

Secrets, Murder and lies

Copyright 2016 R.J. Adams - Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

## Chapter 1

Sophia tosses and turns in her bed, her eyes flutter in her sleep and she calls out to her mother. As she stirs between the sheets, I know she thinks she is listening to her mother's voice telling her to get out of bed. It's hard to ignore when Sophia describes this in her sleep. She is such a talker.

Her mother, that's what she believes anyway, this is what she has always believed, however Sophia's mother died a year ago and every day since then she claims her mother talks to her.

She was killed by her stepfather in a vicious attack, stabbed to death multiple times; I still remember the crime scene now; now he sits in prison. He is now spending his days currently awaiting to die on death row.

Sophia awakes from her sleep, mumbling words to herself again. "I'm ok mother, I will get this sorted. Do not worry. They will pay, they will all pay."

Sophia lives with her Aunty Teresa and to say it has been a tough year is an understatement. Since her mother died, Sophia got into trouble at school and was taken out permanently, she distanced herself from her friends to the point she no longer has them and regularly talks to herself in the bedroom. She barely speaks and most of the time stares out of the window.

She was always a little strange and even before her mother died she acted a little, well, odd really. Hanging around with strange people and locking herself away in her bedroom, her behaviour changed when she turned fifteen and we never knew why. But since that fateful day her odd behaviour became much worse.

Teresa is worried about her but there is nothing that she can do. I however, am her cousin. We live together in the same house and since she has lived with us things have gotten, well, horrible.

I look at her in the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed in her long white night gown staring out of the window yet again. She is motionless and quiet now.

"Sophia, is your tutor coming today?" I ask her quietly, sometimes if you startle her she attacks you. But she says nothing to me.

I dare not approach her; she has become so vicious you don't know how she will react. We constantly tip-toe around her, but we cannot give her up, my mother has legal guardianship until she is eighteen and then, well, I don't know.

Plus my mom would never disown family. No matter how hard things get my mother believes family should always remain with family.

Sophia is classed clinically depressed with severe mental instability; she is on countless medications since her mother died, even before then she was on some sort of pill. I guess I would be too if I discovered my mother's blood soaked body lying across her own bed and her partner who I adored tried to kill me.

He tried to kill Sophia. She had seen what he had done, walking in the bedroom and seeing her dead body just lying there, she ran hid in the bedroom, he kicked the door down but luckily, she survived.

I cannot imagine what she had to go through; I guess that would be enough to make anyone lose their mind a bit.

I leave her to it. She is sat there mumbling stuff to herself, I cannot hear it exactly but I do not want to be around her right now.

As I head downstairs, I hear my mother in the kitchen making breakfast. The smell of eggs and bacon is so tempting that it makes your belly rumble.

"Breakfast darling?" she asks as she turns towards me dishing out some bacon on a plate.

"Mmm yes please, I'm starving," I can feel my mouth watering, it smells so good.

"Where is Sophia?" She looks around seeing she has not come down stairs.

"Sat on her bed mumbling to herself again. Did you come into the room last night?"

My mother shakes her head as she places eggs fresh from the pan onto my plate, "no darling, I didn't even wake last night, first time in a long time Sophia hasn't woke up screaming."

That's true; even I slept through the night last night, minus someone slightly disturbing me walking across the bedroom floor. I hadn't noticed she didn't wake screaming. This happens so often I guess it's something you eventually get used to.

"Why do you ask?" My mother prompts.

"Oh, I thought I heard someone come into the room and speak to Sophia, Sophia didn't say anything but I thought I heard someone, must have been my imagination," I shrug stuffing my face.

It could just be my imagination. For weeks now I have heard the shuffling of feet in and out of our room or voices in the dark, if I'm not having bad dreams I'm hearing things. I would move bedrooms but it's only a two bed house, there isn't anywhere else for me to move to.

We did live in a larger house, a very big house in-fact, but when my father left he took all his money with him and my mother and I had to go to what our budget suited. I remember my dad leaving, he waved goodbye to me, he looked so sad. But my mother and I packed up our stuff and left, I still don't know why till this day.

The house we live in now is lovely. A nice lounge area and dining room, a reasonable sized kitchen and a back garden my mother has beautifully done out herself.

There are two very large bedrooms upstairs and shower room and separate bathroom. It sounds extravagant but it's nothing compared to what I have lived in previously.

My mother has a good job and she does work hard, but without my father's income also from his company, downsizing was our only option.

I hear a stomp, a very slow stomp on each step of the stairs. I guess that's Sophia making her way down. It's sad and depressing just listening to the way she walks.

She walks into the kitchen dragging her feet, hair all over the place and scratches down her face.

My mother rushes over to her, "oh my lord Sophia what have you done to your face."

"I didn't do this, he did it," she mumbles, her voice low and creepy.

"Who? Who did this to you?" My mother asks demandingly but now Sophia says nothing.

A part of me believes Sophia is making this stuff up for attention, the other part of me believes she has serious mental issues and should be with professionals, but as I said, my mother will not have it.

Before saying anything, my mother grabs her keys and her purse, ushers Sophia out of the house and into the car where she speeds off quicker than Flash.

I look in disbelief, does she not realise she has just left me here all on my own? Okay, I am sixteen years old, I'm not a baby but still she left without seeming like she cared.

In a huff I grab my school things and head for the school bus. My days are like this all the time, something happens with Sophia, my mother gives her all the attention and for a moment I feel like I don't exist in her life.

I know deep down that isn't true, it's just how I feel sometimes; our lives revolve around Sophia now and her weird antics.

I stare out of the window as the bus drives along collecting everyone, my mind empty as I watch the blurring images pass us by.

"Penny for your thoughts," I hear the gentle male voice and something brush up against my arm. It's my best friend and ex boyfriend, Jack.

Yes, ex boyfriend and still my best friend. We had been dating since I was fifteen years old but not long after my sixteenth birthday things came to an end. It wasn't because we wanted it to; it was simply because of the issues with Sophia.

It broke my heart having to end it with him but I couldn't out him through any of the issues anymore, it wasn't his battle to fight.

"Not really thinking anything," I smile softly at him. His gorgeous green eyes shimmer in the sun reflecting through the window. His dark, almost black hair styled to perfection, his lovely fitted jeans hang nicely as his fitted shirt perfectly goes over those lovely muscles of his.

I want to jump into his arms and have him wrap them round me but I can't, I cannot drag him into my mess. He deserves better than that.

"Could have fooled me," his mouth curls up, "you looked like you were extremely deep in thought."

I shake my head, "no was just staring out of the window."

"Listen," he moves closer, "I know what's going on at home, my parents won't mind if you want to sleep at mine you know, give yourself a break from the madness."

Madness? I almost laugh at the word. Madness doesn't even come close to things that seem to happen in my house.

Things move without anyone touching them and always when I'm around, although being so paranoid lately a part of me thinks this is my brain over-reacting. Sophia constantly talks to herself but insists someone is there.

I feel uneasy sometimes, like something bad is going to happen. I have nightmares more than I have ever done before, a black figure always there trying to get me and sometimes, when I wake in the night, I catch Sophia sat up in bed saying _'one day soon you will die,'_ it's not exactly something you want to hear now is it.

"Umm, I will have to speak to my mom; you know what it's like at home, not sure she will be okay with being on her own."

Neither of us like being alone with Sophia in the house, Jack knows this. I get he is trying to be nice, he always is when it comes to me, he is still very protective and caring.

He smiles, "of course, well if you need me I'm not that far plus we have class together today."

The bus pulls up outside the school, I'm wondering should I text my mom now and ask her? Or wait until I get home and see what the situation is like after the drama this morning.

I guess maybe I should just get on with my day as normal, I'm sure she will text me if things are really bad.

## Chapter 2

I feel myself falling asleep in maths, I feel so tired, so drained and yet I thought I slept well last night. The sun is blaring in through the windows directly onto my desk, it's hot in here.

"Rayne, are you with us today?" I hear in the distance as my head touches the coolness of the desk, "Rayne sit up," the voice commands and then I feel a slight pinch. I jump up realising Miss Stafford is shouting at me and I have been poked to wake up.

"Sorry," I mumble sleepily as she looks at me with her scrunched up old face. She turns back to the board and carries on with the equations.

I'm pretty good at math normally, around a B+ average. Not the best in the class but certainly amongst the highest achievers.

Miss Stafford is the strictest teacher in the whole school, although she has gone easy with me in the past year. At the lovely age of fifty two, she has never been married, I doubt ever had a boyfriend and is extremely prudish and uptight. She always wears long skirts to her ankles, a shirt with a jumper over the top and a small dainty Jesus necklace around her neck.

She always talks about Jesus, like she is trying to convert you or something. Even in math she finds a way of sneaking him into the topic.

Every equation relates to some form of text in the bible, it's extremely annoying. Her long bony fingers click at you when she feels you are not paying attention and she always has a slight bit of red lipstick on her teeth.

I carry on with the equations she has since put up on the blackboard, and smudged half of the chalk onto her jumper, sometimes I think she needs glasses, but my mind is focused on wanting to get out of here.

I have never been like this before. I like school, I enjoy school, it gets me out of the house and I have some nice friends. Even after everything that has happened some have all stood by me. And Jack? Well, it's obvious between us and everyone we meet that Jack and I clearly still have feelings for each-other, but the arguments and the issues, it just got too complicated.

Sixteen and in and out of a complicated relationship, surely these things are meant to come when you are older, much older.

The bell rings, finally end of class. I go out in the hallway and head to my locker, my next class is biology which is not one of my favourites, but Jack is in this one. He always does the disgusting bits; I do not have a strong stomach at all.

As I reach my locker I see Jack stood there casually, leaning against my locker with the charming smile from ear to ear.

"What has put you in such a mood," I ask slightly pushing him from my locker.

"A nice hour with you dissecting things and watching you freak out," he winks cheekily.

His cheeky wink that makes me go weak at the knees, his dashing almost perfect smile. God I want to kiss him, but I can't.

"You coming Jack," I hear, that awful high pitch annoying girlie voice. It's none other than the school slut Lucy. God I can't stand her.

Ever since Jack and I have broke up she has done nothing but try and get her claws into him. Constantly flirting, laughing at practically everything he says, even things that are not funny, dressing to slutty for even your average prostitute. She is just plain awful.

However, being the kind person that he is, Jack likes to see the good in people and believes she is nothing but friendly. I swear sometimes men just have no brains.

"Uhh yeah, wait, where? I'm heading to biology now with Rayne, where are you going?" he asks, confusion all over his face.

I see the evil glare she gives me before she turns to Jack, "well I switched classes, didn't like my other teacher and having so many issues so I moved," she giggles annoyingly.

God I want to hit her. Her constant digs at me about being a virgin are irritating. So what if I am a virgin, I don't fancy myself being labelled the school bike, although it's a title she seems happy with.

I slam my locker door shut, give her a _'you're a slut fuck off'_ stare and walk away. Jack makes a good choice and follows after me. Sure enough, the clicks and clangs of her cheep heels hitting the floor can be heard not far behind him.

I go and sit at my usual desk and as usual, he sits next to me, making a thud as he drops his books down onto the desk. A part of me wants to jump up and scream _'ha-ha bitch'_ but instead, I opt for a very cocky smile right at her.

She tries to sit next to us but as we are already lab partners, she is moved on to none other than Tommy. Now, Tommy is a lovely guy but his body odour and personal hygiene is not so nice or pleasant to be around.

His hair is full of dandruff; it literally falls onto his shoulders on a daily basis like snow. With that amount he could make a snow machine blow for days. His teeth are yellow and thick in plaque and the smell, Jesus! It's vile, like he never ever showers or changes his clothes.

I do feel sorry for him at times, like I said, he is a lovely person but no-one wants to get close enough for long periods to get to know him better.

As Lucy plonks herself next to him, against her will, I feel a slight sense of pleasure looking at the disgusted look on her face that's staring at me from across the room. I give a sarcastic wave and dive into the lesson with Jack.

"Now don't forget, you need to remove the heart as cleanly as you can," Mr Jones instructs as I almost vomit all over Jack's lap. I see the amusing look he is giving. He thinks this is funny. I could slap him, I really could.

He pulls the heart out from the cut open frog and places it in-front of me. I need to take my mind of it, quick think.

"So seeing anyone?" I blurt out before my mind can think of something more reasonable.

"What? No of course not, why are you?" He asks shocked at my question.

"No not really, don't have the time. I think you should though, I mean, if you want," I tell him trying to sound like I'm happy about the idea.

"Look, I know things are hard but I don't think it would be fair on you for me to see other people, besides, you have my heart" he whispers.

Wow, that makes my heart sink and a small smile appears on my face, no matter how much I try to hide it. I look up at him heavily concentrating on dissecting the frog.

I pull out my phone and text my mom; I do want to spend the night with him. I want to see if we can maybe make a go of things again, even though I keep telling myself I shouldn't. I send her a quick text then quickly put the phone back in my bag.

As the hour passes I hear nothing back from her but finally our lesson is coming to an end. I quickly head out and to the girls bathroom to wash my hands. Frog juice everywhere!

I check my phone, still no messages! Is she still at the hospital? Is everything ok? I send another message to ask for an update on Sophia and head out; as I do I bump into none other than slut of the century.

She bumps me on purpose, "very funny Lucy, I know you saw me so next time have some manners, I know that's hard for you," I state with sarcasm, "and if you need to know what they are then get a dictionary, if you can read one and maybe next time say sorry for bumping into people."

She breathes a little laugh, a sort of spiteful one, "You think he is going to come back to you? Why would he want a pathetic little virgin like you who lives in a crazy house, with crazy people?"

Okay, say what you want about me, I can defend myself, but do not bring my family into it. This bitch knows nothing about what we have been through or what we are going through.

"Better than living with someone who couldn't keep their legs shut and doesn't even know who the father of her own daughter is, sorry I believe that's your mum," I see the anger boil in her face, "like mother like daughter," I smirk, "oh don't forget to wash your hands, they're a bit dirty. I guess that's from doing nothing better than being on your hands and knees like the trashy slut you are." I turn and walk away leaving her stood there mouth wide open almost touching the floor.

I take a deep breath and calm myself. It is taking every part of me not to walk back in there and hit her. My god her face is so smug sometimes I could punch the shit out of her.

But the last thing my mother needs is a called from the principal to say her daughter has been in school fighting. She has enough stress on her plate as it is!

I head to my next class trying to put the whole thing behind me, she really can get under my skin and I guess I let her know that she can.

I get a text from Jack as I sit down:

'I saw you walking down that hallway looking mighty fine ;) J.xx'

I giggle; he certainly knows how to cheer me up, even with his weird ass messages. As I am texting him back I finally get a text from my mother. I was expecting her to sound worried but the text is simple,

'That's fine, stay out and have fun, I love you, Mom x

It seems really cold for my mother. Yes it says _'I love you'_ at the end but something just seems a little off. I put it to the back of my mind, maybe I'm just over-reacting. A part of me is happy though, at least I get to spend the night with Jack.

I send him a quick message to let him know, I know once he reads it, he will have the biggest smile on his face.

## Chapter 3

As the school day begins to draw to an end, I find myself holding back my excitement. I want to jump up and down but then the other half of me says _'stop'_ your mother has been with Sophia all day.

Should I go home? I mean, things could be bad, really bad and I'm off out leaving my mother to deal with it. I text her again, I need to make sure she is sure about this,

'Mom, I'm just about to head to Jack's, are you sure this is ok xoxo'

I see Jack waving at me by the school bus inviting me over. He is waiting for me bless him but I need to get an answer from my mom first. As I casually walk towards him my phone bleeps,

'Of course it is, have fun'

Again no kisses, just seems cold. She seems happy for me to go so I'm going to go. It will be nice to get out of the mad house anyway.

Jack and I get on the bus and head towards his house. It's a long drive on the bus to Jack's as he is the last stop living the furthest away.

I have always liked Jack's house since we were kids. It's private and hidden away from the streets. A long drive-way leads to a sort of tree-house style home but incredibly large and extravagant. It has a pond in the front of the house and is surrounded by stilts that the house sits upon.

It has large top-to-floor windows with French style drapes hanging and antique furniture. Now I know it sounds old but it is very stylish and beautiful.

When we were kids, Jack and I used to use under the house as our playground. The large tall stilts made the house high enough for us to be able to play under.

As we approach his house, the place I used to call home and have not visited in a while, I get that familiar smell that always surrounded it. That smell of wild flowers and homemade cooking that always drifted down the drive-way.

I miss being here. The peace and quiet, the tranquillity of the running water flowing through the fountain perfectly situated in the middle of the pond.

"Home," Jack smiles, taking my by the hand and walking me up the drive-way.

Home, yes I guess it is home and always has felt like a home to me. Before my dad left, when the arguments were really bad, I used to retreat here to get away from it all. But then Jack and I would argue sometimes making things worse.

They were like a second family to me, a second family I grew to love and adore just like my own.

As we walk through the front-door, I hear a high pitched happy squeak and then the clacking of heels on the floor. Out from the kitchen comes Jack's mum, still as beautiful as ever.

The woman is in her fifties but you would never tell. With thick glossy brown hair, sparkling blue eyes and slim fit figure, she looks no older than a twenty one year old.

"My darling, we've missed you, it's been so long," she squeaks happily embracing me in a hug.

"I know, I'm sorry. After Jack and I, well things just been a bit all over is all," I smile awkwardly as I hug her back.

She always was the nicest woman. No matter what was happening in my family she never ever judged me. She was always there as someone to talk to, someone I needed.

When Jack and I broke up I stopped visiting over fear that they would all hate me or at least wouldn't feel the same way, but that's not the case at all.

