Personal Ad

I sat alone in my small dark studio apartment, computer and electronic equipment everywhere. Of course, I very rarely went out. I thought I would surf the net for awhile, during this time I looked in chat rooms and downloaded music, illegally of course. Finally, I decided it was time to get to bed it was about 7:30 a.m. I was about to disconnect when an instant message came on my screen.

"Are you tired of this zoo Amanda?"

What the fuck? Was someone messing with my head? How did they know my name? I froze.

"I got your e-mail Amanda, I was hoping you would respond to what I wrote in my personal ad."

Oh my God! It was him. I just sat there frozen for the longest time and then finally my fingers slowly typed a response.

"How do you know me?"

There was a long pause......

"I know quite a bit about you Amanda. I know you are feeling pain."

I was stunned. What the hell was going on? Did I unknowingly get some sort of cyberstalker? I typed again.

"How do you know what pain I have been through? Who are you?"

"The one who can ease your pain. Follow the red teddy bear."

Once again dead silence......

"Knock knock Amanda!"

I heard a knock at my door that made me jump out my seat, a slow chill ran down my spine. I looked at my computer once more and the message just disappeared. Cautiously, I approached the door. I recognized the voice on the other side, it was my sister Laura.

"Hey sis! You in there?"

I opened the door and there was Laura with my nephew Allen, and my youngest niece Marie. Allen was 13 and Marie just turned 12 a few days before. I was groggy.

"What do you want?" I asked her.

My sister's eyes gleamed, I knew she wanted favor. Especially since I was the computer whiz in the family.

"I'm kinda needing your help, the cops sorta caught me driving without insurance again and I was wondering if you can work some of your magic?"

I only hacked as a hobby so I figured what the hell, she's family.

"Sure. I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks sis! You are a lifesaver!"

And then she hugged me, she knew something was up.

"You okay?" There was a hint of concern in her voice.

"I'm okay." I said weakly.

"Bullshit." I couldn't lie to her, she could see right through me.

"No really I'm okay." I reassured her.

"You know, since Kyle died you haven't been the same. You're not even dating for chrissakes!"

There was a dead silence and then Laura spoke again.

"Listen Amanda, I know you miss him."

A tear slowly moved down to my cheek, hitting the floor.

"I know that Kyle is up there somewhere, and I'm sure he wouldn't want for you to be a hermit for the rest of your life."

I didn't speak......

"Listen, Dominque and I are going to have a girls's night tonight, we're getting a babysitter for the kids and the husbands and boyfriends are gonna be watching the game at Gary's place. You are more than welcome to join us, actually fuck it, I'm coming to get you and I'm drag your ass out kicking and screaming."

I knew she would force me to go out so I didn't argue.

"This isn't good for you to be holed up like this sweety. I'll be by at around 8 o'clock to pick you up. You better have your ass ready."

"Yes ma'am." I told her.

Marie gave me a hug too. We said our goodbyes as they turned down the hall I noticed a red teddy bear on Marie's backpack. I knew then my mind was made up. I would join Laura and the girls for a night out.