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. 

Who is this person? Why are they

so incredibly

 Who are you? Leave me alone!

down onto the table. I blow out the breath I'm holding and lean back against the chair, closing my

don't have much of

*****

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

My eyes land on a substitute teacher sat behind the desk instead of Mrs

appointment." I explain briefly before taking a seat next to Trish. I feel terrible, my body is weak

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

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

shake my head, giving her a small

feel fine." I

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

breathing in and exhaling out slowly.

Trish continues, her eyes

in towards me, her eyes

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