the stranger

I'm almost ready to tell my secret.


Almost.


But until then... how about we take a little journey. To a far away land. Of people and places that exist only within the realms of my imagination, but yet somehow come to life through the words on a page. I shall let you read an excerpt from my current novel. It's kind of a... dark love story, of sorts. It needs a lot of editing yet, but this is my baby, so be kind.


Enjoy. And don't plagiarize.

....Sadie fumbled for her house keys in the dark outside the front door, silently scolding herself for not remembering to change the burned out light on the porch earlier that day. She slid the key into the lock and was surprised when it turned with ease. Unlocked. Odd. I could have sworn I checked it when I left. 

An uneasy feeling washed over her as she pushed the door open and reached around the corner to flick the switch on. Light flooded the kitchen and dining area as she meticulously surveyed the scene before stepping inside. Though it looked undisturbed, the feeling inside of her was anything of the like. She glanced into the dark living room at the far end of the house, shadowy and quiet. The silence wasn’t unusual, but instead of peace and calm it seemed to exude a deadening and eerie stillness. Sadie debated for a moment about turning around and leaving the house, but where would she go? She was overreacting. So you forgot to lock the door, it happens.

But events from the previous week flashed through her mind. The car outside her house. The stranger in the cafe. The feeling that someone was watching her every move. Pushing the thoughts from her mind, she forced herself to close the door behind her and walk towards the kitchen table. Setting her purse on the counter she strode with counterfeit assuredness towards the fridge to grab a drink, not even noticing the shadowed sillohuette watching her from the sofa.

She wasn’t sure if it was her nerves or the sudden movement in the dark living room that caused her hands to slip and the glass to shatter on the floor, but in one slick motion she grabbed a knife and spun around towards the sound as her heart pumped wildly and her legs turned to jelly. I was right. Someone is here. And he’s in my living room.

“What do you want?” she tried to sound fierce and demanding, but the words came out fragile and pathetic, betraying her. She wondered if the thumping of her heart had drowned them out altogether. There was no movement for what seemed an eternity, and then she saw him.

Like a scene from an old horror movie, a dark figure emerged from the shadows like a ghostly dream solidifying into a nightmarish reality. As he strode into the light, Sadie saw he was tall and broad wearing a grey pinstriped suit. His skin was tan and leathered and he had slick, black hair. He had eyes that matched the color of his hair and they bore into hers with fierce intensity. She gripped the knife as tight as her sweaty hands would allow her. Summoning all the courage within her, she steadied her voice.

“What do you want? I have a knife and I’ll use it.” But they both knew she wouldn’t. The stranger said nothing, but strode into her dining room with resolute poise like he belonged where he was, pulled up a chair and slowly sat down. She eyed his every maneuver like a nervous bird, waiting for the predator to make a move towards his prey. When the stranger finally spoke, his voice was deep and sonorous and it chilled Sadie to the bone.

“I hope you don’t mind, Mercedes, I poured myself a drink while I waited for you.”
She wanted to run, but her legs felt like they were full of lead and she stood, frozen in place. How did he know who she was? Repeating her question, bolder this time, she asked him again with all the audacious intensity she could muster.

“Who are you, and what do you want from me?” She forced herself to look into the dark chasm of his eyes but they revealed nothing. It was like staring into a black hole, sucking the life from her without effort. She waited for his reply, that perhaps he was some kind of elusive thief or criminal wanting her money. But nothing could prepare her for what he was about to say. Ignoring her question he cocked his head and smiled coyly, studying her face.

“You look just like Abigail, you know that?” At the mention of her mother's name, Sadie dropped the knife on the counter and steadied herself with one hand. The room began to spin and she thought she might vomit. My mother? Was this some kind of sick joke?

“My-my mother?” she managed to spit the words out, but her voice sounded strange and distorted, like she was speaking into a tin can. The mysterious intruder interlocked his fingers and placed his hands slowly on the table.

“I suppose an introduction is in order. It was very rude of me after all, to just barge in like this. I hope you’ll forgive me.” The man suddenly stood and walked towards her, his daunting presence swallowing up the room. Sadie felt like she might pass out but kept her eyes fixated on the haunting figure. He stretched out his leathery hand and smiled.

“Romy. My name’s Romy. It’s been 20 years, do you remember me Mercedes?”

Annnnnnd that's it! For now. If you made it this far, congratulations. Stay tuned for more :)