Take a Breath(22)

I spend most of the day sulking in my room, but around five I start to feel hungry. I don’t want to go downstairs but I need to eat. This is ridiculous!

I take a step out of my room and creep along the landing. A huge arch window greets me as I gaze out a few seconds at the beautiful day I’m missing. I sigh to myself.

I head down the stairs quickly passing through the empty living room and into the kitchen. I don’t think Jake is in the house.

I let out a huge sigh of relief and get on with making myself a ham and Philadelphia sandwich. I grab a few lays crisps to snack on after and pour myself an orange juice. I sit down at the breakfast bar and get on devouring my sandwich. I didn’t realise how hungry I was.

Once I’m finished I wash up and put everything away. I grab myself an apple and head upstairs again. Wherever Jake is I don’t want to be around when he gets back.

I searched the internet for a while looking for some dresses and shoes. I book my hair appointment at Tyson’s Corner for 12.30pm, conscious that the party starts at four. I gaze outside and only realise that night is upon us and its 9pm. I’m wired up and exhausted at the same time. I need to clear my head. A run is probably the best solution. I grab my kit and get ready. It is muggy outside but at least the sun is down and the more I think about it the more I feel I need this. I get dressed and put my hair up in a high ponytail to keep the sweat away from my hair. I run downstairs and see Jake is on the sofa. I quickly move to the door and open it.

“Ana, where are you going?” he aks.

I don’t look around. I can’t believe he wants to know where I’m going. Isn’t it obvious what I’m doing? I quickly run out the door and shut it behind me starting a steady pace.

I hear the door open behind me, “Ana, come back, you can’t go out. Ana!”

How dare he talk to me like that, who does he think he is? I quickly get out of earshot and make my way around the main roads so I am not on my own too often. There are plenty of people walking their dogs so I feel safe. I put my iPod on and start listening to music to keep me going. My adrenaline is pumping and in my own little world trying desperately not to think about Jake’s every touch.

I quickly snap out of it wondering how long I’ve been out. I look at my watch and see it’s already after ten. Shit, I must head back now as it’s getting late. I’m only a mile away from home now so it will not take me long. I turn around the last corner before heading home and I see a group of young boys. I instantly tense as I get nearer to them. They all look up and see me which is the last thing I wanted.

“Hey pretty lady are you having a nice run?”

I study him a moment, he doesn’t look very old about nineteen with short cropped brown hair. There’s another two with blonde hair, possibly brothers, but I don’t want to stay any longer to notice. I try and pass the guy who spoke to me but he blocks my path.

“So what is a girl like you doing out so late on your own? There are some terrible people about you know.”

I look into his soulless brown eyes and say, “Do you mind moving out of the way please? I can’t get home and be safe away from the terrible people if you’re blocking my path now, can I?” He laughs obviously finding my statement amusing.

“Pretty and witty guys, and with a British accent. You know we were just off to a party, would you like to come?”

The other two are getting closer to me now and I’m starting to panic. I’m about to speak when I see that their eyes are no longer on me any longer. I jump at the sound of his voice.

“I think you boys better be running along now, don’t you?”

They all step back but the brown haired boy tries to regain some of his cockiness.

“Look Mister, it ain’t none of your business, okay? We were just chatting to the pretty lady here, that’s all.”

He storms past me and grabs the boy by his neck and lifts him up like he was made of straw, causing him to choke. The other two step back in horror, watching the scene unfold.

“I won’t ask you again young man; take a hike before I really lose my temper. Do you hear me?”

I eventually find my voice. “Jake, for God’s sake, put the boy down.”

The boy is starting to turn a funny colour and I was a little uncertain of how much of a hold he has on the situation. Luckily, Jake puts him down and the lad starts choking trying to catch his breath.

“Look, I’m sorry Mister, okay? I didn’t realise she was your girl and all. We just wanted to ask her out to a party. We didn’t mean any harm.”

He looks over to me and pants, “Sorry, lady. We’ll be on our way now.”