The Love of a Stranger

Verbally vs. Physically

We figured that after what happened to Jack my mum would be on the run or in hiding. She knew that I had obviously told the police and that they were on the hunt for her and I just hope that this hunt would not take long. As much as I hate that bitch, I have to admit that she's cunning, God knows what plan or trick she has up her sleeve. After stressing over the topic for hours I needed to relieve myself and I knew just the thing. I walked into the kitchen hoping that there might be some alcoholic beverage of some sort, I was dying for one and I figured that after everything that's happened, it's one that's to be deserved. I opened the fridge door the light blinding me in the dark room, and there it was, the wine bottle standing there revealing itself to me with the light of the fridge illuminating the bottle of wine. I got out a glass and poured myself a generous amount because why not. The taste of it made me feel so much better, the sweet taste tingling my tastebuds. I returned to the couch skimming through channels looking for something to watch to pass the time. Dan was in the music room learning the song I had just shown him. I didn't know how he was getting along, he plugged his earphones into the piano so I couldn't hear his progress. But, I guessed as much when he opened the door and stomped his way into the living room, his face tripping him. I raised an eyebrow at him and he just scoffed and dumped himself beside me on the couch.

"What's wrong?"

"Life." he muttered.

"Sorry, my fault." I turned my focus onto the TV, again I went to take another drink and at the corner of my eye I saw Dan watching me, licking his lips. I peered over at him.

"There's plenty in the fridge." I said. He grumbled rolling his head.

"I can't be bothered getting up." he moaned. Feeling bountiful I offered him my glass which he didn't hesitate to take. He downed the rest of the glass in one gulp.

"Seriously, what's wrong with you?" I asked again feeling slightly concerned.

"I can't play piano." he complained. His answer made me snigger, he looked up at me confused. Was he actually drinking because he can't play the piano?

"I think that's the worst excuse I have ever heard to have a drink. Infact it's not even an excuse because you can play the piano."

"Oh yeah? I plugged my headphones in for a reason." He fired back. I just sneered at him.

"You are so full of shit." I shook my head before turning back to watch the TV.

"Oh that's rich, coming from you."

I turned round to face him my mouth hanging open at his cheeky comment. Was he challenging me? Fine, if that's what he wants then he can have it. I stood up from the couch looking down onto him, my stance strong and my arms out to the side to make me look more threatening but obviously that look never suited me.

"Are you challenging me?" I threatened. A smirk appeared on his face. He stood himself up infront of me over-towering and mirroring me. Intimidation was something I could never quite handle and he did it well, I cowered away slightly but remained standing infront of him. We stared into each others eyes with competitiveness. In my mind I imagined it out to be like a boxing match, just the two of us in a ring, ready to pounce at the sound of a bell.

Ding ding! Round 1.

"Ladies first." He started.

"That's why I'm waiting on you." I smirked, I was better at this than I thought.

"Oooh you just did not go there." He responded feeling insulted.

"Come on Dan you really aren't getting the hang of this, you're supposed to reply with something smart." I advised. He folded his arms acting smug like he knew what he was doing...he didn't.

"I know, it would just be a shame if I didn't give you a feel of what it's like to be a winner."

"Pfft, because you'd know what that's like." I sarcastically said which made his smug looking face turn to looking distraught. He shook out of it trying to think of something to reply that with, but he would stutter after every attempt. I noticed and folded my arms in victory biting my bottom lip.

"Tongue-tied are we?" I crooked my head raising my brow. I win.

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you next time." I patted his shoulder before I walked away feeling victorious leaving Dan standing there annoyed. I was half way across the hall when I heard him mumble something in the livingroom.

"There won't be a next time." He grumbled, then I heard his footsteps getting heavier and closer to my location, I looked over my shoulder to see him stomping his way towards me, I knew this part would come sooner or later. While I would win verbally, he would win physically.

Ding ding! Round 2.

My heart beat was just as quick as his footsteps as he came stomping his way through the hall. I had to think of every possible strategy that would be useful to help me escape his attack. The bathroom; has a lock - would help me stay away from him. The bedroom; I could use the pillows - for defence but he was probably stronger than that. The use of bait; find something he loves (anything that includes David Lynch) - and threaten him with it somehow. I needed to make my decision quick, he was scarcely approaching and I was never one to handle decisions under pressure, I used my preferred strategy, it was never accurate but it helped.

Enny

Meeny

Miny

Moe!

The bathroom it was, probably one of the better options. In an attempt of grabbing my arm he narrowly missed and lightly brushed my hand already beginning to run to the bathroom. I suppose I was a bit of adrenaline junkie but I never got to experience it often because of my lungs, but they have never stopped me from trying anyway. I slammed the door using my back and slid the lock along separating us. I wasn't going to let him win this one, not this time. I felt the vibrations of the door being repeatedly battered on from the other side.

"Who's thereeeeee?" I asked in a high pitched voice teasing him.

"Delivery man!" He replied back, sarcasm dripping from his words.

"Oh good, I have a boyfriend that needs to be delivered back to the jungle where he belongs."

Silence. The eerie feeling of nothingness fell between us, you could hear a pin drop and it would be the loudest thing. I was beginning to think that he wasn't standing behind the door anymore but I needed to make sure before I jump to any conclusions. Better safe than sorry. I looked through the tiny gap between the joints of wood on the door and saw his piercing blue eyes that looked like they were going to turn red any minute staring back at me, I jumped away and moved back from the door giggling to myself.

"Laura Anderson." He said calmly.

"Daniel Smith." I mocked.

"I have something of yours."

Oh no, he used my bait strategy.

Okay think Laura, what do you not have on you that you should always have and that he has.

My phone...and he knows my password.

"Daniel. Whatever it is that you're thinking of doing don't dare." I started to get a bit concerned now, he could probably tell by the way I used his full name making me seem worried.

"Come out then." He responded. I hesitated probably over ten times before I eventually grabbed the doorknob reluctant to open the door. Twisting the doorknob slowly and quietly, I peered through the thin line of nothingness and looked at Dan...who had nothing in his hands. He was bluffing the cheater, opening this door was the biggest mistake I have ever made no doubt about it.