The Alternate World Series: Andy McAllister
Link to Playlist: CLICK HERE
Play Best Part – Daniel Caesar
So yes, as I said before – there are an infinite number of realities and truly anything can happen. Though… there are certain things that have a higher possibility than others. Things that simply occur on a more frequent basis because it was, well, you could say “meant to be”… you could the stars aligned correctly for a mere moment…. But with these scenarios, they simply aligned correctly too often to meet probability standards. Sure, there was a possibility that Jessica died…. but ironically, her fate has always been more probable towards surviving. Perhaps someone up there (or down there) likes to pull a few strings – that’s not my place to say, however… but I will say me and the other narrators due have ongoing bets and Jessica Pierce is often on our most “followed” list. But in this series, I have a very particular goal in mind. To discuss the intrigue of Jessica Pierce’s love life. There are, honestly, such an endless number of possibilities for our dear Jessica. Probability-wise, within all the realities, there are three names that overcome all others. Can you guess who they are? Indeed – Malachi Azure, who in himself is an intriguing case. Especially with the sheer number of times that Jessica has simply missed the man due to “timing” (Really this “timing” is just more pulling of strings… what can I say…. We get bored okay). Dorian DeLoughrey, who will forever be Jessica Pierce’s first love – and that truly holds so much weight in many of these outcomes. I mean… just look at her current life. The girl has once again found herself in his arms. And finally, one that not many would expect but had a high number of possibilities: Andy McAllister. (And of course, there’s a few strays too… like the time she married Trevor… or maybe even that incident with her and Zac. But that’s a story for another time).
So, Andy McAllister. How? Why? A person that has been there for our particular Pierce since she was 9 (or as some would say, 2 and ¼ due to her unfortunate birthday date). So, if it was so meant to be, after all, probability was on her side – what happened in this universe? Well, I did tell you – timing is everything. And in this life, one decision after another kept them as friends. But here’s the thing – the level of connection Jessica and Andy McAllister shared has always been more than friends. They know each other. They understand each other. It’s more than friendship, it’s what those to consider “being each other’s person.” Someone who will always have an important part in the others life. And would you be surprised to hear that there was only a small number of realities where Jessica and Andy weren’t at least friends? Because, in the end, here’s the thing: They will forever be drawn to each other. Even in instances where Jess never came to Cerulean High – they somehow found one another. They somehow fell into the same motions that made them friends in the first place. They somehow always became nuggets. But why am I telling you this? After all, I could go on and on about the endless realities. Of the time Jess and Andy ended up together after that shared kiss during one fateful game of spin the bottle. How one change made it so Andy picked up Jessica’s call the night she disappeared so instead of going to Mikel, she went to Andy. How one moment, one thought could change their whole relationship from friendship into…. Well, something more. But as I said before… Telling you won’t do anything. So why don’t I show you? Follow me along as we experience one of my favorite realities with the two ending up together.
So, things occurred as they did in the original timeline. Pain… loss…. It was all experienced in exact same way. The loss of her children – both Malachi’s though… that’s something she’ll never know…. And Dorian’s, the pain that Malachi inflicted, Jess leaving and returning from North Korea to find that her nugget’s wife had died and going to comfort him. But as I said. One moment. One alteration from the timeline can change everything. And this time around, this happened a little after Jess had finished her piece on North Korea – and won her first Pulitzer. So, let’s get into it, why don’t we?
Year 6: Things Change
Play Medicine – James Arthur
Ahh yes. The Pulitzer. Life really was… to say the least, crazy. Interviews every other day, and it felt as if Jess really didn’t have time for anything else. Perhaps that’s why when Jess was in town once again during the original timeline, when Andy invited her to a party, Jess had said no. After all – she was exhausted. But here’s the thing that changed. In the original timeline, Jess had an interview with the morning news, a meeting with her publicist, a flight – a L O N G flight because a kid was crying the whole time and so when she had arrived back in Beryl, she was exhausted.
In this timeline, however – Jessica’s meeting with her publicist was canceled. Allowing the butterfly effect to take place. What happened was because her meeting canceled, Jess decided to take an earlier flight back to Beryl. One earlier flight meaning no crying child. No crying child meant Jess was able to fall asleep on the flight back. And what that meant was that instead of saying no to Andy’s offer of a party the night she arrived, Jess’ answer was a hell yes.
