A short stay in summer

Chapter 1

I awoke to the sound of rain on the roof. It was meant to be summer, I thought but what else did I expect from Port Angeles, as light filtered through the cheap curtains that hung squint over the single-glazed windows. I looked at my watch. 9:00. Perfect. I got out of the lumpy bed and got my things together. I was washed, dressed and checked out but 9:16. I picked up my rucksack and guitar and walked out of the revolting B&B.

They were waiting. The men who had been following me for the past two days. They had tried, and failed, to get me alone.

I skipped past them without a backwards glance and down the street. As I rounded the corner I heard then follow me. How and when would they go? I pondered catching a plane to California early, but then decided how stupid that was. They would not ruin this experience for me. I kept the speed I was walking at steady and began to come up with a plan. Up ahead was a truckers café. I saw, by the window, a lone figure. He looked depressed. An idea quickly formed, it was stupid but it just might work. I skipped up the steps and entered the café.

I walked straight up to him, he didn't look up. 'Can I sit here, please? I need help, it's an emergency.' Ok the last bit was a lie, but when you look at it it kind of was.

'What sort of emergency,' he said. He had a gorgeous voice, I was momentarily stunned.

'There are three men following me, and I'm scared.' I said quietly. He looked up quickly, as if my voice with its stupid accent had the same effect on him as his had on me. He looked into my eyes. He had the most beautiful chocolate eyes, they were so deep I felt like I was looking into… into what? His mind? No that didn't seem right. His soul? Too cheesy.

'Sit then, let me help you.' His voice broke my train of thoughts. I put my things down and sat opposite him, his eyes never left mine the whole time.

'Th-thanks.' I stammered. WHAT??? I STAMMERED!!! What was going on. I never was lost for words or stuttery ( I don't even think that's a word, what was wrong with me?)

'Is that them coming in now?' He asked quietly without looking towards the door.

'Yes,' I replied. He grinned and said:

'Just trust me a minute,' and leaned forward and grabbed both my hands and held them. I grinned and adjusted mine to hold his too.

The men walked right up to our table. A lot of heads turned to look at us, but we stayed in our own little bubble, like a couple would. The biggest man said

'Hey, sugar. Watcha doin' with this dweeb.' Urg, what vulgar language. The other two laughed.

'This dweeb happens to be my boyfriend.' I spat the way an offended girlfriend would. Well that's what I thought, I'd never had a boyfriend.

'Can we help you?' the guy, who was still holding my hands, asked in a loud, sure tone.

'Well you could lend us your bird.' The large one said. The other two sniggered. Then the big one leaned over and pinched my thigh.

There was a huge crash and the guy who nipped me was at the other side of the café. The guy I had been sitting with was standing, he looked furious.

'Don't ever touch my girlfriend again.' he snarled. Then he picked up my bag and guitar, grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the café.