FYI: Yes, the next four chapters shamelessly plagarize from my favorite author again. She really is the coolest!!! Yay, Dee Henderson--if you actually read these things. And if you do, I am totally giving you credit--I am just borrowing your words and adapting them to JAG's characters. I wonder if I could go to jail for this? I sincerely hope not!!!

Saturday morning, I was up before the sun, which was rare for a college student. I quietly made my way downstairs. Seeing that no one else appeared to be up, I decided to go for a job to clear my mind. Afterwards, I would work on homework. Turning back, I took the stairs two at a time and changed quickly into running clothes, tying my hair in a pony tail.

I returned to the kitchen, to search for a water bottle when I noticed a note on the counter.

Jaidyn,

Nanci took the kids on a spontaneous vacation—they needed a break. I am at work—taping began early this morning, even though it's a Saturday. Can you say, "yuck?" I will be back late tonight. Nanci and the kids won't be back until Sunday afternoon. She tried to wake you, but you were out cold. Please, make yourself at home. If you don't know where something is, don't be afraid to ask around. The housekeeper should be able to tell you; although, you may have to be slightly demanding in order to get an appropriate response—don't worry she does it to everyone!

Until later, DJE.

It felt more than a little weird to be in here knowing that David, Nanci, and the kids were gone, but I opted to take David's advice and make myself at home. After I found the water bottle, I went out for my run.

Running in a new place has a tendency to take one's focus off of his or her surroundings. Because of this, it took me a while to notice that someone appeared to be following me. Once I did come to this realization, I tried to shake it off as my imagination getting the best of me; however, when I was still being followed a half a mile later, even after taking some odd turns, I began to panic.

Mentally, I took inventory of what I had on my person that could be used as a weapon: a half-full water bottle and a receipt from a quick run to the store sometime mid-last week. Grimacing, I thought to myself that I could either drown the guy or give him a paper cut. Finally, deciding that neither of those options would work, I picked up my pace. Whomever was behind me must have realized that I knew he or she was there because I suddenly heard the car shut off. With my senses acutely tuned in, I heard them begin chasing me.

Risking a glance behind me, I suddenly realized who was in pursuit of me—my step-dad. Had it been any other person, I think I would have felt much safer.

My body suddenly went into over-protection mode and I picked up the pace. Feeling confused from so many lost turns, I prayed that I would be able to find my way back to David's house. No sooner had I said the prayer, then I realized that I was merely a block away. Picking up the speed even more, I pushed myself running full throttle all the way to the front steps, slamming and locking the door behind me.

Wishing that I knew what the security code was, I debated whether or not to call David. Opting against it, I dialed 911, placing an anonymous call. I heard the sirens within minutes. In three minutes, the police were scouring the area. Fortunately, the housekeeper had not yet arrived. Most likely, I was already going to have to answer a lot of questions, beginning with the men in uniform that had just wrung the doorbell.

Checking the peephole just to make sure, I opened the door and tried to act composed. Surprisingly, I was only asked a few basic questions. I was assured that someone would be scouting the area to ensure no more intrusions.

Thanking the officer, I closed the door and went to take a long shower. Today was going to be a long day.