She had of course pre-gamed slightly – arriving at just the perfect amount of tipsy. There was a soft smile on her lips reaching the party as it reminded her of the many parties she had gone to over the years in Beryl. People were dancing, drinking, having fun, and just enjoying themselves – something she honestly missed. Her life at that point seemed so much as if she had been putting up a front of happiness. Really it was a mask to hide her pain with everything she had been through. Part of her was happy that Andy was coming out and working through everything after Ziah had died a year earlier. The man was truly such a wreck after it had happened, and it took time to even get him out of the house and Jess was there every step of the way. Because pain… true pain is something one should never endure alone. It’s ironic how wise a girl can be though fall under her own traps – keeping all her own pain to herself.
In any case, Andy had texted her that he’d be there soon which really left her alone for a bit –which ended with her on the dance floor, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the rhythm of the music. Letting go – forgetting… something she really didn’t get to do too often. Well at least until some handsy assh-le decided to start grinding on her. Which – really? God, why were some guys so in their head about what was okay to do at a party? Turning around – it only took a second for Jess to realize who was in front of her. Kyle gag Whittle. A man she had told multiple times to go screw himself with a razor blade because of how uncomfortable he made Jess. Though it seemed he never got the hint. ”Jessica damn you look hot.”
And there started a 20-minute conversation that Jess tried to get out of. And of course the sentiment of ”So are you seeing anyone right now?” came up only causing Jess to sigh. Honestly, she wasn’t one to lie. But she also knew Kyle’s type. He was the person who respected other men more instead of believing that a girl was just not interested. So, when she caught eye of Andy behind the man, who soon waved at her, Jess had an idea. A stupid idea, but an idea nevertheless. “Actually yes. I am and there he is right now,” Jess stated, pointing at Andy. As the man turned around, distracted, Jess walked towards Andy with a smile – jumping and giving him a bear hug immediately as she brought her lips towards his ears. “Go along with this – I’ll explain later,” Jess whispered, and with that, Jess brought her lips to his own. And for the first time in about a decade, Jess kissed him. And immediately, she knew it was a mistake. Because she shouldn’t have felt anything for the nugget. But instead, there was this feeling in the pit of her stomach as the two kissed. And god knows how long they kissed… Jess just knew that she was the one to break it. When it was broken, however, she found herself immediately turning around to hide her expression though used the guise that she was seeing if Kyle had disappeared – which thankfully he had, likely getting the hint. So, what did Jess do after that? Well… what was Jess best at doing. She ignored what she felt, pushing it down. After all – it was inconsequential. Something that was probably just due to the alcohol in her system. “You are a bloody lifesaver McNugget. Kyle Whittle was flirting with me and I swore if I didn’t do something, he was going to follow me home like a bloody stalker or worse – continue to talk to me,” Jess stated with a soft laugh, trying to ease the tension that had just formed between the two. “Anyways, Nug, come dance with me,” Jess stated immediately – a soft grin on her features as she ignored the look on Andy’s face. A look that showed her that he had felt the exact same thing she had. Though that night… neither of them said anything. And if Jess had anything to say about it – neither ever would.
And that was the start. The beginning. The push that brought Jessica and Andy to realize there was more… that there could be more between the two of them. Because there was always that possibility. It always existed. And now… now it was going to unravel.
Year 7: What a Mess We Created
Play Experience - Ludovio Einaudi
Jess and Andy’s interactions had drastically changed. Neither of them had meant for it to but it wasn’t… normal between them anymore. There was always this unresolved tension between the two of them now… and Jess continued acting like there wasn’t which… well was obviously making Andy frustrated as almost any hangout ended with the two awkwardly departing. After all – it was her go-to. To pretend she didn’t know it was happening. Perhaps that’s why Jess was nervous going to Andy’s concert a few months later. The man hadn’t had a concert in over a year – taking a break from touring after his wife died to pay attention to his daughter. But now he was back and people went absolutely crazy for his tickets. It was sold out within minutes of being released and Jess had to work some magic to get herself a ticket because apparently getting on the venue website 2 minutes late was “too late” to surprise your friend. She hadn’t told him that she was coming and using the “I’m the ex-wife card” only went so far but she somehow (after pulling a few connections with Andy’s manager) found herself in the front row, screaming at the top of her lungs when Andy came out – singing along to his songs, and smiling as he casually, after years of practice, interacted with the audience by asking people in the front row if they wanted selfies on their phone during the concert.
