Tangled Love

CHAPTER 19

Before I enter the little cafe ten minutes away from home, I check the surrounding area for any sign of Trevor. I can't risk him ever finding out about this place, I treat it like my save haven. I enter the warmth and exhale deeply, feeling my shoulders relax.

I love to sit by the window when it's raining and watch as droplets of rain slide down the glass. The cafe holds a special place in my heart and reminds me of my father.

After ordering a hot chocolate and a toasted cheese sandwich, I scan the dining area and make my way towards a booth in the far back.

The delicious scent of warm chocolate, coffee beans and pastry permanently lingers in the air. My stomach grumbles loudly in protest, screaming out for something to ravish.

I can't remember the last time I ate.

"Here you go, sweetheart." The owner smiles, placing the plate down onto the table. The smell of toasted bread and cheese hits me and my stomach rumbles embarrassingly.

"Thank you," I respond, smiling at her in return. As she begins to walk away, my phone buzzes inside my pocket. I smile immediately as I pull it out, hoping to see Jake's contact flash up on the screen.

It isn't Jake.

My palms begin to sweat and I look around, the paranoia building up inside me. My hands begin to tremble as I scan over the text a second time —

Stranger: You shouldn't be skipping college. . . I'm watching you Emily.

Who is this person? Why are they watching me?

That's so incredibly creepy!

Emily: Who are you? Leave me alone!

I quickly send the text, slamming my phone down onto the table. I blow out the breath I'm holding and lean back against the chair, closing my eyes. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Suddenly I don't have much of an appetite.

*****

After finishing up at Lulu's, I decide the safest place for me to be is college. It's supervised by teachers and somewhat safe. I've already missed two hours but showing my face is better than not attending at all. On the way there I can't help shake the feeling that I'm being followed, my every move watched.

I knock on my classroom door and enter. My eyes land on a substitute teacher sat behind the desk instead of Mrs Wilkins.

"Sorry I'm late, I had a dentist appointment." I explain briefly before taking a seat next to Trish. I feel terrible, my body is weak and constantly in pain.

I managed to hide the bruises forming on my skin underneath a grey turtle neck jumper. I ignore the stares around me and pull out a text book from my bag, placing it onto the desk. Beside me, Trish leans in closer —

"You look terrible Em, shouldn't you be at home resting?"

I shake my head, giving her a small smile.

"I feel fine." I lie effortlessly.

"Is it the flu? What if it's Ebola?" Trish grimaces and I notice her not so subtle way of creating distance between us. I immediately giggle and curse myself for doing so as pain shoots through my side. I grip onto it tightly, waiting for the pain to subside.

"It's not Ebola," I explain, breathing in and exhaling out slowly.

"It's always better to be safe than sorry. Ebola kills quickly." Trish continues, her eyes wide as she inspects me from head to toe.

"Would that be such a bad thing?" I mumble under my breath. Trish leans in towards me, her eyes vacant. I know she didn't hear me and I sigh, plastering a smile on my face —

"I'm fine, Trish. Let me copy your notes that I've missed." I mumble, reaching for her book. She nods and pushes it further in my direction. I begin catching up, my eyes flickering from book to paper. Trish shuffles her chair closer to me and bumps shoulders with mine.

"I have so much to tell you!" Trish squeals under her breath. It's a completely innocent interaction but the force of the impact against my bruised muscles causes me to hiss in pain.

I suck in a breath and yelp, jumping backwards. Her eyes widen and she stills, watching me squirm beside her. I close my eyes and silently pray the tears building up inside my eyes will disappear.

"Excuse me," I mutter, my jaw clenched from the pain. I quickly stand up and head straight for the door, ignoring the murmurs of my classmates behind me. I don't care anymore, all I want is the pain to stop. I run through the empty hallway, pushing past the double doors and heading straight for the girls bathroom. Tears roll down my cheeks and I wipe them away quickly.

I'm strong, I can do this.

I release a small whimper and squeeze my eyes shut.

I'm not strong at all. . . I'm lying to myself.

I hear the door push open and I hide my face behind my hands, hoping whoever it is would leave me alone.

"Emily?" His voice is low and lined with concern.

"Leave me alone," I respond, my words muffled behind my hands. I glance up through my blurred vision to find Jake standing against the doorway, a worried expression on his face. Upon noticing the tears in my eyes, he walks towards me and crouches down.

I immediately feel my stomach twist in nerves and I want to shuffle backwards but for some reason, I don't. His blue eyes watch me intensely for a moment, scanning over my features. Eventually he looks directly at me, his blue eyes darkening —

"I think it's time you tell me what's going on with you." Jake says firmly.