Tangled Love

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. 

is this person? Why are they watching me?

incredibly creepy!

you? Leave me alone!

phone down onto the table. I blow out the breath I'm holding and lean back

don't have much of an appetite.

*****

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

I knock on my classroom door and enter. My eyes land on a substitute teacher

taking a seat next to Trish. I feel terrible, my

around me

terrible Em, shouldn't you be at home

my head, giving her a small

feel fine." I lie

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

explain, breathing

be safe than sorry. Ebola kills quickly." Trish continues, her eyes wide as she inspects me from head

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 —

reaching for her book. She nods and pushes it further in my direction. I begin catching up, my eyes