The Lost Sister

Chapter One

Nicole

You know that prickling feeling like you are being watched? Well that's how I feel right now as I sit in the coffee shop waiting for my fiancé Jake. The coffee shop is busy, there are people standing in line to order, people standing while they wait for their orders, people sitting at the tables. I look around countless times trying to see if someone I know is here but nothing. I still can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched.

Shaking my head I turn my attention back to my phone. I'm in the middle of texting my two best friends Olivia about Vera about my upcoming bridal shower. My fiancé Jake and I finally set a date for our wedding this fall. We've been together since Med School and now we're finishing our last year of residency before we take our exams and become Trauma Specialists.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I once again feel like someone is watching me. I look around my surroundings and still find nothing. My name for my order is called so slowly I stand while surveying the room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary but why did I feel like I was being watched? I chalked it up to the lack of sleep I've had. Working in the ER was a never ending circus but I enjoyed the fast pace work. 

As I reached the counter for my coffee and breakfast sandwich I bumped into a man. Startled, I nearly spilt my drink.

"Sorry." The man mumbled. He had dirty blonde hair and blue eyes.

I was about to apologize as well since it was my fault but before I could even open my mouth he was halfway out the door.

Sighing, I grab a couple of napkins and walk back to my table. Jake is running late and normally it wouldn't bother me but today is our one free day to finalize our plans for the wedding. My parents, Roy and Sarah, graciously hired a wedding planner for us since they knew Jake and I were busy with work. The wedding planner, Danielle, is amazing. Her ideas are unique but simple, not too outlandish. She's willing to work around our odd hour schedules. She is just truly amazing and I'm so happy she's our wedding planner.

The chime from the door rings, drawing my attention to the door. Jake walks in still in his scrubs. He looks exhausted. I was glad I ordered him a large coffee and an extra breakfast sandwich. The man could scarf down two and still be hungry. I smiled at him as he made his way to the table.

"Hey babe." Jake said as he leant down to kiss me on the lips.

"Morning. How was your shift?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Not too bad actually." He replied before taking a giant bite of his sandwich.

"So, what needs to be done today?" He asked with a mouthful of food.

I cringed, he knew I hated it when he talked with his mouth full. It was a gross habit and I wished he would stop doing it. It's really not that hard to chew with your mouth closed.

"Well, we have to approve the cake flavor and then Danielle said if we want that band to perform at our wedding we need to book them now. Otherwise, we'll have to settle for a DJ."

Jake nodded but continued to eat. I could tell he wasn't paying attention. Taking a deep breath I focused my attention on my breakfast. I wouldn't need to be at the hospital until tonight. However, Jake was just coming off a 14 hour shift so I knew he'd go straight home after this. I just needed his undivided attention for a little bit but lately it seems like his attention is anywhere but me.

It's normal though, right? We've been together for so long. Of course the lovey dovey phase was bound to fizzle out. But since we were talking about our wedding I expected some lovey dovey shit. Doubts started creeping in the back of my mind. Did I really want to spend the rest of my life with Jake? I quickly shoved those doubts away and tried to focus on all the good times Jake and I shared. 

After we finished eating we were able to make decisions on the cake, the band, and the invitations. Jake took off right after and I headed out to start the hundreds of errands I had before my shift at the hospital.

As I was walking to my car I felt the same prickling feeling of being watched. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and looked around. Nothing was out of the ordinary but the feeling of being watched remained. I quickened my steps to my car and as soon I was in I locked the doors. I took a deep breath before starting the car and took off.

Whatever this feeling was, it was starting to scare me. I've always felt like I was being watched but lately the feeling has only intensified.

I thought back to the man I bumped into at the coffee shop. It was brief but when we locked eyes he felt so familiar to me. Which was strange because I am fairly certain I've never met him before. But I couldn't shake the feeling away.

I checked over my shoulder before reversing out of my parking spot. The feeling of being watched lessened the more distance I put between me and the coffee shop.

Today was going to be a strange day.