4
The day was busy and I didn't give Edward or my intruder another thought. I worked with some students during lunch to keep them up with the fast pace I set and made sure to tell them over and over again they were bright enough for my course. I knew what it felt like to be told you aren't good enough and I didn't want my kids to experience it.
When the day ended I headed to my car and found Edward leaning against it. I assumed he wanted a ride home and hoped it wasn't becoming a habit. "Do you need a ride?" I asked, without a smile.
"No, I wanted to talk to you," he said, and let his head fall.
I waited as the rain fell lightly on my hair, but he didn't say anything, so I motioned for him to get into the car. I kept the keys in my hand and turned to face him. "What is it?" I asked.
"I want you to know I think you are very smart," he said weirdly.
I really didn't give a rat's ass what he thought of me, but I smiled and nodded anyway. He shook his head like it wasn't what he meant to say and tried to explain. "I listened to you at the support meeting and the way you work with your students. I'm very impressed, and I don't get impressed easily."
This time I actually laughed and wanted to tell him to get the hell out of my car, but I just said, "Thanks, can I go?"
"This isn't coming out like I wanted," he said with exasperation. "I just want you to know….."
"That you're impressed and think I'm smart," I said to help him out.
He reached for the door handle and said, "I won't be here tomorrow."
"I'll be sure to tell Mr. Barr you did a wonderful job," I said to rush him away.
He finally got out of my car and I put in my key and started the engine. I drove out of the parking lot and as I looked back into my mirror I saw Edward walking into the forest. I was tempted to park and follow him, but I had on a dress and heels so I drove right home instead.
I changed into some casual clothes and walked into the back yard to look at the dense woods. I walked in a few yards and the darkness sent me right back to the house. I wasn't big on the outdoors and didn't understand how Jake could hunt and fish so much, but he was most likely really with other women instead. I no longer believed anything Jake had told me over the years.
As the evening wore on I found myself thinking more and more about Edward. I was attracted to him, but I wasn't interested in a relationship. I just wanted to know what it was that was so odd about him and why. I sat at my computer and googled his name. I came up with nothing.
When my father got home I went downstairs to find him looking in the refrigerator. I pushed him aside and got some food to make him a plate. It made him uncomfortable when I waited on him, but I felt I owed him for letting me live in his house for free.
"I met one of the Cullens today," he announced.
"I thought you already knew Dr. Cullen?"
"Not officially, I've just heard of them," he explained.
"Which one did you meet?" I asked, and tried to sound vaguely interested.
"Rosalie Cullen," he informed me. "She is a looker that's for sure."
I rolled my eyes at him and asked, "Where did you meet her?"
"She was speeding through town and I pulled her over. I only gave her a warning, but she seemed angry to even be pulled over."
I turned to face him directly and sat the spatula down. "Did she seem…odd?"
"Like a bit touched in the head?" he asked.
"No," I laughed. "Did she seem too still, or too…perfect?"
"Like I said, she was a looker, but her anger intimidated me a bit. I guess a pretty woman can still turn my head," he said with a chuckle.
I worried about my father being alone in life, but he always seemed so happy. I had no idea if he dated or hooked up with women. It wasn't something I wanted knowledge of.
"Edward Cullen was a sub for two days at the school. He was actually a pretty good sub," I admitted.
"Is he the single one?" Charlie asked.
"You know he is," I said, to stop his attempt to act naïve.
We ate together and then watched a movie before we parted and dad headed up to bed. I shut off all the lights and went to my room without turning a lamp on. I walked over to my window and glanced out to see Edward looking up at my window from across the street. He jumped a bit like he knew I was looking at him, and then casually began walking down the road.
I ran down the stairs and out the door before heading down the street after Edward. I was barefoot and he turned and waited for me to reach him. "What are you doing?" I asked him.
"I was cooling down from a run," he said nervously.
"Does cooling down entail looking in my window?"
His face looked shocked by my accusation and he quickly shook his head, "No, I wasn't looking in your window. I was taking a few breaths and happened to glance up."
His explanation sounded reasonable and I was embarrassed by my action. I ran after him like a lunatic and I wasn't sure how to explain it.
"I'm sorry," I stammered. "My ex-husband has been….well, he stalks, oh God, I overreacted."
His face looked concerned and he stepped closer to me. "Is he bothering you?"
