"So what are your plans for today then?" asked my Mum. "I'm thinking of going into town, want to come?"
"Nah don't think I'll bother if thats ok, though I might head up town to meet some friends," I answered. It wasn't a complete lie, I thought.
"What time are you leaving?"
"Just after lunch probably, about quarter to one."
"That's fine, as long as you're not back too late," my Mum warned. I agreed, left the table and climbed up the stairs to my bedroom. I picked up the phone in my room and dialled my friend's number.
"Hello?"
"Hi is that Stephanie?It's Jade!"
"Oh hi. What's up?"
"I'm going to meet James soon!I'm so excited!"
"Oh you're actually going?I can't say I approve."
"Well I don't care what you think, but you could as least be happy for me."
"Why would I be happy?You're taking a big risk here."
"Oh grow up!" I slammed the phone down angrily. It was just like her to be negative about the whole thing. I figured she was just jealous. I glanced out the window. It was a dull, overcast day but I wasn't going to be bothered by the weather.
Time was getting on and it was just after half twelve. I had just grabbed a quick sandwich and turned on the radio. Every minute that passed felt like an hour. As soon as it reached quarter to 1, I said goodbye to my Mum, grabbed my jacket and rushed out the door. The town wasn't too far away from my house - a ten minute walk at the most. I set off at a fast pace in order to arrive early: I assumed I would just wait outside the cafe for him. As I walked I noticed the streets were almost empty which was strange for a Saturday afternoon.
"Jade!" I turned around, startled, when a voice shouted my name. I spun around to see Russell and Gavin on the other side of the road waving. I waved back and walked away quickly before they came and spoke to me - I found them really irritating. I reached the town centre and the cafe we were going to meet at came into sight. The time was only 12.55 I realised. I approached the door, stood and waited for him.
It must have been at least an hour when I stood, humiliated, waiting for him. When I finally convinced myself he wasn't coming, I reluctantly began to walk home. It was raining and the sky was dull. Tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably. Where was he?Why didn't he show up?There were too many questions. I couldn't believe this had happened. I was so caught up in my own thoughts I didn't notice the old man jogging up behind me. He clamped his hand on my shoulder and I turned round, startled.
"Are you ok?It's just I saw you crying and you look really upset," the man said kindly.
"Oh it's ok. I'm fine," I said, wiping tears from my face.
"Are you sure?Would you like to come with me and I'll take care of you?
"No, really it's ok." I eyed him suspiciously. He grabbed my arm violently.
"I really think you'd be better coming with me," he added threatenenly. I began to feel really scared and tried to break away. He laughed, "Whats wrong?Don't you recognise me Jade?"
"How do you know my name?" I demanded.
" It's me - James." His lips curled into an evil smile. I froze and it suddenly hit me what was happening. This old man had tricked me. I tried to punch and kick him but he was too strong. He was pulling me towards a dark, empty carpark. He held a hand over my mouth but when a shrill scream escaped my mouth he slapped me. I fell down in shock and my stifled sobs led to another kick in the face. He turned to what seemed to be his car and opened the door. I quickly scrambled to my feet for the split second he looked away, and sprinted as fast away as fast as I could. I had no idea where I was going, but knew I couldn't stop now. I heard him calling my name which made me try to run even faster. My legs felt of rubber as I stumbled desperately along the pavement. I could sense him catching me so I turned the corner abruptly, trying to lose him, when I banged into something in front of me. I collapsed to the ground. Two faces peered down at me as I struggled to get up.
"Is that you Jade?What's happening?" Asked Russell.
"You have to help me!Quick... he's coming.." I managed to stammer. Gavin helped me to my feet and I tried to tell them, gasping for breath. But it was too late. "James" had caught me up. I felt a hand shove me back on the ground. Russell gasped and took a step back. The man was standing over me with a metal bar, threatening Gavin and Russell to leave.
"Who are you?Go away!This has nothing to do with you!" He shouted angrily.
"Help!" I pleaded to Gavin and Russell. Gavin dived for him but he was too quick, he managed to swing the metal bar which struck Gavin's shoulder. I screamed as Gavin crumpled to the ground beside me. I turned to see him towering over me with his metal bar before I blacked out.
I woke up, yawning, surprised to see pink walls all around me. I jerked upright, confused. A wave of relief swept over me when i realised I was in hospital - safe. My mum and Russell were both sitting in chairs beside my bed looking at me.
"What happened , why am I here?" I asked them.
"It's ok now," my Mum replied reassuringly, "you're going to be fine."
"But what - when- " It didn't seem to make sense.
"When you fell unconscious after the man hit you, I hit him so he blacked out for a few minutes and during that time I called an ambulance. He awoke to sirens and legged it."
"Oh, so what about Gavin?Did you catch James?" I asked anxiously.
"Gavin's going to be fine too, just a dislocated shoulder. You had a strong blow to the head and some bruises. The police are still looking for James. What were you thinking meeting some stranger you met on the internet?You were really lucky you ran into us." Russell added.
"Yeah I know," I sighed.
"We'll talk later. You should really get some rest now, " said my Mum, "We'll be back in a while." They got up and left before I had time to ask anymore questions. I was just about to get up and go for a walk when a doctor came into the room and closed the door. It was a male doctor with some sort of mask over his face.
"Time for you're injections," I heard a voice say.
"Injections?Why do I need them?" I panicked. I was petrified of injections.
"Because I say you do," he said as he removed his mask. My scream could have been heard throughout the whole hospital - it was James.
