Chapter 79

Unfortunately for me, Jack made good on his promise. I really wasn’t allowed to walk home at night by myself anymore. I really had lost another one of my freedoms.

For the next couple of days, either Jack or Matt walked me home after school, no matter what time it was. When Jack was with me, it felt suffocating. I couldn’t wait to get home and get away from him. But when Matt was with me…it was magical. I never wanted the walk to end.

The conversation always flowed really well and we always had something to talk about. I tried to bring up the bear that I had seen, but Matt shut the topic down before it could even begin. I didn’t mention it again.

However, they couldn’t escort me around campus because our schedules didn’t really line up and I honestly didn’t want them to. I didn’t mind being around Matt, but I also needed some time to myself.

It was during these times when I was alone that I caught glimpses of what I thought was the homeless man, but I couldn’t be sure.

The figure was always too far away or ducking behind things before I could get a good look at him. But I was almost positive it was him. He hadn’t approached me again though. So small victories, I guess.

I ended up telling Fiona what was going on because she could tell that something had happened. She told me I should probably go to campus police. The man could be a potential threat to all students.

She was right, of course. Just because he was latched on to me at the moment didn’t mean that he wouldn’t latch onto someone else. And it was probably a good idea that the police knew just in case something did happen to me.

I went to the office in between classes. They seemed sympathetic, but there wasn’t much they could do until I was actually harmed. They said they would keep an eye on things, but that was about it. I had left feeling a bit defeated.

The rest of the day passed without any incident. I still felt like I was being watched every time I walked out of a building. I tried to blend in with the big groups around me without making it seem too weird. I didn’t want anyone to think that I was trying to infiltrate them.

With the day finally done, I was currently waiting on Jack at our designated meeting spot. It was his turn to walk me home, but he was a few minutes late. I glanced at my watch for the hundredth time, tapping my foot as I watched the number of students around me start dwindling.

It wasn’t long before I was completely and utterly alone. There was still no sign of Jack and I was starting to feel like a sitting duck. I hugged my jacket tighter around me, not so much against the chill as the rising paranoia.

I looked at my watch one last time. Jack was thirty minutes late now and there was no sign of him. He hadn’t read any of my messages either. Screw it. I’ll go home by myself. I’ll just be more careful than usual.

I rolled my shoulders and set out toward the house, my footsteps echoing in the empty space. Shadows reached out toward me and I pushed myself to go faster. My breathing came out harsh as I picked up my pace.

As I walked past a bush, the leaves rustled as something inside it moved and I jumped, a scream ready to burst forth from my lips. It died in my throat as a small bird flew out, disappearing into the night. I let out a shaky laugh. I needed to get a grip.

I continued on my way and as time passed, I became more confident. I also started to feel silly. Obviously the homeless man had not been following me around. I must have just been imagining things.

There was no reason to be scared. Jack was just being his usual overprotective self. It was probably just a one time thing, never to happen again.

I was halfway to home when I heard my name behind me. It was the same voice as before and I outright ran without even turning around to double check. But from his thundering steps, I could tell he was gaining on me. It wouldn’t be long before he reached me.

I looked wildly around, searching for any place that I could slip into, but all the shops were closed. How was nothing open? Didn’t they know some students had classes that lasted until late at night? There should have been a coffee shop open at least.

But there was nothing. Nothing at all. And I was getting tired. I wasn’t used to this much cardio and my legs were seconds away from giving out on me. I slipped into an alley as I turned a corner, hoping he wouldn’t see me disappear into it.

I backed away from the entrance as quietly as I could, my hand over my mouth to keep my ragged breathing from giving away my location. I crouched in the shadows and waited.

Not fifteen seconds later, he came into view, pausing right at the entrance. I stopped breathing. My heart felt like it was going to beat right out of my chest and I worried he’d be able to hear it.

The man called my name several times, twisting this way and that to try and find me. I watched him walk across the street to peer into shop windows. As if I’d actually break into one.

“Celeste, please. I just want to talk. I promise I’m not going to hurt you.”

Yeah, right. That’s literally what every single bad guy said in a scary movie. News flash, they always ended up breaking their promise. Did he really think I was that stupid?

“Celeste, where did you go? I know this seems scary, but I…They’re keeping me away from you. This is the only way.”

Yeah, they were keeping me away. And for good reason. I didn’t want to be anywhere near crazy pants either.

“Celeste…”

The way he said my name made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. He sounded absolutely distraught. I bit my lip. What if he just needed help? What if he was starving? What if he had kids waiting on him to come and feed them? What if…

I mentally slapped myself. If it were as simple as that, he would have said so. No, he wanted me for some other reason. I shuddered. I didn’t even want to think of what those reasons could be.

After what felt like forever, he finally walked away and when I couldn’t hear him anymore, I shot to my feet and ran back the way I came, back toward the school. Maybe I’d run into Jack. He was probably pissed that I hadn’t waited on him. Still, I’d rather take my chances with my brother.

I barely made it ten steps before someone grabbed my arm from behind and I screamed.