And of course, Jess screamed bloody loudly when he came near her section – something along the lines of “You bloody piece of sh!t if you don’t pick me I’ll stick a damn hammer so far up your ass that….” Well, use your imagination to what she said after that… though to keep it pg 13, I personally won’t be repeating her words. But what she had said caught Andy’s attention as he looked straight at her and after a second a soft smile met his lips realizing it was her.
There was a playful demeanor on Jess’ lips as he neared her, bending down to look right at her – Jess of course jokingly screaming, “OH MY GOD HE’S LOOKING AT ME, NOT YOU,” at a few girls near her who were clearly annoyed by the sentiment. “Hey nug. Can I have a selfie?” Jess asked, handing the man her phone with a laugh which he returned before taking her cell and turning the camera towards the two of them. Jess didn’t waste any time before leaning up on stage and moving to place a kiss on his cheek for the photo, but instead of on his cheek, Andy turned and instead she found her lips on his once again for a mere second before the two separated… leaving her… honestly… confused though she tried to play it off with the gasps in the audience and Andy laughing saying something about “Well that was fun” with a wink to the audience before going into another song.
Perhaps that’s why Jess ended up going backstage waiting in his dressing room… to talk to him… to figure out what the hell they were getting into… or more specifically… how the hell to get out of this weirdness that had settled between them. Which… getting there was honestly an easy feat since she knew his personal security team. But knowing what to say? That wasn’t so easy. She found herself sitting hesitantly on his couch, though there was something about Andy that always made her smile despite anything going on in her life – which is what filled her features when he entered the room. “Hey stranger… that concert was killer,” Jess mumbled softly as he walked in. Though there was something on his face that told her that he wasn’t interested in pleasantries. He… likely like her wanted to talk about what happened. Not just about this but… the last time. Though Andy didn’t say anything else before going deeper into his dressing room after closing the door and within seconds, his lips were back on hers, his body moving on top of her on the couch as his hands moved down her body and a soft moan left Jess’ mouth. “Andy what are we…” Jess started, though there was a look in Andy’s eyes that Jess couldn’t place. ”If you want to stop, just say the words.” Andy whispered with sincerity in his voice. But the odd thing was… she didn’t want to. So…. she didn’t. At that moment, Jess made a choice, and bringing his lips back to hers Jess found her fingers unbuttoning his shirt and the two begin roaming each other’s bodies for the first time, and honestly, Jess didn’t want it to stop. And they didn’t. For a long time, the two were just lost within one another, lost within each other’s bodies. Though later as she laid naked on his chest, catching her breath… suffice to say she was confused. After all… this wasn’t… ever supposed to happen. Andy was her person…. The person she would confide anything in. But this… was unexpected… and part of her heart ached because she knew she was hurting someone else that was important to her… Dorian. Though Dorian and she had made it clear that the two of them would never work it still… hurt to hurt him.
“Andy we should… talk about that,” Jess whispered in a quiet voice.
And talk they did… or more like… argue about how this was never going to work as Andy emphasized that Jess was getting too caught up in her head. And maybe she was… but all she knew was she needed to go. Her instinct was to run. And sitting in his dressing room, Jess sighed looking at the man as she pulled her clothes. “I need to… I need fresh air,” she whispered, though it was strange. There was something in Andy that no one had ever shown her before. Because in an instant, Andy had grabbed her hand, ”No,” he whispered, *”I know you, Jessica. I know if I let you walk out that door, you’re going to run away and I’m not letting you do that because I know now more than ever that I love you. Running away isn’t going to do sh!t.” Andy stated. And he was right. Andy did know her – he did know that if she walked out that day, then things would be different. Here’s the thing… Jess never had that before… never had someone asking her to stay. Rather… it always seemed that no one would ever fight for her. Dorian had let her go without another word and then slept with someone else a few days later…. And Kai… well… he continually made Jessica feel like she was worth less than nothing. So this… this moment was… strange. Her instinct was to run because over the years, that’s what she had been conditioned to do. But instead… now she found Andy’s arms around her and part of her never wanted to let this feeling go. So… she didn’t.
