I was so busy trying to sort out my thoughts that I failed to realise how fast the day ran by. I tried desperately to avoid his heated gaze on him from across the room but it was difficult as my eyes always seemed to sort after him. This was the second class of mine that he had today.
I taught three different subjects to increase my working hours and salary. It was a wonder that I had kept on teaching without stumbling over my words.
I knew that it was the fear that was making me paranoid but I had already become used to the unwelcome friend called worry that had refused to leave me since my life went downhill. It felt as though he followed me everywhere I went as I always seemed to see him whenever I looked up. It was stupid of me to be like this over my students but I could help it as he had more power than me. One word from me and my life would become even worse than it already is.
I released a breath I didn't realise I was holding at the sound of the final bell. Before I could dismiss the lecture,every student stood up almost at the same time. They should have pretended to enjoy the class a little. I didn't blame them though. I wanted to leave just as much as they did, maybe even more. Without wasting any time,I grabbed my bag tucking my book under my arm and made my way down the hallway,my heart pounding erratically against my chest. I needed to leave before I'd run into another teacher.
I wasn't oblivious to the fact that the other teachers seemed to hate my very existence. I had no idea if it was because I had always avoided them or because we belonged to different lines of the social ladder. Or maybe even both.
The sun had dipped lower than I thought it would, casting dark reddish orange streaks across the sky. I had noticed that the day seemed to be shorter than night. I relaxed a little when I had finally made it past the enormous gates of the school. I always felt like a whole different person outside the school. Thankfully, I focused on the annoying honking of cars and voices from passerbys instead of letting the dark thoughts dampen my mood further. I walked hastily hoping to get to the bus stop before the last bus left. I could barely afford to eat,so buying a car was totally out of the question.
The quiet purr of an engine slowing beside me reached my ear.
I kept my gaze fixated on the path ahead even though the hair on my skin was standing straight in worry.
What was it now?
The sleek black sports car finally came to a stop. From the corner of my eyes,I noticed the dark windows reflecting the fading sunlight. I kept walking hoping that he'd get tired and drive away but he only continued to follow beside me slowly.
Ignore him, Elara. Ignore him.
The window rolled down with an almost mocking slowness and I couldn't help the way my heart kept from its place.
I had known it was him even before he rolled down his window.
"Get in, Miss Rivers" he ordered,his voice cutting through the loudness of the street confidently. "I'll give you a ride home"
His elbows rested against the steering wheel arrogantly, looking very confident that I was going to agree with him. I'd never wanted to slap someone badly like I wanted now. The smug smile on his face only infuriated me further.
"No" I responded,my voice coming out sharper than I had intended. "Thanks for the offer anyway"
That only made him smile even more. "I'm only trying to help. I have a feeling that it might rain any moment from now"
Gripping my bag tightly I paused, turning to him. "I already said I'm fine. I don't know what game you're playing with me but I'd very much appreciate it if this ended now. I had no idea that it was a student that night. I'd never have let it happen."
His expression seemed to turn serious before that gleam returned in his eyes. Was it exciting? I couldn't tell but somehow he enjoyed tormenting me. I could tell already. Then he slowly tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, giving me one last look that had me frozen in my spot as he drove away.
I stared at the retreating vehicle as it finally disappeared into the distance leaving me standing in the middle of the pedestrian walkway with my heart drumming against my ribs.
Releasing a shaky breath, I finally forced myself to continue my walk to the bus stop,my feet padding quickly against the pavement.
I was the only one at the bus stop when I reached, which wasn't surprising as most people owned a car around here. The buses were just around for people… like me. I sat on the cold bench as I waited for the bus.
I was too lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice her earlier.
A young girl who didn't look any older than five stood just a few feet away from me, staring at me curiously. My gaze flickered to the crinkled paper in her hand and then back to her face. She was dressed in a simple blue gown which was adorned with beautiful white ribbons at the hem and her hair was braided into two pigtails. Her shoes were stained from probably jumping in puddles,one sock looking longer than the other.
I glanced around looking for her parents but we seemed to be the only pedestrians around and there were no houses around. She walked up towards me,her big brown eyes staring at me warily. When she finally got to me,she held out her hand.
"Said I should give you" she listed in an almost singsong tone which was a total contrast to the seriousness on her face.
I blinked, leaning forward slowly. "What? Me?Who?"
She nodded. "A man over there… say give this to you. He owe… me ice cream" her words came out in a rush.
My breath caught in my throat as I stared towards the direction she had pointed. There was no one there.
"What man?" I asked her immediately, trying not to look scared in front of the little kid. "What did he say to you?"
Before I had the time to ask any other questions, she placed the paper onto my open palm and ran off with surprising speed for someone as little as she was.
"Come back!" I called after her as I stood up,my bag falling from my thigh to the ground with a low thud.
But she didn't stop running. The next second,she disappeared around a corner leaving me confused holding onto a letter with trembling fingers.
Dread settled in my stomach. There was no way this was a good thing. The relaxing evening air suddenly grew heavier making it difficult for me to inhale air.
I finally tore my gaze from the empty street to the paper in my hand,worry tightening my chest. Smoothing out the crumpled edges I opened it,my hands trembling as I did.
My gaze ran through the words scribbled on it.
"Elara baby, you ran away from me despite my warning. I've asked all your friends but they have no idea where you live. You have just two days to come back home or you'll regret what I'd do next"
My entire body went cold.