The Scripted Stalker - Chapter 33 & 34
A Psychological Thriller
Chapter 33
Shattered
I never mattered
It was a game
It’s all the same - Rissa
Barney felt his heart shatter too as he read her poem. His angel was hurt, and he had to make his move. Maybe tomorrow. From inside his car, he looked up at her large house from across the street.
That evening he followed Marissa home from work. She didn’t notice him. Now her kids were there. Damn kids. Love couldn’t wait.
It was getting late, and she appeared to be in for the night. Barney watched the two blonde headed kids as they jumped out of a gray SUV that had pulled into Marissa’s driveway. They both waved goodbye to the woman inside the car.
“See you Friday!” the woman in the car called out. Barney slouched in his car as the woman in the gray SUV drove by.
Friday! Well, it looked like they would be out of the house then. As far as her husband goes, Barney knew he probably wouldn’t be home either. From Rissa’s poetry he could tell there was trouble in paradise.
It was 11:45 and Tad still wasn’t home yet. Marissa’s children came home around 9 pm from soccer. She ended up working late and was relieved her friend Sarah could bring them home.
Marissa didn’t want to face anyone tonight. How could she? She was sure everyone knew Tad was cheating on her. It was humiliating. She could feel the pitiful looks from the other women in the neighborhood. Why was she always the last to know?
Her private investigator, Margo, said she had some updates and some information from Detective Reed. Marissa had an appointment to meet with her tomorrow morning. Her heart sunk. She knew it couldn’t be good news. At least she would know the truth, as painful as it would be.
Marissa yawned and got ready to turn out the light when she heard a car with a rattling muffler drive by. It was the same sound she heard an hour ago. Strange.
She turned on the TV to keep her company. She hated being without Tad in this big house. They had the alarms and security cameras, but still, she didn’t feel safe. If she heard that car again, she could check the video feed from the cameras.
Marissa sighed and pulled the blue down comforter over her. She was getting too paranoid. Earlier today she did have the odd feeling she was being watched. It had to be the lack of sleep and stress she was under. Tomorrow she would find out more about Tad and this secret life he seemed to be living.
Chapter 34
Barney arrived promptly at 4:44 pm for his appointment with Dr. Amanda Greer. He wished his appointment was earlier. Barney was being plagued with vivid nightmares again. They all involved Natalia. In one he saw himself putting a towel over Natalia's face and holding it there until she stopped struggling and moving. He saw her body slump to the ground. He was horrified. Was his medication playing tricks on him or was it his guilt over his love for Rissa? Were the dreams actually a sign telling him he wanted Natalia dead? No! He found himself saying aloud to the empty waiting room.
The oak door opened, and Dr. Amanda Greer was standing before him in a black skirt and beige sweater. Her hair in a low ponytail. He could see the hint of a figure under her clothes. It was more than Barney wanted to see. For a second, his mind almost went to impure thoughts. He was relieved when Amanda pulled a large brown sweater to cover her figure. Phew! She would not tempt him today.
“Take a seat Barney.” Amanda said motioning to the couch.
“It’s happening again,” Barney said his voice trembling.
“What’s happening Barney?” Amanda asked.
“The dreams about Natalia! They’re horrible! They seem so real! I don’t know what’s real anymore,” Barney said as tears welled in his eyes.
This was an emotion she had not seen in him. He was remembering and feeling. She had to put an end to this.
“Barney. How would you like to forget those dreams?” Amanda asked softly.
Barney got up and walked around the room. “What if they aren’t dreams?”
“What makes you say that, Barney?” Amanda asked trying to remain calm.
“Because… I.” Barney sighed and sat back on the couch. “I think I’m remembering,” he said his voice quivering.
“What are you remembering?” Amanda asked and moved her chair closer to him.
“I know I’m a good person. I’m not bad. Honest!” Barney said his eyes wide.
“Of course you are good. The mind can play tricks on you,” Amanda told him.
She got up and turned on some soft music. “It’s necessary we do hypnosis today, Barney.”
He reluctantly nodded.
“I want you to lean back and take a deep cleansing breath.” Amanda murmured.
Barney closed his eyes and leaned back on the couch.
Amanda said their mantra and counted backwards from ten.
When they got to zero, Amanda paused for a moment and then spoke softly, “Barney. I want you to tell me what you see.”
Barney smiled, “Her, Natalia. She’s singing to me.”
“Where are you?” Amanda asked.
“At the beach. It’s summer and there is a concert,” Barney began.
His brow furrowed. “She’s walking away with him. She doesn’t know my love for her …I…” a tear slid down his cheek.
Amanda could tell his fantasy was starting to mesh with reality. That had to change and fast.
“That has to hurt,” Amanda crooned.
Barney started to sob. “I could never have her, but I tried.”
“Take a deep breath Barney. You are safe,” Amanda said.
Barney’s shoulders relaxed and then tensed again.
“I see her again,” Barney said.
“Where do you see her?” Amanda asked.
“There’s a big apartment building. It’s dark. The streets are wet with rain.” He swallowed hard and continued. “I was following her all night. I just wanted to talk. I promise.”
Barney started to cry again. “I thought if I could just get her alone, I…” his voice trailed off.
“Take another breath Barney,” Amanda said quietly. She had to keep playing it cool. She could get his confession.
Barney shook his head. “Nooooo!” he screamed.
“What’s going on now Barney?” Amanda asked.
He started sobbing again. “She’s on the floor. I... I think I killed her… I killed her… I killed Natalia!”
“Barney. I want you to breathe again. In and out,” Amanda continued her mantra with Barney, and she could see him relax.
“Now, Barney. I want you to know that did not happen. You are dreaming. You and Natalia were happy, but it’s over now.” Amanda told him.
Barney nodded.
“What do you see now.”
He started to smile. “Her. My angel. She’s going to save me.”
“Natalia?” Amanda questioned.
“No... Rissa. My Rissa,” his face relaxed.
“That’s beautiful, Barney. I want you to take these calm feelings with you. When you wake up everything with Natalia was a bad dream.”
He nodded and smiled.
“I’m going to count backwards now, Barney.” Amanda counted backwards from 10 and then snapped her fingers.
Barney woke up and looked around the room.
“How do you feel Barney?” Amanda asked.
“OK. I’m Ok. I know I can find love,” Barney said a weak smile spreading across his broad face.
“Good! I know you can. You have to believe Barney. Do you know you have to do?” Amanda asked him.
He nodded in agreement.
Amanda finished up the session and then walked Barney to the door. She breathed a sigh of relief as she looked at her phone. Got it. She recorded it! A confession, especially if she edited it. Who cares about client confidentiality. She would say her life was in danger.
For now, the main thing is that she accomplished her intention for the session. Hopefully, he completely forgot about that night. Amanda was thankful that he did not mention her name in any of it. She would do whatever was necessary to keep it that way.
If you feel led to, I’d love it if you’d treat me to a virtual coffee
Things are heating up!