When I Find You

Chapter 8

My eyes slowly opened to the rays of sunshine beaming from the little cracks of the window blinds. I turned to my side and saw the back of Ian. It had a long scar down from the top right to the bottom left of his back. My mouth hung open from shock. I wondered who had done such a thing. I turned back to the window and looked at the clock. It was 7:30. I slowly climbed out of the bed, careful not to wake up Ian. I took a pair of black leggings and a black tank top and threw them on. I searched for a pen and a piece of paper and found one on the television stand. The pen glided smoothly on the paper and I wrote "Went for a jog". I put the paper on the night stand next to his side of the bed and walked out the room. I picked up my new black sneakers, quickly laced them up and grabbed the i-pod and headphones off the coffee table. I quietly opened the door and closed it again and started my jog.

As I listened to my music and jogged, I noticed the beautiful neighborhood. The houses were moderate sized with huge lawns and backyards. The sidewalks were decorated with trees and flowers. Everything here was neat and tidy. I jogged down the road and found myself in a small park and lake. There were many more joggers making their rounds around the park. I found a bench in-front of the lake and sat down for a moment. I needed this, a moment to think.

I wondered about my mother and Blake again. What if they called the cops? What if Jeremy hurt them? What if i'm making a huge mistake? I should tell my mom that I'm safe right? These questions burned in my head and soon enough I was crying. I looked at the bright blue lake. The reflections of the trees and the swans swimming made the setting look fictional. I never took a moment to think everything through. None of my thoughts were becoming clear. Everything was blurry and difficult to understand. How could I trust these guys? I knew none of them. But what if they were right? I cupped my head in my hands and continued my sobbing. Another image popped into my head. One where my real father is tied up on a chair being tortured by his brother. I had to save him.

"Hey you ok?" I looked up and saw a handsome young man staring down at me. His eyes were hazel and his hair was brown. By the look of his muscles he worked out a lot. I nodded my head and he sat down next to me.

"I know Stranger Danger." He said and I chuckled.

"Do i get points for making you laugh?" He asked.

"No it was a chuckle not a laugh." I replied

"I'm John." He put his hand out to and I shook it "I'm Jessica."

"Ohh nice ring." He said. I looked at him confused and then I looked down at my hand and realized i still had my engagement ring.

"Yeah I was getting married." I chuckled once again.

"Was?" He asked.

"Long story." I smiled at him.

"Well It was nice to meet you Jessica. Hopefully we will meet again. Maybe we could go jogging together." He replied as he got up.

"Maybe tomorrow?" I asked.

"Sounds like a plan." He smiled and then continued his jog while I continued to think.

Finally after about 20 minutes of just thinking, I got up and continued my jog back to the house. I passed a payphone and stopped jogging. I could call home. I could tell my loved ones that I'm fine. So I picked up the phone and began dialing the number. I stopped my self....he could be tracing calls. Jeremy is a smart man, if I called home he would definitely find me. I put the phone back and jogged all the way back home.

I swung the door open and immediately all the guys jumped out of their seats. Uh oh, They looked pissed.... Their faces were fuming. I looked around and found that half the living room was destroyed.