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Despite the fear, panic and adrenaline that are fighting for control over my entire body, a smile manages to creep onto my face at the thought of being alone with Marcus for an entire week.
How the fuck is this happening?
I pinch myself to see if I’m in a dream.
It hurts.
Opening my work e-mails on my phone, I type a quick message to Stephen, checking it over twice before hitting ‘send.’
I then text Angela.
Hey babes. Shit’s hit the fan over here. I’m with Marcus, but my flat was broken into and we’re being followed. Marcus looking to go away somewhere for a week to hide. I e-mailed Steve and said I’m taking 5 days for a personal emergency. Let you know more when I can xx.
I press send, then quickly type out another message.
Don’t tell anyone xx
“Alright, I think I’ve got something,” Marcus says.
I look up at him, eyes wide with curiosity. “Yea?”
“It’s up north. A little cottage in the woods, totally off the grid. It’s available tonight.”
Our eyes lock on each other and I sit frozen, unable to read his expression as a mix of conflicting emotions runs through me. It almost feels as though there’s a smile that’s trying to fight its way through the fear that we’re both all too aware of, and I feel an answering pull in my chest – hope trying to break through despite everything.
“I realise this sounds mental… but I do think it’s the best thing. They won’t follow us that far, and if we leave late, we’ll be able to see if there’s anyone behind us. We hide out, lie low, keep a close eye on the news, and once it’s over, it’ll be safe to come back.”
“What about my flat?”
“I don’t want you going back there while they’re still watching. We can sort it after we’re back. Do you have insurance?”
I shake my head, eyes growing wide as I curse my past self for not listening to the estate agent’s advice to take out contents insurance.
“Don’t worry. We’ll sort it.”
The assertiveness in his voice warms my heart, and I know in that moment that I would trust Marcus with my life.
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s do it.”
Marcus’s face lights up with a smile.
“Alright, give me a few minutes. I’ll get this booked and sort the car out.”
I nod and look back down at my phone, which has been buzzing repeatedly in my hand. There’s three texts and a missed call from Angela.
What?!? Are you ok?!?
Call me NOW!
Where are you??
I quickly message back.
I’m ok. With Marcus. Will call when I can. Don’t worry xx
A few minutes of silence go by as I scroll anxiously through my Instagram feed while Marcus calls to arrange a tow for his car. After he hangs up, he continues typing on his phone in silence, tension hanging thick in the air.
My anxiety feels at an all-time high and I can’t help glancing nervously out of the glass door, watching for anything suspicious.