Chapter 6

Did Thomas really try to ask me out?

Before I could ask anything, a small boy came running towards me and gave me a paper. I looked at the folded piece and then at the boy. "Who gave you this paper, kid?" I asked confused.

The child just shook his head and ran off.

I opened the paper and it was written—

You have 30 seconds to tell that prick to fuck off. Because if you won't then, I'll do it and he will surely regret it. Now be a good girl and tell him to get lost. Okay, love?

I gulped as I stared at those words. My heartbeats quickened and my palms started sweating. I looked around to see whether I could see the guy but he wasn't visible. I guess whoever sent this note must be hiding in some place and watching me constantly.

"Any problem, Angelina? Is everything okay?" Thomas asked looking at me.

"Yeah. Everything's fine, Thomas, thank you." I hurried. "I am sorry but I don't have time today, I have work. But I'll make it up okay-uh-how about I come over tomorrow and you can tell me all your doubts." I said in one breath.

"Whoa, whoa! Slow down there, Angelina. Don't rush. I am sorry I didn't know about your plans. Yeah, tomorrow is fine. We can first go--"

"Yes, yes. We'll go wherever you want. Now I need to rush...okay bye." I cut him off and ran away not waiting for his goodbye.

I halting a cab and told them my destination. I was beyond scared when I read the letter. I had to blow off Thomas to avoid any scene on the street. The person who wrote the note and sent it to me was sure to beat the shit out of Thomas if I didn't back off any time soon. The paper was still crushed in my hand and my heart was still racing from fear. I was constantly staring at the letter.

My love.

The words were scaring me.

Now the feeling of being stalked was really driving me crazy. The words themselves were enough to scare me. My instincts told me that it wasn't some lame prank by any boys but a threatening note by someone dangerous, someone who wants to be taken seriously. I shivered in fear and decided to tell Lexi about the note the first thing in the morning.

•••

Mr. Peterson was right. Tonight the cafe was very busy. There was an anniversary party of an old couple and even after so many years, they looked like a couple in love. I enjoyed watching them stealing glances and staring at each other lovingly. I never saw that kind of love in my family. It was my mom, Alex, and me, so I hoped that after I get married, my husband would love me. Just like the old couple, I hoped my love would grow old in the arms of my lovers.18

My shift ended pretty late than I expected. After saying goodbye to everyone I headed towards my car and then it clicked,

Oh crap!

Lexi gave me the ride this morning. Oh god! I'll have to take a cab.

Not wasting much time, I quickly dialed the number and booked a cab. I was waiting for it to arrive when I saw two men standing under the street light and had their gaze fixed on me. I tried to ignore their stares and stood there. After a couple of minutes of waiting, I turned around and found them at the same place. Feeling fear creeping through my senses, I started walking in the opposite direction. At the turning, I turned around and my eyes widened in fear when I saw them following me.

I panicked and started walking fast on the street. It was late, past eleven and the streets were less crowded, almost empty.

I glanced behind nervously and a gasp escaped my mouth. Three more men had joined them.

By the end of the block, I started running faster. As I was about to take a turn a strong hand covered my mouth and dragged me to the alley. My eyes widened in fear and I struggled in the man's arms. My breathing hitched when I saw the same man standing in front of me.

My life was in danger.

They were going to kidnap me or possibly r-ape me or worst kill me.

Oh god, I am going to die.

My heartbeat quickened at the thought and so I did what first came to my mind. I screamed loudly. The man immediately punched me right across the face, sending me flying on the ground. I groaned in pain and the taste of metallic blood flooded my mouth.

The man stormed towards me and pulled me by my hair and made me look at his ugly face, "You bitch! How dare you scream?" he snapped making me whimper in pain, "The job was just to kidnap you and hand you over but now," he smiled wickedly,

"Because of a little stunt, we might have added a little adventure to your journey."