End of Year 7: And We Live in the Mess We Create
Play Halo - Beyonce
Drastic change. That was what that night had caused in Jessica’s life. Because after that night, Jess and Andy were inseparable by every means. Here’s the thing. When you love someone so much… even just as a friend, shifting that view from a friend into… something more… wasn’t as hard as people expected. Especially as Jess and Andy didn’t start off as friends. They always started off as each other’s crushes. It wasn’t simply a physical attraction – it was an immediate emotional one too.
Perhaps Jessica was making a mistake. But why did a mistake feel so damn good. Because she loved him. There were so few times that Jess had felt truly happy in her life, and Andy… he was bringing those feelings up. All the love she had now belonged to him. Well… that was until she found herself looking at a positive pregnancy test. And now… her love would grow towards her children. Jessica didn’t wait a moment. She didn’t have time. Immediately, Jess found herself going into a place she had promised herself she never would. A hospital… because she needed to know. Was there any defining how happy she was when the doctor told her that she was perfectly healthy, and the baby was doing fine? No… after not knowing for the past 6 years if she could even have a baby again, her mind couldn’t control how happy she was.
And her and Andy… they were also great… Jess loved him. Less than a year, that’s how long Jess had been with Andy. Been with him in a capacity that was more than just… friends. Though despite the short length in the two dating… the happiness he brought her was indescribable… comparable to her past loves… the ones she had to leave behind. Though this was something else… how do you tell someone you love you’re pregnant? Especially when this was never planned. Jessica Pierce didn’t know that answer… she didn’t even know how to start to bring it up. Clearly, she never had with Dorian and the ending to that choice would forever haunt her.
What she did know was all of her resolve in telling him dropped in one moment. She could remember the day as clear as if it had just occurred. Jess was playing with Kaya – a simple question of “how are you liking school,” leading to the little girl saying something that was odd. A mention of wanting to go everywhere her mama went. Which later that night led to an argument she would never forget.
Her arms wrapped around Andy as she brought the moment up. “Did you know that Kaya wants to go to all the same schools as Ziah? Including Cerulean High… how are you going to tell her she’s not going to?” Jess asked. There was an innocence in that question. It wasn’t hidden that Jess hated Cerulean High… everything she personally had been through there all the way to being forced to come back through threats by Blue Royalty. And Andy knew this… he knew everything she had been through. Jess had always been honest to him about that… about how Kai used her. It was for this reason that she never expected Andy to reply with ”What do you mean? She is going to go there?”
And there begin an argument for hours. How could he send his daughter to a school that quite literally tormented people? That had manipulation as an extracurricular. Perhaps there was the added stress that she was pregnant and, in her mind, there was a fear that he would want their kids to go there too. “I’m done… just… I need space, Andy.” Jess recalled yelling, grabbing her wallet before walking out his door, leaving all forms of communication behind despite him yelling after her. Jess didn’t care – she simply went into her car and disappeared.
And for the next three weeks – Jess truly did vanish. She needed to think… just be by herself. For three weeks – Jess traveled. She didn’t care where she was going, she just bought a plane ticket for whatever was leaving that night and left. From Mexico to Europe Jess was trying to calm her fear. Her anxiety… though it wasn’t until Jess was in Switzerland at a little coffee shop that she found a tv playing something about Andy. Her eyes faltered to the news segment and for a brief moment… regret filled her. The segment showed a clip of an interview with the man, and Jess found her hand going to her stomach.
”And how are you doing since your wife’s death?”
Jess’ eyes went to the screen as she found Andy frowning slightly at the interviewer’s question.
”I’m not going to say that everything’s okay because honestly… Ziah’s death will always hurt…” Andy started, taking a drink of his water. “But I’m doing better. I have an amazing support system and the best little girl a man could ask for. And… you know it’s hard to find love after you feel like your soul mate left and for a while… I had kind of given up on that… but recently… there’s someone in my life that makes me feel how I felt with Ziah and I… I’m just really happy and in a great place right now,”
Jess had never heard that interview before and she knew it was dated before their argument. Biting her lip… Jess knew she had made a mistake. And immediately… Jess left the shop and went back.