"No need to worry my darling," she fusses over me, "you are always welcome here no matter what, you're like family. Now I'm making lasagne and fresh garlic bread so I hope you're hungry," she heads into the kitchen then pops her head back around, "oh and be careful of the new cat, he's a scrammer if you get too close."

I look and Jack and laugh, "your mum seems full of beans."

"She's just happy to see you, when I told her you were coming she was over-come with joy. You know how she is."

Indeed I do, happy all the time, always looking good and willing to do anything for you. Jack takes me by the hand and we head upstairs to his room.

It's still the same as the last time I saw it. Bedroom a mess, bed not made and clothes all over the floor. Nothing changes.

"Sorry, I didn't think I was going to invite you over so I didn't clean my room."

I laugh, "You never used to clean it before so doesn't make a difference."

He laughs with me and before I know it he has grabbed me and pulled me in for a kiss. His soft lips touch mine ever so gently. His hand caresses my face as he leans down, kissing me tenderly.

I pull back quickly, partly shocked and partly not knowing what I should do next.

"I'm sorry," he quickly apologises; I know he thinks I didn't like it.

"No, no don't apologise, just a little shocked is all, I didn't expect that."

He smiles and this time pulls me closer a little more slowly. He lifts me up so he doesn't have to bend down and kisses me softly. His tongue enters my mouth as mine does his. I taste him, my god he tastes so good.

"Mmm, I have waited all day to do that, I've missed that sexy mouth of yours," he gushes.

I feel my cheeks blush as a smile appears on my face from ear to ear. I have wanted to kiss him for weeks, not just today but I have held back. I wasn't sure if kissing would be a sign that we were going to get back together. We have been getting closer and closer but I held back. We argued so much and didn't speak for two months.

After everything I and my family put him through, I thought he would have left me alone and run a mile, but he has never left my side even as my friend. Just those two months when we weren't speaking, well, some nasty things were said. He dated some other girls in those two months and I hated him for it, he lost his virginity to one of them and I couldn't look at him, but eventually I got over it and he has since never left my side.

He throws me on the bed causing me to laugh out loud as he playfully jumps on top of me. He begins tickling me, I hate being tickled and he knows it.

It does make me laugh but sometimes, when I laugh too much I uncontrollably dribble, which is always embarrassing. It's like playing with a toddler that cannot control their own saliva.

"Eww," he laughs still tickling me, "look it's dribbling down your chin."

"Please, please stop," I wriggle laughing, trying to break free from his grip. He stops and then leans down and kisses me, just as his mother knocks on the door.

"Hey guys, dinner is ready," her happy voice speaks from the other side of the door.

"Just in time," he winks at me.

As we head down to the large dining room, the food is neatly laid out plate by plate, place by place like a lovely restaurant setting.

Snobby you may think, but she really isn't like that. She just likes things in a certain way. It's nice to sit down for a family meal.

In my house, this normally consists of my mother cooking, sitting down with me and then Sophia kicking off. I am normally left to eat on my own as their dinner goes cold.

As we sit and eat, chatting about our days. I realise how much I miss family life and how much has changed in the past year. I'm going to be seventeen soon, I doubt things are going to improve at home, but I cannot leave, I could never leave my mom.

As I look around the table at their happy smiley faces, I want to burst into tears. Why can't I have a family like this? Why did my dad up and leave like he did, if he was still around maybe things would be a little easier.

After dinner, Jack and I give our thanks; help clean the dishes, playfully hitting each-other with the dish cloth before heading upstairs to watch a film in bed.

His mother is pretty cool; she will let me stay in his room. I guess that's what comes with being a virgin, you have that sweet and innocent look like _'she never does anything wrong.'_ To be fair, I'm pretty good; I'm too scared of disappointing my mother.

As we lie on the bed watching TV, we start talking like we used to. As if nothing has happened in the past year, it flows from our mouths so naturally. Our days, what's happened to me at home, what's been happening with him and his Dad.

You see, Jack's Dad is a very strict man, a professional businessman owning several restaurants in the city. He wants Jack to follow in his footsteps, become a restaurant manager and take over.

He has pushed Jack for so long to do this but this isn't what Jack wants. Jack wants to become a mechanic, he is amazing with machinery and tools but his father will not approve of this. He wants Jack to go to the same college he went to, to study business and at the end, join the restaurants.

Jack does well at school; he plays football and is one of the best on the team. He has the highest grades, and despite his popularity he is a nice guy.

It's been a nice night. Family dinner laughs and giggles and I have been totally relaxed, which has not happened in a very long time.

Lying in Jack's arms, I slowly fall asleep.

## Chapter 4

I hear something whistling, like the howling of the wind brushing passed the house, it's enough to wake me up. As I open my eyes I'm surrounded by darkness, it's still night-time and Jack is fast asleep.

It's cold, much too cold for this time of year. I look at the clock next to the bed and see its 2:30am. I shiver at the thought. This is normally the time Sophia wakes up screaming or talking to herself, according to reports it's the time her mother was murdered.

I look around the dark room, shadows of the trees outside reflect on the walls, Jack never draws his drapes. The house is so private he never needs to. Plus Jack hates complete darkness, he likes the light of the night from outside to help him fall asleep, if not that then he usually falls asleep with the TV on and I hate that.

I sneak out of bed and head to the bathroom; now that I am awake I might as well pee. But I get a strange feeling come over me, that I am being watched or followed. As I go into the en-suite, I quickly shut the door behind me and turn the light on.

Taking a deep breath I try to calm myself, _'it's just your imagination'_ I tell myself. I'm freaking myself out. I pee faster than I have ever pee'd in my entire life, this unnerving feeling hasn't gone away.

I flush and was my hands and turn out the light. Opening the bathroom door, I am stunned and frightened to see a dark figure standing beside the bed.

It's still and is looking right at me. Those white eyes staring at me, I see no face, just those eyes. Who or what the hell is that?

It glides over to me, this black figure shimmering as if under water. I feel my heart beating hard in my chest. As the thing approaches it whispers _'all is not what it seems, find the truth, save him.'_

It goes to grab me but I scream. Kicking and screaming I feel something grab and shake me.

"Rayne, Rayne wake up," I hear but all I want to do is fight whatever it is.

I open my eyes and realise I had been dreaming. Jack is leaning over me, his hands gripped on my arms and a frightful look on his face.

I could have sworn that was real. It felt so real. I felt the icy coldness on my skin, my hairs stand on end. I could feel my heart beating hard in my chest; I felt whatever it was grip me.

"Jesus, I have never heard you scream like that," he gasps just as his mother and father run into the room.

They see the nervous sweat dripping own my face, "my dear are you alright?" his mother asks.

I nod, "yeah I'm ok, just had a nightmare is all, I'm so sorry to wake all of you."

"Nonsense," she smiles coming over to bed and giving me a hug. She kisses my forehead tells me she is always there if I need her and leaves. Is father gives a polite nod.

Jack pulls me into his arms and snuggles down beside me. I cuddle into him hearing the calming rhythm of his breathing in my ear.

I feel too scared to fall asleep and even if that was a dream, it wouldn't be the first time I have seen something that has frightened me half to death.

"You're safe with me," he whispers.

"I doubt I'm safe anywhere," I mumble back to him, eyes wide open scanning the room.

"You'll always be safe with me, I will never let anyone harm you," he snuggles his head into my neck and I feel his lips press against my skin.

I turn over to face him, its dark with just the light of the night sky and the street lamps in the distance shining through the window.

"I don't think I can keep my hands off you," he whispers sliding his hands down my back and onto my bum pulling me into him.

"Jack, I...." I stutter, "I want to, I really want to but I'm, I mean I, you know."

He gives cheeky grin, "I know it's okay. Trust me okay, I'm not going to hurt you."

That's easy for him to say, I know he isn't a virgin, besides it's my first time, this is going to kill.

"I will be gentle, if you don't want to we don't have to," he whispers again.

"It's okay," I wrap my leg over him, "I want to," I pull him into me and kiss him softly.

His tongue fills my mouth as mine his, his hands move all over my body slowly and softly. I feel tingly, warm and eager for more.

His hands slide down my body, over my naval and into my pyjama bottoms. I realise at this moment I am not wearing any underwear and from the slight little moan he gives, so does he which appears to amuse him.

He touches me softly, slowly rubbing his finger over my clitoris and then moving down to feel my wetness. His finger slides inside me which makes me gasp; he quickly kisses me in order to keep quiet.

I feel his smile as his lips press against mine. I smile back trying not to giggle, if his parents catch us no doubt they will hit the roof!

He rolls over and lies on top of me. I feel his erection dig into me. He slowly slides my pyjama bottoms off along with his and finally I actually feel it. Skin to skin I feel him, I feel all of him.

He kisses me softly caressing my breasts and pushing his erection against my wetness, rubbing up and down. His hand slides down my body and grasps his erection as he slowly pushes the tip inside me.

I quickly bite my lip to stop me from moaning out loud. Little by little and ever so gently, he pushes the full length of him inside me. My hands grip hold of his biceps and he leans down to kiss me. As I moan into his mouth I feel his deep thrust pushing in and out of me gently and slowly.

My god this feels good, this feels amazing. I want to scream out loud as a reaction to the pleasure surging through my body, but instead I moan into his mouth quietly, which seems to spur him on.

He moves a little faster, "are you ok," he whispers breathlessly.

"Yeah, I'm ok," I moan quietly.

This is intense, deep. Our passion sours beyond our physical movements and I can feel our bond deep in my soul. I pull him closer and lift my hips wanting him to go deeper.

His thrust intensifies and I feel something pulsing through me, it's getting stronger and my inner loins begin to shake. I want to scream; Jack senses this and quickly kisses me as he moves quicker.

I feel like I am going to explode, I moan heavier into his mouth as my nails dig into his back, "let go," he whispers.

With those words I feel an explosion inside me, my god it feels so good. He pushes deep and grips the bed sheets, pulling them close to him as he reaches orgasm.

He falls down on top of me; I feel his hot and sweaty body trembling against mine. His heart is racing and his breathing heavy, what was that I felt. I stare at the ceiling and I feel him grinning.

"I cannot see you but I know what you're doing, what are you smirking at."

"You," he replies breathlessly, "you come so hard and so did I, which was the most amazing thing I ever felt."

Oh so that's what that was, that amazing exploding feeling, I had an orgasm. "You enjoyed that, it wasn't....." I ask feeling nervous.

"I have never made love to anyone, I just made love to you and it felt amazing, you were amazing and I couldn't get enough of you," he strokes my face and kisses me again.

"Oh my god," I shoot up, "Jack, we didn't use a condom, shit!"

He pulls me back down next to him, "it's okay, I wanted to feel you and besides, no matter what happens you're the only girl I'm ever going to be with."

I'm happy I have lost my virginity to him, I love him and no matter what issues we have had, he is always going to be the one I would have wanted to share that with.

His breathing has finally calmed and he is just lying there stroking my arm, pulling me into his arms.

"So, I guess this means I'm yours again?" I ask him, grinning to myself.

"You were always mine," he answers back, completely taking me by surprise.

I knew he always felt that way, even when we had arguments and even when we broke up, I knew his feelings never changed. It was always obvious whenever he was around me, the way he'd act or do certain things. As we go to the same school, even though at one point we were not speaking, it was hard to avoid him all the time.

I smile and my inner person starts screaming and jumping for joy.

Jack and I are a couple again and I couldn't be happier. Relaxed and comfortable in his arms, I once again drift back off to sleep.

## Chapter 5

The sun shines through the large windows and the warmth touches my feet. It's warm. I open my eyes and for a moment I feel happy and peaceful.

I look over to see Jack isn't in the bed with me but the shower is running in the bathroom. I look at my phone but I have no messages from my mother, maybe everything was ok last night.

I hear someone whistling, I know that song. I swear I heard it before. I get up out of bed listening to the sounds of the water in the shower, it's Jack whistling that tune.

What is that tune, I know I have heard it before. Then suddenly it clicks, it's three blind mice. Sophia's mom used to sing it to us when we were kids; it was her signal she said to tell us something bad was coming. Why is he humming that tune?

I push open the bathroom door to be confronted by none other than that black figure and those glowing white eyes. I dare not scream, "Who are you?" I asks terrified of the response.

It reaches out towards me and again whispers _'all is not what it seems; find the truth, save him.'_

I quickly sit up, I'm back in the bed and it is day time, the sun is shining and Jack is not in the bed. What just happened seems to be repeating itself.

I get out of bed and slowly walk towards the bathroom where I can hear the shower, however, no humming. I push the door open slowly to see Jack dancing through the shower glass.

I look around the bathroom and everything seems normal although I could have sworn I have just done this, was it another dream?

"Hey beautiful you coming in?" he smirks through the misted glass.

I drop the sheet I pulled off the bed to cover me and hop into the shower, my eyes cautiously looking around the room waiting to see something else.

Throughout the day in school I am drifting along in auto-pilot. Those words echoing through my head _'save him.'_ Save who? Who am I meant to save? If I over think this then I think I am going to drive myself crazy.

I look around school for Jack but I have not seen him since this morning. Lucy however is floating around in her cheap clothes flashing her vagina at anyone who pays attention, well not literally but you get what I mean.

As I stand by my locker urgently trying to get hold of Jack, she _'accidentally on purpose'_ bumps into me making me drop my books on the floor.

"Woops, no-one notices the virgin," she sniggers.

"But everyone notices the slut," I bite back as I pick my books up off the floor.

"No Jack today, aww," she points out tutting sarcastically.

"No," I stand grabbing my books, "after him fucking my brains out last night he must be tired. Must be really hard for you, the most popular guy in school being the only one to say no to you, then again, he probably doesn't want to catch whatever disease you might be carrying," I smirk, "I'd get checked if I was you." I give her the cold shoulder showing her I have no interest in her, turn and leave.

Once again I try to get hold of Jack but his phone seems switched off. Where the hell is he? He came with me to school this morning and seemed fine. I have checked all his classes and he hasn't been seen coming out of them.

I carry on with my day, also trying to get hold of my mother whose phone is also switched off. Where is everyone? As my attention is diverted, this is noticed by my teachers who are picking up on my lack of participation, normally I am the first to speak up.

As the end of the day approaches, I feel the day has completely passed me by. Being on auto-pilot with my mind worrying all day, I haven't spoken to any of my friends today, my mind has been completely elsewhere.

I head straight home, I haven't spoken t my mother since yesterday and her texts were cold and not the same. As I approach the house, I get an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that something isn't right.

I can see from the outside that the drapes are closed which is unusual, my mother opens them every morning without fail. She never lies in because she sorts out breakfast and then goes to work.

The car is still on the drive-way so she must still be home. I look over and my lovely nosey neighbour is trimming his hedges. He is like the street gossip column, knows everything about everyone.

I give a polite wave as he is clearly watching me, "Hey George, have you seen my mum?" I shout across.

"No, she has not been out since she come back yesterday; I have seen that cousin of yours though," he nods disapprovingly, "roaming the streets last night in her night-gown, gave poor old Dorothy a fright."

Dorothy is his wife. You never really see her anymore; she just sits in the front window, staring out into the street with a sour look on her face. It's as if she is angry at anyone walking passed and for no reason whatsoever.

Just before I head inside, my phone rings, finally it's Jack ringing me back, annoyed I pick up the phone and scream at him, "where the hell have you been? I have been trying to get hold of you all day, something...."

"Rayne I need to talk to you," he cuts me off, his voice cold and he seems different, "just listen ok."

I don't say a word back; I want to know what it is he has to say and why he has been ignoring me all day.

"I'm not at home, I have left the city, it doesn't matter where I am I'm so sorry. I couldn't handle the fact I was told my mother had an affair and my father, well, he may not be my father. I don't know how to deal with this but I need some time away."

My mouth falls open to the floor, he's run away? His dad is not his dad? This is far too much for me to deal with right now. I'm so angry at him, why didn't he come to me instead of running away? I could have helped him, calmed him down, "how fucking dare you? Ring me up to tell me you've run away from your problems instead of facing them, sleep with me, tell me all that bullshit that you'll be with me forever, even reassured me when I panicked about the condom and then you fucking leave me, how fucking dare you use me like that," I snap in anger.

"Rayne I didn't mean...."

"I don't want to hear your excuses," I snap at him, my god I am so angry.

"Rayne, I need you to understand, I...." he stutters his words, I barely hear any sadness in his voice.

Instead of keeping calm and listening, I lose it, completely lose it and lay into him, "I need to what Jack, be there? Listen? You want to run away then fine, you do that but don't you ever contact me again," and with those words I disconnect the call and turn my phone off.

George is still looking at me; no doubt he heard all that and will be discussing it with the other busy bodies at some point. I give a polite nod and head inside the house. Why was Sophia out and about on her own? The door is always locked; she doesn't even know where we hide the key.

I walk in the house to be confronted by a god awful smell that can only be described as faeces and something rotting.

The lounge is a mess, like someone has gone around throwing the furniture and smashing things up. The kitchen has plates of food still untouched, clearly from last night and my mother's phone is on the kitchen counter, with texts and missed calls from me that have not been opened yet.

I head upstairs, calling out to my mother but I get no answer. My mind is racing with a million things, what's wrong, is my mother ok, what the fuck is Jack playing at?

At the top of the stairs I see my mother's door at the end of the landing which is closed and to the right, mine and Sophia's door which is open. Whose bedroom shall I look in first?

My belly is swirling with nerves. I slowly walk across the landing; I hear no sounds from anyone. Are there actually people at home?

As I approach our bedroom, I see Sophia sat on the bed in silence, creepily rocking back and forth on the end of the bed.

