The Target

Another step closer!

Two months had passed since Grace died. I started feeling better. As much as I wanted to, I didn't cut. Adam was there for me all along. My work at the office was getting better but it was still not up to the mark. Mr. Hugh stopped being so understanding. "It has been two months, Ms. Grant, and I have a reputation to uphold. So, either you get your head back in the game or take a sabbatical. I can't fire you right now, because of your situation but maybe an unpaid holiday might set you straight," Mr. Hugh scolded.

That day I came back home, tired. Maybe I should call mum and dad here. It will be nice to have some movements around the house. It's been empty. I thought. But my thoughts faded away with the arrival of Dylan not soon after. My excitement was still the same as when Grace arrived. But this time, I tried toning it down a bit.

Dylan Bright was my friend from College. Our group there was really cool. But Dylan appearing did ease things at home. He got along well with all my friends, though, admittedly, Adam looked slightly jealous. "Hey, Dylan is just a friend. You don't need to worry. I love you and nothing can change that." I assured Adam. Adam's eyes widened, so did mine. "Y-you love m-e?" Adam's voice stuttered. A small smile formed on my face as I leaned in for a kiss, "Yes! I love you, Adam Forster." "And I love you, Amy Grant!" Adam almost screamed.

We were brought back to the moment by Dylan, Harry, and Lewis applauding. We were hanging out at Lewis's apartment. I started blushing as Dylan whispered in my ear, "Yes! Great choice! So proud of you." I smiled at Adam who returned it in the most graceful way possible.

Maybe, things will start to look a little bright now with Dylan and Adam.

9th May. Two months ago, on this date, Grace disappeared. I tried not to think about it. But it's hard. I don't wanna feel this every ninth day of every month. I am miserable enough. All the guys helped. Except one. Dylan. "Where's Dylan? I wanted to talk to him about something. I tried calling him but he's not picking up." Harry asked. "I don't know. Haven't seen him since the evening. I talked to him at around 4. Since then, we haven't talked," I said, on my way back from work. Harry asked me to hang out after work. To ease up my tension, I agreed. We decided to get a takeaway from McDonald's and head to his apartment. Adam won't be home yet, since he's working late.

I dialed Dylan's number. The call got through but Dylan wasn't picking up. A strange fear crept up on me. Deja Vu. I thought. I hope he is ok. Harry drove to my apartment. We started worrying for Dylan. He was never one to ignore a call from me. When we reached, I found that my door was unlocked. I rushed in to find the whole house in a mess. I rummaged through everything to see what was stolen. When I went to my bedroom, I saw Dylan on my bed. I ran up to him, Harry right behind me, and saw that he was dead.

My legs felt weak. I dropped to the ground. Dylan's body was also impaled like Grace's. The stab wounds, the marks on the neck, and the missing fingers. Soon, the place was swarming with police officials and doctors. I sat on the couch, my eyes fixed on a spot on the wall. Adam had his arm around me. Harry was giving his statement to the police. Lewis was shocked. He kinda liked Dylan.

Dylan had no parents. They died five years ago and his sister has been in rehab since. So, I was glad that I didn't have to break this sort of news to his parents. After Dylan's memorial, I confronted Adam about something. "I am going back," I said. "Back? Where?" He asked, furrowing his eyes. "New Jersey," I said. He was taken aback. "No. No no, absolutely not. Not after what happened. I won't let you." Adam said, shaking his head and eyes welling up. "Hey, I have to. Everyone around me is dying. You could be next. Or Lewis. Or Harry." I argued. He was still shaking his head. "I am gonna go. I have to prepare." I said and I left the room.

*Adam's P.O.V.*

She can't go back to New Jersey. After everything she told me, I don't think I can lose her. Not now. Not ever. "Wait, Amy!" I ran after her. "You don't have to go. And if you will, I am coming with you." I said. She looked annoyed. "NO! Not you. I won't have you in that city. It-" "I am coming if you go. And that's it." I said interrupting her.

I won't let her go back alone.