Chapter 2

Adele's Pov

I was slightly shaken as I half ran to Rachel’s house. I kept looking back, but there was no sign of the man.

By the time I reached Rachel’s house I had calmed down. I wasn’t been followed.

I knocked on the door. I could hear Jay’s excited voice from inside.

“Mommy’s here.” He squealed.

The door opened and he jumped into my arms. If it had been daytime he would have been looking out of the window and seen me coming. He would have run outside to welcome me, like I used to do to my dad. I shook off the memory and hugged him tightly.

“Hey mommy, guess what? We have a new slide at our school.”

“That’s great.” I said.

“Welcome Claire. You are just in time for dinner.” Rachel said as we followed her into the house.

“Really you shouldn’t have.” I said.

“I should and I did. It isn’t fair for you to go home and start cooking after a long day.”

We went through this conversation almost every evening. Rachel would have dinner waiting for me when I came to pick up Jay, and I would be reluctant to accept it. She had done enough for me already, I didn’t want to seem like I was taking advantage of her.

“I brought groceries.” I said, putting the shopping bags on the coffee table.

“Keep them.”

“But-“

“You need it more than I do.” She said gently. “ Now sit down and relax while I serve dinner.”

I watched her go into the kitchen, feeling a lump in my throat.

Rachel Sims had been heaven sent. She and my mom had been best friends since grade school. And she had helped me out a lot. But most importantly, she had saved my life.

Five years ago she had invited me to live with her in Palo Alto. I had been alone, desperate, and hopeless. She had taken me in, housed me, fed me and helped me get back on my feet.

She had happily watched Jay while I had attended night school and now while I was at work.

Even though she worked from home I knew it was a big inconvenience for her, especially since she never had kids of her own.

“I really appreciate this Rachel. I don’t know how I can thank you.” I said one day as I dropped him off.

“Then don’t. Really it is not a problem, I love doing it. Just because I don’t have kids doesn’t mean I don’t like them. I just prefer them not to be mine.” She laughed.

I sighed at the memory and sat besides Jay, listening as he told me all the new stuff he had learnt at school.

“Dinner people.” Rachel said coming in with our dinner. We sat round the dining table.

“How is your project coming along?” I asked referring to the book she was editing.

“Nearly done. I would have finished it today but I paused for awhile because I had to help this little guy with his homework.” She said playfully pinching Jay’s cheeks. He giggled.

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate this Rachel.” I said.

“Stop it. I love doing it. How was your day?”

“Fine.” I said, my heart skipping as I suddenly remembered the man who had been following me. Who was he?

Rachel noticed the change in my voice but didn’t ask, till we were in the kitchen washing up.

“Since we are all alone,” she said glancing into the sitting room where Jay sat watching cartoons. “Why not tell me what’s wrong? Something is worrying you.”

“Yes.” I sighed. “There is a man following me. I have noticed him for a while now.”

She looked alarmed.

“Are you sure?”

“Very. I noticed him a few times, and saw him in the supermarket today when I went to pick up groceries.”

“What does he look like?”

I described the man.

“I don’t know who he is, or why he is following me.” I continued.

“You should have told me immediately. You can’t go back to your apartment, stay here. In the morning we will go to the police.” She said firmly.

“And tell them what?” I asked.

“That your life is in danger.”

“But it isn’t, he hasn’t threatened me. I don’t know if he is really following me. I may be wrong.”

“Whatever just don’t go back tonight.”

“Relax Rachel, I don’t think there is anything to it.”

“There is. What if he is a predator? You and Jay could be in danger. Please stay here.” She begged.

“I can’t. All my stuff is in my house, besides I don’t scare easily. If he is up to mischief, I am ready for him.”

“Do you have a weapon in case he tries to break in?”

“I have a baseball bat I bought at a yard sale a year ago.”

Rachel rolled her eyes unimpressed. She kept insisting I stay, but I was able to convince her to let me go home.

“Please call the police if you feel threatened, then call me. Do not try to be a hero.” She warned as she walked us to the door.

“I will. Now stop worrying.” I hugged her. “I will call the cops if I need any help.”

“Bye Rachel.” Jay hugged her and we left to find a cab.

We found one quickly. Before I got in I looked around one last time.

No sign of the man. I breathed down.

Well, he isn’t going to follow me home. I thought

He didn’t have to. He already knew where I lived.