The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 10

Author's note:

The Storm.

Starts.

Now.

***

"Have an amazing time, text me every day and don't do anything I wouldn't do," I said as I hugged H goodbye one last time.

"I won't," she smiled, and waved before getting on the coach for Holland. I was a tad jealous - I'd never been to Holland. But it did mean missing most of half term.

I waved one more time as the coach drove away, then turned and walked home.

'I'm gonna miss you so much babe xoxoxoxox' from Harriet.

'Same but you'll love it xxx'

'Yeah. Look after mum for me xoxox'

'Will do. Love ya xxxx'

'Love you too ;) xoxoxox'

As soon as I got home, I went into the kitchen, grabbed a bowl and poured in some coco pops and milk. Mum and Dad were at work despite it being Saturday, so I had the fridge to myself.

Munching away happily, my phone buzzed again. Blimey, that girl had separation anxiety issues. I pulled it out of my pocket only to see that it was a text from Tom. I smiled. He'd been really sweet about the whole 'beach' incident, and not awkward like I expected him to be. It was pretty much like nothing had really happened. Well - except for the fact that he hugs me most mornings. So on the whole, we weren't much further forward. Nor that I wanted to be or anything...

'I'm hungry xxx'

Wow. That was a bit of an anti-climax. And there was me thinking it was going to be something interesting.

'That's the most fascinating thing I've ever heard in my life.'

A few seconds later:

'Maybe you could make me a sandwich ;) xxx'

'That is never going to happen, pretty boy, and you know it xxxx'

'Well I'll have to get someone else to make me one then, won't I xxxx'

'Looks like you will xxxx'

'How about the Melrose? I'll pick you up at 7pm xxxxx'

I rolled my eyes. I knew there'd be method in the madness. When I didn't reply (treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen) he texted,

'I'll take that as a yes then. Dress nicely ;) xxxxx

'If you're late again, I won't open the door.'

'Deal xxxx'

***

It was 6:30pm and I thought I should probably start getting ready for my "date" with Tom. I hated calling it a "date" - I sounded like one of those air-headed American girls in movies who's lives depend on being asked out by whoever the heartthrob of that week is.

I chose some black leather leggings, a floaty white and gold sequin top and a black jacket, as well as some black ankle boots, then clipped the top bit of my hair up, curling the rest and letting it fall over my shoulders. A quick bit of mascara and lip gloss later and I was ready.

At 6:59pm on the dot, the doorbell rang and I skipped downstairs to answer it.

Tom stood on my doorstep, looking pretty hot in blue jeans, a white shirt (with a few buttons undone) and a dark jacket. His blonde hair was swept across his face and his blue eyes twinkling.

"You look amazing," he said.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Shall we?" He held his arm out and we walked to his car.

If was only a short drive to the restaurant, but long enough for the radio to announce the 'breaking news':

"And lastly tonight, a dangerous convict has disappeared from his cell in the local prison. Police are on the look out for the escaped criminal, Daniel Green, but no further information has been found. Police are warning locals to lock their doors at night, and to not be outside alone. That's all from me; goodnight."

I gasped.

"What?!" Tom said, worried.

"Daniel. Daniel Green. H's dad. He's escaped from prison.