Escape (Dana Vaughns) *EDITING*

Chapter 7: Stockholm Syndrome

"Can I leave yet?" I asked Mack for the thousandth time that day. I was hoping to make him annoyed enough that he would just say yes and then I could go meet with the band and Shawn. It was already four thirty and I really wanted to be there for their little meetup.

"If say yes will you please stop bugging me? I'm trying to get the books done so that we won't be here long on the day before Thanksgiving." He told me.

"Yes and I will help tomorrow with the books!" I promised while quickly hugging him and making my way to the front to grab my things. I heard Mack come out and settle down while I raced out the door. It was already four forty and would take me about twenty minutes to walk to Dana's house from here. Sighing softly, I started my walk down the street.

I had been walking for around ten minutes when I felt unsettled. The familiar drop of my stomach indicating that someone was following me had my senses on high alert. Turning around, I saw no one but continued walking, quickening my pace. As I turned the corner I bumped into a tall someone.

"I'm so sorry." I immediately apologized, my eyes wide as I checked the person to see if they were okay.

"It's quite alright." A British accent answered back to me as I stared at them. I had a small obsession with them and this person was about to become my new best friend.

"Hi, I'm Rachel." I told to the young guy who took my hand in his.

"Joseph." He returned my hand to its side, smiling brightly. We just sat there staring until I realized where I was supposed to be. Maybe I wouldn't be making a new British friend.

"Okay, well I am actually in a rush to get somewhere but it was a pleasure to meet you and I wish you luck in life." I stated quickly while running around him and starting again down the street. He seemed really familiar but I couldn't tell where. I just hope it wasn't like with the band and he would show up tomorrow with presents for me. I was done with that already.

I reached Dana's house at exactly four fifty-nine. I had hurried my pace because I remembered the feeling I had before I bumped into Joeseph. The temperature seemed to be dropping with the minutes and I didn't want to be outside any longer than I needed to be.

As I was about to knock, the door opened revealing a shocked Cole and Gabe.

"We were just about to come and get you." Cole laughed at the situation while I tried to form a smile. My face was frozen so it came out as more of a grimace.  Gabe, sensing my discomfort, made Cole slide out of the way so that I could get into the warm house. I threw Gabe a thankful look as I started taking off my gloves and hat. It had to be about seventeen degrees outside by now and I know that I wouldn't stop being cold until I could have a shower.

Dana walked in at that moment, looking at me in shock before knowing exactly what I needed. He came up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I looked at him skeptically while he lifted me bridal style and took me up the stairs to his room. He took me straight into his bathroom and threw me a towel before walking out. I smiled to myself at his ability to remember the little things about me and headed into the shower.

Once I got out and wrapped the towel around myself, I was about to call Dana when I noticed the pile of clothes sitting on the counter. I put on the sweatpants and shirt that he left out for me before heading downstairs. 

There was lots of laughter coming from the living room as I made my way to the kitchen. Deciding to make hot chocolate for all the guys, I got out the milk and heated it up on the stove. When it was finished I grabbed two mugs with extra whipped cream and headed into the living room.

When I made my way inside, the guys all stopped, glancing to see who interrupted their fun. I made a beeline for Dana with his mug while he smiled brightly at me. We both knew about the others love of this beverage during the cold. All the other guys just stood gaping as he was the only one who got a mug. I let out a chuckle at the heartbroken look on Will's face. I placed my own next to him, giving him a look as I made my way back into the kitchen and grabbing a tray.