It was raining the day she returned, and she found herself standing outside his door during an hour of the night that only Jessica Pierce would have been awake. Knocking on his door, she stood there completely soaked – hesitantly pressing the doorbell once. And that was it. She found the door opening moments later from a half-asleep McNugget who didn’t even wait a second after seeing her. He pulled her against his body, wrapping his arms around her immediately ”Don’t ever do that again Jess I was… so damn worried,”. And at that moment, Jess whispered “I’m pregnant, Nugget,”
Year 8: She's Pregnant Nugget
Play All those pretty lights – Andrew Belle
”Just Breathe, you’re doing so great”
“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW HOW TO BREATHE YOU IDIOT? I KNOW HOW TO BREATHE. WHERE THE BLOODY HELL IS MY SLUSHIE I ASKED FOR A DAMN SLUSHIE,” Jess screamed at Andy as another contraction hit her body. The two had been… ironically at a Mcdonald’s when her water broke, and the man had dragged her out of line to take her to the hospital. But you know what that meant? That she never got her food… or her nuggets… or her lemonade slushie she had asked for. Suffice to say Jessica’s hormones were everywhere and she was very upset. “God… when the hell will they give me the epidural,” Jess cried looking over at Andy, but soon posing the question to the doctor as the woman came in who simply gave Jessica a sorry smile as she hit her with the worst news possible. “I’m sorry… it seems like your cervix is fully dilated it’s time to push Jessica,”
“Nope No nono no. I’ve held this baby in me for 9 months, she can wait another 30 minutes so I can get my slushie and epidural,” Jess muttered. Her hand was in Andy’s and she found him turning her head towards him. ”Nug… it’s time to push” he whispered and she frowned at him though nodded, holding his hand and going through the worst pain she had been through in a long time.
Was it worth it though? Yes. It was when she heard her little girl crying – the doctor cleaning the baby off before handing her to Jess. So perhaps Jessica had been through a lot of pain with love. But this… this was it. Pure love… one that would never fade away. Looking at her baby, Jess smiled. “You’re perfect,” Jess stated, kissing the little girl on her forehead – smiling larger as the baby stopped crying and looked at Jess. Jessica turned to Andy whose eyes were on his little girl. “Here,” Jess whispered, letting him take the girl from his hands. “Go introduce Kaya to her little sister,” Jess continued. She fell asleep soon after that – but all she could remember was the sheer happiness she felt passing out in exhaustion after that.
She woke up hours later and found her hospital room filled with food. From wall to wall was a buffet. She didn’t know what Andy had done but he had apparently gotten that slushie she wanted as the left wall had 7 slushy machines with different flavors. She found Andy coming inside a few moments after and shot him a smile. “Hey you’re awake beautiful. So what would you like? We have nuggets over there, I have supplies for a burger, I got an ice cream machine right there – one that is clearly working since the one at McDonald’s is almost always ‘broken’” Andy asked. “God I love you,” Jess laughed, grinning as he walked over to her and kissing her. “How is she?” Jess questioned and Andy grinned. ”As beautiful and strong as her mother… also as tired as her. She’s sleeping in that room with all the other babies and Kaya’s watching over her telling everyone that passes that she’s her little sister,”
Year 9: Can Happiness be Bottled Up?
Play Pieces – Andrew Belle
If pure joy could be quantified – Jess would say she had it. “Mama,” Jess’ eyes were closed, though she felt a smile on her lips as Tia climbed on her body to kiss her. Though instead of “waking up” Jess continued to pretend to be asleep as her little girl tried to wake her up by jumping on her. Though daddy’s little girl soon changed course saying ”dadda” when the man walked into the room.
”Is your mom sleeping in your bed again. How dare she?”
Andy laughed, picking the little girl who had her arms out wanting to be played with. “Well if it isn’t my 1 year old and my 7 year old again,” he continued. Opening her eyes, Jess frowned as she stood up and jumped out of the crib she was sleeping in after comforting her daughter the night before. “I swear, she’s such a little traitor. First her first words are “dada” and not “nugget or mama” which is treason in itself and then this,” Jess poked, kissing Andy on the cheek, and then her little girl on the forehead. In retrospect – Andy wasn’t wrong. Tia Pierce- McAllister was a little look alike of Jess herself. Well… except for her eyes which she got from Andy. “At least Kaya likes me more,” Jess continued with a pout as she wrapped her arms around Andy.
”Well come on then, let me make it up to you – why don’t we take our little girl on her first Disney trip?”