"Sophia," I call out cautiously, "is everything ok?" But she doesn't answer me, "where is my mother?" I ask but again I am met with silence.

I back out of the room, tip-toeing making sure I don't disrupt her; I cannot tell if she is in her crazy mood or just being awkwardly silent.

I know my mother would never go out and leave her on her own, but if she was in the house why hasn't she come out after I have called out to her and why is her car still on the drive?

With nerves and horrible feelings running through my body, I slowly walk towards my mother's closed bedroom door. The temperature drops to something icy cold, prickling at my skin like needle tips.

In-front of me a dark shadow appears, that dark figure I have seen so often in my dreams, am I dreaming now? It whispers _'all is not what it seems'_ and then it disappears.

I look around me quickly, where did it go? What the fuck does it mean? Scared and shaking like a leaf, I knock on my mother's bedroom door, "mom, you in there?" But just like Sophia, I do not get a reply.

Pushing open the bedroom door, what I see I was not expecting. There, covered in blood is the body of my mother lying on the bed, dead.

## Chapter 6

I let out an almighty scream at the highest pitch my lungs would allow and for some reason I cannot stop. Standing in the doorway I can barely move, frozen in fear and disgust at the sight of my mother's bloodied dead body.

My screams must have attracted the attention of passerby and neighbours because I hear the doorbell ring but I cannot move or call down to answer, I just keep screaming.

I hear stopping footsteps and voices behind me, then all of a sudden there is an a hand on me, I jump out of my skin not expecting it as a man ushers me out of the room.

I fall to floor, staring into nothing trying to find my sanity and work this entire thing out. As I look up, a man goes into the bedroom and I hear him talking to Sophia, who the fuck would do this and why is she remaining silent.

"Rayne, Rayne look at me, what the hell happened? Are you alright? Rayne?" my kind neighbour asks me but I barely hear his voice, it's like a sound in the distance.

My mother has been murdered, I feel so sick. I watch as Sophia is led out of her room and taken downstairs and then I am suddenly sat on the sofa. Lots of people surround me, it's dark, mumbled voices can be heard. How did I get here? My mind is a blur; all I can picture is my mother, my dead mother.

Sophia is next to me, rocking and staying silent. I want to shake her and get some answers to the questions I have building but it's no use. She will never talk unless she wants to and I can barely speak myself.

"Miss, can you hear me," I hear snapping me out of my own mind and there in-front of me is a man, a very beautiful, very young man in a blue uniform, "Miss, are you alright?" He asks again, I just nod.

He moves away and sliding into his spot is a much older man, very authoritative looking wearing a grey suit and a tie that doesn't match and holding a notepad. "Miss, I am Detective Clarke, is it ok if I as you a few questions?"

I just nod; I don't know how much use I can be to him. I am in shock, can barely speak and I don't really want to hear the fine details of how my mother died.

"Do you live here?" He asks, what kind of a stupid question is that? I nod in agreement, "lovely, can you tell me your name Miss?"

Do they not have this information already? There are pictures of me right next to him with my mother, are these really the types of questions he is going to ask, I cough clearing my throat but I am only able to get out a whisper of a word, "Watts, but call me Rayne," I reply.

"Certainly, Rayne, are you related to the victim?" He asks, his tone cold, no compassion and no empathy. He seems he is simply just doing his job.

Victim? Did I hear him right? Victim? My mother was a victim? That doesn't seem to sink in, who would ever what to hurt her, "she was my mother," I reply still a whisper.

"Sir, I think it would be best to maybe ask these questions tomorrow," The beautiful young men suggest quietly behind him, the detective barely notices him, "she is clearly distressed," he looks at me, "is there somewhere you can go for the night?" He asks me softly.

I shake my head; there is nowhere I can go. This is my home, I would probably have gone to Jack's but he has left, ran away to god knows where. "I'm all alone; it's just me and Sophia."

"This the young lady sitting next to you," the detective points, "I can see she is in need of psychiatric help, you are not equipped to look after her."

He is right. I am not able to look after her all on my own, but he has no idea what type of help she needs. He has no idea at all.

"Sir, officer, person," I stumble in my words, "Sophia does need help, and she is my cousin, my mother...." I swallow a lump in my throat holding back tears, "my mother was her carer; trust me officer person, you have no idea."

He sort of coughs in a way of clearing his throat, adjusts his god awful tie and leans down, "well we have someone come and take a look at her and she will need to be admitted for psychiatric care, in the meant-time you will need to stay elsewhere, this place is now a crime scene."

"And where am I meant to go?" I snap at him, "This is my home, my home. I have nothing else."

"Please allow me to help," the officer steps in having just spoken to two other men, he turns to the detective, who barely notices him again as he continues to read over his notes, "Marshall and Dockson have called the hospital, they are sending someone for the patient, they should be here shortly."

"Lovely," the detective responds without looking, "I will need to speak to Miss," he looks up at me for an answer but turns back to an officer next to him, not the one who has kindly offered him information, what a rude man to ignore him, "tomorrow, if you are going to sort accommodation for her, please make sure she comes to me, I will need to ask her some questions."

The detective joins the rest of the officers and god knows who else is in my house as the kind officer leans down

and looks at me. His eyes are soft and his smile is sweet, he seems so friendly, "I know somewhere you can stay."

I smile awkwardly back, "thank you but I cannot leave yet, I need to wait for the people who are going to deal with Sophia first, it's complicated but I'm afraid if I leave, she will not remain as calm as she is now."

He looks confused but I'm not explaining this to him right now. I go upstairs passed the people in white jump suits and masks and into our bedroom. I grab the bottles of medication next to Sophia's bed and then head back down stairs, avoiding looking into my mother's room, walking passed the people carrying bags of my mother's blood soaks clothes and bed sheets.

As I get to the bottom of the stairs I see a white van pull up outside my house and I know, they are there for Sophia. I quickly get back to the sofa, she is the only family I have left I have to make sure she is ok.

"Sophia, there are some people here that are going to help you, I'm so sorry I don't know what I am going to do but please...." but before I finish she attacks me. I scream to get her off and people surround is trying to pull her away but she has such a tight grip on me.

She starts screaming, "He will pay, he will pay, you will never save him, I will be back for you."

Struggling to break free from her grip she suddenly gives a sharp look, eyes wide open and then falls limp on top of me. I catch my breath as she is lifted off of me, I see someone stood with a needle in his hand as they carry her away.

"Are you alright?" The man dressed all in what appears to be blue scrubs asks me, I nod in reply watching as they take her away. "Is that a regular occurrence?" He asks.

"Not like that, I mean well yeah I guess so but...." her words replay over in my head, what did she mean, _'he will pay, I will be back for you,'_ "Umm, is she going to be okay?"

He smiles reassuringly "of course we will take great care of her, here is my card, please call us tomorrow, the detective is going to want to speak to her, we will let you know of her progress and anything when you call us." He nods his head at the officer and then leaves.

I watch them drive away and then it's just me, all alone in my house that's now a crime scene, how did it come to this?

The kind officer wraps a blanket around me and leads me outside, no-one seems to care he is taking me away, "come on, I'm going to take you somewhere safe."

Why is he being so kind to me? He doesn't even know me or know what's happened, he could have easily walked away and carried on doing his job but instead he has opted to be my hero for the night.

He puts me in his car and drives out of the city. Its dark, the night sky is clear and the stars glisten in the distance. If my mother's murder wasn't such a prominent fixture in my head, I would say it was a beautiful night. I'd sit in my garden drinking my _'before bed'_ cup of tea and stare at the stars above.

"My name is Toby," he speaks distracting me from staring out of the window.

"Hi I'm Rayne, thank you so much for doing this. I don't know what to do," I mumble back to him, "you know, you look awfully young to be in a blue uniform already."

He laughs, "yes, well I'm twenty one, I started in the force at sixteen, well the army, I wasn't what you would call a good student," he smirks.

"And you're a police-man, you must have done something right," I shrug.

"Well, I left school at sixteen and I knew I wanted to do something in law but, well, my family were not as keen. I went into the army where they put me through my college degree and in the two years I was there I managed to graduate, do the police-training academy and finally I graduated, I'm one of the youngest people ever to do that," he smiles proudly of his achievement.

"Well, that's nice. My life isn't so easy," I tell him looking back out of the window.

"How so?" I hear the intrigue in his voice, what else do I have to lose?

"My mother cared for Sophia, we took her in a year ago when her mother was murdered. She saw the whole thing and completely lost it. The past year has been extremely difficult, Sophia, she...." how do I tell him this without him thinking I am crazy, "well, she is classified crazy, I guess that's the best way I can put it. My father left not so long ago and I don't really have any family, not that I know of anyway. So it's just been us, and now," tears begin to fall from my face, "and now I'm alone, I will end up in the system won't I?"

Staring out into the night-time darkness of the road in front, he sighs, "I would never let that happen, how old are you now?."

"I'm seventeen tomorrow," I state looking down, saddened by the thought." But then what he just said suddenly clicks in my brain, what does he mean he would never let that happen? How could he have any control over this?

He says nothing about my age, just concentrates on his driving. His face looks so sad but then he speaks, "This place I am taking you to, it was my grandmother's. She died when I was little and left this to me. I inherited it on my twenty first birthday, you can stay there as long as you like."

"Why are you being so kind to me?"

"Because, I remember when I lost my home as a child, my step-father was a useless drunk and my smoked our money away. I ended up on the streets for a while, when my Nanna died, my mother was angry at me. The house she thought she would get but she got nothing, my Nanna never really forgave her for killing my grandfather."

I look at him shocked, mouth wide open, did I just hear him right? "What? Your mother killed her own father?"

"Not physically, her actions caused him to have a heart attack. He kept giving her money to fund her drug habit but she just took advantage. After the streets, we ended up in a rundown caravan, when I saw you and the thought that you could end up on the streets, after what happened to you, I knew I had to help, I couldn't let that happen to you, I could never let that happen to you."

This man is melting my heart, who knew that a man, brought up in such horrible conditions would turn out to be so lovely. Although his choice of words are making me wonder, does he know me?

We arrive at the house, it's a beautiful wooded house surrounded by trees at the end of a closed street. It looks like a large cabin, decorated with hanging flower baskets on the outside.

He pulls up outside and then helps me out of the car like a gentleman. He takes me inside. The house smells like it is brand new and recently decorated. It's full of modern furniture, a large flat screen is up on the lounge wall with sofa's that curve around the viewing area. The kitchen has an attached dining room and then on the other side, a long hallway leads down into bedrooms. Everything is on one level, it's beautiful, homey and warm.

He leads me down to a large bedroom, it has a bathroom opposite and an en-suite and the bed is made up with sweet little pillows as decoration, "Here, this will be your room, I hope it's ok," I smile and nod, "the fridge is full so help yourself to anything that you need, there are some towels in the cupboard by here, please help yourself, you must be exhausted."

"I'm okay, it's going to be hard to sleep with the images rerunning themselves in my head."

"Is there anything I can get for you?" He asks kindly.

"No thank you, you have done more than enough and I am grateful for your kindness."

He gives a polite nod, "well I am only at the end of the hallway if you need me. My shift is over so I will be heading there and then I'm afraid tomorrow we will have to go to the station."

"I know, a nice chat with Mr Stiff, he seems like the coldest person I have ever met."

Toby laughs, "Yes, he does seem like that doesn't he."

Has he never worked with him before? My mind races with questions and things that just aren't piecing together but I'm mentally exhausted, my mind is over-thinking everything.

He smiles at me and leaves; once again I am alone. For the first time all evening I absorb what has happened and finally, I break down.

## Chapter 7

My face is red from where I have been sobbing uncontrollably. I pull my phone from my pocket and finally switch it on. As it loads I see the time, it's gone midnight. I hadn't even realised it was so late, I came straight home after school and saw that, where has the time gone?

My phone starts flashing, messages coming through from Jack, missed call alerts texts and a voicemail.

Taking my mind off what has happened I read and listen to the messages.

Message one

I'm so sorry, please know this was a hard decision, I couldn't stay there. J.xx

Message two,

Rayne, please pick up the phone. J.xx

Message three,

Rayne I love you, I need you. J.xx

Message four,

Rayne? J.xx

Voicemail,

' _Rayne, I have tried calling you but I guess you have switched your phone off. I understand you are mad and I left without thinking, I just needed to get away. I cannot go back there, not yet, I love you I really do and I meant what I said, I'm so sorry,' he sobs 'I never meant to hurt you, this is really hard for me, please pick up please, I cannot bare to lose you.'_

How can he say he loves me when instead of coming to me, he ran away. Is that love? Is that how you treat someone you love? If it is I certainly don't want it. My father left me, Jack has left me, and I guess all men are the same.

Feeling exhausted I climb into bed wearing a t-shirt and shorts Toby has provided me. I pull the blanket over me and turn the lights out. The sound of the night wind howls passed the house, strangely the sound is calming and helps me drift off into a deep sleep.

I awake feeling cold, the blanket has fallen on the floor. It's freezing, so cold it makes me want to pee. As I get out of bed I feel something gritty between my toes.

That's strange, I look down to see grass. How is there grass in the bedroom? I look up and I'm not in the bedroom, I'm in my Aunt's back garden with Sophia, my mom and Sophia's stepdad, Joe. Everyone is happy, smiling and having a good time.

I walk around, everything is in slow motion, and I remember this day. It was the day Sophia turned sixteen, the day before her mother died.

We are all happy and she is hugging Joe and he is hugging her back, why do I not remember this? We are having joint celebrations with our birthdays being so close.

Joe looks at me, his grin sends chills down my spine. Everyone stops laughing and looks at me but Sophia, her back is towards me.

I'm alone with them all staring at me, their eyes black and soulless, they just stare at me. Slowly Sophia turns, her face evil, scrunched up and terrifying to look at.

She glides towards me, I try to step back but I do not move. Her black eyes look into mine, "You" her evil voice echoes, "you know nothing, the world you see is not what it seems, nothing is what it seems," and with her words she goes to push me.

I try to fight her off and then I feel something with an almighty thud. As I open my eyes I realise I have fallen out of the bed and am lying on the floor. I see the black figure once again standing in my room, I feel it isn't there to harm me but maybe to warn me.

It repeats the same thing over and over. What is it I don't know? What is it trying to tell me? I fear there is something more to this whole situation than I know.

"Please, tell me what I am meant to do," I state to it as it hovers in my room.

Before it or whoever it is can reply, my door bursts open with a man holding a gun. I scream and the light is quickly switched on, it's Toby.

I look at him, heart pounding, "what the hell are you doing?"

He looks around, gun still pointing, "I heard a scream and a bang, I thought someone had got you."

"No, no-one has got me, I had a bad dream and fell about a bed, and can you stop pointing that thing please?"

He looks at his gun in his hand quickly put's it down, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you, are you alright?" He asks nicely helping me up from the floor.

"Yeah, it was just a nightmare, it doesn't matter," I brush it off not wanting to get into conversation about it.

"I won't ask, it's understandable though after what you have been through, come with me, I know what will make you feel better." He holds his hand out.

I am a little hesitant, I mean I barely know this man. But surely, his kind eyes are inviting and something familiar so I take him by the hand and he leads me to the kitchen.

He pulls a chair out and sits me down whilst he goes to fridge and starts pulling out all bits and pieces, he seems to be making some sort of drink.

"Now, don't worry. I used to have this when I couldn't sleep. It's just cocoa with a teeny drop of Tia Maria, perfect to help you calm down," he smiles.

When he finishes, he comes over to me and hands me a warm cup of cocoa, it smells amazing. As I take it from him he leans down and looks at me, "Happy Birthday," his whispers.

"Thank you" I blush.

We sit and chat for a while as I drink my lovely warm drink and I start t feel sleepy. As I yawn he scoops me up and carries me to bed. The last thing I see his warm smile and his gorgeous eyes looking at me, finally I drift off to sleep.

I awake the next morning feeling good. I had a nice sleep and have woken up somewhere nice and peaceful. I don't feel like going to school today and its Friday, one day won't hurt surely.

I have nothing to put on, I know I will need to go back to the house to get my things plus I have to visit Sophia and speak to the doctors. I feel this is going to be a long day, however I feel more easy speaking about it today than I did yesterday.

Not that this will ever be easy to talk about but yesterday I could barely utter two words, but whoever did this needs to be punished and I want them to find my mother's killer.

I hear the sounds of a blender and some cups being moved around, Toby is up and in the kitchen. I make myself presentable and head down the hallway. As I reach the kitchen, there is a 'Happy Birthday' balloon floating on the table next to a small cake and some flowers.

"What is this?"

"It's for you, Happy Birthday, everyone has to celebrate their birthday no matter what," he smiles.

I look down at the beautiful gesture, I feel my heart sink, how has he managed to do this in the time I have been asleep? No-one has ever bought me flowers before, "you didn't have to do this."

He places breakfast on the table, "I wanted to, sit and eat, today is going to be tough for you but if you need me, I will never be far from you."

Maybe all men are not the same, Toby seems so caring, sweet and kind. Why are there not more men like him? I eat my breakfast although my stomach is in knots, if I don't I'll only feel worse later.

"I umm, I need to go back to the house, you know for some clothes," I mumble embarrassed.

"Sure, we'll go there first and then to the station if that's ok with you?"

"Sure."

We finish breakfast and then start heading back to my house. I feel dread in the pit of my stomach and I feel sick. Did they clean my house after they got what they needed? Is it still going to look the same?

As we arrive outside, there are yards of yellow tape surrounding the fence outside and across the porch _'crime scene'_ for all to see.

