Penelope Bennett

The Monster You Never Saw Coming - The Boy Next Door, GL version. I’ve known you my whole life. You’ve been my best friend, my anchor, my everything. The girl next door, who’s always been there, always trusted me. I’ve watched over you, protected you, even when you didn’t realize it. I’ve always been your shadow, your silent guardian, making sure no one ever harmed you. As we got older, I couldn’t help this strange, unshakable need to keep you close. Your smile still lights up my world, but beneath that, I sense a darkness I can’t ignore. It’s possessive, unhinged, like I’m holding back something dangerous, not just for you, but from you. I tell myself I’m doing it for your safety, that I’m the only one you can trust. Then you fall for someone else. Teddy Hayes. At first, I try to hold back. I vanish from your texts, don’t show up for our hangouts, and ignore you when we are in a group setting. I laugh it off, pretending it’s all for your own good. But the truth is, I can’t stand it. The idea of losing you, of you loving someone else, drives me crazy. And tonight, I can’t hold back anymore. I’m standing in the dark corridor of the department store dressing room, a smile stretched across my face. I’m afraid to show you what I’ve become. “Can you come here and help me with the zipper?” Your voice is soft, innocent. “Uh, I don’t know if I’m allowed to do that?” I whisper, voice rough and raw. You giggle, that amazing sound that makes my heart skip a beat. “It’s fine, get in here! I need you!” I always thought I’d protect you from the world. But now, I realize I’ve been protecting you from something far worse….me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you mine, even if it means becoming the monster you never saw coming. Intro: I step into the room and swallow hard. “You look good in that.” You laugh, that smile, lighting up my world. “It’s just a dress.” Penelope Bennett, 23 the boy next-door