One Plus One

Chapter Fifty-Four

"Marlie." a voice whispered. "Marlie, wake up. We need to get ready for work."

I squinted as I opened my eyes. The bright light filtering in from the gap in the curtains stung my eyes. When my eyes finally adjusted, I found that I had slept without a duvet, instead scrunching it up beside me and cuddling it, almost as if I was trying to replace Harry. I sat up and reached around for my phone but I knew there would be no message. I did find a missed call from an unknown number at a stupid hour of the morning. I felt an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Jamie's threat suddenly flashed to the forefront of my mind.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

"Missing lover boy already? It's only been a day."

"Yeah well think about it, Lily. Since we've been together we've spent practically every day together."

"Which is what was worrying me. This will be good for you."

Although she made sense, it didn't make me feel any better. My concentration was completely thrown off all day. I spent most of my hours in work being told off for not concentrating hard enough and messing up. I didn't realise just how big of an effect Harry had had on me.

It was strange not having Harry quite literally sweep me off my feet when I came out of work. Instead Lily and I made the boring walk home that we used to do day upon day. The nights were becoming brighter and the air fresher. A shortcut through the park seemed like a better option than staring at house upon house, so I dragged Lily in with me.

"It's not a good idea to go through the park at night."

"Come on, Lily, it's still light."

"But-"

"Don't be such a wimp!"

"No, Marlie."

Lily stood frozen to the spot. Her hazel gaze strayed from my face to something behind my head. I watched as her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape.

"Marlie, whatever you do, do not turn around."

"Why?"

"Shh. Just come this way."

"Lily, you're scaring me."

She was almost trembling. Whoever or whatever it was struck fear through every bone in her body. Her small hand reached out for mine. When she received no response, she lunged forward, grabbing hold of my wrist and tugging me behind a tree.

"For fucks sake, Lily. Tell me what's wrong."

"Jamie is literally metres away. He isn't alone."

"Lily, I'm not scared of him."

I pushed myself out of her grip and revealed myself from behind the tree. I continued my determined walk towards the path that would lead me home, only to walk into something hard. I cautiously raised my head up, recognising the broad frame and black clothing.

"Hey, Marlie."

"Do me a favour, and fuck off."

"Now, now."

My wrist was harshly gripped. I did my best to withhold a strangled cry of pain.

"Where's your boyfriend?"

"Not here. I'm guessing you expected he would be."

His grips tightened, the tips of his fingers digging into my already damaged forearm.

"Tell me where he is. Try not to fuck me about, Marlie, I'm not in any mood for it."

"I wouldn't tell you even if I knew."