Chasing the Light

chapter one

The temptation to run was overwhelming. My body ached the harder I tried to stay still. The downpour of rain wasn't helping much either. Every stone cold drop that hit my exposed skin made my body shiver.

He's calling for me.

I can hear him. Even over the constant patter of rain and pounding thunder.

It's almost as if he's standing right next to me. Like he's in my head.

"Alina! Come on love. Where are you hiding?"

I can't tell which direction his voice is coming from.

It's so dark. The clouds are currently hung around the moon, chasing away any sliver of light it casts.

"Alina please! Why are you acting like such a child?" I swallow my response, not willing to give up my hiding place.

I wish he would stop looking for me, or at least stop shouting. I can't concentrate on making a clean escape with all the constant yelling. Pushing my hands against my ears, I try to quiet everything. At least for a moment so I can think.

It's not working. I still hear his voice echoing in my head.

After a few minutes I remove my hands, wincing at the pounding headache I've just given myself.

I'm met with silence, from him at least. The rain still carries on.

Then I start to hear humming. I turn my ear towards it focusing on the sound.

It's getting louder with each passing second.

I see lights in the distance.

It's a car!

I can't think of a rational thing to do at that moment.

So I don't think, I just jump in front of the car.

I slam my eyes shut, not willing to face the car that's barreling towards me. I can hear the tires screeching in protest as the driver slams on the brakes to avoid hitting me. Once the tires stop screeching I open my eyes.

The car is no more than two feet in front of me.

I watch as the driver side door opens and a man steps out. He's young, he is only a few years older than me. And he's looking at me like I'm insane, which I probably am. I mean, I did just jump in front of his car.

I stare at him blankly, waiting for him to say something.

"Are you alright?" He asks, taking a hesitant step towards me. Almost as if he thinks I'll do something else stupid and reckless. He continues to take small steps towards me.

I start to back away, not knowing what's going on in his head.

He holds his hands up to show me he isn't a threat.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He waits for me to nod before he starts stepping towards me again. "Where'd you get that nasty gash?" He asks, pointing towards my head.

On instinct I reach up to feel my forehead for the wound, only to pull my hand back hissing in pain.

Why don't I remember hitting my head?

I'm squeezing my eyes shut trying to think back.

I don't remember a lot of things from the last few weeks. Why? What did he do to me?

I feel hands grab my shoulders and I start smacking them away.

"I'm sorry! It's just me...from the car." He mumbles while raising his hands in surrender.

"I didn't mean to startle you but you might have a concussion from that gash on your forehead. You can't close your eyes like that." I nod in understanding.

"Is that why I can't remember how I got it?" He looks at me quizzically and points to my forehead. "You don't remember how you got that?" I shake my head.

The look he's giving me isn't helping my nerves.

"Alina!" My head whips behind me, in search of him.

I see him.

It's just his silhouette in the distance but it's just as daunting.

I can feel the driver next to me, watching me.

"Who's that? Do you know him?" He whispers. I can't take my eyes off the silhouette. I'm too afraid he'll start moving towards me. Keeping my eyes locked in front of me, I slide my hand around the drivers arm to make sure he doesn't leave me.

"Alina? Who is that you're with?" I don't respond, I just tighten my grip on his arm.

"I'm sorry for the trouble sir, my girlfriend and I had a little accident. She's a little shaken but she's fine. Isn't that right Alina?" I haven't loosened my grip on the driver's arm, but I can feel him shift on his feet like he's unsure of what to do.

I finally look over at him, willing him to sense my fear.

"You have to get me out of here." I watch as he contemplates my words.

"We'll make a run for my car, okay?" I nod my head slowly. He slides his hand into mine and gives it an encouraging squeeze.

"Ready?" He whispers.

My heart starts pounding in my ears.

"Now!" I push away his hand and bolt for the passenger side door.

"Alina, sweetie please don't get in that car. He's a stranger Alina!" I can hear his footsteps pounding towards me as I pull the door open.

I glimpse my mystery man in the driver's seat. He has the car in drive and is ready to peel out of the alleyway.

"You're not going anywhere!" I feel a hand wrap around my ankle and before I can think, I'm pulled from the car.

And everything went black.

_