"I think he was in my room," I said, and looked down at my feet. "I found some mud and leaves in my closet along with a footprint."
Edward was silent and I finally looked up to see his expression. He looked mortified and I found the nerve to ask him about his abusive past. "Why were you at the meeting the other night?"
"It is complicated," he said again.
"No, it really isn't. I understand how someone you love can betray you. I've done tons of counseling and I blame my first grade teacher for the plummet of my self-esteem."
His shoulders slumped in the familiar way and he stepped away from me. "I'm sure things felt worse than they were. I mean you were only six."
"He wouldn't let me speak. He berated me constantly and condemned everything I said or did. He's the reason I became a teacher. I couldn't stand the thought of someone like him teaching kids they don't matter."
"You matter," he yelled loudly. His outburst startled me and I felt afraid of him. I took a step back toward my house and he reached out to stop me. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just want you to know you are worth more than what your ex-husband and that….teacher, led you to believe."
"So who broke you down?" I asked, to see if he would confide or not.
"I did," he said to confuse me. "I've ruined my life by making all the wrong decisions. I want Forks to work for me. I need Forks to work for me."
I knew he was blaming himself for whatever went wrong in his relationship. I had to work very hard to make sure I placed the blame on Jake where it belonged, and not take the responsibility on my shoulders.
"Edward, if you are being victimized it isn't your fault. Was it an ex or someone else?" I pushed, and wasn't about to let him dodge the question.
"My father," he said very softly. I was a bit shocked at whom he named, but I knew coming into his aunts family must have been difficult. "I rebelled and caused problems for everyone."
"How old were you?" I asked.
"Eighteen," he said even softer.
"Edward, it is a difficult age in the best of circumstances. I'm sure they expected it to be a difficult transition."
"If I agree, will you agree your first grade teacher didn't know what he was talking about?"
I smiled at how easily he turned it back to me. He smiled back and I had to admit he was gorgeous when he was happy. It seemed to be a rare emotion and I felt a bit privileged to be the one who made him smile.
We were grown adults still carrying around the wounds of childhood; it made us compatriots of sorts. I reached out to touch his arm and he jumped back as if I was going to hit him. I pulled back and watched his expression change to embarrassment. "I just wanted to thank you for talking to me," I said.
I headed back across the street and he called out to me. "Bella?"
I stopped and looked back at him, "Yes."
He gave me a crooked smile that sent my heart racing like a school girl. "It was my pleasure, anytime."
With that he turned and began to jog down the street. I watched him for a moment and then went back into my house. I changed into my nightshirt and got into bed. I tried to sleep, but thoughts of Edward kept filling my head. I wondered how it would feel to kiss his lips and hold him in my arms. It was the first time I had those feelings since running away from Jake in the dead of night.
I showed up at school the next morning a felt a bit sad Edward wouldn't be across the hall. I was distracted all day and even my students notice. I finally yelled at myself for becoming so caught up in a man I didn't even know. It wasn't like me and the feelings bothered me. I wondered if I felt the need to help him, or if it was simply his good looks pulling me in.
After school I hurried out to my car and was disappointed not to see Edward. It was a bright sunny day and I had hoped he was out for a run. I searched for him the whole drive home, but I never saw him. I put on my own running clothes and headed down the road to the far side of town.
It had been a long time since I ran and my body was cursing me for putting it through this rigor. I finally stopped and took several deep breaths before changing my stride to a quick walk. I heard a noise in the forest and turned to see Edward standing under the trees smiling at me.
"God, you scared me," I said and held my hand to my heart.
"You shouldn't walk alone," he replied.
I laughed and looked back the way I had come from. "Well, I was running a moment ago," I said, to spare my pride.
"I know," he said, and gave me an adorable smirk.
I stood there and wondered if he was going to want to run with me, it would be humiliating. He finally tossed his head toward the forest and said, "I can show you a short cut home."
"Thank God," I laughed, and hurried toward him.
I followed him through the thick brush until I finally took a moment to look around. In that split second he was gone. I was left alone in the dark forest realizing I was more vulnerable than I had ever been. My body turned cold and my heart pounded in fear. I spun around and tried to find my way back to the main road.
5
I was close to running when Edward stepped onto the trail in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks and felt an overwhelming desire to scream. He raised one hand and said very softly. "It's okay, I'm right here."