Standing on the porch I am too afraid to open the front door, Toby stands beside me, "you can touch anything, I know forensics have already been in all night and all morning so they have what they need."

I nod in agreement, I push open the door and this time I smell forensic chemicals, the house reeks of it. I go straight upstairs to my room quickly chuck on some other clothes, sort my hair and face out and then leave. As I leave my bedroom I glance at my mother's bedroom door, covered in tape. I take a deep breath and then head downstairs.

"I don't want to stay here, can we leave now please," I beg him nicely.

Without question he hurries me out of the house and to station. I can feel my phone vibrating in my pocket, numerous missed calls from Jack but I cannot deal with him right now.

He has no idea what has happened here, probably just thinks I'm being stubborn, if he had stayed then maybe he wouldn't be assuming, and neither would I.

Toby leads me into the station and drops me off outside before driving off, and there I sit in reception waiting for the detective.

My god I feel sick!

## Chapter 8

A lady officer greets me and leads me to a small, claustrophobic interview room. It feels like its a hundred degrees in here and she points at me where to sit and then leaves the room.

I feel nervous, like I'm the one about to be interrogated and questioned for a crime I most certainly didn't commit. The room is plain, no pictures, posters or leaflets on the walls, nothing.

The detective enters the room, still stiff and looking at me judgementally, maybe he has heard about Sophia and read up on our past.

"Good-morning, Miss...."

Clearly he doesn't pay attention, "Watts," I confirm to him, again. Does he not have that written down?

"How are you feeling today?" He asks showing a small amount of compassion.

"Umm, hard to say really, how would you feel if you discovered your mother's blood soaked body in your family home?"

He sits on the opposite side of the table; his body language shows he is uncomfortable with my choice of words. He puts down a large file and in walks a second detective.

"Today we just need to ask you some questions to help us piece together what happened yesterday, are you ok with this? Do you want someone with you?" The second detective asks and his character more easy and kind.

"No, I'm fine."

"Good, ok, can you tell me what time you arrived home yesterday?" Detective Clarke asks very coldly.

"Was after school, I got off the school bus around four I think, around about then."

"Did anything seem out of the ordinary that morning before you left? Someone in the street you have never seen, things like that."

I shrug, "Uhh I don't know, I stayed at a friend's the night before and I left theirs to go to school. I didn't see my mother that morning."

"When was the last time you spoke to her?" He asks as the other detective writes away.

"Wednesday, I text her to ask if I could stay at Jack's house, she had taken Sophia to the hospital that morning, I didn't hear from her all day yesterday, I tried texting and calling her but when I got home those messages were unread on her phone, here, I have the messages here." I hand them my phone for them to see.

"We will need to make copies of those messages, it will help with our time-line," he calls out and a woman comes in taking my phone from his hand.

"I need that back though," I quickly tell him.

"You will get it back shortly. Our computer analyst will make copies of the messages and then we will give it back to you," he speaks through his teeth as if annoyed, that slight half assed smile on his face, I'm starting to not like this guy.

"Miss, did anything happen on Wednesday that may have been a cause for concern?" The nice detective asks.

"No not really, was just a day like every other day. Sophia came down with scratches on her face, my mum rushed her to the hospital, I don't think she had been taking her meds, and yeah, I went to school."

"Sophia was on meds?" He looks down in his file.

I slam my hands on the table in frustration, "look, I know you know that and I know you know about her mother and other things, I want you to find my mother's killer. I haven't seen my mother since Wednesday, you have her phone and you have my phone, I suggest you do what you need to because I know nothing else."

Both detectives shift in their chairs as if feeling uncomfortable being told what to do by a woman. Or could be that they see the pain and anger in my face and they are simply wasting my time, who knows.

"I think we're all done here," Detective Clark stands to his feet, "if you think of anything that can be of any help please call me. You are free to return to your house also if you wish."

I shudder at the thought, why would I want to go back there after what has happened? I will never be able to look at it in the same way ever again. The thought makes me sick.

As I leave the interview room, Toby is at reception. He is stood next to someone being checked in, he isn't wearing his uniform as I would have thought; he looks so handsome.

"Hey," he smiles as he sees me.

"Hi," I shyly smile back.

"Do you need a key for the house?"

"Umm, you don't mind me staying there? I cannot go back to mine; I don't think I ever can."

He takes me to one side and hands me his keys, "here take mine for now and I will sort you a spare, you will need to think about what to do with that house, we can have a chat later, I'm on duty until about ten tonight, help yourself to anything."

I take his keys and blush. This officer, this man is the kindest man I have ever met. The lady officer comes out and gives me my phone back, which was quick! I head out of the station and start heading towards the hospital, I am dreading this.

I reach the hospital and stand outside the large gates closed, locked and surrounded by guards. They approach the other side of the gate giving me a stern look.

They open the gates and direct me to the man stood in a booth next to another gate, "can I help you miss?"

"Uhh, yes I'm here to see Sophia Rhodes, she was brought in last night? I'm her cousin."

He picks up the phone, mumbles something whilst looking at me and making me feel awkward, then finally gives a nod to the other guard to open the gate and let me in.

"Please go to reception, they will take you where you need to go," he points as the gates in-front open up.

I get to reception and am given a visitor pass then escorted through the hallways to an office. I see no patients; hear no sounds of what you would expect to hear, just the sounds of mumbled doctors voices and the clatter of feet on the shiny wooden floors.

I am placed in a large oak furniture filled office with a desk so big three people could lay across it, and still not fall off, any need?

Awards, degrees and certificates cover the wall all the way around, this doctor is very proud and quite clearly gets paid far too much money.

As a doctor enters in a smart shirt, tie and trousers wearing a long white doctor's coat over the top, I find myself feeling very uncomfortable.

"Miss Watts is it?" he asks barely lifting his head from his notebook to look at me.

"Yes, I'm here about Sophia."

He sits in his large office chair, which makes him look almost like a hobbit it's that large, "I'm Doctor Barton, ahh yes. Well, after reviewing her myself I can say I do not think you are equipped to look after her and admitting her into state care is the best thing for her and for you."

"I know," I sigh sadly, "my mother was the one who looked after her and after everything she has been through I don't want her to feel abandoned by me."

"She is a very sick girl my dear, the treatment she requires can only be provided to her in our care. Now, as you are a minor you cannot waive the rights for us to admit her, we are going to apply to Judge to have her involuntary admitted for psychiatric care. I have compiled a file of evidence to this matter."

"So my opinion or concerns are not taken into account?" I interrupt him abruptly.

He shakes his head, "unfortunately not. As you are not her legal guardian and you are only a minor, this decision is not down to you, nor does your opinion in this instance have any effect on the decisions made."

My stomach sinks. I feel like I am letting her down, letting my mother down, letting my family down. I don't have a choice but to let her remain here.

"When I'm eighteen can I then become her guardian or take her out of here?"

He leans forward placing his hand neatly together on the desk, "Miss Watts, it's not that simple. Yes you can apply to become her legal guardian but if she is in our care then it will be down our experts whether or not she is fit to leave."

So basically no matter what I do he is going to halt any chances of her ever coming home. "Can I see her?" I ask.

He nods. He takes me out of the room and leads me down to a set of stairway that feels cold and spooky. Surely there are lifts?

I follow him down the staircase, each platform has a door coming off but instead we keep going.

"This is where we house our most severe cases," he advises.

"By cases, do you mean patients? They are still people doctor regardless of their illness."

He gives a slight mumble of agreement. As we reach the level needed, we exit and upon opening the door I am met by security gates, a guard and a long hall on the other side.

I can hear screams, people shouting, things banging and I am actually afraid. The corridor seems to go on for miles, as I walk behind the doctor I get a sense something is behind me. I turn and see nothing.

What my eyes don't see my body certainly feels, something is here with me, something is following me. I can sense it.

## Chapter 9

I accidently bump into the back of the doctor not realising he has stopped outside the door. I'm too busy looking around me to see what it is I know is following me.

I feel the hairs on my body stand up on end and a cold chill go down my spine. As he turns the key in the door I feel everything slow down around me. The sound of the lock is emphasised and his key turning is extremely slowly.

I feel something icy brush against my arm, as I turn and look there is the black figure once again with its glowing eyes looking directly at me. It whispers, _'she is not what she seems, it's all a lie.'_

I'm scared but I'm desperate to know, I keep looking at it but it says nothing further and once again disappears. This thing, whoever or whatever it is seems to be talking about Sophia. But why shouldn't I trust her? Who am I meant to be saving? What has she lied about? All questions I must somehow find answers to.

I snap out of whatever world I was in, as the door opens. The doctor looks at me and as I am about to enter he stops me, looking at me with concern, "remember she is very sick, now she has had some medication this morning however be cautious, there will be a guard right outside if you need him."

Thanks for that, now I'm even more nervous that I was before. I walk slowly and cautiously into her room. She is sat there on her bed silently looking out of the window.

Her hair hasn't been brushed, she has scratches on her face, I will assume those were the ones she done a couple of days ago and she is wearing some sort of hospital clothing.

"Sophia, are you alright?" But she doesn't say a word. "Sophia, I'm so sorry, I have to ask you this, do you know what happened to my mother?" Getting to the point but again she says nothing, she doesn't even flinch.

I sit on a small stool directly in-front of her. Her eyes are looking upwards and her mouth is half open. "Sophia, I need you to speak to me, do you know what happened? Do you know where you are?"

I try to get some sense out of her but it's like she is not the same person she was when she was at home. Yes, she was mental but she seems to have deteriorated into full blown insane, like there is nothing left in her mind.

I give up and go to leave, but then I hear her whisper, "you better watch out," she whispers repeatedly.

I quickly turn, "Sophia? I better watch out for what?" As I go over to her hoping she is about to tell me something, I am shocked by the smile on her face. The evil grin from ear to ear that sends chills down my spine.

She begins to cackle under her breath. Feeling nervous I bang on the door for the guard to let me out. Why hasn't he opened it straight away, he is meant to be directly outside!

She turns and looks at me, her eyes now fixed on mine, "you will never save him, you are weak. Death will find you." As the door opens, she returns to her zombie-like state, fearful, I leave quickly.

As I get outside the hospital, I take a deep breath letting the pouring rain slide down over my face. How can she be like she used to be and then go back to a zombified state? Is that normal?

I head back to Toby's, my head racing with thoughts of the day. The interview, Sophia, the house, the crime scene, will this ever get any easier?

The house is quiet. I walk around exploring the house and it's beautiful features. He really is nice and clean for a single guy. I still cannot believe he has been so helpful and so kind. I was beginning to give up on people, always being the one who has been let down, it's still early days though.

I look at the time and see it is 6pm, it's been a long ass day. As I tuck into a microwave meal I found in the fridge, I hear the key turn in the front door.

"Hey," Toby smiles as he walks in, "I have something for you." He walks over to me carrying what I imagine to be a letter of some sort, he hands me the envelope and the address is to my house. I didn't see any mail when I went there.

"How did you get this?" I ask him curious as to how he got my mail.

"A policeman picked it up this morning before they left, they thought you might want it and you left before someone could hand it to you."

Seems plausible I guess. I don't recognise the handwriting; I'm too scared to open it. I never ever receive mail, I haven't even applied to colleges yet so who would be sending me mail?

I inspect the envelope trying to guess where this could have come from. I see nothing that indicates where this has come from.

When I open the letter, there is a stamp from a prison saying the letter is _'approved.'_ I gulp; the only person I know in prison is Sophia's step-dad. Curiosity gets the better of me and I read what he has to say;

Dear Rayne,

I know I am the last person you expected to hear from and I hope this letter reaches you in good health and that it does actually reach you, I am hoping no-one has read this and stopped you from reading this, or hopefully they have not hidden it from you.

I cannot explain too much but I need to speak with you. I want to see you in person. Attached to this letter should be a request for a visit. I would appreciate if you could fill it in and come visit me soon. Please do this; there is so much you don't know.

I look forward to seeing you.

Kindest Regards,

Joe

I stare at the letter over and over. He is on death row. What could he possibly have to say to me and why now? I was there at the trial, I know what happened. I know the vile things that he did.

"What is it?" Toby asks making me jump, "sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Do I tell him? Wait, no, he could stop me and part of me wants to know what he has to say and the other part of me wants to tell him he can go fuck himself. He tore my family apart. "Umm it's nothing, just some school stuff I have applied for, you know, for extra credit," I lie.

Just as Toby goes to speak, we are interrupted by my ringing phone. I look and see it is Jack, once again trying to get hold of me.

I watch as the phone rings, his name flashing there in-front of me, questioning myself whether or not I should answer it.

"Someone important?" Toby asks being nosey leaning over me, but I don't respond to him.

Eventually the phone stops ringing, assuming it has now gone to my answer machine, but within seconds it is ringing again. I know I have to face him at some point. I excuse myself politely and head to the bedroom.

Taking a deep breath I pick it up "what do you want?" I snap.

"Rayne," his voice is shaky, "finally you answer; please don't hang up on me."

"Give me one good reason why I should stay here talking to you?"

"I thought you would have understood?"

"Yeah, maybe I would have if you had come to me instead of running away. How could you? How could you leave me?"

"I just needed some time, my head was a mess and I didn't know what to do," sadness fills his voice, "I knew I had hurt you that's why I have been trying to get hold of you."

"I needed you," I sob, "you have no idea what the fuck I have been through."

"And you have no idea what I have been through," he snaps back at me.

The sound of his voice is breaking my heart. I can hear the sadness, the pain and the guilt filtering down the other end of the line. I want to run into his arms, hold him and kiss but I can't. I'm so angry with him, so hurt by his actions.

"You're right, I don't know what the fuck you have been through, why? Because instead of coming to me you ran away like a coward whilst I was back here picking up the pieces of my broken heart from you and having to deal with the fact my mother has been murdered and Sophia is in psychiatric care," I snap blurting out everything.

He doesn't say anything straight away; my words are met with silence and heavy breathing. _'Yeah that's right Jack, you hurt me and left me all alone to deal with this shit, you just stand there on the other end of the phone and soak that information right in'_ my inner voice is screaming.

"I'm....I'm so sorry," he begins to sob, "I should have been there."

"That's right, you should have just like I would have been there for you, holding your hand and helping you through whatever it is you're going through," I take a deep breath, "I cannot talk to you right now, look please just give me some time, I need time to get over what you did, my mum, just....please."

"Ok," he sobs sniffling on the other end, "I will be here waiting, I love you."

"Goodbye Jack," and without further words I hand up. I break down in tears. All I want is to be in his arms, I wanted to say _'I love you too'_ but how can I? He left me, he hurt me.

I lie on the bed and curl up into a ball, my god I do wish he was here with me; I wish my mom was here. I feel so alone!

I quickly grab the prisoner visitor's card and fill it in, I will have to hand this to the guard tomorrow, I think I will need to call them to let them know.

## Chapter 10

Staring out of the window into the large field of land outside, I wonder was I too hard on him. I mean, I'm a mess after what happened and everything that has been building up inside me I took out on him.

He found out something terrible, if my father had stuck around, and well was at least a nice father and kept in contact, I too would be devastated if I found out my mother had deceived me. I mean, to find out your life has been a lie, it's hard, of course it would be hard.

I pick up the phone and open up a message, I start typing but then delete it, I type again but once again delete it. My god I don't know what to say. He sucks me in so easily. I'm mad at him and yet, my heart, my body and my lips yearn for him.

There is a knock at my door, I take it as a sign and put the phone down on the table and go, Toby is there. His handsome smile is reaching from ear to ear, his tender eyes looking right at me.

"I don't want to talk about it," I state before he even says a word.

"I wasn't going to say you did, I have the day off tomorrow, as it's Saturday was thinking maybe I could take you somewhere, get your mind off everything."

He is tempting, but I want to go to the prison tomorrow. I want to know what Joe has to say. "Thank you but I'm going over a friend's house tomorrow to catch up on the school work that I missed today. People are already going to be saying malicious things about me, if I fail to show my face or do my schoolwork, it will just be even worse."

"Ok," he shrugs still smiling, "then fancy joining me for a nice cup of tea?" He pushes, like he is trying to get me to spend time with him.

Jack is still swirling around in my head and my heart. As charming as Toby is, and not to mention good looking, I cannot let myself get close to him. How could I when I belong to Jack, and even though he and I broke up, I still feel like his girl.

Sensing my hesitation, he leans in on the door-frame, his smile turns cheeky, "come on, I'm not going to hurt you, I'd never do that."

Sitting on the couch, the log fire burning and a fluffy blanket over us, we dive into conversation about anything and everything. As time passes I learn a lot about him, he tells me things about himself, some strange and I share things with him, his stories makes me laugh. I feel like I haven't laughed in years.

"So you're thinking of law school?" He asks, his fingers tapping his glass of wine.

"Yeah, to be honest I'm not sure. I want to do so many things.... I always used to say to," but then I pause, I realise I am about to start mentioning Jack and that's a conversation I don't want to get into, it does hurts to mention his name, "to someone I knew, I'm too fussy to pick one thing, I will probably end up studying everything and be in college for ten years," I laugh.

He laughs with me, "well, it's good to keep your options open, you have a while to decide yet, you never know, what you want may be right in-front of you," he grins.

Not to sound big headed but is he hitting on me? He is much older than I, in a full time job and I am still in school. No way, I'm imagining it, what could he possibly see in me.

Just then I feel a chill, a cold icy chill brush over my skin as if something just touched me. I shiver and look around; Toby seems to be still, very still. Am I dreaming?

I get up from the sofa and everything goes black, I hear the sound of gravel crunching together under my feet, I look up to see a burnt out house and a black figure in the window which quickly moves.

