Chapter 23

I crumbled to the floor in disbelief. What in the fucking hell is happening here? That guy seemed so nice. Who was he? He went from nice to sinister in a nanosecond. What in the blood hell did I get myself into? When I first relocated to the cottage I bought, no issues, the second I relocate here, I am nearly attacked. How does that make sense. That guy didn’t know me from eve, why would he turn feral like that?

I shake my head still trying to rationalize it, and no logical reason is coming to my mind. If there is a reason for the madness, it’s shrouded in mystery. I stand up and dust myself off. I will just add that to the realm of weird days that I’ve had in my life.

I check to make sure that I have everything I need inside the house, all the boxes, with my essential belongings. I am thankful I don’t need to purchase or relocate any furniture. This house is furnished. It looks like moms touch. Everything is vintage but, well-fashioned, and kept looking brand new. Mother must have taken all the original furniture and had it repolished to its former glory. Every touch I see reminds me of my parents love and care for priceless treasures or antique artifacts. I smile as I look around. I grab the keys and lock up the house. I need to drive the truck back into town where I rented it so, I can retrieve my car.

I climb into the truck. I begin to drive away and nearly give myself a heart attack. As I am pulling away, I look in the review mirror and swear I just saw that same man standing near the house. His image is coming from the lawn of the haunted chateau. I grip the steering wheel tight. I have a feeling of dread that won’t escape me. I sigh with relief when I look again and see there’s no one there. It must be my mind playing tricks on me or something. I relax and continue to drive. Ten minutes into the drive, I feel like something just hit me from the side. I feel the truck shake. I do my best to keep myself steady and not crash. I see the town ahead. Suddenly, the feeling stops. I feel I am alright, that is short lived. I feel the truck get pushed forward by a strong force. It’s screeching down the roadway like something incredibly strong and fast gave it a good shove. I skid right into the town. I do my best to dodge the outcome of damaging parked cars. I notice I am about to skid through a “red light” I slam on the brakes, and by some miracle it stops just in time. I am shaking like a leaf, looking around at what could’ve just happened. I don’t know what to believe anymore. What the bloody hell is happening to me and my life in this moment?

I get out and inspect the truck. Somehow the side has a huge bouder sized dent in it and the back is shoved in. I run back inside the truck and drive straight to the rental place. I park the truck, leave the keys, leave a check for then thousand dollars to cover the damage. I dash for my car and drive home. I continue to watch every facet of the area for anything or anyone who could harm me. I keep a weather eye of that guy. I don’t know who or what he is but, I know now he’s trying to kill me.

I can’t tell the police, they would never believe that some man can move like the flash and has strength like the hulk. It’s too outlandish even as I am saying it. They would have me committed. I start wishing ‘Ralph’ was here. He said that he would always protect me, and I haven’t seen him in several weeks. I feel now like those were empty words to get me in bed. I feel like such a fool. We never even exchanged contact information. I have no way to get ahold of him. I have no idea what his last name is. He said he would meet me in Europe? How would that even happen when he doesn’t know where I am? I drive while feeling exhausted. I have a mind when I get home to take a nap. I need to rest.

I pull in the driveway and do just that. I put a fire in the fireplace and cuddle up a blanket. I know it’s still summer but, I need to comfort right now. I quickly fall asleep. As I do I dream. I dream of Ralph. Of his arms wrapped around me. He’s kissing me, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. He’s promising to protect me. In the dream he continues to make love to me and help me feel good. I don’t know how many hours it’s been but, I awake feeling groggy. I notice that I am still by the fire but, I am undressed. What the fuck happened. The blanket is on the floor. My clothes are torn open and I feel really weak. I feel like I can barely move my body. I try to stand and I collapse immediately. It’s like I have no strength left in my body. Like something sucked all the strength out of it. I become alarmed when I look at myself and I feel something trickling from my neck. I touch my neck and wince. It  hurts like I was stabbed. My vision is slightly blurred but it looks like blood. I scream into the room, as my mind flashes back to my parents. I was nearly killed by someone. Was it Owen? Did he find me here? Did he escape jail?

I crawl upstairs to the bathroom. I look in the mirror. I look like the walking dead. My skin is extremely pale and my eyes are significantly sunk in like something just sucked the life out of me.

I struggle while walking but make it to my bedroom. I lock the door and lay in there hoping to escape this nightmare.