Hunted by the Beast

“Answer the phone!” I scream to myself for the fifth time after the fifth call goes to voicemail. Where has he gotten himself? He told me he would be off today. Did something serious happen?

I grab the keys to the new car I got from my parents for my birthday last month and hit the elevator button hard, over and over. As if that would solve anything, Selena! Once I’m in my car, and before starting the engine, I try calling one more time. Mailbox again. More than shit. I hate it. I just hate it when people don't answer! Why do they even have cellphones?

I get on the road and take the fourth avenue, which has good traffic; there’s a lot of cars, but we’re moving. When I arrive, I look up at the building. Looking from the outside, there is no way to see movement on the fourth floor, so since I already know the password for the door, I go in and take the elevator.

Instead of using the bell, I decide to surprise him. He hates surprises, but since we talked so little this week, he's sure to be happy to see me. The entire room is neat and empty, the curtains drawn, and the only illumination is the setting sun in the late afternoon. I heard movement in the room and follow that direction. Noises in the room ahead become more intense.

I approach his room and see something wrong. My boyfriend is all sweaty on the bed, and there is a woman on top of him who is moaning with pleasure.

I go static, and every cell of my body freezes when I realise that the blonde woman has been known to me since I've known myself: Samantha.  I'm unable to even force a tear. The very next moment I see Mateo is staring at me, his face a little pathetic and scared!

I run back swiftly to the elevator that is still waiting on this floor, luckily. When I get back inside my car, I start it up quickly and see Mateo in the rearview mirror running towards me. He only has a sheet around his body. I break down crying right there as I screech the car back onto the street. How could he? He said he loved me. Never, never look him in the face again, Selena, I tell myself, noticing my red eyes in the rearview mirror. I can still see my ex-boyfriend standing almost naked on the street.

I have received flowers for the second week in a row now. Today marks the two-month anniversary of that episode that now passes by me unnoticed. Mateo is better at apologies than I imagined. He was treating me like a princess even though we didn't see each other as often. I was taking my time at forgiving him. People around us are still talking about it, but I don't give a shit about them.

I call him again to thank him for the flowers. It's on the fourth call.

“Hello?” A sensual, female voice answers my phone. “Mateo is in the shower and can't answer. Can he call later back later?”

“What do you mean call later?” Her voice to me is unfamiliar. “I’m his cousin. Can you inform me if he is at home?” I lie to the bitch on the other end of the line. I grab my car keys and run out of my building.

“Yes, do you want to leave a message?” The woman seems helpful... having sex with my boyfriend.

“No thanks. Just let him know that Selena called.” I am utterly cynical and don’t even bother to say goodbye to her. I just hang up.

I make my usual way to his house. My eyes are filled with tears for believing his damn words once more. Why did he fucking do it again?