Ash falls down over my head, the sky is black and I am surrounded by greyness. I run into the house after the ghostly black figure, I need to find out who it is, I call out but it moves.

I go into the house, nervous and shaking. The furniture is completely untouched, the house seems like it suffered a fire, ash falls down above me but the furniture is perfect.

I look around and realise this is familiar, it is Sophia's house, but her house was never set on fire. Joe tried to kill her but he never burned the house down.

I feel a cold breath on the back of my neck, I turn to be confronted by the black figure and its scary glowing eyes, its bony hand grabs me, "you must go see him, you must find out the truth," it whispers.

"What? What is the truth? Tell me please who the hell you are," my voice echoes in the greyness of the burnt house.

"You must find out the truth, please," and with those words it disappears.

I look behind me to see me sat on the couch with Toby, laughing and joking away. I walk towards myself, my mind completely confused by what my eyes see; how am I looking at myself?

I reach the couch and stand next to me, leaning down to touch my own arm, then myself sat on the couch turns and looks directly up into my eyes, as I jump back I am suddenly then sat on the couch facing Toby.

"Are you alright?" he asks looking to the side, "did you see something?"

I look over and then back at him, "no nothing, just thought I heard something, must have been the wind." I shrug trying to hide my fear.

What the hell just happened to me? Was that a vision? Do I have visions now, or am I going crazy. One thing is for sure, I need to see Joe tomorrow, and maybe a priest or something. I fear I am losing my mind.

"Do you mind if I go to bed, I'm feeling quite tired?"

Toby looks at me, there is a slight look of disappointment on his face quickly followed by a smile, "no of course not."

I excuse myself and head to my room. Catching my breath and gathering my thoughts I pray to myself I am not going crazy. These visions, I have only had them in the past few months. They started as dreams but now seem to be happening when I'm awake.

I never said anything to anyone, only Jack. I didn't want people to think I'm crazy, if I think it sounds crazy god knows what other people will think.

I pick up my phone, once again contemplating on texting Jack, my fingers scroll over the keys wanting to type _'I need you'_ but I cannot bring myself to do it.

I do need him, my heart is aching but my mind is telling me that I would be a fool if I went back there. Am I a fool? Is it foolish to love someone like Jack? He has been there my whole life, friends first and then forming into romance, yes he has hurt me but everyone deserves a second chance don't they?

Pacing backwards and forwards, tapping my fingers on my phone, I am questioning myself, _'shall I, won't I, shall I, won't I'_ over and over again like a broken record.

I hear a slight tapping at my bedroom door. Opening the door I see Toby, a look of care and worry on his face, "I heard you pacing, you're not alright are you?"

I sigh. My mind is racing, my heart is breaking and right now I want to scream, so no I'm not okay, but I shouldn't really go into detail, I am happy he is here though, happy for the distraction.

"I'm fine, just some things to think about is all," I smile softly.

"Look, I know you don't know me that well but you can talk to me, I will listen, I will always listen to you," his charming smile draws me in like I want to omit all but I can't, I cannot open myself to someone else to be hurt or judged.

"Come on, you're not ready for bed, come sit with me," he urges holding his hand out to me once again, his eyes so seductive, so inviting.

Hesitantly, I take his hand and he leads me back to the sofa where he chooses to sit beside me and pull me into him. He reminds me of Jack, those eyes, that smile, the things I loved about him. His soft voice that gave me butterflies, his warm embrace, every time I was there with Jack that was the safest place in the world.

Listening to Toby's heartbeat I begin to feel relaxed, but it isn't him I picture. I picture being in Jack's arms, is that wrong? I don't say anything; I don't want to hurt his feelings.

"This is nice," he mumbles as I feel him breathing in the scent of my hair.

"Yeah, it's....lovely I guess."

"You seem so hesitant, I'm not like other guys Rayne, I'm not going to hurt you, I would always protect you," he tells me, his voice so soft and gentle.

I've heard that before! "It's not that, Toby you're lovely and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me, but there is so much going on in my head right now, so much in my heart, it's really hard to explain," I hold back tears, "I have been hurt by those I trusted, left alone by those who loved me and now I am facing an uncertain future."

He lifts my head and looks deep into my eyes, "well, I'm not like any of those people Rayne, I am something you never saw coming, but you know we have a connection," his mouth curls up and a cheeky sparkle glints in his eyes.

I pull back, cautious of his words. He moves with me and leans in, I lie backwards on the couch and Toby is then leaning over me. With his naughty smile, he comes in for kill and kisses me.

## Chapter 11

I wake up the next morning with mixed feelings of nervous, guilt and dread. Today I paying Joe a visit, the thought makes me feel sick but I need to hear what he has to say, especially after my dreams, or visions, whatever they are.

As I get out of bed and stretch, my mind flashes back to last night, Toby leaning over and kissing me. His lips, his soft lips touching mine and I didn't pull back.

My stomach wretches with guilt! How could I not pull away, lord why did I let him kiss me?

If Jack found out he would be so hurt. _'Wait'_ I stop myself. Jack hurt me, he left me, abandoned me and in turn it ended our relationship. Why should I feel guilty for one kiss? Maybe it's because I feel like I am still his girl.

I hear a tap on my door. I know that's Toby but I cannot face him. I feel so embarrassed I let him kiss me when I'm feeling so low. The funny thing is it felt like nothing, I didn't feel a connection when he kissed me, no attachment to him, no romantic feelings whatsoever. Is Toby thinking there is more to the kiss than there is?

I open the door slowly and pop my head around, "hey, just getting dressed, everything ok?"

He nods, "yeah, I know you're busy today but was hoping maybe we could have a chat later? I'll cook some food and we can chill with some wine."

I give him a funny look, "Umm, I'm seventeen, bit too young to drink I think."

He laughs, "it's wine and I'm sure it will be okay to have one with your meal."

"Umm, sure okay, look I'm running late so can I catch up with you later?"

"Sure, I'll be doing dinner around about seven, see you then," he stands there for a while, like he is hoping for something but I give a quick goodbye and shut the door.

Me and him later with wine! Is that wise? Oh god I don't know, all I know is I need to go and see Joe and find out why I am seeing things I shouldn't be seeing.

On my way to the prison I begin to feel sick. I'm not sure if it's just a feeling or if I am actually going to throw up. I have never been to a prison before, never known anyone to be in one, I have no idea what to expect.

I get off the prison shuttle bus outside large gates surrounded by wires and officers with guns. The gates open and I am searched upon arrival. Handing in my visitor's card the officer looks at me.

He takes the card and inspects it closely, "this prisoner is on D-Block, that's death row." He looks at my confused face, I have no idea what he is talking about, "you will have to go to reception, as you are not allowed to see this prisoner in the visiting room."

"I'm sorry, visiting room?" I look back at him confused.

"Yes ma'am, where all visits occur, this prisoner is on death row, have you been here before?" He asks, I shake my head, terrified, "okay," he sighs, "please go to the reception and show them this card, they will escort you to where you will be able to see and speak to the prisoner, please wear your visitors badge at all times."

I take the card from him and hastily walk to the reception, wanting to get out of the presence of the officers with very large guns.

I am led into a room with separation devises and phones on the walls. It only looks familiar to me because I have seen it in movies. I sit n the chair patiently waiting, clicking my fingers with nerves.

There in the corner of my eye, in a nasty coloured prison jump suit, I see him, Joe. He looks rough, he used to be so clean shaven, hair nicely trimmed and wore nice clothes but this him now, he is just a mess of the man I once knew.

He sees me and smiles instantly. His chains rattle as he makes his way to the other side of the partition and sits in-front of me.

Guards stand not far from him on the other side as he picks up the phone, I pick up the phone and for the first time in a long time I hear his voice.

"I'm so glad you came and that you managed to get my letter, I thought your mom would have intercepted it," he smiles with relief, his voice seems strained.

"My mom is dead," I blurt out, "why am I here Joe? What could you possibly have to tell me that I don't already know," looking at him I feel so angry, this is the man that destroyed my family, but now a part of me feels sorry for this man who is so clearly worn down and beaten.

"Oh Rayne," he sighs placing his head into his hands, "you don't know everything, believe me."

Images of my visions flash through my head, curious I lean forward, "tell me what I don't know, why I felt the need after some strange dreams to come here."

"Dreams?" he perks up, "I have been having strange dreams too, a figure, a black figure telling me it will be okay. Sometimes I think I see it when I'm awake."

I look at the fear on his face, it's the same fear I have of this thing that keeps appearing, "I've seen it too, tell me Joe, please."

"Sophia isn't sick, she isn't as ill as she makes out, well at least not in the way she makes out, she is sick in some sort of way but not because of me. I'm in here because of her," he holds back tears, "I loved her mother, I loved Sophia like my own daughter from the day I saw her, three years old and a happy girl but that night, that night," his head lowers.

"Joe I know all about _'that night'_ I was there in court listening to it all being read out."

He looks up at me, "it was all lies, planted by Sophia. If I tell you, you have to promise to get her out of your house."

I don't tell him she isn't with me no-more, it may sway him to lie, after-all, how can I know what he is saying is truth?

"Sophia had been practising with an occult in school, devil worship, I knew about it but her mother didn't. I tried to keep it from her, to protect both of them. Sophia started talking to things that weren't there, screaming in the night when she slept or she would be scratching her face. I thought she was possessed, you read about things like that you know, I thought it was happening to her. I took her to a priest and he told me there was nothing wrong with her, that she was putting it on, but I didn't want to believe him."

"The devil," I lean forward being discreet, "you expect me to believe this?"

"Just listen okay," he snaps quietly, "I took her home and thought it best if I deal with it. But then the next thing I know I woke up in a daze, everything was blurred but I felt pleasure. I tried to focus and I saw Sophia on top, riding me, she was," his voice goes quieter "raping me."

"This was all the night that you murdered my aunty?" I ask him shocked.

"No, this was a few days before. Then her birthday came and she seemed normal, happy. Like nothing had happened. She came and hugged me and I pretended nothing was wrong."

"So she had sex with you and then acted like nothing had happened?"

He nods, "yeah, but then that fateful night. I went to bed with your aunty and made love to her. I cradled her in my arms and we both fell asleep. Then the bed felt wet and I couldn't move, when I opened my eyes there she was lying next to me all cut open," he sobs, "I couldn't do anything, I was tied up and Sophia was having sex with me."

Vomit builds in my mouth, am I really hearing this? Is Sophia really that disturbed?

"When she finished she told me life isn't what it seems and I shouldn't have rejected her. She told me I was meant to be hers after _'someone'_ left and she fucked me to prove it. She said I would never be saved after rejecting her and the time had come to pay the price."

Those words sound familiar; she has said them to me too. I sit quietly listening to what he has to say.

"I was so angry, hurt, betrayed. Someone else came into the bedroom, I didn't see who it was but he was all covered up in like forensic overalls."

Forensic over-alls, could Sophia have had help? Was there someone just as sick as her? "Do you mean someone helped her do all of this? Are you telling me it was Sophia that killed her mother?"

He nods, tears stream down his face, "yes, jealousy. You have no idea the things Sophia was into, the things I tried to keep hidden. She left the room with whoever it was and I manage to get free. So enraged I picked up a knife and went after her, she locked herself in her room, I tried to batter down the door at which moment police cars arrived."

My mouth has fallen to the floor. The things he said about her screaming, scratching her face, those are things she does now, even claiming to talk to her mother and to hear voices.

"How can I know all this is true? That you're not just saying this and even if it were true, a jury convicted you, the evidence,"

"All planted by Sophia," he interrupts, "during the trial I could barely speak."

He is right; he didn't utter a single word, not even to defend himself. His lawyer did all of the talking, he didn't even look up the entire time. When his sentence was read out, he remained cold and emotionless; it was as if he was just showing he didn't care.

"I couldn't, after what I saw, what she did to me. I tried to process what was happening in my own head. I kept trying to wake from the nightmare. But now, I'm due to die and I wanted the truth to be heard, please Rayne, you have to believe me."

I don't know what to believe. Devil worship, ghosts and scary stories, could this all be true?

"I have to go, our time is up," he looks to the guard, "please believe me Rayne, you know in your heart something isn't right."

He is pulled away by the guard but he doesn't take his eyes off me. I keep watching him as he is taken though the door back to what I assume is his cell.

I get up to leave only to be confronted once again by the black floating ghostly figure.

## Chapter 12

I quickly leave the prison. The figure follows me and just as I go to get on the shuttle bus it disappears. Could Joe be telling the truth? Or has he just been alone for so long he has managed to come up with an elaborate story.

And even if he was telling the truth he is going to die for the crime he claims he did not commit. I cannot get him out of there, if Sophia did do it, who is going to believe someone deemed insane?

I have to see Sophia. As the shuttle bus reaches town, I get off and stroll down to the next bus. I have to see if there is some sort of truth behind what Joe has said.

Waiting on the bus stop, my mind is trying to piece together everything. Sophia was a little weird before her mother died. She had a strange group of friends that always dressed in black and went off to secret meetings.

If Sophia caught you looking at her things she would flip out on you and rumours in school was she was taking part in sex parties, maybe they could have been rituals of some sort?

There were times I saw scratches on her and I did ask her about them but she would brush me off. And as cruel or weird as she was, sometimes she was loving and caring and it was as if nothing was wrong.

She would act weird around certain people as well, like my father or Joe and rumour had it she was sleeping with one of the teachers, but no-one knew which one.

As I think of things over and over, I start to possibly believe that what Joe has told me could have been true.

My phone bleeps distracting me from the thoughts in mind, I pick it up and it's Toby and Jack.

Which one to read first? Jack's I guess:

Hey, I know you needed time but I just wanted to make sure you were okay, I miss you, J.xx

Great, just what I wanted to read making me feel even guiltier about that kiss with Toby, I have to tell him. I have to be honest, I cannot lie it's not fair.

I pick up the phone to call him; it rings for what feels like ages until finally his soft voice is heard.

"Hey, I'm so glad you called. I texted you ages ago,"

"Yeah, sorry I went to the prison to see Joe and they turned my phone off when they searched me."

"What?" he blurts out with concern, "you went to see Joe, are you mad?"

"I had my reasons, look, the reason I called you is because I wanted to tell you something."

I hear him take a deep breath, "I'm listening," he whispers.

"I umm, I've been staying with a policeman, anyway long story short, last night he leant in to kiss me and well, I didn't really stop him and kissed him back."

I hear nothing, no breathing, no screaming, my words are met with complete silence yet again. It feels like the longest time no-one has ever spoken a word.

"Did you like it?" he asks.

"Yes, I mean, is this a trick question?"

"I thought I meant more to you."

"I thought I meant more to you," I repeat back to him.

"Maybe you're right, maybe people are right. I'm nowhere near you now and I guess I should move on and let you move on," he sobs, "I love you and I always will but I guess I have to say goodbye." And with those words he is gone, I try ringing him back but the call does not connect.

Holding back tears I read Toby's message.

Hi just me, I have picked up food for tonight, hope you're hungry, can't wait to see you xoxo

Maybe Jack is right, maybe I should move on. Wait, am I really saying this? I love Jack but my god he has made me so angry, yes I kissed a guy but we were not and are not together. What has he done that I don't know about?

I forget about the both of them and get on the bus to go and see Sophia.

As I arrive to Sophia's room, I am scared as to how she will react. The guard tells me he is waiting right outside, well he promised that last time!

Sophia is sat as she was before, staring out of the window rocking back and forth.

"Sophia," I call out to her as I pull up a chair, "are you alright? Are they okay with you in here?" But she says nothing. "Listen I need to talk to you about Joe."

Her head turns slowly and her eyes widen, "you know nothing about Joe," she growls, "he will pay for what he has done."

"Well, he is in prison for what he has done, isn't he?"

She gives a slight laugh, as if to mock me, "you think you know, you know nothing little girl."

"Well that's why I came to see you; I went to see him today. He told me some things, some things about you."

Slowly, Sophia stands to her feet, mumbling something to herself which I cannot quite make out or hear, then she flies at me and pins me down, I try to scream but her hand is over my mouth.

My god she is strong, she looks into my eyes and suddenly I feel light, my eyes look around and for what I can see, we are levitating, is this real?

"Joe will rot in that tiny prison until the day comes for him to die. You will rot with the guilt of having lost Jack who never belonged to you and soon you will die too."

The flies open banging against the wall as we both come crashing the floor. They pull Sophia off me and begins once again to act insane. I saw something in her eyes I haven't seen in a while, maybe because I haven't taken the time to look.

I saw Sophia, her normal self and she knew exactly what she was doing and what she was saying to me. As the doctors sedate her, she stares at me with a creepy grin from ear to ear until finally she passes out.

"Are you alright?" the nurse asks concerned helping me to my feet.

I nod and just run out of there, I want to get out of this hospital and as far away as I can. Why did she mention Jack? He has nothing to do with this. Yes they used to be friends and I can remember little things , them playing together but Jack and I became close. What does he have to do with all this.

I head back home trying to forget the events of today, it seems to unbelievable to think she and I levitated from the floor, or she had sex with Joe, or the fact that she even murdered her own mother.

Looking through the web on my phone I try and find some answers, the bus journey seems longer than usual giving me time to look.

I look at supernatural, devil worship and anything I can that may relate to what Joe has said. I find a woman who teaches in a school not far from the city, I quickly take a note of her name and school just as the bus pulls up to my stop.

I walk towards the house quickly changing my face as to not make Toby want to ask me questions. There is no way I want to discuss any of this until I have spoken to that woman, who claims to be a professional in all of this.

