Followed

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

As I sit on the porch and watch the stars hanging above me, my mind wanders off.

Someone is following me. I don't even know if it's only one person. None of the less I could've died today.

Well, in every day there is a chance of death. In some distant form. But never have I had death look me in the eyes, or call me by name..

Travis comes outside and hands me the phone. It feels cold against my palm. I nod at Travis and flash him an appreciative smile, as if saying 'thank you'. He responds with a warm-hearted grin and kind eyes, as if saying 'don't mention it'. His hand drops to his side, and he turns to go back inside- giving me privacy as I call.

Before I dial, it dawns on me that I didn't think about what I would say. How would I say it?

It doesn't really make a difference now that I realize it. No matter what I say, or how I say it, what happened, happened. The more specific I am, the better chance we have at catching this stalker. So, despite the frighting memories that might come rushing back, I will tell my family everything I can remember about today.

Slowly, I punch in my home phone number. The soft hum is soothing to my ear. Suddenly, it cuts off and a deep voice full of worry says "hello". It's my father.

In the background, I hear soft weeping. It's my mother.

"Hi dad." I say "It's Rielly."

"Rielly it's you! Thank goodness your alright. I'll put your mother on the phone. "

As my mother begins to talk we practically skip the introduction and get right into the details. I explain to her everything. The further I went into the story the greater her rage was becoming . I could hear it in her voice, a subtle anger drawn out by a lack of knowledge. Like any mother, she wanted answers. Without any understanding of why this happened, she feels powerless.

I feel powerless.

My mother tells me that as soon as we get off the phone she will call the police and tell them everything. In the mean time, I'm instructed to stay where I am and wait for my family to come get me. I tell my mother the address and we say our goodbyes.

Travis is waiting on the porch bench when I hand up the phone. I didn't notice when he came back outside, but I don't mind him being there. I tell him thanks and give back the phone.

While I'm waiting for my parents, I meet Travis' grandparents, Linda and Jim. They're so friendly and welcoming and it only makes me wish that I had grandparents that much more.

It's almost 10 o'clock and the temperature is dropping slowly. I'm invited inside so I accept. I explain to them what happened. After all they've done to help, they deserve an explanation. Shortly after, the doorbell rings. I look through the peephole and confirm with Jim that it's my family. He opens the door and I rush to embrace them. Relief rushes over my parents. I hug my 16 year old brother, Tyler , and I can see in his eyes that he was worried, despite how much he tries to hide it.

"I'm Annette Cableton and this is my husband Sam, and our son Tyler." My mother says to Travis and his grandparents, "Thank you so much for keeping Rielly safe. How can we repay you?"

"We're glad we could help. She told us what happened and its devastating. Please keep us in touch with what happens. I want to know if this creep gets locked up." Linda says. "I'm Linda Belner and this is Jim my husband and Travis our grandson. Our granddaughter, Mona, is sleeping. You should meet her sometime. She's quite the 6 year old."

I look at my parents and their mouths drop open.

"Did you say Belner?" My father asks.

"Yes indeed." Says Jim.

"It's been so long." Says my mother.

I look at Travis in confusion and he looks at me equally stunned.

Maybe we did know each other already.