Preface
I'm running for my life. I keep going through the forest and I can never get away, my heart is pounding in my chest and my legs feel like they are going to fall off from running so hard. Sweat is beading on my forehead as he comes closer and closer; I know it is only a matter of time before he catches up to me. I should have known not to stay home alone that night; I know better than that. The forest is getter more dense and I can barely see a foot in front of me, the branches are whipping me as I run adn it is slowingme down. He's gaining on me. Suddenly as fast as I am running I am in the air. A fallen tree branch has caught my foot and behind me I hear branches snapping and in that moment I know he has caught me. At this point I know that I'm screwed- I could try to run but he would catch me for sure. I am resigned as I wait on the forest floor for my worst nightmare to find me. the last thing I hear is a disgusting laugh that sends chills up and down my spine. Lying there I start to sob and silently wonder how this could be happening to me.
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Lena's POV
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
LENA! LENA!
"ughhh" I don't know why my grandmother feels the need to wake me up so early everyday. I am a night owl and I need my sleep. I have been here a year and have been woken up at 7am everyday and I am still not used to it. It has taken a long time to get used to living away from my family but I have finally adjusted and now I am going back to them. I have missed my brothers and my friends but it was too dangerous to stay there.
LENA! ARE YOU AWAKE MI BELLA?
"Yes grandma I am up don't worry"
"Well hurry up darling you need to come down for breakfast and then head to the airport so you don't miss your flight."
I hear her walking down the stairs to go into the kitchen and subconsciously I smile. She loves cooking and since her kids are all grown up she has no one to cook for. I swear I have gained 15 pounds from eating all of her delicious food.
Taking one last stretch I jump out of bed and head into my bathroom. Ugh I look terrible. My long brown hair is down to my waist and looks like a rat's nest. I should really learn to throw it up before I go to sleep, otherwise I wake up with my hair in tangles. I grab my towel from the back of the door and begin to undress. I turn on the water, step inside the shower and sigh. The water is hard and warm on my skin and it relaxes my tense muscles. If i'm being honest I am nervous about going home. Alot can happen in a year and i am kind of scared of what I might find when I get home. I left so suddenly I barely had a chance to say goodbye to anyone and I never attempted to contact anyone when I left. I needed this year for myself and I couldnt stand the thought of having to tell people why I left. It is just too hard. Turning off the water, I step out of the shower and begin getting ready for my day. I packed last night so all I need to do is load it into the car, eat my breakfast and then leave.
Once my hair is dry I lightly fluff it so the natural waves stand out a bit. I walk into my closet to get dressed and quickly pick out a comfy outfit for the plane. I end up in black leggings with a long white tank top that I pair with a long army green jacket that ends just after my bum. I grab my wallet and stuff it inside my purse with my passport and make my way down to the kitchen. I'm halfway down the stairs when I smell my grandmother's waffles. Yummm,, I smile and then frown because I know she mademy favorite breakfast because it is my last day here.
I walk into the kitchen, grab a plate and sut down at the table and get my waffles ready. My grabndmother sits across from me with a cup of coffee and just watches me eat.
'What?' I say jokingly
She wipes her eyes and then smiles at me, " It's nothing dear I am just going to miss you. This old woman has gotten used to having you around and I am not looking forward to being alone again."
'Don't worry grandma you have your card club, and your crafts and I swear I will call you at leats once a week to let you know how things are going"
"You better or I may just have to hop on a plane to California and come get you back" she laughs and then becomes somber, " I want you to promise me right now that is anything bad happens you will tell mea and then come back. You know that I would gladly take you in again; there is no reason for you to be afraid."
"I know grandma, and thank you for everything you have done for me. This past year you have been my best friend."
"It's no problem; now eat up your waffles they are getting cold. I will be waiting in the car for you when you're done."
'Yes ma'am!"
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When we arrive at the airport my grandmother begins fussing over me like a mother hen. Asking me if I have everything, am I hungry, if I need a book for the plane, etc. I know she means well but I really need to get through security or I will miss my plane.I give her a hug and a kiss and then begin walking towars my terminal. Before I go on the plane I take one last look back and give a small smile and wave. I get settled into my seat on the plane-first class of course- and prepare for take-off. Once the planew is up in the air I recline my chair back and close my eyes dreaming of sandy beaches and what could possibly be waiting for me at home.
