Story of Nikki Lindsey

CHAPTER 11: A STALKER?

The next day, during Doctor Ben's visit to Lucy's, he invited Nikki outside for a word. They headed to a balcony to have a private talk. Once they reached the area, Nikki was seated on the bench, praying to grant her request.

"Nikki, regarding your request, I will talk to my co-surgeons and the hospital director about it. I will explain your financial issues to them so you can guarantee your grandparents' property, as you need time to sell it. I will convince them, so don't overthink the bills, okay?"

She nodded. "Thank you so much for your help, Doctor Ben...." Tears threaten to fall from her eyes.

"You're welcome. Get the blood needed for the surgery and during your mother's recovery. Set aside all your worries about the bills. Let us focus on your mother's surgery first, okay?"

The doctor was truly good to them, so she could not hold back from hugging Doctor Ben.

He was surprised by her action. But she must have been overwhelmed by his news, which is why Nikki suddenly hugged him.

"It's alright." He let her embrace him for a moment but patted her back while listening to her faint cries. Nikki is a good daughter. She is also considered one of the pretty faces in this city, but he wonders if she has a boyfriend.

He never saw her on a date, and someone visited Aunt Lucy these past few months, according to Doctor Ben's thoughts, which he keeps to himself.

* * *

The entire weekend, Nikki watched her mother, and every day, she brought Lucy to the park gardens to chat with the other patients.

She was happy that her mother was showing liveliness. Doctor Ben said it is best to undergo surgery if she continues feeling better.

"Nikki, go home and get some sleep tomorrow, would you?"

"Ma, I'm fine. But okay, I'll go home to do the laundry and clean the house. I will drop by the supermarket to buy groceries for Aunt Maria."

Because Maria refused to accept a payment, Nikki just shopped for many groceries for Maria's family as a token of appreciation.

"Thanks, Nikki..."

"Anyways, stop overthinking about the store, Mama. Brother Phil works hard to run the noodle diner."

"I'm happy to hear that. I am thinking of giving him the shop once I die and you marry a wealthy man."

"Mama?" Nikki's eyes widen. She scowled in response to Lucy's statement. "Why would you say that, Mama? Still, there is no good in marrying a wealthy man when he will divorce me after years of marriage."

Lucy smiled. "I am confident you will find an outstanding man because you are a good daughter."

"I'll stick to that good man's aspect, but not the wealthy part."

"Hmm, but if you are not looking for a boyfriend, you won't meet one."

"Mama? I just believe it is not something to look for but something to wait for, and something like magically arrives at the right place—"

"And at the right moment..." Lucy finishes the phrase.

Nikki giggles. "Yup! Like you and Papa, right?"

"It's true, but you'll turn 25 soon."

"Why do you worry about my age? I am enjoying my single life," she boastfully said.

"You are not watching your mother in the hospital bed. That's no fun at all." Lucy pokes her daughter's nose.

Nikki smiled after her gaze softened. "I can't go out with my friends when you are here, and when I know that anytime, you have another seizure."

"I know you worry too much about me, but I go out sometimes. I heard about Mae's wedding soon, and you are one of the bridesmaids. You should attend her bridal shower."

"It is next month. Yes, I don't need to attend the party, but on the wedding day."

"But that's not my point; I want you to go out."

"Mama?"

"If you attend your friends' parties and go out with them sometimes, there is a big chance you'll meet someone."

Nikki laughs. Now she gets it. Her mother wants her to go on blind dates.

"All right, Ma. I am more comfortable being here with you than I was outside. But you can't force me to do that. I won't be in peace, you know."

Nikki hugs her mother, and they finish watching a drama on her laptop until Lucy falls asleep. She contemplates what her mother spoke about. Still, she's not in a hurry to marry anyone if she doesn't love the man.

LOVE would be the reason she would marry, of course. So it won't be something to joke around about.

If there is someone she is looking for at this time, it is a person who could help her mother.

The following day, Nikki went home after Aunt Maria arrived. She did the laundry and is now cleaning her nails after a nap and a shower.

Wearing a sporty white tank top and peach-fitted short pants, she placed her right foot on the coffee table. She applied red nail polish to her hands and feet when her phone vibrated, and the screen brightened.

She quickly put the tiny brush on the bottle and picked up her phone.

Nikki read the text message on the screen. It was a notification from her Instagram account that someone wanted to connect with her. Her forehead wrinkled. She opened the message and checked the username. She is unfamiliar with it, and there's no profile picture or anything on the mystery account.

The message plainly says, "MISS LINDSEY..."

Is this a troll? Nikki's thoughts. She ignores the message, closes the app, and then picks up her wallet. She's hungry. She better go to a convenience store and buy ready-to-go food.

Strolling the main street, she began regretting not wearing a jacket or a cardigan around her back. People scan her body, and it gives her an uneasy feeling.

The convenience store was just a few blocks away, not so far from their apartment. But since men are checking her out, she must be careful next time.

Her phone vibrated once again. Nikki checked the message, and her soul jumped out of her body while reading the five words written in all capital letters.

"DON'T WEAR CLOTHES NEXT TIME."

Her mouth dropped open, and she nervously looked around to see if this person was watching her. No, this person was stalking her! She screams inside her head.

Nikki took a long step and could only breathe once she entered the convenience store.

"Miss Nikki?" The store clerk, Jun, notices how she seems to be in trouble. "Are you okay?"

Sweat formed on her forehead, and her breaths were heavy. She forced a calm smile on her lips. "Hi, Jun! She is safe here. I am fine. What's new?" She asked the clerk to distract herself.

She took her snacks to the store instead of taking them home. She might need to run later, slowing her from carrying bags.

While seated on a stool in the corner, Nikki glances at her phone. She wonders if this bastard is stalking her. Who's a good guy telling someone to wear nothing?

This joke is exceptionally absurd! She should find this bastard and report it to the police. This is some sort of harassment.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?"

She replied. She needs to know if this person is stalking her. She needs proof so that she has evidence to show that this Instagram user is harassing her.