He didn't realize it was him I was afraid of. I backed up and shook my head. "There is something strange about you. I want you to stay away from me."
His expression looked tormented and he struggled with something to say. He finally nodded and said, "I would never hurt you, Bella." He turned and left the trail.
I continued on until I got back to the road. I ran for as long as I could and then walked the rest of the way home. I got there just before sundown and rushed in to lock the door behind me. I was shaking and had no idea why. I finally took a long shower and put on an actual pair of pajamas before heading downstairs.
Charlie hadn't come home so I made some eggs for dinner. I kept walking over to the window and peeking out to see if I could see anyone looking back from the forest. A strange car pulled up and two women got out. I recognized one as Alice.
I moved away from the window and wondered if they would go away if I refused to answer the door.
All the self-improvement classes I had taken and I still coward from people. I finally walked to the door and opened it with feigned confidence.
"Hi Bella," Alice said with her high voice. "I would like to introduce you to my sister-in-law, Rosalie."
The woman glared at me so I crossed my arms and said, "You shouldn't speed through town. My father won't be so skewed by your beauty next time."
I had to admit the woman was exceptionally beautiful. Her long blonde hair fell in perfect waves, and her body looked like it had been sculpted to perfection. She had the odd color of eyes, just like Alice. God, was the entire family related in some way?
"May we come in?" Alice asked.
I stepped back and they entered my house. Alice looked at me, but Rosalie glanced around at the simple furniture in my father's simple home. I shut the door and walked over to sit on the sofa. Alice sat next to me but Rosalie remained standing.
"I think my brother is very taken with you," Alice said, as if it was a great compliment.
"Look," I began, "Edward is a whole level of crazy that I don't need."
Rosalie laughed and Alice turned to give her a warning glare. I had a feeling Rosalie agreed with my assessment and it made me curious as to what his brother was like. There was certainly a reason Edward was still single.
"My brother is very caring and very…"
I held up my hand to stop her. "Your brother is very handsome, but I am dealing with a really bad divorce. I'm not interested in any man right now."
Alice furrowed her brow and gave me a silent stare. I glanced up at Rosalie and saw her looking at something. I didn't follow her gaze because she was standing totally still, in the weird manner Edward often would. It looked like she wasn't breathing.
"Where are you from?" I asked them both.
Rosalie finally turned to look at me and smiled weirdly. "I'm from New York."
"What brought you to Forks?" I asked, wanting to know what Edward wouldn't tell me.
Alice let her head fall to the side and she smiled brightly at me. "Edward brought us here."
"Why?" I was suddenly feeling nervous and wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer. He told me Forks needed to work for him, but I had no idea why.
"Alice, let's go," Rosalie said harshly.
Alice hesitated but finally stood and followed her sister-in-law to the door. I walked behind them both and when they stepped outside Alice turned to look at me. Her odd colored eyes seemed to almost glow in the darkness, giving me chills.
"Bella, whoever gets Edward is extremely lucky."
"I'm sure she will be," I said, and shut the door.
I didn't see any of the Cullens for the rest of the week. I drove to Port Angeles for my next group session and was grateful to find Edward not in attendance. I participated and we talked about the fear of getting into another relationship. I realized I was pushing Edward away because I was afraid to love again, not because he was weird or scary. I was projecting things onto him because I was damaged. I drove home with tears streaming down my face. I hated the idea of letting Jake and my horrible first grade teacher keep me down.
The next day I headed into class and ran into Jessica. She taught at the end of the hallway. "Did you hear about Lance?" she asked. I never called Mr. Barr by his first name and I shook my head. "He was in an accident. A hit and run driver. He'll be out for several weeks."
"Really?" I gasped. "Did they hire a temporary replacement?"
"Yes, that cute Mr. Cullen," she said, and looked over at the closed door.
I tensed and quickly made my way to my room. Maybe it was a teaching position Edward meant when he said this town had to work for him. I was setting up my room when the door opened and Edward walked in. I tried to smile and it was easier when he looked so nervous.
"I hear you have a job for a few weeks," I said, to ease the tension.
"It isn't serious," he said to confuse me.
"What isn't?"
"Mr. Barr's injuries, he'll heal completely."
I found his comment odd, as if he felt responsible for the man's wreck. His penchant for taking on guilt for everything was so familiar to me. "It isn't your fault," I told him, but he looked away from me.