Toby opens the door before I even reach it holding a glass of wine in his hand. He smiles at me and tilts his head as if to say _'come in.'_

I head inside where he hands me a small glass of wine and continues over the oven preparing something that smells amazing.

"How was your day?" He asks me casually.

"Yeah was good, got a lot of things done, nothing really exciting, you?"

"First day off in a while, you know, hard when you're part of a something and a person always needs you, so just spent the day here relaxing, went to the store to pick up some food and that's about it really," he shrugs carrying on with his cooking.

We dive into conversation about anything and everything once again, me avoiding what really happened today and checking my phone constantly to see if there are any messages from Jack, but there's nothing. I do believe I will never hear from him again.

Settling down for the evening I feel the need to _'veg out'_ wearing nothing by my comfortable pyjamas. I go and get changed admiring the award plaques nicely framed on the wall.

As I walk through the house, I hear Toby clearing the dishes and fussing away in the kitchen. I walk down to the end of the hallway and enter what appears to be a study. More awards over the walls and on the shelves.

It must be an amazing achievement to achieve something so young. He certainly looks younger than he actually is.

To Toby Klein

For outstanding effort and achievement

It seems like an old award because I cannot make out what the achievement is for. They look like they are printed from a computer; I run my fingers over it and hear him call me.

Wearing my fluffy pyjamas, slippers and clutching my glass of wine, I head to the couch where he is sat comfortably playing with the remote for the TV.

"Shall we watch a movie?" He asks fiddling through a movie selection reel on his top of the range TV.

"Yeah, why not," I shrug sitting next to him, "what do you feel like watching?"

"Oh how about this?" he pauses on a movie about a man who loves a woman but she rejects him and he chases her, "this one looks good," he smirks.

"Umm yeah sure, I don't mind, is it a horror?"

"I'm not sure, haven't seen it, the picture and description look good though."

"Ok," I smile, "lets watch that then, if this is scary, I'm sleeping with the lights on," I joke.

Getting cosy as the film is playing, I begin to feel a little light headed. I have had a few glasses of wine, my first ever few glasses and it's gone right to my head.

The room begins to swirl around me like a merry-go-round and suddenly in the midst of the swirling, I see the black figure.

Toby begins to kiss me but my mind is focused on the black figure that is once again watching me.

"Toby no," I push him away from me and run into the bedroom.

The black figure is there, standing next to my bed.

## Chapter 13

Waking up the next morning I feel a veil of regret hanging over me, not to mention the largest headache anyone could ever suffer with.

I can only assume I was drunk last night which is the reason for me feeling like utter shit this morning. I dare get out of bed or even step foot outside this room. Toby must be mad or upset with me after I shut him down and ran away.

Diverting my attention, I pick up my phone and look up the school. It's Sunday so schools are closed but I'm hoping I can get hold of the woman.

Good news is she is giving a speech on her new book in a library this evening. As I read the article, it states about her abilities to see beyond what we normally see, her gift in the supernatural and her brilliant teacher skills.

I have to see this woman, but I cannot hide in here all day until I do. I get up and go to have a shower.

I hear whistling from the bathroom window. Toby must be outside in the garden, if he is whistling then hopefully he isn't mad at me.

Dripping wet and with only a towel wrapped round me, I peek out of the window to see what he is doing. He is topless, doing some gardening, digging and things, no idea really but at least he is occupied.

I pick up my phone and to my surprise there is a text from Jack:

I'm so sorry about what I said. I was hurt and mad at the thought some other guy's lips touching yours, I don't blame you though. I'm coming back into the city today, I need to see you, let me know. J.xx

Holy shit! Now he decides to come back after all this? Is he going to go home first? That's where I need to go, I'm going to go visit his parents and hide out there for the day until the book meeting tonight.

I hurry to get dressed and run out of the house before Toby sees me. Yes, that's me being a sissy but I simply don't have the courage to face him today.

I text Jack back:

So now you head back? Why? I'm going to see your parents, had to get out of Toby's house and then I'm going to a book thing.

I stare out of the window on the bus thinking of everything that has happened and wondering if this woman is going to be able to help me. Just then my phone bleeps:

Toby? Is that his name? I'm heading back because I've had time to sort my head out and I know you need me. I will be home this evening. J. xx

I put my phone away and decide not to respond back, I do need him but I'm not going to admit that to him once again to have it possibly thrown back at me, or worse, used against me.

As I arrive at his parent's house I feel a warm sense of home. His mother sees me coming up the drive and immediately opens the door, arms wide open and inviting.

"My darling I missed you," the squeezes me, "come in."

"I'm so sorry to just turn up like this, I didn't know where else to go."

"Don't be so silly, you are always welcome here. Is everything okay at home?"

That dreaded question, I know I can trust her, she is like my second mother, "no not really."

Immediately she is ushering me to her expensive curved leather sofa and sitting me down, "tell me honey."

Well, here goes nothing, "well, my mother was murdered, Sophia is in a psychiatric hospital, Jack has left me and I keep having vi....nightmares."

She grabs me and hugs me so tight I can barely breathe, "My poor dear, why didn't you come here? I would have helped you, I cannot imagine what you are going through. Have they arrested anyone?"

"Not that I've heard, I'm sure Toby would have told me if they did," a strange thought comes to my head how he never speaks about the case, he is a policeman surely he would know, "and plus Jack had just left and I thought it would be you know, awkward."

Her face saddens, "yes, it's my fault. I should have told him when he was a small boy but as time went on it became so much harder."

"How did he even find out something like that, did you tell him?" I ask wanting answers I know Jack won't give up easily.

"Well, I was having a clear out, our loft is full of old furniture and I was donating it to a charity for the homeless, I didn't realise I had his original birth certificate up there. Anyway he found it and it had no father's name registered, he asked me about it and I couldn't lie anymore," she sobs, "you must think I am awful."

"No of course not," I comfort her, "I understand you were just trying to protect him, I'm sure he understands that too. Besides, we all make mistakes," I smile, "even the sweet ones."

The day goes by quickly. I feel at ease and at home here, I realise I do have people that care about me, even though I feel alone.

"I have to go," I interrupt her conversation, "I'm sorry, it's been lovely but I have some things I need to do."

"No worries dear, if you need me you are always welcome here," she smiles kindly.

I give her a hug and leave. Heading to the bookstore I wonder what things I am going to hear. I suddenly get a message, I pick it up assuming it's from Jack but it's not, it's from Toby.

Hey, didn't see you leave this morning, hope you're okay, I miss you xoxox

He misses me? Did something else happen that I don't remember? Does he not understand I don't want him in that way? I ignore the message just as I arrive at the bookstore.

It's packed with crowds of people wanting a glimpse of the woman who claims to see what is not of this world; she is talking away as if the things she sees are normal. If that was me I wouldn't be bragging about it I'd be in hiding, if what I have seen so far is anything to go by, I wouldn't want to see that every day.

I stand at the back out of the way listening to her talk about her new book.

"Ghosts shall we call them, are not always what they seem. Some are friendly, some simply need help or may even want to help you, but there are worlds out there different to our own. In those worlds hide evil and manipulative spirits that can harm us live and dwell and if they come into our world, well, there could be trouble for the person who invites them."

Everyone's eyes are glued to her as she speaks. They are so intrigued by the information of other worlds, ghosts and evil. Is it possible the black figure is a ghost and not just my imagination?

As she is speaking and looking around at everyone, her eyes suddenly stop and fix upon mine. She gives a slight smile and a nod as if to acknowledge me and then continues talking.

"This book gives a guide to those who wish to learn about _'the others,'_ " she giggles, the crowd giggle with her, "we all have spirits with us at some point, but I pray none of you suffer the presence of something more, well, sinister."

The crowd give a round of applause and start picking up copies of her book as she shakes people's hands.

She has been talking for an hour and I missed most of it; my legs are numb from standing so long. I gently push my way through the crowds of people and make my way to the front. I pick up a copy of her book and then I feel a slight tap on my shoulder.

I turn to see her standing there, she looks at me and then behind me, "there's something following you," she mutters quietly.

I freeze on the spot, to scared to turn around in-case I see something I don't want to see, "am I in danger?" I whisper terrified.

She looks behind me again and smiles, "no, she is there to look after you, a black figure, it wants to help you."

I still dare not turn around, "help me? Help me with what?"

"It won't say, but just know you are not alone. You see it don't you. You have a very special gift Rayne, don't ignore it and remember, some things are smoke and mirrors, they are not as real as they appear."

I look at her stunned, "how....how did you know my name?"

She smiles at me, her face is kind and warming, "I know because whatever is following you told me, although it is guarded about who it is. Something is coming, make sure you trust your instinct and listen to what's around you, only the truth will set them free," she places a friendly hand on my shoulder and then leaves, hoards of people following behind her wanting her to sign their book.

So I'm not going crazy, there is something there. But how can I only now see this, why was I never able to do this before?

It's late, I know Toby will be wondering where I am and I will probably face a thousand questions, something strikes me as strange about him, at first he seemed the kindest man but now, I don't know, I cannot quite put my finger on it.

Am I now just being paranoid about those around me? I honestly don't know.

## Chapter 14

Ahh Monday is here and back to school I go to face everyone after the shitty weekend. My mother's murder has been splashed all over the papers, reporters hanging around outside my house all weekend, no sign of anyone being arrested, the gossips in school will be having a field day.

Toby was trying to be all sweet and kind to me last night, it felt like he believed I was his girl, or at least he was treating me that way.

I haven't heard from Jack since he said he was coming home, I thought he would have at least texted me. A part of me feels he pulled out and hasn't bothered returning which is why he hasn't texted me.

Toby decides to take me to school so I don't have to get the bus, but the car journey is silent. Weirdly he isn't wearing his uniform today, says he is in work but he is dressed normally.

As we pull up outside and I get out of the car, people's heads turn and stare at me, then the whispers begin. I walk into the school with my head down trying not to make eye contact with anyone.

"My god there you are," I hear in a posh English accent, it's Rosie, the only girl who has stuck by me through all this madness without hesitation, "I have been calling and calling you all weekend but you have been a bloody nightmare to get hold of, are you alright?"

Rosie is a sweet girl. She transferred from England three years ago and has never lost her accent. I had lots of other friends, but in the last year they seem to have drifted away, I have some now, but Rosie was the only one who never seemed to judge me and has never drifted.

"Sorry," I sniff, "it's been kind of a crazy weekend and I just needed to keep away," I look around at the passing students all looking at me, "look at them, whispering about me, staring like nothing has ever gone wrong in their lives, thinking I'm a total freak, or worse....cursed."

Rosie looks at them at tut's, "who cares what they think, you have suffered so much, don't let little idiotic people with small minds get you down."

Her comment makes me laugh; she always has a way of saying things to cheer me up, even when I am at my worse. Just then behind me I hear the tapping of cheap heals on the floor. Please no, not Lucy, I don't have the strength for her bullshit today.

She walks over to me and leans right up against my locker as if striking a pose for Vogue, "so I heard your mental family was murdered by a mental person, funny that weirdo, now you're an Orphan, no wonder Jack came to me," her evil smirk stretches across her face, "I'm just what he needed."

Rage surges through me like fire, I want to punch her in the face, strangle her but I already have enough attention on me right now. Her sarcastic _'I'm better than you'_ smirk all over her face deserves to be wiped off. I feel it coming and I cannot stop, I raise my hand to hit her and she winces, but just before I do something grabs my arm and stops me.

"She isn't worth it," a soft voice warns behind me. I turn to see Jack.

Lucy gasps and then smiles, "well hello lover, finally came back for more did you?"

"Enough Lucy, I never fucking touched you and I never will, can't you see she has been through fucking trauma, do you care about nothing but your god damn self?" He snaps.

She moves closer, practically pushing her body against his, "that's not what you were saying when you were with me."

I turn to Jack and punch him in the face and walk off. I hear him calling out my name but I keep going. How dare he have a go at me for one fucking kiss when he spent the night with her doing god knows what.

I hide in the toilet, crying my eyes out. The door opens and there is a tapping on my cubicle, "come on Ray," Rosie mumbles through the door, "if that's who they want to be they are not worth it, you don't need people like that in your life."

I guess she is right. I have so much going on right now I shouldn't let either of them get to me, but Jack. How could he do something like that? I thought he just ran away but he went to her first.

I come out and look at Rosie, "what am I going to do with my life?"

She smiles "perk yourself up for today and get on with it, because after that I'm sure there are other things you will need to do. Don't let anyone see how much you are hurting."

She is right, they are already whispering, if I cry or breakdown I can guarantee the taunts will start.

I head to my first class of the day, avoiding Jack at all costs but it's never so simple, as he cannot see me and I will not speak to him, he texts me instead;

Whatever she told you is not true, well partly true, I did bump into her but nothing happened, I just spoke to her and she gave me a hug before I left, I swear it. Please believe me. J.xx

I want to believe him but it's so hard. I don't know who to trust anymore, even Rosie. Yes she is my friend but she does tend to hang with the _'popular crowd.'_ Maybe my mad family have driven her away too. No, I'm just being paranoid, Rosie is a kind girl, I know this and I shouldn't doubt her like I doubt everyone else.

Staring at the board as the teacher writes up stuff we are meant to copy, I find myself drifting to sleep. The sounds of the room drift away and I feel spaced out.

I hear my name being called but as I look up, everyone seems to be robotically facing forward. I hear my name being called again but as I look around I see it isn't coming from the room, it's coming from the hallway.

I walk out of the classroom and everything is dark, people stood still next to their lockers, their eyes black whispering to each-other. I try to talk to them but they do not move, their lips move but their bodies are still, completely still.

"Who's there?" I call out seeing something in the distance but my voice just echoes.

I see the black figure in the distance, the woman told me it was there to protect me but it doesn't stop me from being afraid.

"What do you want from me," I ask it terrified as my heart beats faster in my chest.

The black figure drifts closer and closer until finally, it is toe to toe with me. The hallway is freezing and the windows at each end ice over. It reaches out to grab me and I feel its touch on my skin.

The hallway starts to go hazy, grey and suddenly I'm in a bedroom watching Joe and my aunty sleep.

I look around quickly trying to hide before they see me, there, next to me is the black figure, nodding no. No? Is it telling me to stay put? Wait, I'm dreaming, please tell me this is a dream.

I see the door open and I look to the black figure terrified something is going to come for me, but instead it whispers, 'just watch.'

As the door opens I watch as Sophia enters the room. She walks over to Joe and ties him up, he doesn't flinch, just stays asleep. He is motionless as if dead already.

Then she walks over to her mother and strokes her face, "if I can't have him or anyone then no-one else will," she mumbles and then stabs her straight through the chest, then the stomach and repeats it all over her body.

I scream out to stop her but she cannot hear me, blood splashes all over the walls, the floor and the bed. When she is done, she lifts her nightgown and sits on top of Joe.

"Please stop, I don't want to see anymore," I yell out covering my eyes.

' _Now you know,'_ the black figure whispers and then disappears.

As I take a gasp of air I wake up in class with everyone looking at me. Did I fall asleep? Was that a vision or a dream?

"Rayne, do you need to take a moment?" Miss Bradley asks me, her face showing genuine concern.

I nod in agreement, she hands me a form and excuses me from the class sending me to the nurse's office. Images of that vision or dream are still fresh in my mind.

I feel sick; I head to the nurse's station and just lie on the bed. She looks at me, asks if I'm okay and then leaves me to it. Maybe it was too early to come to school, maybe I was kidding myself.

I check my phone and strangely enough I don't have any messages from Toby. He has normally text me by now. I've only known him a few days but his routine is predictable.

I read the news on my phone to see if anyone has been arrested for my mother's murder but nothing. There are just reporters once again outside my house talking about the _'brutal crime.'_

I need my mom; I need to hear her voice. What am I supposed to do? Then again if she was here I wouldn't be going through this, I begin to sob, and it's too much to hold in.

I pick up the phone and decide to call the hospital. I know what Sophia did and if I am going to help I guess I need to speak to her and somehow convince people the _'crazy'_ person did it.

"Hello Doctor Barton," a deep voice answers.

"Oh hi doctor it's Rayne, I'm calling up to check on Sophia Rhodes and try and arrange a visit, when I show up unexpectedly she seems to go a bit...." how do I put this, "umm, well mental I guess."

"Didn't anyone call you Miss Watts?" His voice lowers, and I fear the worst, "Sophia escaped this morning."

## Chapter 15

I drop my phone in shock? Escaped? Oh my god is she coming after me? I need to speak to Toby, he is a policeman surely he can help me.

I pick up the phone grab my things and run out of the school. I try calling him but his phone reaches voicemail every time.

Well he said he is in work so it's the police station I have to go to. Surely they will be out looking for Sophia, after my visions and speaking to Joe, the girl is not exactly the safest person to be around.

Running as fast as my feet will take me I run all the way to the station in the city. I'm doing so without thinking of anyone else around me, in a rush hopping to and from the bus to get there.

I reach the station and almost fall onto the reception desk trying to catch my breath. The officer behind the desk looks at me and jumps from his chair "Ma'am are you alright?"

"I need to speak to Toby," I tell him panicky and out of breath, "is he here, can you get him it's really urgent."

"Sorry Ma'am, I do not know a Toby," he looks at me baffled.

"Toby Klein, young officer, youngest in the force," my words come out so fast, "please get him for me."

"Ma'am, there is no officer here by that name," he advises.

"You cannot possible know every single officer in this entire precinct, please look him up and call him down."

"Do you have his badge number?" He asks sitting down pressing keys on his computer.

I take a step back and search my brain; to be honest I have never seen his badge number, or his police ID for that matter. "Umm no, can you not do like a police name search or something?"

