closed for: @ciitrustears
Theo used to like coming to work. It had always been so fun. She could flirt and dazzle and give her tables a good time. They were paying more than enough for bottle service at the club, and she liked helping them get their worth. Part of that was the pretty waitress in a short dress who made everyone laugh and batted her eyelashes. Anyone who didn't want her still wanted to be her friend, and she played into all of it. And it wasn't like she wasn't being genuine. Most of the time, she truly did enjoy her customers, and the energy of the club always fed her. Even working into the early hours of the morning, she left feeling energized.
And it had been her sanctuary lately. For the past few months, things had felt...off. Theo was used to having eyes on her. Most of the time, she enjoyed it, but she hadn't been able to shake the feeling of being watched. Even within the walls of her own home, the weight of someone's stare had been heavy on the back of her neck. Once so carefree and light, she'd become all too aware of herself and every move she made. Then the notes started. The same envelope every time. Sometimes it appeared on her bedside table or the passenger seat of her car. She'd stopped reading them. Only when the weight lifted in the oasis of the club did they cease and she could finally be herself again.
Until it all came crashing down. She'd just stepped to the back to check her phone, pulling open her locker to reveal a familiar sight. For a few moments, she couldn't do anything but stare at the white envelope. Her stomach turned. They'd been in here. Whoever wouldn't leave her alone had been in the club, had gotten past the employees only door. Just like that, her sanctuary was gone. "Fuck no," Theo blurted before turning and bolting towards the back door. Leaving in the middle of a shift wasn't going to do her any favors with her boss, but she didn't care. They were here, and she couldn't be. She didn't know where she was going to go as she flung the door open and escaped into the back alley. Her home had been stolen by the looming presence following after her. But if she could just get to her car, she could drive. Far away. Far enough that they could never watch her again.