We both stood there awkwardly so I finally said, "I met your sister-in-law, she is very beautiful."
"They don't know very many people. I think it is hard for them," he said, to make me feel horrible for how I treated them. I instantly made plans to go to a movie or dinner with them and try to be more civil. It wasn't their fault I found Edward a bit too much for me at the moment.
"I'll give you a tour of the place at lunch, since you'll be here for a while," I offered. He nodded and left the room. I felt a little grain of excitement and quickly quashed it.
The students came in and I got right to work. I assigned them the task of coming up with their own fairy tale. It had to have similar dark qualities as the Grimm brothers, along with a moral message. The kids began on the project and as I graded test papers. The morning passed quickly and when lunch arrived Edward was waiting at my door.
"I'll show you the lunch room first," I announced. He didn't respond and walked one step behind me the entire way, even if I slowed to make myself even with him. I opened the large metal door and said, "Would you like to get a tray of food?"
"I'm fine," he said, so I continued on with the tour.
We were stopped by a girl from my class who asked if she could use the 'Three Bears' concept but make it her own. I assured her it would be okay and then turned to Edward, "They are making their own fairy tales as a writing assignment."
He nodded and remained quiet. I showed him all the places teachers were allowed to go and we ended up back at our rooms again. I had to eat in a hurry at my desk before my next class began. I wasn't sure if Edward ate at all.
I headed to the parking lot after school and saw Edward get into a brand new car and drive away. I didn't understand why he would make such a purchase since he would only be teaching for a few weeks. He must be hoping this would grow into a fulltime job.
I stopped by the grocery store and arrived home to see my father's squad car out front. I got the two sacks of groceries and walked through the back door. I could smell perfume that was not mine. I sat the bags on the counter and went into the living room to see a woman sitting on the sofa.
"You must be Bella," she said with a smile.
"Yes," I said, and glanced around for my father.
"I'm Trina, Charlie and I are attending a fundraiser tonight," she said, and extended her hand to me. She was dressed in a sexy, clingy gown and I suddenly worried about my father's ability to look suave and sophisticated.
I excused myself and ran upstairs to check on him. He was dressed in his best uniform. "Dad, shouldn't you have on a tux or something?"
"No, it is a policeman s event. Do I look okay?" he asked, and I could tell how nervous he was.
"You look very handsome," I said with a grin. "Who's the woman?"
"Nobody," he said, and gave me a look to tell me not to push any further.
"Oh, I'll be out late tonight," I told him. "I just want you to know in case you want to come back here."
I wasn't sure I would come home at all if Charlie had a woman over. His room was just down the hall from mine and if I could hear him snoring I'm sure there were other things I would be able to hear too.
"Don't be ridiculous," he said, and put his wallet in his pants and headed down the stairs.
It was Friday and I didn't feel like sitting home, since my own father managed to find something to do, I should be able to also. I looked up the phone number to the Cullens and breathed a sigh of relief when Alice's high pitched voice answered.
"Hi, Alice. This is Bella," I began. "I was wondering if you and…Rosalie, would like to catch a movie or something." I hated to invite Rosalie to come along, but it would be rude to exclude her.
"Rose is gone for the weekend," she said to my delight. "But I would love to go."
"Great, I'll check on the movies playing in Port Angeles. Do you want to get some dinner first?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I already ate," she said and I quickly told her that was fine.
We made plans for the night. I ate quickly and changed into jeans and a tee with a small jacket. I drove to the Cullens and prayed I wouldn't run into Edward. Alice answered the door and invited me in. She looked at me with sad eyes and said, "Bella, my husband is sick and you know how much of a baby a man can be. I won't be able to go, but Edward said he would take my place."
I was ready to refuse when Edward walked into the entry way. I looked at him with embarrassment and then said, "It's okay, we can go another time."
"I would love that," Alice said. "But don't let me ruin your night. Edward would be great company."
I felt trapped. I didn't want him to think we were going on a date. This was just a friend's night out and I wasn't sure how to make sure he understood that. He finally said. "There is a movie I have wanted to see. We can go to separate movies if you prefer."
I realized how ridiculous I was sounding, so I said, "I don't mind seeing the same movie, what are friends for?"
