Mia's Pov
After we left the hospital Claire decided to sleep over at my house to make sure that everything is okay with me.
We spent the whole evening watching movies, eating popcorn and so much ice cream. The next morning I was woken by the sun glaring in through my white curtains. Pulling my blanket up over my head I tried to fall back asleep but now that I'm awake I can't.
Sitting up in bed my entire body still hurts but that is not going to make me stay in bed. I stood up quietly making my way down the hallway, past the guest bedroom where Claire was sleeping.
I was feeling nauseous so I strolled into the kitchen and I opened the fridge. I grabbed a bottle of apple juice because it always seemed to calm my nerves and it settled my stomach.
Strolling over to the couch I sat down taking a sip of my juice. I love the peace and quiet in the morning, just me and my thoughts. Well it won't last, within a month it won't be quiet anymore. Won't be much time to go out and do my own things during the day.
After I finished my juice I stood up making my way into the kitchen and tossed the empty bottle in the bin. Within a few minutes I felt my stomach churning, for once the juice didn't help. I tried to be quiet as I ran down the hallway to the bathroom holding my hand over my mouth.
Opening the door I sprinted over kneeling on the ground over the toilet and started vomiting. Within a few seconds I heard Claire's footsteps heading towards me. She kneeled down beside me, pulling my hair up out of my face and started rubbing my back.
A few minutes later I flushed the toilet and stood up walking over to the sink splashing some water on my face. Then I turned my attention to Claire who took a step back.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine"
"So what are we going to do today?"
"Well I'm not staying cooped up in bed all day. I want to go out and get some fresh air"
"Okay, as long as it isn't too much. You know you have to rest for two days"
"I'm going to have a shower"
"Okay"
Claire stepped closer to me giving me a hug then started to walk over to the door. I smiled at Claire watching her walk away. Claire stopped at the door and turned around to face me.
"Oh I looked through your fridge and I'm going to make bacon and scrambled eggs. Do you want toast with it?" Claire asked.
"Yumm, yes I usually have two slices of toast"
"Okay it will be ready when your finished"
Should I tell her now? Is now the right time to tell her my secret? It was too late Claire had closed the door. I guess when I'm dressed and then I will tell her.
I stripped down stepping into the shower turning the water on. The hot water hit my skin, my body still aches but with the hot water it is relieving the pain.
I washed my entire body wondering how I should tell Claire and how she would react. Soon I turned the water off and stepped out of the shower then I wrapped my towel around me.
Opening the bathroom door, I made my way back into my bedroom and closed the door. Today I wanted to go out for a walk and get some fresh air. I strolled over to my wardrobe, opened it and looked through all my clothes.
I pulled out my black floral off shoulder shirt and my short white skirt matched it with my thin silver belt. Once dressed I walked back into my bathroom picking up my pink hair brush and brushed my long thick hair. Pulling my long hair back into a low bun then I grabbed my strawberry lip balm and put it on my dry lips.
Once I finished getting ready I made my way down the hallway to the kitchen. As I walked down the hallway I heard Claire playing some music while she cooks. The smell of eggs and bacon hitting me straight away made me so hungry. I think once I eat something I will feel a lot better.
I entered the kitchen leaning up against the counter, I watched Claire cook and dance her way through the kitchen. She didn't hear me walk in. Ever since Claire was young she always loved to dance but never persuaded it, even though she is amazing at it.
She was so lost in the song that when she twirled around, her eyes landed on me, making her jump. That's when she noticed me leaning against the counter.
"Don't sneak up on me. How long have you been there?"
"I didn't sneak up on you, you were so lost in the song I didn't want to interrupt. And long enough"
Claire shook her head serving up the plates.
"Do you want me to help?"
"No you sit"
A few minutes later Claire walked over with the two plates in her hands and placed them down on the table. Claire walked back into the kitchen, turned the music off then grabbed the glasses of juice and then walked over taking a seat at the table.
We both ate our meals, every bite tasted like heaven. I must say Claire makes superb scrambled eggs and bacon. As I ate my meal I couldn't help but peek at Claire every so often. 10 minutes later we both finished eating. Should I tell her now? Yess now is the perfect time and I can't hide it any longer.
"Claire, I have to tell you something"
"What is it?"
"There’s a reason I’ve been vomiting"
"Yes I know. It’s from the concussion"
"No, it’s not"
"What are you talking about?"
Closing my eyes I nervously took a deep breath. I stood up from the table and glanced at Claire. Straight away I would tell Claire knew something was up. I walked around the table holding out my hand.
"Come with me"
Claire stood up taking my hand and I led her down the hallway. With every step I took getting closer to the secret room my heart pounded. I stopped at the secret room that I've been keeping closed so no one would know my secret but at this moment it’s s the right time to tell Claire.
