eyes. They were so happy. I quickly recognized people in the pictures. My grandparents who died when I was eight and the Averys. I had always known they were close to my parents. It was just incredible for how long. They had been friends since high school, well at least my mother and Marsha Avery.

I kept turning pages till a photo stood out to me. It was Mrs. Avery back in 1979. She was holding a small blonde baby, it was Catherine.

———-•
Sorry for the short chapter my friends. Just wanted to write a little.

Im feeling a bit better every day. ❤️

Thank you all so much for the love and support as I get myself back on my feet!!

Comment. Vote. Etc.