I nod my approval and quickly turn to walk back home. Jake grabs my arm and spins me around. He’s mad Jake again and it’s becoming a bit of a habit.
“I told you not to go out, Ana. If I hadn’t of turned up—”
I pull my arm away, “Nothing would have happened,” I answered. “Now I’m going home.”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Ana, there is a mad man going around killing girls with blonde hair and blue eyes. You’re practically advertising yourself out here running on your own at this time of night. You can’t be out here, it’s too dangerous.”
I open my mouth in shock. I can’t believe he is ordering me about. He is right about the killer, but I just can’t believe the gall of the man.
“Being a protective father again are we, Jake?”
He winces at my words and I’m feeling the tears sting again.
“I’m going home now.”
I take off and run towards the house, feeling Jake’s eyes watching me as I go.
I get back in and run upstairs. I’m sweaty and exhausted. I jump in the shower and have a quick wash and get into my comfy pyjamas. Right now I need the comfort.
I lie in bed and get out a book to read, but I’m so pumped. I feel anger and sorrow, emotions I’m having a hard time coping with. Why do I feel so hard for this man? I need to get away, but it’s like I’m fixed to this house and I can’t move. I don’t feel strong. I’m not Ana anymore. I’m like a stranger and I don’t like it. When is this pain ever going to disappear?
Chapter 10
I don’t know what time I nodded off in the end, but I wake up and the sun is once again shining through the window, daring me to get up. I look at my alarm clock and spot that it’s after eleven. What’s wrong with me lately? I keep getting up late.
I jump out of bed and head straight for the shower. I dry myself off and get dressed. Its then I decide to pick up my phone and text Jessie.
‘I decided to take your advice. Heading to my hair appointment and to buy my new dress. Take care and have a great time at the wedding.xx’
It is not long before I hear the dulcet tones of a text message.
‘Great! Remember to knock his socks off and flirt with every guy in the room. Off to get my hair done now and fit in to this lemon dress my cousin is making me wear! Take care and have fun. Love u.xx’
After five minutes of trying to find my car keys, I quickly grab my bag and head out. I walk down the stairs and all is quiet again. I turn towards the garage door to get my car.
It’s a normal busy Saturday, lots of cars around with people doing their shopping. I manage to find a space after a while of searching and once out of the car I’m longing for some release from the heat of the day already. I get to the door and a lovely gentleman with dark olive skin, cropped brown hair and light brown eyes opens the door for me. He gives me a wide grin and I say thank you, to which he replies, “You’re welcome Senorita.”
I pass through and feel his gaze on my back, but I carry on. I have a mission to accomplish.
I get to the salon by 12.20pm and breathe a sigh of relief that stage one is now complete.
Jamal my hairdresser comes bounding over. He’s black, tall and skinny and as gay as they come. He is a brilliant guy and always sends me into hysterics whenever I am here.
“Hey girl, where have you been? I haven’t seen you in months. Has some sweet hunk of a man been hiding you away from me?”
I laugh and give him a hug. “I wish, Jamal. Why do you think I’m here? I need to show him what I got. Do you think you could help me?”
Jamal frowns then shows me the biggest grin. “Hey girl—whoever he is—first of all he needs a good slap. Second of all, could he be gay, cos you could send his mighty fine ass over to me whoever he is.”
“Jamal, how on earth do you know whether he is fine or not?” I laugh.
He looks at me and frowns, “Girl, have you seen you? If it wasn’t for the fact I’m a total man’s man, I would be in your panties quicker than a policeman on a Dunkin’ donut.”
I gasp in shock, “Jamal, stop it!”
“I’m sorry girl but it’s true. He must be damn fine. Anyway, who is he so I can go and kick his straight ass some sense?”
I slump and heave out a big sigh. “It’s complicated, but he will be at a party later this afternoon and I want to look my best.”
“Well, you have come to the right place sweet cheeks. Marissa, get my girl here made up and then I’ll do her hair.”
“Jamal, it’s ok. I can do my makeup later.”
He waves his finger at me. “Ana, do not argue with Jamal. By the time we get done with you, he’ll be begging you to take him back.”