I let go of Claire’s hand and reached for the door handle. I took a quick glimpse at Claire then opened the door taking a step back.
Claire walked into the room, her mouth dropped to the floor. She walked around the room taking everything in then she turned around with a huge grin on her face.
"How long have you been keeping this secret?"
"8 months"
"Seriously? This whole time?"
Yeah, I haven’t told anyone else yet… I don’t know how they will react"
"Girl everyone would support you through it all"
"I hope so"

Claire's Pov
OMG!!!! Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mia kept that a secret from me that long. We always tell each other our fears and secrets.
I wonder if she was scared to tell us. Does it have something to do with her ex Jake? Did he do something to her? I do know that Mia said he had changed and had to get away from him.
But I never thought it ended badly but every time I mention him, her expression changes. I deeply wanted to know everything but I guess it can't be a good thing. Mia will share everything with me when she is ready.
"I do know that we are going to do a lot of shopping"
"Hahaha I love shopping"
'Okay I'm going get dressed"
"Okay"
I finished putting my makeup and curled hair then I walked back out to the dining room.
"So you ready to head out?"
"Yeah"
"I'll grab my keys then we will head out"
"Do we have to drive? I was hoping to walk"
"We will drive into town then we can walk around. Does that sound good?"
"Sure"

Mia's Pov
We spent the morning shopping for clothes and stuff. There was no stopping Claire, when she put her mind to something. Even if my feet end up killing me. At the mall I bought some honey soy chop, I can't help myself. I am obsessed with them.
After we left the mall hands full with bags Claire noticed I was shaky and anxious. I tried my best not to make it obvious that I feel like we have been followed all morning but it's hard not to.
"Girl, we are going to go to this shop that sells crystals. I've got a bunch at home. Crystals can help with all sorts of things,"
Trying to shake the feeling I gave Claire a faint smile.
"Sure but first can we put these bags in the car?" I begged.
Claire shook her head as she let out a soft laugh, "why? Can't you handle carrying them anymore?"
"They are too heavy and my hands hurt"
"Okay let's head back to the car then to the crystal shop"
We made our way to Claire's car and placed the bags in the boot therefore we walked down grove street. Soon Claire stopped walking and turned to face the shop.
I lifted my head to see a beautiful white building with big clear windows to see inside the shop. The first thing my eyes landed on was the variety of crystals big and small. I looked up at the lovely wooden engraved sign, carved with Enchanting Creations.
The name intrigued me because as I looked in the window and saw the sunlight beaming off all the crystals making beautiful halo rainbows, making me feel warm and tingly inside.
"We are here," Claire said as she spread her arms out in the air with a huge smile on her face. You're going to love it,
I walked inside and straight away I felt something strangely familiar about it but didn't know what. It was just another feeling I have. Looking around the shop there were a variety of things from jewellery, crystals and what looked to be potions.
Claire tugged be over to the wall full of crystals. Just watching her expression makes me feel happier. It’s like she is a little kid in a candle shop. While we looked at the different variety of crystals we were interrupted by a familiar soft voice.
"Hi,Is there anything I can help you with?"
We both turned around to see it was the same woman who’s been coming to the restaurant often. Her eyes landed on me and she smiled at me. The way she looked at me felt like she somehow knew who I really am.
"Is there anything you're looking for in particular?"
"Yes we are after some crystals. Especially for anxiety, health, stress, healing," said Claire.
"Okay you are after the Amethyst, Celestite, Rose quartz and Black tourmaline. All of these will help"
"Yes they are perfect, thank you," Claire replied.
"Follow me and I'll put these in a bag for you"
We followed the woman down the narrow path over to the front desks. She walked around the desk grabbing a small gift bag from the top draw and placed the crystals.
The woman looked at me once more and this time her eyes shifted to my neck but I had no clue why. I noticed she was wearing a name tag with her name on it, Katherine.
"I've never seen you in here before, does Betty still work here?" Asked Claire.
"Yes Betty still works here, she had a family emergency so I'm filling. I've been working here for a few weeks now"
"Oh ok. Well it's nice to fully meet you. Since you are a regular customer at our work."
"Thank you"
"By the by I'm Claire and this is my bestie Mia"
"It's nice to meet you both"
Claire paid for the crystals then Katherine handed me the bag. We smiled and thanked Katherine then we left the shop. There was something about Katherine that sparked something deep inside me. I have no clue what it is but I feel like I will be seeing her more often.
-----------------------
2 hours later in town at noon.
As we continued walking I couldn't help but turn around every so often making my heart beat faster and faster. I had a strong feeling we were being followed. I have seen the same guy twice while we have been out, so that can't be a coincidence.
