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| Chapter 13 My life was beginning to turn around again. I had a new home, new friends, and a new take on life. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t rush into anything. We took things slowly, but it was nothing like I had ever experienced before. I completely trusted him and didn’t hold anything back. There were no more secrets. It was that way with Matt and Michelle too. That was new to me. I had spent so much time building this wall around myself. If I didn’t let anyone in, then I couldn’t get hurt. But they showed me all that I was missing. We made a great team - the four of us. That was probably the strongest bond I had ever had in my life. They were my security. Two months had gone by and Jeff and I were ‘officially’ a couple. Michelle and I decided that we would spend a week out on the road with the guys. We had a blast traveling to different cities and partying with all of their co-workers. Late one night when we returned from a club, I turned on the television while Jeff took a shower. Just as I heard the water turn off, I decided to join him in the bathroom. As I walked towards the door, the news broke in on the television with a special bulletin - "Convicted murderer Daniel Decker has escaped from a high security prison in New York." A huge knot rose in my stomach and I dropped the glasses of wine that I was carrying, shattering them into a thousand pieces. I sat on the edge of the bed and watched in horror as the news anchor rambled on with the details. Dressed in only a towel, Jeff rushed out of the bathroom to see what had happened. He saw the sheer look of horror on my face as I stared at the screen, "Jade, what happened?" I couldn’t speak, I only pointed to the set. He turned his gaze and watched the breaking story. He slowly lowered his body to sit next to mine placing his hand around my hand. We both watched in disbelief as the newsman recounted the events that led to my ex’s conviction. I trembled as they showed pictures of the victims, including my own. So much for keeping my past in the past. About that time the door that connected our room with Matt and Michelle’s room flew open. They looked on helplessly as I shook in Jeff’s arms. Suddenly I realized that people had seen me with Matt and Jeff. It wouldn’t take any time for Daniel to find me. I jumped up and started throwing my things into my bags. I needed to get home and away from the limelight. Matt grabbed my hands and stopped me, "What are you doing?" I pulled away and finished packing, "I have to get home." I snatched up my bag and headed for the door. Jeff put himself in front of the door, stopping me dead in my tracks. "Move!", I demanded. "No. Just calm down and let’s think this through.", he said calmly. "There’s nothing to think about, Jeff. I have to get home and get the rest of my stuff. I have to get as far away from you guys as possible.", I said trying to move him out of my way. He carefully but forcefully grabbed my arms, "You’re talking crazy. Just give me your bag and let’s talk about this." I pushed him as hard as I could against the door, startling him, "He’s coming after me! And if I don’t get away from you, he’ll come after you too - all of you. I will not lose the people I love again!" They all looked at me a little shocked. I’m not sure if it was the realization of what was really happening or the fact that I had said that I loved them. I began to cry and Jeff wrapped his arms around me. "How can this be happening. It was suppose to be over.", I sobbed. "I don’t know, Jade, but we’re not about to let you go through this alone. We are a team, remember? If he wants you, then he has to come through us.", Matt interjected. Michelle nodded in agreement. "That’s what I’m afraid of.", I mumbled. Jeff raised my tear stained face to look into his eyes, "I’m not just going to let you leave here, and possibly lose you forever. If you haven’t noticed, I love you. I’m not about to let you go." I felt a sense of comfort in his words. So, the boys worked it out with their boss to be off for a few days. They had explained what was going on. We decided to go home, pack some stuff and get out of town until Daniel was recaptured. Fearing that he might make a connection and go after Gilbert, we talked him into going with us. I just hoped that they would catch him, before he caught me. Last Chapter ..*.. Next Chapter ..*.. Chapter Index ..*.. Home |