6
No matter how hard I tried to make it seem natural and non-date like, it felt exactly like a date. Edward insisted on driving and opened my door to help me into his car. I sat silently and stared out the window as he drove much too fast.
His body never relaxed as he drove and it was excruciatingly awkward. I sighed and he looked over at me. I smiled and he quickly looked back at the road. This was not the way I imagined spending the evening and I really hoped Trina would take my dad to her place.
We parked and walked up to the ticket window. I pulled out my wallet and Edward stepped in front of me and purchased the tickets. I was shocked when he picked the girl movie I was planning to see with Alice. "This was the movie you wanted to see?" I asked him.
"Yes," he lied, and I loved that he lied about it.
We walked into the lobby and he turned to ask if I wanted something to eat. "You go ahead, I already ate," I explained.
He passed the snack counter and we entered the theater and found good seats. If he wouldn't carry his part of the conversation it was going to me a long wait. "Do you enjoy your class?" I asked him.
"Yes, they are good kids, for high school," he said.
"Have you taught grade school?" I asked.
He gave me a quick nod and changed the subject. "I don't think Jasper is sick," he blurted out.
"Alice is trying to play matchmaker?" I asked with a chuckle.
"Alice is always trying to make the future into what she thinks it should be," he said with disgust.
"Can I ask an odd question?" I asked him, and noticed how he tensed. "Why do you all live together?"
His head spun around to look at me as if the question was totally out of line. "Why wouldn't we, we're a family?"
"I know, and I think it is commendable. I mean, I live with my dad so I understand the financial upside. I just don't know why Alice and Rosalie would want to live in Forks."
The theater lights dimmed and Edward didn't answer. He turned his head to the screen and didn't look at me again until the end of the movie. I was wiping my tears from the emotional ending and I thought I saw him actually move away from me. Maybe he thought an emotional woman would want something from him?
We stood and walked from the theater and onto the sidewalk to make our way to the parking lot. I heard someone call out my name and turned to look over my shoulder. I automatically reached out and grabbed onto Edward's arm, causing him to look back also.
Jake and his friends were walking toward us and Jake looked Edward up and down. I knew there was going to be a fight and I tried to pull Edward away, but he stood firm. "Come on," I begged him.
"Is this him?" he asked me.
"Bella," Jake laughed. "Whoring around again?"
"Come on," I said and pulled on Edward again. He was immovable and towered over Jake, although Jake was a lot more muscular.
"Who's the loser?" Jake asked, and looked at Edward.
"Leave us alone," I said, and moved in front of Edward. He took hold of my arm and easily moved me out of the way.
"I'm Edward," he said without any emotion.
"Well, Eddie boy. I'm Bella's husband," Jake announced.
"Ex-husband," I said emphatically.
He sneered at me and then turned his attention back to Edward. Jake was feeling bolstered by the fact his friends were there to back him up and moved to get right into Edward's face. "I don't like the fact you're out with my woman," he said in a threatening tone.
Edward gave him a slight smile and narrowed his eyes before saying, "She's not your woman."
There was something in Edward's demeanor that was terrifying although he was very calm. He obviously wasn't going to back down and Jake looked around to make sure his buddies were still with him.
"Are you willing to fight for a whore?" Jake asked.
"I'm willing to break your jaw if you call her that again," Edward said softly.
I was desperate to stop the carnage I felt was coming so I headed to the car again. "I'm leaving," I yelled over my shoulder.
I had taken two steps when I heard Jake yell out in pain. I looked back to see Edward standing just as he had been and Jake holding his hand in pain. I wasn't sure what happened, but Edward turned and followed me to his car. When we were both inside I asked, "What did you do to him?"
"Nothing," he replied. "He punched me in the gut and hurt his hand."
I looked down at Edward's thin frame and wondered exactly what his abs must look like to hurt Jake's hand. I wasn't about to ask to see them, so I said, "You must be in great shape."
"I'm okay," he said with a sly grin, and I felt my face blush.
I was grateful when he pulled out of town and didn't ask to stop for drinks. It was a shared movie and that was it. When he finally pulled off the main road I said, "Edward, thank you for going to the movie with me. I'm sure you would rather do something much more exciting with your friends."
He chuckled and said, "I thought this was pretty exciting,"
"Well, fighting with Jake is a typical Friday night for me," I groaned.
