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.

that are borderline psychotic stalker behaviour. I turn my phone off and push him to the back of my mind. No way do I need more hassle on

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 slippers and head downstairs for a warm glass of

who it is. His scent wraps all around me and the tension in my body completely disappears. I sigh and relax against him,

my ear. I bite back the smile and turn around, looking up into his

of me lately Melvin." I smile sweetly at him. His eyes flash

"I can't help it when you're covered in bright pink love hearts."

of milk from my hand.

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

arm. The muscles in his bicep

shoots right

as I stare wide eyed at Jake. He shrugs casually in response,

another glassful. His laughter fills the air causing me to bite back

must be sleeping by now. I pull open the door and find Jake leaning against my door

resemble a potato.

plays on his lips. He lifts a finger to his lips, shushing me before entering my room. I take a step back and swallow,

Are you crazy?" I whisper.

his hands stuffed inside his pockets. My eyebrows shoot up

his hand through