He looks at me like I am the daftest person ever to set foot in here. He looks through the system but nothing flags up with Toby's name at all, "I'm sorry Ma'am, there is no officer under that name."

I take a step back and try to run over things in my mind. When my mom was murdered he was there in a police uniform. He didn't have a police car but in conversations we have had he has said he always likes to use his own.

Memories flash back to the time when I saw him at reception desk here, I realise he was just there. The reason people ignored him, including the detective in my house, was because no-one knew him.

"Ma'am, is everything alright?" The officer asks noticing my pale white expression.

"Umm, officer is it possible for someone to pretend to be a policeman, or wear a policeman's uniform?"

"You can buy blue ones just like this in the fancy dress store, I used to wear one as a kid, I always knew I wanted to be an officer," he smiles as if remembering some sort of happy childhood memory.

I just realised that Toby, Toby Klein, this kind and generous man is not a policeman and is just posing as one. The more I think about it the more pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

"Officer," I interrupt him, clearly panicking, "can you do an address search to see who lives at a certain address. I fear the man living there is not who he claims to be."

"Well we don't normally give that information out to civilian's ma'am,"

"PLEASE," I beg a little loudly, "please, I need to know the man at that house, the man I have been staying with."

Seeing my fear and worry, he agrees to do this one thing for me quickly before anyone else sees. I give him the address and he does a quick search.

To my horror, the address is not registered to a Toby Klein, but to a Betsy Grainge who lives with her grandson, Mark Grainge. The name rings a bell in my head but I cannot seem to place it.

"Interesting," the officer perks up, "it seems Mr Grainge is known to us already, does he look familiar to you?" He shows me a picture of _'Mark Grainge'_ and then it hits me, that person used to live in my street, he fancied me but I shot him down.

He once tried to kiss me in the park but I slapped him and ran away. I got with Jack and Mark would give really horrible looks at me. We once had him arrested when he tried to kiss me and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

It says on the system he has been arrested for a multiple of issues, indecent assault, battery, burglary and worse, assault with a knife. Says he has even spent a few years in prison, which would explain why I didn't see him ever again.

But Toby or whoever he is that I have been staying with in that house, is not Mark and looks nothing like the picture. So who is Toby? How does he come into all of this?

He could just be a nice guy but then why lie about being a policeman when you're not, was it just to impress me?

I ring Jack, I'm heading back to the house and I fear that Sophia is there, looking for me. Is Toby all part of this?

Running down the road waiting for an answer, Jack's phone goes to answer machine:

"Jack, I'm heading back to Toby's, Sophia has escaped. I went to the police but....but....well, Mark Grainge, he is supposed to be living in the house I'm in, I mean I been staying in. I don't know where Sophia is and...."

"Hello? Hello?" I call out as the phone cuts off. My phone dies, completely dies and now I have no way of calling anyone. How can my phone die right now?

As I reach the driveway, I start walking up looking at the house and see all the lights are off. The trees whistle in the wind and the birds ruffle through the leaves.

I look around to see if I can see Sophia but I see nothing, just the beautiful garden and the gorgeous house before me.

I approach the porch and look around once more, but still I see nothing, not even the black figure I would hope was still around to protect me after all it has shown me.

I push the front door open, shaking like a leaf and call out to Toby. The rooms are lit with scented candles, the smell of roses and mulled wine fill the air, filling you with warmth.

"Toby, are you here?" I call out following the glow of candlelight leading into the lounge.

Suddenly I feel hands come out my eyes, making me jump but I go along with it. I don't know if this man really is Toby, I saw congratulations plaques on the wall, why would he hang them if he wasn't who he said he was.

"I have a surprise for you," he whispers distracting my dark trail of thought, "keep walking straight," he orders nicely.

I walk forward, I think as his hands are covering my eyes. Fear grips me as I do not know what he is going to reveal.

"That's it, stop right there, keep your eyes closed," his hands slip away from my face and he holds my hand, "keep them closed, wait," he lets go and I hear a bit of shuffling, "Okay, open," he says happily.

Afraid but curious, I slowly open my eyes. To my amazement, I am not confronted with Sophia but petals of roses all over the floor. There are roses in vases surrounding the entire room with candlelight, wine and chocolates.

"What is this?" I mumble looking around the room.

"This is for you, the girl who has suffered so much and yet has remained so strong. The girl who deserves the world and so much more and I want to be the one to give it to you," he grins, "you can have everything and more."

I look around the room and then back at him. His smile reaches from ear to ear and his eyes beam at me like someone in love.

"The world is what we make of it and I want to make it with you," he says.

I freeze; I have heard those words before. Memories flash back to just over two years ago when Mark had me in his grasp at the park. He was holding on to me so tight I couldn't run away. He was telling me how much he loved me and how we _'belonged'_ to each-other and I would never be anyone else's. Just then in that moment he pulled me close and leaned in, whispering those words in my ear, _'The world is what we make of it and I want to make it with you.'_

"Mark?" I whisper.

His face changes to total glee as he comes towards me and embraces me in a hug, "I knew you would work it out, I knew you would remember my words, you and I were always meant to be together," he kisses my head repeatedly, "I knew you wanted me and your mother stopped us."

A gut wrenching feeling rips through the core of my stomach; did he murder my mother to have me?

"But you," I look up at him trying to pull away, "you don't look like you."

He looks at me, running his hands over his face, "you like it? I did this for you. I wanted to be the man you could love; I knew it was you and me all along."

I pull away, "Mark, there has never been a you and me and there never will be," a look of horror comes over his face, "I love Jack and I'm his girl not yours."

I feel a bump to the back of my head and everything goes dark.

## Chapter 16

Ouch, my head hurts. I open my eyes but everything is fuzzy. I go to get up but I cannot move, focusing on just barely seeing on what's in-front of me, I can see my hands and legs are tied and I'm lying on a bed in some sort of room. Am I still in the house?

I try to wriggle free but I'm tied to tightly. Panicking I try and scream but my voice sounds hoarse, like I haven't spoken in months. What the hell is happening?

I hear voices outside the door; I lie my head back down and close my eyes. I don't want them to think I have already woken up, rule in my head: play dead and hope it works.

I hear the door open and the shuffling of feet. "You said she would love me, but she loves that piece of shit that turned you down."

"Oh quit your whining will you and just fucking help me, he didn't turn me down, she stole him," a woman tells him. I peak my eyes open to see Sophia stood there.

Oh my god she is here, and she looks totally fine. There seems to be nothing wrong with her at all, was Joe right? Was it all just an act?

The bed moves and scratches against the wooden floor. Am I still in Toby or even Mark's house? For fuck sake now I'm confused about his identity.

"Just put her over there, I will deal with her in a minute," she snaps at him.

"You said we wouldn't hurt her, that she would just give you what you need and then she was mine," he bites back.

"Look, you're the one who fucking clonked her on the head, she isn't going to be with you is she you piece of shit and now she knows who you are we need to get rid of her," she states angrily as she shuffles things around.

I make the mistake of opening my eyes trying to see what's happening and just at that moment she clocks me.

"Ahh, the little bitch is awake," she grumbles, she turns to Mark, "go get the stuff; I'm going to have a nice chat with our little darling."

Mark looks at me; I see the look of obsession and lust in his eyes as he stares at me. He licks his lips and leaves. I feel sick, how can he think I ever wanted him. Okay, I admit, we had one kiss but I've told him in deep conversations it was a mistake and he agreed, but then went back to acting like I belonged to him.

"Why are you doing this Sophia, after everything I helped you with," I ask her holding back my emotions.

"Oh why am I doing this?" she repeats with sarcasm, "let me see, your mother, the tramp that she was, made the love of my life leave me. I knew one day she would pay for what she did," she states running a sharp blade over my body, "and you, the spoilt princess who stole everything from me."

I shake my head, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh of course not, a sweet innocent little virgin like you knows nothing," she rambles, "well, your father, the one that _'abandoned'_ you she emphasises, "didn't quite just up and leave like your lying bitch of a mother told you, oh no, you see, your mother made him leave when he fell in love with me."

I almost vomit in my mouth, am I hearing this right? Is she trying to tell me that she and my father had some sort of love affair? "You're lying," I mumble.

"Oh am I really?" her sarcasm increases, "let me tell you a little story, once upon a time, a man much older fell in love with a school girl. He bought her presents and lavished attention on her, but one day, the evil queen found out about his love for her and gave him a choice, prison or leave, so the beautiful man left the love of his life, never to be seen from again. Like mother like daughter."

"My god," I scream out, "you actually expect me to believe this bullshit? What did I ever take from you?"

"It's true, and you stole Jack," she shouts, "you have no idea what we shared, he never fucked me but his love was enough. And then there is sweet Jack, he loved me first and then you came along and stole him from me, he was mine and you took him."

My god, this bitch is delusional! My father loved me too but I'm not screaming about a love affair. And Jack? When the fuck did he love her?

"Then having to live with the bitch after I killed my slut of a mother and Joe, well....that pissed me right off. Pretending to care about me whilst I was _'insane,'_ so I came up with a plan, no-one is going to believe a crazy person are they," she smirks, "no-one is going to think the quiet girl who is so devastated by her parents death would ever hurt a fly."

"Oh my god," I whisper the words barely coming out of my mouth, "you killed my mother? Because of some crazy fantasy, she did everything for you."

"Like what, rub her happy life in my face," she snaps at me holding a knife to my throat."

"Happy? You think our or her life was happy? My father left and then we had to fucking look after you."

"Yes well," she pulls back, "that was all part of the plan. You see, my slut of a mother ruined my fucking life when Joe chose her. After he fucked me of course,"

"You mean you raped him," I blurt out.

"No, what we did was love, pure fucking love that you know nothing about, anyway, they had to go but I couldn't kill Joe, no instead I wanted him to suffer like he made me suffer, now he is going to die, isn't my plan great," she chirps as if this is the most wonderful and cleverest thing anyone could do.

I cannot believe Joe was right, and my visions of helping him, someone actually wanted me to help him. Mark comes back into the room with a bag, he pulls out a gun and a knife covered in blood, oh my fuck, is that the knife they used to kill my mother?

"Did you kill my mother too," I snap at him, "what fucking role do you play in all this."

"I love you," his voice sounds so devoted, he actually believes his own words, "I did all this for you, for us, so we could be together," he says stroking my face.

"But how," I sob.

"Oh she wants to know how, well little princess, it isn't hard to change your identity, steal a house and then impose as someone. It's so easy, just hanging around in the right uniform and no-one asks questions. You didn't even notice the lie."

Okay, so I didn't know at first but I know now and she doesn't even know I went to the police station. Sure it will flag up I was panicking and asking about an officer who doesn't exist? Surely an officer would think it strange and certainly raise concern _, 'please'_ I pray in my head _'please let them come.'_

"How, I saw things Sophia, you levitating when I come to see you, explain that," I shout at her pulling on the ties to try and break them.

She laughs, "Oh, it's amazing what you can do with some rope and another person helping you, you were so scared though."

So Mark helped her do that? Wait a minute, she didn't escape, he posed as a policeman and they believed him, that's how she fucking got out!

I have no phone and I am tied up. Both of them start arguing, Sophia wants to kill me but Mark still thinks I am going to be with him.

If I am going to stay alive, I guess I have to play along right? "Wait," I call out to them both as they leave the room, "he is right Sophia, I do want to be with him."

I see the joy on his face as he pushes passed her to get to me, he leans over me almost crying, "Do you mean that?"

"Of course," I gulp putting on a brave face, "I mean, I was a fool all these years, but these last few days, even though I didn't know it was you, have been so special to me. You have been amazing and wonderful and I began to fall for you and just got scared, I have been hurt before I didn't want you to hurt me too."

He kisses me so hard and to keep it up I kiss him back. Bile rises in my mouth as his wet lips swarm all over mine but I cannot let him think I don't want this, I need to stay alive.

He is crazy and besotted with me; he isn't going to see I don't love him because all he wants is to be with me. He sees me as the love of his life, even if Sophia tells him I don't him he won't believe it, he wants to believe that I want him.

He unties me, "hug me Rayne, I need your love around me," he holds his arms out and I fall into them, trying to be as loving as possible without being sick.

I look at Sophia who rolls her eyes at me and then pushes me off him, "as if bitch, you are going to die you know why?"

I look at her and shake my head, why does she want me dead so badly? What did I ever do to her? All this stuff she is claiming I did is all in her imagination.

"You see your _'father'_ who loved me, has left everything to your mother and in the event of her death then you. Don't you see, you inherit two point five million plus the house, by the way it's the one you used to live in that you moved out of?"

I look at her confused, "how do you even know that? We moved out of that house when my father left."

"Yes, but daddy dearest owned it and never sold it, leaving it to his _'broken hearted'_ wife and abandoned daughter. The money comes from a trust fund your mother was to keep hold of and surprise you on your 21st birthday, it comes from the sale of your daddy's company, oh and by the way, he died....terribly."

Is she now admitting she killed my father too? Joe was right, she might not been as ill as she first claimed but she seriously is mentally disturbed in some way.

"How the hell do you think you will even see a penny of that money," I ask her abruptly.

"Because when you die, as your darling mother signed a legal document to be my guardian, all her things then go to me, including the money."

She has this all figured out, she destroyed my family and for what? Because she has some made up fantasy and then it didn't go her way.

I've heard enough of this bullshit, I jump up and push passed her, as she falls over I quickly pull the door shut and lock it, running through some dirty hallway until I find another door.

I run up the stairs as fast as I can trying to block every door behind me, I need to find someone.

## Chapter 17

I run to the front door but it's locked. I see a car in the drive way, which must be Sophia's, was she here the whole time or did she come after? I hadn't noticed it when I arrived.

I run around the house trying to look for a way out but Sophia manages to catch up with me, as I head for the kitchen I pull down units just to try and slow her down.

In the kitchen the dark figure appears next to the knife stand. I pull out a knife and as Sophia runs towards me I stab her I have no idea where but I don't stay around to find out.

Mark appears and I have nowhere left to run. Like an idiot I run into the bedroom and lock myself in. But it doesn't work for long; the door is made out of wood which with some force he breaks open.

"You are mine," his voice rumbles, he runs at me and grabs me, throwing me onto the bed. I scream but no-one helps me. He tries to rip my jeans off and hurts himself on the zip which causes him to lash out and slap me.

He hits me so hard that my head is once again fuzzy. I feel something and before I know it, he is inside me. I don't want this, please can someone help me.

Just as I wished for, something throws him off me; I look up and see a figure. Is it the black figure? It seems to be a man, he scoops me up and goes to run outside but then there is a bang.

Falling to the floor I realise the bang, was a gun. Trying to focus I look and see a man lying on the floor, it's Jack. He looks up at me clearly in pain.

"Oh my god how did you even get in here?" I grab him holding him tight but Mark comes out of the room, "she's my fucking girl," he shoots again but misses.

Jack and I scramble to our feet with him leaning on me and we try to make a run through the door, shots firing behind us as we try and flee.

Jack falls as blood pours from his leg, "Run Rayne," he begs, "don't worry about me, get the fuck out of here and call for help, run now," he orders.

I look at him, this man has come to save me and he thinks I'm going to leave him here? "I'm not going to leave you, I love you." His head rests on mine and for a moment, the world falls silent. In this tiny second, it is just us.

Mark catches up to us and kicks Jack in the head knocking him unconscious. I scream out to wake him but he doesn't move.

I scream as loud as I can but even I know there are no neighbours that will hear me, this house is in the middle of nowhere hidden among the bushes at the end of a dead end street.

Mark carries me back into the house, leaving Jack outside to die from his wound. I kick and scream but no help comes.

He takes me to the bedroom and once again ties me up, this time to the chair. He paces back and forth, "no, no I cannot do that, she loves me," he says to himself, tapping the gun on his forehead.

The room freezes over and I can suddenly see my own breath. I look at Mark who appears to be walking in slow motion, I feel an icy cold touch on my arm and as I look, there it is the black figure.

"Help me," I beg whoever it is floating beside me, hiding in the darkness.

' _Be strong, I am here, you can do this'_ it whispers _'his weakness is his love and obsession for you, use it.'_

Use it? I have to pretend once again that I am in love with him? The man practically fucking raped me and I have to pretend I love him? Mental he is yes but is he stupid? Will he fall for that a second time?

I put my head down and I sob trying to get his attention, muttering under my breath "I loved you and you hurt me, how could you do this to me."

"What," he looks over and comes to his knees in-front of me, "what did you say?"

"I said I loved you and you hurt me, how could you do this to me Mark, I was so scared and I ran away from her and you were supposed to protect me but instead you attacked me."

His face saddens, "I thought, oh my god Rayne, I love you, of course I love you, but I fear you do not love me, show me you love me please," he begs rubbing his face against mine.

Oh my god, he wants me to show him that I love him? Does he want me to give myself to him? Have sex? Oh my god, Jack is outside bleeding to death and I'm tied to a chair, my mind is racing and Mark is just staring at me. I feel sick!

"If you want me to show you, you need to untie me," I tell him, fluttering my eyes as best I can.

Without hesitation he unties the ropes that are digging into my wrist and pulls me up against him. Am I actually going to have sex with him just to save my own life?

I feel sick at the thought, feel like a prostitute, how can I do this and make it seem real? I cannot even bring myself to kiss him like I want him let alone open my legs to him.

His lips press against mine and I try not to pull away. I kiss him back, looking around the room for something, anything to help me out of this situation.

I once again see the dark figure, its face, I see its face and the face is red with anger. I try to pull away from Mark but his kisses become more intense and deeper.

He pushes me against the wall, his desire and lust building in his loins, I feel his erection against me but he doesn't sense I do not want him.

