It takes me several moments before I realise just how bizarre this situation is.

Some creep in a hoodie is standing a few metres away from me, and I'm just acting like a dumb bimbo in a horror movie.

I clutch the door, ready close it, but it's as if my arms are no longer working. Fear and apprehension grip me as I continue to stare at the mystery man.

"If you don't leave I'll... I'll call the police!" I manage to say, my voice hoarse.

"Audrey, soon everything will change..." he trails off as a pair of bright headlights shine down this street, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I recognise my mum's red Porsche in the distance. My eyes widen in shock as I turn my attention back to the hooded man, only to find him gone.

So many questions instantly swarm my mind.

Who is he? How does he know my name? How does he know where I live? Is this just a prank? If not, what does he want with me?

Too enwrapped in my thoughts, I barely notice when mum walks up the front steps.

"Audrey, dear! What are you still doing up?" she flashes me a radiant smile before pulling me into a hug.

Her red dress, which happens to be the same brilliant shade as her car, clings in all the right places, emphasising her hourglass figure. She had curled her hair for the occasion, and her bouncy brown hair cascaded freely down her back.

Despite still being in a state of shock, I couldn't help but marvel at my mum, and then wonder 'where the hell did mum go wrong with me?'

Realising I still haven't answered her question, and that I'm blocking the entryway, I step inside and force a smile.

"I couldn't sleep," I lie. "You look beautiful mum." Not a lie. "How was the date?"

"It went pretty smoothly actually! You know, I think this could finally be the start of something. Oh, and thanks for opening up the door. I can't believe I forgot my keys again!" she laughs.

"Dad would've wanted you to be happy," I give her a small smile.

For a split second, she has a distant look on her face.

I bite my lip worriedly. "Mum?"

She shakes her head as if getting rid of an unwanted thought. "It's nothing... just..." she sighs, and her hazel eyes meet my green ones. "Sometimes I think it should have been me in that car instead of him. Then maybe..."

I stop her before she can say anything further. "Mum, it could have happened at any time. It wouldn't have made a difference. It's not your fault. It was just bad luck." I can't stop my voice from quavering, so I decide it best not to say anything more.

My mother nods, embracing me into a tight hug. "Go to sleep, dear, or you won't feel fresh for school tomorrow."

I laugh at that. "Fresh? For school? When has that ever happened?"

She raises her eyes towards the ceiling. "Oh come on, you only have three weeks left of school. Just think, after the holidays, you'll only have a term remaining, and then you're graduating! My baby girl is growing up so fast." She reaches out to pinch my cheeks, but I quickly dash up the stairs before she has the chance.

"I'm going to bed, good night! Love you!" I call half-way up.

"Night, sweetie!" she chuckles.

I jump straight into bed, feeling a bit like a five-year-old girl who's scared that the boogieman is hiding in her closet.

What does that man want from me? What if he hurts my mum?

These dark thoughts instantly cloud my head, and it's a long time before I feel even remotely sleepy.

***

I wake up with a jolt, breathing heavily. I place my head in my hands and calmly count to ten before getting up and walking to the bathroom to wash my face. I tie my dirty-blonde hair into a messy ponytail before leaning against the sink with a sigh. Last night, when I had finally stopped thinking about the mystery man, I was able to fall asleep. It seemed though that even in my dreams I couldn't escape him. Literally. No matter how hard I tried to run, my feet would not move, and each terrifying second I was forced to stand there as he got closer and closer. He then drew out a knife from the pocket of his hoodie, and I screamed, though I knew nobody could save me. I was alone on my street, the houses empty and deserted. I still couldn't see the man's face under his hoodie, but I did see the menacing glint of the knife as he pointed it towards my neck. I could feel the cold, hard tip pressed against my skin, and that's when I woke up.

"Audrey?"

I jump in fright before noticing my mother in the mirror and turn around to face her.

"Mum," I hold a hand to my chest, feeling the thump of my heart as it races a million times a minute. "You scared me."

"I just wanted to check if you were alright. I thought I heard a scream." My mum brushes a loose strand of hair away from her face as she glances at me in concern.

"A scream?" I repeat, a bit bewildered. I didn't realise just how much that dream had scared me.

She hesitates before saying, "You were muttering in your sleep last night as well." She takes a few steps towards me and pulls me into a hug.

"Did you have a nightmare?"

"Yeah, I guess so," I reply quietly. I want to tell her about the mystery man, but something is stopping me. What if it is just a prank? I don't want to get worked up over nothing.

I think back to yesterday night and how happy mum had seemed. I don't want to ruin her life just as she's starting to piece it back together.

"What was your nightmare about?" mum asks gently.

I bite my lip before pulling away. "I'm not sure. Don't worry about it though," I try a light laugh, despite her concerned look. "Dreams can't hurt me."

I walk out of the bathroom confidently, but I can't ignore the little voice in my head.

Maybe dreams can't hurt me, but that man sure can.

***

I'm sitting with Justine and Anita under the huge tree. The two are laughing at something that happened in their English class and are trying to explain the joke to me. I check my watch absent-mindedly.

"Break is almost over," I tell them.

"Ew, I've got maths next," Anita whines.

I laugh. "Come on, maths isn't all that bad."

"It is when the teacher doesn't even know what he's doing!" Anita replies indignantly. "Even Mark thinks so."

"Mark?" I ask, suddenly perking up.

Justine chuckles, "Calm down Audrey. Looks like you get to ask him yourself."

Following Justine's gaze, I notice Mark heading towards us.

"Look at how red her face is! That is so adorable," Anita teases.

Embarrassed, I put my head in my hands. Stupid fair skin.

"Are you okay?" I look up only to find Mark standing above me, glancing down curiously.

"Oh, yeah... um... I'm just tired," I stutter.

I glance at Justine for help, but she simply smirks at me. Anita is no better as she clamps her hands over her mouth to stop herself from laughing out loud.

"Do you mind if I sit?" he asks.

"Yeah, of course!" I chirp happily before quickly correcting myself. "I mean, yeah, if you want to."

"Cool," he smiles and is just about to sit when the bell rings for class.

Half disappointed, half relieved, I quickly grab my bag and stand up.

I've embarrassed myself enough already. Better to leave now before something worse happens.

"See you," I say without meeting his gaze. In a hurry, I quickly begin to walk away and fail to see the tree root beneath my feet. I squeeze my eyes shut, ready for the face-plant of humiliation. When I realise that it isn't coming, I open my eyes and notice the two strong arms wrapped around me. At first, all I can do is stare into his eyes, but then a giggle from Anita snaps me back to reality, and I immediately feel the heat coursing through my veins.

"Careful, Audrey." He lets go of me and smiles.

"Come on," Anita giggles at the two of us. "We've got maths now," she says to Mark and the two walk off, leaving only Justine and me.

Justine places an arm around my shoulders and grins. "So how was your trip, Audrey?"

I give her an icy stare. "Humiliating," I mutter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

| Dedicated to meleeawaters |

An amazing girl who's seen this book from start to finish, even in its drafting process. Ily <3

Stay tuned. The action begins next chapter. Votes and comments much appreciated!

EDITED ✔