Chapter 1
Julie was young and pretty. She was slender, with strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes. One would think that she had everything going for her. She lived in a nice house, and drove nice car. She had plenty of dates. Her grades in her college classes were high, a 4.0 average. Her godfather was very wealthy. He owned his own island, and sent her money and gifts from time to time. However, one aspect of her life was not going well, and she wished she could find a way to resolve it.
Julie drove home after her last college class of the day. It had been a long and exhausting one, with classes from 8:00 in the morning until almost 4:00 in the afternoon. It also didn't help that she had an evening of finishing assignments from almost every class.
Julie reached her house and parked her car. After carefully locking it, she went inside the house. Her mother called from another room. "Is that you, honey?"
"Yes, mom." julie went into her room and dropped her book bag on her bed. Her phone rang. Hesistantly, she answered. "He..Hello?"
"Julie," whispered the voice on the other end. Julie's brown eyes widened. She dropped the phone reciever into the cradle, and looked at the phone. She was paralyzed with fear. He was never going to leave her alone, never.
The previous fall...
Julie walked along one of the many sidewalks of her college campus. It was a bright, sunny day with just a hint of fall in the air. She had just finished one of her favorite classes, art. Her next class was sociology. When it was finished, she was going to have lunch with some of her friends. Julie entered the sociology building and found a seat in her classroom. It was a large lecture hall "classes for the masses," as some of the students described it. There were plenty of seats available. Julie opened her sociology book and started to look over the day's reading assignment, She became aware of someone in the seat next to her. Surprised, she looked up. A handsome young man with dark curly hair, brown eyes, and a cleft chin was sitting next to her. "Hi," he said.
Julie swallowed and said "Hi," rather timidly.
"I'm Charles. I've seen you around."
"I'm Julie."
"How do you like this class?" Charles asked.
"It's ok. I'm taking it mainly for the general ed credits," Julie replied. "How do you like it?"
"It's alright. I'm taking it for the general ed as well," Charles said. "How long have you been going to school here?"
"This is my second year. I'm hoping to transfer to the University after I get my general eds finished."
The professor came into the room, and started to write on the blackboard.
"I'd like to get to know you a little better after class. Are you busy?" Charles asked as the professor turned around.
Julie smiled to herself. "I'm meeting some friends for lunch. Maybe tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow it is," Charles said as he opened his sociology book.
Julie tried to concentrate on the lecture, but her thoughts centered around the young man next to her. As soon as class was over, Julie said goodbye to Charles as she collected her things and hurried off to her lunch date.
Julie emerged from her memories with a start. The relationship had started off so well. She and Charles had had a lot of fun together. They had gone to movies, dances, games. Julie thought back to the first time they had kissed. It had been wonderful, magical. They had a few makeout sessions. Then Charles had started to press for more. He had also started to become possessive. If Julie wasn't home when he called, he wanted to know why. He got jealous of the time she spent with her friends. Julie shuddered at the memories, epecially the last date she had had with Charles.
3 months after their first date...
Julie and Charles were alone in his apartment. Charles had created a romantic atmosphere with soft music on the stereo, and candlelight. They had been cuddling on the couch. Julie didn't mind when Charles kissed her, but she didn't like where his hands had wandered. She placed a hand on his chest "Please, don't," she said.
Charles looked rejected. "It's ok, Julie. I love you."
Julie was taken aback. "I...I love you too."
Charles rose from the couch and took her hand. "Then come into the bedroom."
Julie caught her breath. "No. I'm not ready."
Charles slammed his fist on the coffee table. Julie jumped."Damn it, Julie! You said you love me!"
"I do, but it's such a big step."
"Come on. It will be ok."
"No, I'm scared. I'm not ready." Julie started to slide to the other end of the couch. Charles grabbed her arm and tried to pull her toward him.
"I won't hurt you. I promise. "
"No. Please take me home." Julie got up from the couch and headed for the door. Charles grabbed her and spun her around. His face was barely and inch from hers.
"You said you loved me Now prove it."
"No. I'm going home." Julie grabbed her jacket and purse from the coat hook. She gasped as she felt Charles spin her around again and push her up against the door.
"You aren't going anywhere." His kiss was brutal, crushing. Julie frantically thought back to all of the self defense classes she had taken. She didn't want to hurt Charles, but she didn't see another choice. A well placed knee in the groin, and Charles doubled over in pain. Julie opened the door, and ran, Charles llmping behind her. Out on the street, Julie flagged a taxi . Charles stopped the pursuit once he saw her get into the cab.
"You won't get away so easily, Julie!" he shouted. "You hear me?" He clenched his fist in the air. "You won't get away so easily! You said you loved me!"
