JUDE : Out of reach

Chapter 2- The Stranger

Chapter 2- The Stranger

As we approached the high street all I could think about was the note that Steph had hidden away, I snapped out of my inquisition as so as the car pulled up at the car park of the shop. I worked at Dusty's, a retro 60s record shop and diner.

"You're late" announced Robert, my manager

"Sorry rob, I got here as quick as I could" I said feeling slightly guilty.

Rob was like the dad I never had, so it pained me to disappoint him.

Rob looked at me for a second then smiled.

"Well, I suppose we could let it slide for today seeing as it's your birthday".

"Thanks rob", I said blowing out a sigh of relief. I made my way to the back closet where I plugged in my new phone to charge, hung up my jacket and put on my apron. I spent the next 4 hours waiting tables of the usual loud teens, and fussy adults. Stacey, robs daughter came in just after lunch for her shift.

"There's the birthday girl!" she exclaimed.

"Hey Stace", I replied with a smile.

"So guess where we're going tonight?" - Stacey was like my wild best friend always yolo'ing her way through life-

"Do I want to know" I replied, uncertain of her intentions.

"I got us into the strobe club tonight"

"What!" I replied, "that's an over 21 club, I'm not even 18 yet" I said feeling unsure.

"C'mon Jude, you've got nothing to lose, no offence"

"Fair enough, but do you really think Steph and rob are going to let us out, to a club?" I said.

"Well just tell Steph you're coming to my house and I'll tell dad I'm over at yours for the night. Simple" she said clearly having planned this thoroughly

"I don't know, I mean I'd rather just stay in my room and wait for midnight to pass, at least then my birthday will be over and I can carry on my with my life" I pulled out a pack of skittles from my backpack and started eating.

"Why do you hate your birthday so much?" Stacey asked, clearly bewildered at the fact that anyone could dislike the day they were born. I threw back a couple of skittles before opening my mouth to speak.

"I guess I've never really had anyone to spend it with"

Stacey looked at me estranged for a second.

"I mean family. I've never had any real family; it's just a constant reminder each year that I'm alone. I can't always be in care" I stopped for a minute and thought about what Stace had previously said, I really didn't have anything to lose.

"You know what, stick it, we're going out tonight" I Sao feeling defeat.

"Great" Stacey replied

"Come to mine after work and we can get ready"

"Cool" I said, with that I got on with waiting tables until my shift was over.

I fastened up my coat and slung on my backpack before heading to the door. As soon as I stepped out of the shop the cold December air stung my face as if I had just been slapped. It usually took around three quarters of an hour to walk home so I decided to take a shortcut. As it was winter, the buses were slower than usual so I decided to take a shortcut I knew, so I could get to Speargrove to pick up my things. It was quite dark considering the sun had set about half an hour ago. I was making my way down Mortlake Avenue when I realised I had a shadow, it's probably just another commuter I thought. I noticed this guy had been following me for a while now, there's no chance that we just happened to be going the same way, I quickly pulled a mirror out of my pocket to get a discreet look at him, he was a tall man, couldn't have been older than 23, he was wearing a long black coat with black gloves and a black scarf. He had short brown hair, and by the looks of it, quite muscular.

This was no coincidence; I started to pick up the pace of my walking. So did he. I cut a corner on to Elmwood Drive. So did he. I started to run, I ran as fast as I could I hopped over a gate and rand through the field near the station I was losing my breath but I didn't want to stop. I eventually made it onto Speargrove Road, I turned around. He was nowhere to be seen. I heaved a sigh of relief and quickly shuffled up the driveway of the house. As I closed the door I let out a huge breath I didn't know I was holding.

Who Was That?