In real life

When nightmare turns into dream

"Did you find him!? I'm so sorry, I got caught up at Joe's and - Taylor?"

I groggily opened my eyes and blinked a couple of times to clear my vision. I took in my surroundings and realised that I was lying curled up in an armchair, my fingers linked together with Jack's. He was sleeping soundly on the couch. I must have fallen asleep again, I didn't exactly get much rest the night before.

"He's right here", I said, my voice rough from sleep.

Finn walked over and let out a sigh of relief when seeing his brother on the couch.

"He got sick and fell asleep down here", I explained.

Finn nodded and sat down in the armchair next to me. "Do you want to go and freshen up? I can watch him for a while."

I nodded and got up, stretching and winching when feeling how sore the muscles in my back and neck was. Note to self: don't sleep in armchairs.

After taking a hot shower and putting on some fresh clothes I felt a whole lot better about myself. I sang quietly to myself as towel dried my hair and let my eyes wander around the room. The bathroom was small and full of steam, which made it toasty warm and all around wonderful. I enjoyed the warmth as I put the towel back where I found it and got ready to exit the bathroom and let myself out in the chilly house. But just before I excited my phone vibrated in my back pocket. I quickly pulled it out, expecting it to be Tyler or Troye calling. I never gave them any news on Jack last night. But it was neither of them. My phone screen showed a picture of a guy who was pulling a silly face while laughing at the camera. At the top of the screen read the name 'Spencer'.

I stared with wide eyes. I thought that my mum had somehow kept Spencer from calling me since he hadn't tried to call ever since I came to London, but here he was, making a call. I quickly slid my finger over the screen and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Hello?" I held my breath as I waited for a response.

"Taylor? Is that you?"

I let out a breath and. It was him. It was really him. I smiled. "Yes, it's me. God Spencer, I have missed you so mu- "

"Listen, I would love to chat but we really don't have much time so just hear me out, okay?"

I froze. "Spencer I - "

"I will explain everything, just listen, yeah?"

I nodded my head hesitantly, even if he couldn't see me. "Okay."

"Good. I need you to focus on what I have to say and stay calm. It will be okay. Now, here's the deal: Chad is heading to London. He's in the airport right now, about to go through security."

My breath hitched in my throat and clamped a hand in front of my mouth. No. This couldn't be happening.

"I've tried to stop him but there isn't much I can do. I have a plane ticket though, so I will follow him to London and make sure he doesn't find you or Troye. In the mean time you guys need to get out of the city. Do you understand me?"

Tears were filling my eyes and my throat was starting to close up, but I managed to get out a weak: "Yes."

"Good. I hope you will be long gone by the time he gets there. This guy is mad, Taylor. Bulling is one thing, but this guy is set on finding you. It's like he's obsessed. I don't know what he'll do if - oh shit."

Suddenly there were lots of noise in the background, people yelling and talking in loud voices.

"Spencer?" I said. "What's going on?"