He pulled in front of his house, right behind my car, and turned off his engine. Instead of opening his door he turned to face me. "I don't have any friends," he announced.
"Oh, that's right, you're new here. I thought Jasper was your best friend," I said, to show him he had someone besides me.
"He's Alice's husband more than my friend."
I could see his point, but I also didn't want him clinging onto me. "There is a softball league in town if you want to meet some guys."
He laughed loudly and it made me wonder what was so funny. He nodded to the house and said, "Come in and I'll show you why it's funny."
I got out of the car and followed Edward into the house. He headed down a long hallway to the very back of the house. He opened a big door and stepped into a huge room. It was open but had its own library area, grand piano and then a huge bed. "Is this your bedroom?" I gasped.
"I spend most of my time in here. It is pretty much my house," he said, and it made me sad to think he was so alone.
He walked over to the piano and sat down on the bench. His hands moved flawlessly over the keys as he sat perfectly still with his eyes closed. I realized he was telling me he was musical, and not into sports.
When he finally turned to look at me I smiled. "You're very talented," I said.
"I just practice a lot," he said shyly.
"And read," I added, and looked over at his impressive collection of books.
"Yes, I read a lot," he said, and followed me over to the shelves.
I walked along to read the titles of the books and stopped when I saw a scrapbook. I reached for it but his hand shot out and took it before I had a chance to get it. "This is private," he said harshly.
It ticked me off a bit so I walked back to the door and said, "I better be going."
I honestly hoped he would stop me in case my father was home with Trina. He looked at me with such a hurt expression it made me feel guilty for leaving. I took a hesitant step and he spoke up to save me. "I wish you would stay and spend some time with Alice."
It wasn't the proposal I was expecting, but I nodded in agreement. "Have a seat," he said. "I'll get her."
I walked over to where a chair sat next to his bed. I sat for a few minutes and then moved over to his massive bed. I pushed it with my hands to see how soft it was and then sat down and felt it mold to my form. I couldn't stop myself and stretched out to experience the amazing softness of his bed.
At that moment he came back into the room. I jumped up and moved quickly to the chair. He smiled and it made me laugh. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. What kind of mattress do you have? That bed is amazing!"
"I'm really not sure," he said, and pulled up the comforter.
"Wow, you have a memory foam bed," I said and got on my knees to look closer.
"Is that good?" he asked.
"You must sleep like a baby," I said, and glanced up at him.
He ignored me and said, "Alice is with Jasper, but she would love to have you over next week."
"Yeah, okay," I said and got off my knees. "I better be going."
He followed me out of the room and I stopped and let him go in front of me to show me out of the massive house. He walked me to my car and opened the door for me. I got in and quickly started the engine. "I'll see you Monday," I said nonchalantly.
"Thank you for this evening," he said and I groaned. It sounded like a date and it was the last thing I wanted. I nodded and drove away.
I got home and luckily found it empty. I took a long bath and finally went to sleep after tossing and turning on my uncomfortable mattress. I couldn't complain too much, since I wasn't sleeping next to Jake.
I spent the weekend doing wash and cleaning house from top to bottom. I worked on some lesson plans and decided to clean out my closet. It wasn't an exciting weekend, but the time passed quickly. I pulled down a box from my closet and rummaged through some old keepsakes. I came across my class pictures from elementary school.
I looked through the pile and found the one of my time at the gifted school. I couldn't see the face of my teacher, because I had scratched it off years ago. I looked at my terrified face and mourned for the little girl who lost her confidence at such a young age.
I found a note the teacher sent to my mother.
Ms. Swan,
Isabella is not suited for this school. She would progress much more naturally in the public school system. For her development I strongly suggest you remove her from my class.
Respectfully,
Mr. Masen
I quickly refolded the note and placed it back in the box. I despised that man and hoped he was no longer teaching children. I dreamed that night of being stuck in a classroom with no way out. I pounded on the doors and screamed for help. I heard a man behind me and turned to see Mr. Masen, but as he walked closer he had Edward's face. I ran to him and begged for help but he laughed at me and called me stupid.
I sat up as I gasped for air. I was terrified when I rolled over and saw an indention in the pillow next to me. It was as if a head had been resting there. I jumped up and turned on the light as I searched my closet and looked out the window.
I couldn't shake the feeling someone had not only been in my room, but in my bed. I felt like I was going crazy.