Tears stream down my face as Mark pushes more and more against me. The black shadow moves closer, its glaring red eyes piercing mine.

Before I can scream, Mark is flung across the room and knocked unconscious. The figure looks at me, standing there floating not making a sound. I see this as my chance to run.

Running back outside I look for Jack, he is still lying in the ground, and blood pours from his leg. "Jack, Jack wake up please," I shake him.

I feel like I am shaking the life out of him and finally he coughs, looking dazed he grips me, "Rayne?" He mumbles croaky.

I breathe a sigh of relief, "Jack you need to get up," I pull on him but then I hear my name being shouted.

"Rayne you fucking bitch, I'm going to kill you," Sophia shouts.

I scramble in Jack's pockets looking for his phone. I find it and dial 911 as quickly as I can. The operator answers within seconds; I look around and cannot see Sophia anywhere. "911 what's your emergency?"

"Yes, hello, please, please help me," I whisper terrified, "they're trying to kill us,"

"Sorry Ma'am, did you say someone is trying to kill you?"

"Yes," I snap, "there are two of them one of us has been shot and I have been raped, please help,"

"Ma'am can you get somewhere safe to hide?"

I look around but it's an open land even if I hid behind a tree they will find me, "no I'm outside right now but they're coming, I'm at...."

"There you are," I hear as something grabs my hair and drags me through the mud.

I kick and scream as Jack call's out to me, he too is then dragged by something. I get thrown in the house and my head bangs against the wall. I feel a sharp shooting pain in my leg, I look down and there sticking out of leg is a knife.

"Now try and run away again bitch," Sophia angrily breathes at me. She ties me to a chair whilst cupping the wound on her side. I didn't get her as well as I'd hoped; clearly it's just a scratch and nothing more.

She lights all the candles and pulls out a book, she begins to chant in a language I have never heard. Does she really believe in the devil? I thought it was an act, she admitted the levitation wasn't real, what the fuck is she doing?

Jack is thrown next to me on the floor, bound and gagged. He looks up at me, his beaten and battered face covered in blood, I want to lean down and kiss but I too am gagged.

Mark walks over to me, a strange look of madness and lust on his face and with one quick swing he slaps me, hard!

His ring cuts the side of my temple and blood begins to drip down my face. He picks me up and slams me into the wall, his eyes look deep into mine, then he kisses me but I turn away. He then gags me and throws me back onto the floor.

Sophia stands with her back towards me and raises her hands, "it's amazing what you can get when you open your mind and sell your soul. I don't need my soul, but I do need to get what I want."

Hang on a minute, didn't she say she planned all of this, like a sane person, well not exactly sane but she made out this was her own doing. A plan between her and Mark?

She turns to face me, "keeping up appearances," she smiles evilly, "bringing the evil into our world to get rid of you."

Suddenly, the black figure appears, Sophia turns and sees it. She starts to step back, seemingly afraid of what she is seeing, is it here for me, or for her?

## Chapter 18

It edges towards her, I have no idea what she sees but I see white eyes once again. Bright shiny white eyes, like light bulbs in the darkness.

Is this really happening right now? Anyone with a sane mind would wonder if what they are seeing is real. I'm not even sure if it's real, I thought I saw things that were not true, but as the figure edges towards Sophia, _'some things are smoke and mirrors'_ that woman's words echo in my head.

I look down at Jack, he is looking at Sophia and clearly he sees something, his face is frozen in fear. I feel the gag around my mouth and the ropes around my hands become lose, I don't know what's happening but I don't care.

With my hands free I bend down and grab Jack. I wrap the ties from my wrist around his leg to try and stop the bleeding and one around my leg.

Wind picks up in the tiny run down room. I realise the black figure I have been seeing over and over is here for her and not for me.

The woman was right, sometimes ghosts are here to help us, but who is this person or ghost so willing to help me?

"What the fuck are you?" Sophia screams out above the sounds of the wind, but it says nothing. It moves over and stands in-front of me.

The room begins to shake. Mark tries to run out of the door but its jammed shut. Fear fills his face and he breaks down, like a total sissy.

Not one part of me feels sorry for him, I clutch onto Jack as he does me, he doesn't say a word as he watches the strange happenings unfold before his eyes.

Sophia gets thrown across the room with such force she ends up in another room. A big hole appears in the in the wall and as I look up, I can see some sort of images or pictures all over the wall.

I get up and walk in there as the commotion carries on behind me. Pictures of me are everywhere, pictures of me at school, out with Jack, at the park and everything I have done. Year's worth of images spread over the walls with love hearts and pentagrams drawn all over them.

Pictures of Sophia and Mark in my mother's bedroom just after the death happily taking selfies as if proud of what they done, I feel sick.

Sophia was never able to conjure the devil; she just believed she did because she is clearly mentally disturbed. She projected that to Joe so that he would hide things for her, so she could get close to him and when he rejected her, that was her excuse, this was her plan. I was right!

But if Sophia never conjured anything, then who is the black figure? I never conjured anything, I wouldn't even know how!

I run back into the room as the black ghostly figure is torturing Mark. I pick up Jack who looks at me, his eyes scream _'what the fuck is happening,'_ but I just smile, stroke his face and try to leave the room.

The door will not open as the force of the wind and spiritual energy is just too much. Whoever this thing is, it wants me to see what it is going to do.

Jack and I hide in the corner. This black figure, this spirit stands once again in-front of us and seems like it is trying to protect us.

Mark is lifted into the air, but nothing is touching him as he begins to choke, something is cutting off his air. His hands urgently try and grip whatever is around his neck but there is nothing to grip hold of or stop.

His eyes turn red and looking at him, he appears to soil himself. As he seems to run out of oxygen, he drops to the floor, his eyes frozen open, dead!

"What the fuck is happening," Jack turns and asks, terrified of what he can see.

"I cannot explain it to you right now," I look around, "but I think we are being saved, trust me okay."

There is a loud banging coming from above and then the sounds of several heavy footsteps. I scramble to the door and suddenly it's open.

"Is anyone here? Police, is anyone here?" Someone shouts.

"Yes please we're down her e," I yell back, "please, down here," I look to Jack who looks pale, "please hold on, they're here, someone is here."

An officer in heavy S.W.A.T gear approaches the room, gun pointing as Jack and I huddle in the corner. He signals to someone else and others follow in behind him.

Detective _'no feelings'_ comes in and looks. "I need a medic in here immediately," he calls through his radio.

"Miss Watts, are you alright? What happened here?" he asks checking me over.

How do I explain this without sounding crazy insane? I cannot tell him a ghost has been following me and then came along and murdered Mark and knocked out Sophia can I.

"It was her all along," I mumble, "she killed my mother, she killed her mother," I grab his tie and pull on him, "detective, there is a man on death row; he is going to die for a murder he did not commit, her step-father, please...."

"Joe Rhodes?" he blurts out, "but how? All the evidence was there rape and murder."

"No, no," I shake my head, "she raped him after she tied him up, that's how his DNA got inside her, look it's hard to explain but please just trust me please, he is innocent, you need to call them, you need to call them now."

"There's another one in here," an officer calls out looking at Sophia in the other room unconscious on the floor.

As his back is turned, she gets up, not realising what is around her and comes charging at me. Knife in hand, the detective sees her intention and shoots her. It hits her in the chest and with a bang she falls to the floor.

I cannot believe it, she's dead, it's all over. I sob with relief as Jack holds me in his arms.

A medic takes both Jack and I away. Sat outside in the ambulance I feel a sense of peace that this horrible ordeal is over. Well, for me anyway.

Jack opens his eyes, he's all sleepy and slightly _'monged'_ out with all the drugs he on, I smile at him, "hey, thank you for coming here."

"I realised something was wrong," he mumbles, "your message, I was afraid so I went to the station and some guy said some girl who looked like you had been in there, when they showed me what they had shown you, I just knew you were in trouble, I felt it, I felt you."

I lean down and kiss him softly. "I'm so sorry," I sob, "I don't know why I trusted him."

"Because I hurt you and you needed someone to fall on, you were vulnerable, I don't blame you," he says kissing me back. We watch as two bodies are loaded into the coroners van.

"Ma'am," the detective interrupts, "there is no answer at the prison D-Block and having checked the police system for scheduled prisoner deaths, he is due at nine."

I look at him, "how is that possible? His execution date hasn't been scheduled yet, wait? What nine tonight or nine tomorrow morning?"

"Tomorrow morning."

I look at my watch; it's now 7:30a.m. How am I meant to stop this if the fucking prison guards will not answer to one of their own officers when they call them?

"You have to stop this," I beg him, "he cannot die, you've seen it yourself."

"I cannot stop an inmate due to die on a technicality when there is no evidence."

I want to smack the life out of him, but then an officer runs out just in the nick of time. Thank god! He hands the detective everything, including Sophia's diary, it gives sordid details of the murders, pictures of me and my family, pictures she took, even down the fact she had been pretending to take her medication which she hid in her underwear and then disposed of when she went to the loo.

The detective looks at me, it suddenly dawns on him that and innocent man is about to die. "I need to get to the prison," he states looking at the book.

What an idiot, who kills someone and then keeps all the evidence, even takes pictures; she wasn't that bright was she.

"I'm coming with you," I tell him, he looks like he doesn't agree but I don't care, "you can look at me like that all you want but I am coming."

He turns to the officer, "get on to the judge and the prison, let them know evidence has come to light showing Joe Rhodes is innocent and they need to put a stop to the scheduled execution," he starts running to the car, "tell them I'm heading there now."

I go as fast as I can behind him, my leg in a bandage, my body bruised and beaten but it doesn't stop me. Joe is about to die.

The detective speeds as fast as he can through the streets, sirens on blaring as loud as they possibly can. "How did you find all this out?"

"Not only is it in her diary but the photos in that room and the knife, the knife she used to kill them with she still has. Everything during that court case was circumstantial, and because you found him trying to break the door down, covered in blood, his DNA everywhere, why wouldn't you convict him, even I thought he did it."

"What changed your mind?"

Besides the fucking ghost who kept pushing me in that direction, "Umm, well one she admitted it, two told me how she had planned it for years and three because of everything you have just seen."

I feel a cold chill and something breathing on the back of my neck. I turn around to see the black figure sat in the back of the car.

I look forward out of the window, am I going to be too late to save an innocent man?

## Chapter 19

Speeding through the city, the black figure does not leave as we reach morning rush hour. Traffic nightmare! The detective beeps his horn, sirens blaring as he tries to push his way through the traffic.

The cars part but not fast enough. Nervously I keep checking the time as I then see the coroners van speeding passed us at the lights, why would they be going that fast?

"Can't you go any quicker? We are running out of time," I snap.

"Look, my men are calling them, we do not know if they have or haven't got through and in-case you didn't notice, we have hit morning rush hour and I'm not driving a truck to drive over them," he snaps back at me.

I'm seeing a new side to this _'uncaring'_ detective; he seems to want to save him just as much as I do. Maybe I judged him too quickly.

He races through the traffic and the city as quick as he can. Pulling up outside the prison, he jumps out and I race behind him, he flashes his badge and they immediately open the gates.

Just as we reach the room surrounded by witnesses, through the glass they prepare Joe for lethal injection with just ten minutes to spare. I bang on the window causing major distraction as the detective flashes his badge.

Immediately a guard and an officer step out, "is something wrong?" The officer asks, clearly the lead officer here.

Out of breath the detective tells him, "you have the wrong person, this man is innocent, and didn't anyone call to stop this?"

The guard holds up his hand signalling to stop what they are doing, "who did you call; no-one of authority has stated this execution is to be...."

"Sir," an officer interrupts walking in holding papers in his hand, "these have been faxed over from the Supreme Court, a," he looks, "a Judge Matt Hunter, he has ordered a stop to the execution and signed off for immediate release."

The officer in charge takes the papers from his hand and reads over them and looks at me. His eyes widen with shock, "is this real?" he gasps, flicking through pages, "where is she now?"

"She is dead," the detective replies, "on her way in the coroners van, there is a hell of a lot more, trust me."

The guard and officer both go back into the _'room of death'_ and call it off. Untying Joe he looks at me, a smile beams from ear to ear. He comes out and embraces me in a hug.

He begins to sob, "thank you, thank you so much. I thought you were dead, that it was too late."

I hug him back realising his life was ruined just as much as mine was, "it's ok, she's gone now, she got what she deserved."

The lead officer comes over to a clearly worn down, thin and exhausted man who has been on death row, awaiting a death for something he did not do. "Joe," he shakes his hand, "I'm sorry, if we had known sooner."

"It's okay," Joe shrugs, "these things happen, besides, Sophia played it really well and I didn't exactly say anything, but it's over now."

He takes me hand and we both walk out of there together, finally he is a free man.

"Why did they suddenly decide to execute you now anyway, there are people in there who have been waiting over twenty years, you have been in there only a year?" I ask him as his weak and frail body leans on me for support.

"I don't know, that baffled me too but whatever it is, it's over now and I'm free," he smiles.

As we walk towards the gate, a dark cloud hovers over us and the air goes chilly. Everything around me begins to slow down.

I look towards the exit gate and there before me is once again the back figure. Why is it here? I did what it wanted me to do, I freed him. Why can't it just leave me alone!

' _Danger'_ I hear whispered through the air but I see nothing except guards and police officers. How could there be danger?

The gates open slowly and I look around at everything moving in slow motion. Suddenly Sophia is there and a crashed coroners van against the gate.

Police and guards scream and shout but she keeps coming, before they can stop her she holds up a gun and shoots.

Joe pushes me out of the way and I hit the floor. I look up at the gate and several guards and police shoot Sophia. She falls to the floor covered in bullet wounds and blood.

I look over to Joe who is choking on his own blood on the floor. Everything seems to revert to normal and guards rush to both Sophia and Joe. Joe has been shot directly in the chest.

"Joe, hold on okay," I beg him; blood fills his mouth as he chokes.

"Rayne, it's okay, I got to die a free man. You did that for me," the blood bubbles in his mouth.

"No, you have to live oaky, you cannot leave me, I have no-one. Joe I need you, please stay with me," I beg as guards frantically try to save him.

His body becomes limp and he looks at me, "let me go Rayne."

Tears fall down my face as Joe lay dying in my arms, "I can't, I promised to save you."

"And you did," and with those last words, Joe dies in my arms. They try to bring him back but he's gone. Jack gets out of a police car and comes into the main yard of the prison to see me clutching at Joe's lifeless body.

"I promised I would save him and I couldn't," I sob as Jack sits beside me all bandaged up.

The black figure draws closer to Joe. I look around and realise this time, no-one can see what I see. I shake my head; this thing cannot take him away from me.

The black figure turns into a white light and there before me is my aunty, smiling and looking at me. Oh my god! It was my aunty all along.

Then the woman, her words come to my head, _'only the truth will set them free.'_ The truth is known who killed my family, so I guess now my aunty is free. And so is Joe.

I see her and Joe together, reunited in death. My heart melts as they both give me a warm smile before disappearing. I smile with my last tear dripping down my face.

"What's wrong?" Jack asks.

"Nothing, I just know he is where he wants to be," I kiss his forehead, make my peace and let the coroners take his body away.

"You two need to get to a hospital. He has a bullet wound and you have several wounds," the detective orders.

"Thank you detective, you know, for believing me."

He looks at me, "I'm sorry; he shouldn't have had to die like that after what he had been through. We uncovered more evidence at the house and two other bodies."

I see them pick Sophia's body up and limping over I stop them. "I want to make sure myself she is dead this time." Unzipping the body bag, I look at Sophia who has several bullet wounds to the chest and one to the head, the bitch is definitely dead and there is no way she is coming back.

Jack and I are placed in the ambulance where we sit side by side holding hands. "What are you going to do now," he asks.

"Well, as a minor I can't really do anything can I. I don't think I could go back to my house yet though, still raw you know." I look at Jack who has love in his eyes, "what's that look for?"

"Why don't you come live with me?"

I almost choke on my own spit, "I'm sorry, live with you?"

"Yeah why not, my parents won't say no you know that. My mom loves you, my Dad loves you and well, I love you," his grip tightens slightly, "I never want to leave you again, you're my girl Rayne."

We arrive at the hospital and are finally seen to. Wounds patched over, stitches placed in and bandages tied on, just as Jack's parents come rushing into the hospital.

Jack hugs his father who sobs that no matter what, he's his boy and always will be. His mother almost kisses him to death and then fusses over me.

"My god you two, when Jack rung me I have never been so scared in all my life and then the police rung and said he was shot and you, but oh my god."

"Mom," Jack cuts her off, "you're rambling and don't worry, we're both fine. But can you give us some privacy please for a moment?"

They kiss and hug us repeatedly before leaving the room. I look at Jack who hobbles over to my bed and sits next to me.

"What's wrong?" I look at him, he seems nervous.

"Nothing is wrong. Leaving you was the biggest mistake I have ever made and after everything that has happened I never want to lose you again," he sobs, "it would kill me."

I hold his hand, "shush, you will never lose me, I will always be right here."

"Right here as....my wife."

My jaw drops to the floor, "what, you're wife? But Jack, we're still in high school."

"I don't care, I love you and I know I will never want anyone or anything with anyone else, but you."

I look into his eyes, I love this man with all my soul, I beam from ear to ear, "forever and ever?"

"And ever and ever and ever," he giggles back.

I don't know what the future holds for me, if we will remain in Washington or move, or if I will ever see another ghost again, I can rest knowing my mother is free with my father and my family can lay to rest. But one thing is for sure, I'll never feel or be alone again and everything was put right. I'm happy knowing that.

##

