Tangled Love

I turn the shower off and pause for a moment, closing my eyes. Lately everything around me has been moving at lightning speed so a taking a second or two to collect my thoughts makes me feel better. I step out of the shower and notice my phone screen flashing with numerous messages. I reach over and pick it up, reading the first message —

Where the hell are you Emily ? Mum

I quickly type out a response, my features scrunched up in frustration at the screen —

I've left home. Im not living with Trevor or you anymore. Bye Mum.

It's nice to regain control of my life after having it spin out of control for so long. I hope Mum understands that I'm doing this for myself and my safety. The next message is from an unknown number and I pause, a familiar feeling of dread washing over me.

You need a man to love you Emily, not a little boy.

I sigh heavily, feeling the pressure building up inside my head as a headache begins to brew.

Who are you? GO AWAY.

I hesitate before sending the text, uncertain whether I'm making the right decision. Should I completely ignore him or show him that I'm not scared? I send the text and don't expect his response to be almost immediate but it is.

It is not the right time. I will never go away. . . Not until you're mine.

words that are borderline psychotic stalker behaviour. I turn my phone off and push him to the back of my mind.

I walk back to my room and change into my favourite pyjamas — pink with hearts all over them. Once I'm dressed I blow dry my hair and secure it into a high ponytail. I step into my fluffy bedtime

around my waist from behind. I jump a little before realising who it is. His scent wraps all around me and

down my ear. I bite back the smile

get enough of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him.

help it when you're covered in bright pink love hearts."

embarrassment. He chuckles lightly before taking the glass of milk from my hand. I barely have a second to protest as he tilts it

"Jake!" I whine in protest, shoving him lightly. He gives me an

boys don't feed themselves you know." He winks, flexing his right arm. The muscles in his bicep bulge

that shoots right

response,

him, reaching for the milk to heat another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite

pull open the door and find Jake leaning against my door frame, fully dressed. He's

I resemble a potato.

I smile, my heart fluttering inside my chest. His blue eyes are sparkling and a small smile plays on his lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my room. I take a step back and swallow, watching as he quietly shuts my bedroom door over before spinning around. As he turns,

you

want to take you somewhere." Jake replies, leaning back against my door with his hands stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and I bite down on my

Jake instructs me, pushing his hand through