[color= mediumaquamarine] “How come I never got impromptu Disney trips?” [/co.or] Jess poked though there was a smile on her face that said ‘hell yes’ they were going. And they went – thank you private jet. Honestly, randomly picking up their stuff to go on a last minute vacation was the defining trait in Andy and Jess’ relationship. Unpredictability but with security. Honestly something Jess always needed in her life. Looking at Andy play with his two girls on the flight – Jessica Pierce truly did feel happy. There was no describing how much because honestly, with everything in Jessica’s past, she never… thought she’d get here. To this point in her life where everything was just… amazing. Perfection was unattainable but if there was a way to bottle it up – to Jess, it would be this moment. “Hey nugget,” Jess stated from her seat, watching as he looked up at her. “I love you,” she finished.
Perhaps he knew that this whole time. Because what she thought was an impromptu trip to Disney turned out to be… so much more. Jess could remember the laughter that met her lips when he brought her to a “McDonald’s around the world” store in Epcot where they had food from every country. What she hadn’t expected was that when she walked in, no one was inside except for the four of them. Though despite that confusion on why the hell people wouldn’t be lining up outside, Jess hadn’t questioned anything until Kaya came up holding Tia with something in her hand. ”Dad wanted us to give this to you,”
Jess looked at the ring pop in the girl’s hand and smiled. A small laugh left her lips as she picked it up and put it on her finger. “I think it looks pretty cute, don’t you?” Jess asked the girls as Tia looked at her with her arms up mumbling “mama.”
Picking her daughter up, Jess kissed Kaya on the forehead before looking around. “Where is your dad anyways?” Jess asked, looking around as she walked towards another room in the shop. Though when she went inside, the whole room was, legitimately, filled with ring pops with Andy in the middle. “Andy What…” Jess started not even sure what to say as she looked at the man.
“Jess… I’ve known you since I was 12 when this curious little girl sat down for a game of spin the bottle and somehow, I don’t know but someone made it so that when she spined, it landed on me. I didn’t think of that moment as one of the luckiest days of my life because after that day, we became more than just friends. Jessica Pierce, you became my person. No matter what we’ve been through… distance….fights… you’ve never stopped being that for me.”
Jess watched as he walked closer to her, smiling at his little girl who was still in Jessica’s hands. “We got married once before and… god I can’t remember what I said that day but I know how important you are to me and have continued to be through everything. I can’t imagine going through the rest of my life without you so, Jessica Pierce…” Andy started before getting on his knees as he pulled out, this time, not a ring pop but an actual ring, “… will you marry me?”
And for the first time in a long time, Jessica was stuck for words as she looked at the man she loved on his knees. “I…” Jess started. “Kaya… do you mind taking Tia to the other room and getting whatever you want?” Jess asked handing the little girl back to her sister. Once the two were gone, Jess, like Andy, got to her knees and pulled him in for a kiss as she leaned her head against his. “No…” Jess whispered and she saw the immediate sadness that met Andy’s features. “Wait… Andly look. In the 27 years that I’ve been alive I’ve… fallen in and out of love so many damn times and I’ve realized… so many things,” she whispered, tears meeting her features. “I’ve gotten married… divorced… more than once… and I’ve realized… marriage is nothing but a piece of paper. I don’t want to be with you because it’s written on a piece of paper. I want to be with you because I want to be with you,” Jess continued, wrapping her arms around the man. “I want to be with you because I love you and no paper is going to change that. You, Andy McAllister, are my everything. I don’t need anything else.” She finished kissing him again. “So will I marry you? No. But will I be with you for the rest of my life? Yes.”
Year 10: Wrapping Up
Play Anchor – Novo Amor
And that was it. The end… or shall I say the start of Andy and Jessica’s story. Because with endings, there are always beginnings. And if you don’t believe me… say hi to their second child, Jamie, born a few years later. Because here’s the thing – throughout all the sadness Jessica Pierce had; there was happiness always hidden below the surface. Jess had that, whether Andy was her friend or something more. And that being said, that concludes my sentiments of this alternate universe.
Mentioned:
@CerealKiller - Andy Hella mentioned
@astxrism - Dorian sparsly mentioned
@Littlefeets - Kai sparsly mentioned
Others Possibly Interested:
@angelic - you wanted to know
@unsungcheerio - you do be stalking
