**Chapter 3: "An Uncomfortable Encounter"**

The air was thick with tension as Lucas settled into the couch, his eyes fixed on Dorothy with an unnerving intensity. She tried to brush it off as mere paranoia, but the feeling of being trapped in her own home with this unpredictable young man was starting to get to her. "So, Lucas, how have you been?" she asked, attempting to make small talk, but he just shrugged and continued to stare at her. "I'm fine, Dorothy. Just busy with school and stuff," he replied, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. The silence that followed was oppressive, and Dorothy found herself fidgeting with her hands, trying to think of a way to extricate herself from this uncomfortable situation. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia were oblivious to the tension, chatting and laughing amongst themselves, but Dorothy knew she had to get Lucas to leave soon. "Lucas, it was nice seeing you, but I really should get back to my coffee," she said, edging towards the kitchen, hoping he'd take the hint. But Lucas wasn't having it. He stood up, his movements fluid and almost predatory, and began to pace around the room, his eyes scanning the space as if taking in every detail. "I've been thinking about you a lot, Dorothy," he said, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down her spine. Dorothy's heart began to pound in her chest as she realized that Lucas was not going to leave anytime soon. She tried to keep her cool, but her voice trembled slightly as she spoke. "Lucas, I think it's time for you to go. I have things to do," she said, trying to sound firm. But Lucas just chuckled, a cold, mirthless sound, and continued to pace around the room, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity. "You know, Dorothy, I've always admired you," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're so smart, so witty, so...in control." Dorothy felt a growing sense of unease as Lucas's words seemed to dance around her, never quite landing, but always implying something sinister. She knew she had to get him out of her house, and fast. "Lucas, stop," she said, her voice firm, but shaking slightly. "I mean it. You need to leave now." But Lucas just laughed again, a cold, menacing sound, and took another step closer to her, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. Dorothy's heart was racing, and she knew she was on the verge of panic. She was trapped, and she didn't know how to escape. Just as Lucas was about to take another step closer, the sound of the front door opening broke the tension, and Dorothy's heart leapt with relief. Stan was back, and he was just in time.