The Mysterious Luna
Chapter 19

Jessica POV

I finished work and started to walk home. I had this feeling of being watched and lately, every time I had that feeling, It had been spot on.

I started to look around, there were a lot of people on the streets, but I couldn’t see anyone that was obviously looking at me.

I did notice a man, leaning against a telephone pole, approximately 50 feet away. He was reading a news paper. I watched him for a minute and he looked up from his paper, to glance at me. I got a bad feeling about him, it looked like he was using his news paper as a cover, but he seemed like he was watching me.

I kept walking and tried to act as if I didn’t notice him. I stopped in front of my favourite Chinese restaurant and looked back, sure enough, he had moved closer to me and was leaning against a new telephone pole, while pretending to read his paper.

I walked into the restaurant, panic started to rise within me. Who is this guy? What does he want? Why is he following me? I had so many questions, but at the moment, all that I wanted was to get out of here and lose him.

I had gotten to know the owners of the restaurant, since I stop in regularly. They are very friendly. I decided to asked, if they had a back door and they led me to it. I thanked them and waisted no time running out the back. I used alley ways and small side street, to get far away from there.

Once I was far away and felt safe enough to stop for a moment. I had a seat on a bench to catch my breath.

What do I do now? What if he knows where I live and is waiting for me there? I have to wait a bit, before going home and I need to make sure I’m not followed there. I don’t want to put Sam in danger.

It was around dinner time and I knew Sam would be home by now. I decided to stop and call her from a pay phone. I didn’t want her to worry about me.

She picked up the phone, after a few rings.

“Hello?” I heard Sam’s voice, on the other side of the line.

“Hey Sam, I’m picking up a few extra hours at work. I’ll be home a little later, don’t wait up.” I told her, trying to keep my voice neutral. I didn’t want her to worry.

“Ok, sounds good. I’ll talk with you later.” She replied.

“Later.” Is all I said, before hanging up the phone.

I was a paranoid mess, I kept looking at everyone, to see if I was still being followed. It didn’t seem so and I wasn’t getting the feeling of being watched.

I walked down several side streets and didn’t see anyone. I still wasn’t getting any feelings of being watched, so I decided to go and see if Brad was home. Maybe I could hide out there for a bit and eventually make my way home.

I was careful, as I made my way there. I didn’t want to bring trouble, to his front door either.

I felt the coast was clear, when I got close to his apartment building.

I rang his buzzer and within seconds, I heard him ask who it was. I answered him and he immediately let me into the building. I let out breath of relief, when I was inside and the door closed behind me. I instantly felt a little safer.

I made my way up, to Brad’s apartment on the fifth floor and before I even knocked, the door opened.

Brad stood on the other side and greeted me with a big smile. I gave him a small smile in return.

“Jessica, what a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?” He asked curiously, as he stepped out of the way and motioned for me to enter.

“I just felt like a visit.” I replied and tried to sound casual. I didn’t want to worry him with my problems, so I left out the fact that I was possibly being followed.

“Care for a glass of wine?” He offered.

“That would be great. Thank you.” I replied, with a soft smile.

His apartment, is even smaller than the one I share with Sam. It only has one room, instead of two, he also doesn’t have a patio. The main layout is very similar to ours, it’s open concept between the kitchen and living room.

I walked into the living room and sat on the couch, watching Brad in the kitchens, as he poured two glasses of wine.

He walked over to where I was seated and handed me a glass, before sitting beside me. He sat oddly close, considering how big the couch was, but I didn’t think much of it. I felt comfortable around him, we’re friends after all.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” Brad asked, while picking up the remote.

“Sure.” I replied softly.

“What do you want to watch?“ he asked, as he flicked through Netflix.

“I don’t care. You pick.” I replied. I really didn’t care, my mind was going crazy with all kinds of thoughts, about the man that was following me. I probably, won’t be watching the movie that Brad picks, anyway.

“How about a scary one? I wouldn’t mind, if you cuddling up to me during the scary bits” Brad teased, I knew he was just being playful, he’s always flirty.

“Sure, I don’t mind.” I replied, while shrugging my shoulders.

I watched, as Brad picked out some kind of serial killer movie. He pressed play and leaned back, while putting his arm around me. Now, I was starting to feel like he got the wrong idea, by me coming here alone.

“So, why did you really come here, Jessica?” Brad asked, with an eyebrow raised and smug smile on his face. I could see the l**t swirling in his eyes. Why is he acting like this? We are just friend, I made that clear when we first met and he was ok with it. Whatever thoughts are going through his mind, I need to shut them down, immediately.

“Ok fine, I’ll tell you the truth. I think someone was following me after work. I didn’t want to go home incase whoever it was, knew were I lived. When I lost him, I came here instead. I hope you don’t mind if I hang out here a bit.” I said, with a concerned voice. I really don’t want him thinking, I came her for a booty call. I hope he believes me.

“You can come here whenever you want Jessica. We’re friends after all.” He said, while playfully nudging my arm. I found it weird, that he wasn’t concerned that I had been followed. I don’t think he believed me.

“Thanks.” I replied hesitantly. I was starting to think that coming here alone, gave him the wrong idea. I was quickly becoming uncomfortable.

“You know Jess, I’ve always like you. I’m glad, we finally get to spend some alone time together.” Brad said, while putting his hand on my thigh. I pushed it off.

“I’m really sorry, if I gave you the wrong idea. I was being followed, that’s legitimately why I came here.” I tried to explain, as heart started beating fast in my chest.

“Whatever you say, I like your innocent act. It’s a huge turn on.” He replied, with a lustful look.

“I should probably go.” I said, as I started to stand, but he quickly pulled me back down.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, stay. We can just watch the movie.” Brad said, trying to convince me. It was way to awkward now, I needed to leave.

“No, maybe another time, I want to go home.” I replied, trying to sound calm but deep inside, I was getting scared. I didn’t like where this was going.

“Come on, just for a little bit.” Brad said and lean into k**s me. I turn my head away from him and he started to k**s my neck. I felt a disgusted shiver run down my spine.

“Stop Brad, Please.” I begged, while trying to standup from the couch. He quickly got on top of me and pinned both my hands above my head, while he continued to k**s my neck and collarbone.

“You let a random guy at the bar do it, but you won’t let me?” Brad replied and now I could hear anger lacing his words.

“Please Brad! We’re friends, I don’t want this.” I continued to beg, tears were filling my eyes.

“Keep playing innocent, I like it.” Brad said, while he help both my hands with one of his and ripped my shirt open, exposing my bra.

He started to k**s down my chest, towards my breasts and I felt his hand, reach in between our bodies and pull at the button of my pants.

The storm of emotions within me, grew like a hurricane. I didn’t want any of this.

I kept yelling for him to stop, but he would listen. Tears were running freely down my cheeks and I started to hyperventilate. I’m sure the neighbours could hear me, but no one came.

He reached his hand into my pants, moving it towards my core and that was it. I don’t know where the strength came from, but I got my hands free from his hold and I pushed him off me, with inhuman strength. He hit the wall, on the other side of the living room and fell on the floor. He looked completely shocked, so was I. I don’t know where that came from, but I wasn’t about to stick around for him to react. I ran out of his apartment, as fast as I could and made it out of the building in no time.

Why would he do that to me? We were friends. I trusted him. Tears started pouring from my eyes, as I ran down the street, holding my ripped shirt over my chest.

Sam, is the only person left in my life, that I trust. I was really feeling down, I don’t think my life could get any worse, then it is right now.

It was now dark outside and I decided to risk it and head towards my apartment. I had no where else to go, after all.