Internet Fear

Run away

Today is my 19th birthday. Mum and Heidi woke me up at 6 this morning just to sing 'Happy Birthday.' It is ridiculous. Mum wants me to think about college or University soon, but I keep telling her I don't want to, but she never listens. Today is no exception. As I sat down to breakfast of pancakes and muffins, mum put down the newspaper and too the chair opposite.

''Jasmine. Now you're 19, I think it is time to seriously start thinking about your future.'' I froze, fork full of pancakes halfway to my mouth. This was not going to end well. ''I know you are an unsociable person, but that should not effect your future You are a bright girl, but I just think this phobia of people has gone to far.'' I could feel myself start to boil. She didn't understand what it was like to be me. I didn't lie being unsociable, but there was not an awful lot I could do about it.

''You don't know what it is like.'' I said quietly, trying to keep control of myself.

''I know I have no idea about it. If you would just talk to me once in a while, than maybe we could get this under control, and get it sorted out.'' Then came the tipping point for me. ''I want you to see a therapist Jasmine. I really thin this has gone to far. You need help to get to grips with your feelings, and not shy away from the world.'' I shoved my chair back from the table. I stoop up tall and took a deep breath.

''I will not go. I don't need to get to grips with my feelings. I am perfectly fine. I'm apologize if I'm not perfect like Heidi, but not everyone can be an ickle little angel like she is. Sorry for being my own person.'' I yelled. I had had enough with her worrying about me. I am who I am, and she can't change that. I stormed out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind me. I ran up the stairs and threw open my bedroom door and flung myself on me bed. Heidi was out, so I finally had the room to myself. I pulled things from my draws ans wardrobe. I flung this on the floor and trashed my side of the room. I grabbed my phone from the night-stand and dialled Oriana's number.

''Hit me.'' came the voice down the phone.

''Its me. I'm coming to visit.'' I told her. I explained the whole thing. Whilst I did, I packed my school bag. I shoved random things in there and ran down the stairs. I wrote my mum an unpleasant note and slammed the door. I hung up the phone as I got to the bus stop. It was a long bus ride to Oriana's house, and an expensive one, but I had just enough money. Mum called a lot during the journey and text an awful lot to. I sent one text saying ; 'ive lft home 4 abit. Don’t look 4 me, this is Ur fault ' her reply was quick and understanding; 'Okay. Call when you want to talk. xx' I doubt that day will come very soon.

The bus ride was a long, uncomfortable and expensive one. I was sat, well more jammed, next to a very fat man who never got off his phone and sent me some really disturbing looks. It was a very slow journey. Apparently the only people who take the bus are old, tired people. I was starting to regret taking the bus, instead of the train, but there was no going back now. It was dark when I arrived on Oriana's door step. Her mum yanked open the door, and pulled me into a hug.

''I was so worried about you!'' She exclaimed. ''Oriana told me to expect you, and I called your mother so she knows where you are. Come in, and let me get some food down you.'' She bundled me into the large house and pushed me into a chair.

''Honey, Jasmine is here!'' My aunt yelled up the stairs. I heard the pounding of feet on the stairs and Oriana skidded round the corner. She smiled widely and hurried over to give me a hug.

''How you doing? Everything okay? The bus ride not to scary?'' She fired questions at me like a hummingbird on coffee. I tried to answer before she moved onto the next one. She pulled up a chair and plonked herself next to me. My Aunt placed a tray piled high with food in front of me. There was everything on it; Chips, pizza, vegetables, pie, rice, curry. It goes on.

'''Thanks Aunt Mildred. But I will never be able to eat it all.''

''Well, I'm sure Oriana can help you. And James, when he gets here.'' Aunt Mildred wondered off upstairs.

''James?'' I asked Oriana curiously. I never knew she had a boyfriend. She never mentioned him over the phone.

''Well, it's a new thing really. Only a few weeks or so.'' She admitted sheepishly.

''Why didn't you tell me?'' I asked, a little hurt that she hadn't told me.

''I didn't know if you'd be angry or not.'' That one came as a surprise.

''Why on earth would I e angry. I can't believe my baby cousin has a boyfriend!'' I grabbed her hands and pulled her up into a happy dance. The shrill sound of the doorbell echoed down the hall, pulling us out of our happy bubble. Oriana raced down the hall and pulled open the door. Standing there, leaning against the door frame, was a tall boy with sandy coloured hair and large brown eyes. I was momentarily thrown by how good looking he was. Oriana threw her arms round his neck. He lifted her up of the ground, so they were eye to eye, and gave her a quick kiss. She led him into the living room where I was standing.

''Jas, this is James.'' Oriana introduced us. James gave me a Hollywood style smile and nod. Very gentlemanly.

''James, this is my older cousin Jasmine. Or Jas, which ever you prefer.''

''Hey.'' I said, giving him a quick wave.

''Are you hungry James? Wait here, I'll grab you some food.'' Oriana disappeared into the kitchen. I sat down on one of the large leather sofas, and to my surprise, James sat next to me.

''She's mad isn't she?'' He said smiling and shaking his head.

''Like a cartoon character on crack.'' I agreed. He gave me a smile. ''So, how long have you know Oriana?''

''Only a few weeks. We met at a mates 18th. She dragged me onto the disco floor, and has never let go since.''

''She sounds like a cool girl to be with.''

''Well, she's defiantly a handful.'' At that point Oriana skipped back in, carrying the remnants of our food, separated onto three plates. She passed one to me and one to James. She sat on the sofa arm next to me.

''So, how is everyone?'' She asked.

''Not bad, considering he is someone I have never met before.'' I said. James sent me an odd look.

''She's a poepleaphobic.'' Oriana explained.

''Thats not even a word!''

''Well, what would you call it?'' That threw me. I had not idea what the technical word for it was.

''You win this round.'' She laughed and I soon joined in.

''Not bad actually. Hungry. Thanks for the food.'' James said, interrupting our laughter.

''Well, I think I better get to bed. I'm sure you two have some very important things to talk about.'' I said, winking at Oriana. She shot me a grateful smile back and wiggled her eyebrows. That made me laugh, and I left the two of them and headed upstairs to ask Aunt Mildred where I was to sleep. She showed me to the guest bedroom, and wished me a good night. I had not idea how tired I was until I sat on the bed, and then I was asleep in seconds.