"Claire I think we are being followed"
"Why do you think that?"
"I don't know I just have a feeling"
"Girl, you are safe. No one is following us"
Deep down I couldn't shake the feeling. I don't know if it's the effects from the accident I was involved in or if someone was really following me.
Trying to shake the feeling, we continued walking past the shack which sells a bunch of things like fish and chips, burgers and cold drinks and many more things.
The smell of the thinly cut potato chips fried in the hot oil then salted and the burgers being cooked, is making my mouth water. Right now I can't take it. I am hungry all over again. Stopping in my tracks, I turned to face the shack. Nope, I know one thing, I need hot chips now.
"I need hot chips now"
"Haha okay"
I opened the door walking into the shack, over to wait in the short Que to order. The shack is a place where I've been craving fried food. I know it's not healthy to eat fried food all the time but I can't help it. These cravings I can't control. Some days I desire many sweet foods then others I want salty fried foods.
"Oh do you want a milkshake or cold drink as well?"
"Yes please, Oh I can dunk my chips in my strawberry milkshake"
"Yeah, we used to dunk our hot chips in milkshakes all the time. Our parents thought it was gross"
"Lol yeah"
We both ordered our food at the counter then took our number making our way outside to find a table to sit at. I ended up ordering hot chips with a strawberry milkshake and Claire got a cheeseburger and a cold. As we sat down I had that same feeling again that someone is watching me.
Soon the waiter brought out our food and drinks, placed them on the table and then left. Hmm, these chips taste outstanding and sinking the hot chips in the milkshake brought me back to my childhood. But it tastes so much better now.

Elijah's Pov
The entire morning I've been out searching and asking everyone that works near the restaurant Mia works at to see if they saw or knew anything that had happened that night she was attacked.
I was about to head to the bar to get a drink when I saw a text from mia.
It read, "Elijah I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm being followed. I've seen the same guy about three times. What should I do?"
Deep down I hoped that Mia was safe by now but I guess not. I hate that this happened to her. I will find the guy that is following her and just maybe he will know something or if he is the attacker.
I replied to her text, "where are you? I will come to meet you"
Without waiting for her to reply I turned around, pulled my keys out of my picket and made my way to the car. Getting in I started the engine when I received another text from mia.
It read, "Claire and I just left the mall, we are at the shack having lunch right now sitting at a table outside"
"Is the guy still watching you?"
"Yeah he is sitting across from us reading the newspaper"
"Okay I'm on my way now. I'm 12 minutes away"
I park my car out on the street and make my way over to the shack, as I get closer I see Mia and Claire sitting at a table eating and talking. I knew if I wanted to blend in and not to scare the guy off I would have to order something. So without saying hi to the girls I walked past them and ordered a coke. Then I strolled outside with my coke in hand and greeted the girls.
"How are you girls?"
"Elijah? What are you doing here?" Asked Claire.
I looked at Mia giving her a reassurance look then turned back to Claire.
"Oh I was out and wanted a cold drink so I came here. May I sit?"
"Sure," said Claire.
-----------------
I finished my cold drink then got up and turned around making his way over to the table where the guy who's been following mia. As I walked over to the table I noticed the guy had short dark brown hair swept to one side, blue eyes and wore a navy t-shirt and jeans. I stopped at the table, pulled out the seat and sat down. The guy placed the newspaper flat down on the table then turned his attention to me.
"Hey man, I don't want any company"
"Well you do now"
"Do I know you?"
"No but you will if you don't start talking now"
"Woah man, what do you want to know?"
"Well for starters you could tell me why you are following the girl over there"
"I'm not following anyone"
I clenched my hands into tight fists, I hate it when people lie to me. Right now I wanted to throw him across the table and punch the hell out of him but I can't with Mia and Claire sitting a few tables away.
"Stop lying to me"
"I..im not lying"
"Fine! Just know that if you come anywhere near her again, I will punch the hell out of you. And you will not be able to walk. Do you understand me?"
"Y..yess"
"Good now leave now"
I watched the guy stand up and leave, once I knew he was gone I took out my phone to send a text to mia.
You don't have to worry he won't follow you anymore
I really hope that guy understands me because if he doesn't that will be on him. No one and I mean NO ONE is allowed to touch Mia. I don't care who they are. To be honest I haven't felt like this in a long time. It's been three decades since Scarlett. Which things ended in tragedy, she was the love of my life and then she was gone. So I am surprised that I have such strong feelings for mia.
I stood up brushing myself off taking a breath then I strolled back over to the girls.
"Girls, it was lovely to see you both. I have to leave now but if any of you need anything, and I mean anything, don't hesitate to call or text."
"Thanks Elijah," Mia replied.