Julie arrived at her house. She paid the cab driver and went inside. Both of her parents were up. Julie managed a quick greeting and hurried to her room. Julie's mother followed her and knocked on the door.
"Honey, how was your date?"
Julie looked in the mirror over her dressing table. Her lips were slightly bruised. She knew she'd better answer her mother before she came into the room.
"It was ok, Mom. I'm really tired so I'll tell you about it tomorrow."
"Ok, then. Good night, dear."
"Good night, Mom." Julie listened for her mother to return to the living room. Then she grabbed her night clothes and washcloth and headed for the bathroom. While she was preparing for bed, she made a decision. She would have to break up with Charles. He wasn't going to like it, but she couldn't let him treat her that way.
Julie stiffly got out of bed the next morning. She was sore from the night before. She gathered her clothes and hobbled into the bathroom. Her lips were slightly puffy and bruised. Julie ran cold water over a wash cloth and held it to her face for a few minutes. Then she proceeded to dress. Julie winced as she pulled on her clothes. Her shoulder hurt. Julie turned around and looked at her shoulder in the mirror. There was a bruise where Charles had pushed her against the door. At least her clothes would hide that. Julie carefully finished dressing and applied makeup to her lips, hoping it would cover the bruising. Morning toiletries finished, Julie returned to her room to collect her book bag.
The doorbell rang just as Julie entered the kitchen. "Now who on earth could that be?" Julie's mother wondered out loud.
"I'll get it," Julie said, and went to the door. A feelling of apprehension enveloped her. As she answered the door, she knew why. Charles was standing on the front porch, a big bouquet of flowers in one hand, and a box of her favorite chocolates in the other. Julie stared at him.
"Julie, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have treated you that way"
Julie thought for a minute, as she gathered her nerve.
"Charles, thank you for the apology. However, I can't see you anymore."
"But I got up early. I bought you these flowers and chocolate!"
"I am sorry you went to all of that trouble, but it's over. I don't want to see you anymore. Goodbye."
Julie closed the door. Charles started to ring the doorbell, and then pounded on the door. Julie's parents came to see what all of the commotion was about.
"What is going on?" Julie's dad asked.
"It's Charles. I just broke up with him, and he isn't taking it well. Dad, will you please tell him to go away?'
"Oh, I will tell him alright," Julie's dad said as he went out the door. Julie heard Charles start to say "Good morning, sir," just as the door slammed. A minute later, she heard the screech of tires as Charles drove off.
"He shouldn't be bothering you anymore, honey. I told him in no uncertain terms that you didn't want to see him and not to come back."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Come have some breakfast before you have to leave, dear," Julie's mother said. Julie followed her parents back into the kitchen, grateful for their support.
Breakfast over, Julie headed out the front door to leave for school. She stopped in her tracks. The chocolates and flowers were on the front porch. Julie picked them up and threw them into the trash cans that were waiting to be picked up. She dusted off her hands, got into her car and drove to school.
Julie pulled into a parking place. She exited the car and locked it. She suddenly had a sense of being watched. She cautiously looked around. Charles was leaning against his car a few rows away. He was staring at her.
Julie gupled. She started to walk quickly to the nearest building. Chalres hurried after her. "Julie! Julie! I want to talk to you!" Julie ran. Once inside the building, she went into the ladies room. Surely he couldn't follow her in there. Julie paced nervously as another young woman came into the restroom and went into a stall. When she came out, Julie had a plan.
"Did you happen to see a guy with dark curly hair and a cleft chin out there?" Julie asked.
"Yeah, " the girl replied as she washed her hands and fussed with her hair. "He looked like he was waiting for someone."
"This is a lot to ask, but can I borrow your jacket for a few minutes? By the way, I'm Julie. "
"Amy. What for?"
Julie took a deep breath. "He's my boyfriend...was my boyfriend," she corrected herself. "I broke it off and he won't leave me alone. I need to slip past him. I'll return your jacket right away."
"I live in the dorms. I will be free next period, " Amy said as she handed over the jacket.
"Thanks. You're a life saver." Julie took the jacket and put it on. She pulled her hair into a ponytail. She took a notebook out of her bookbag and held it up to her face as if she were studying.
"Wish me luck," she said to Amy. "What's your room number?
"Petro Hall, #302. Good luck, " Amy said apprehensively as Julie slipped out of the restroom, her eyes intent on her sociology notes. She saw Charles leaning against the restroom doorframe, and melted into the crowd of students heading for thier classes. She didn't dare go to class. Charles knew her class schedule. Julie decided to change her class schedule, if at all possible. Decision made, she headed for Amy's dorm room to return the jacket.
Charles looked impatiently at his watch. Julie had been in the restroom for a long time. She couldn't stay in there forever. He stopped a girl who was coming out of the restroom. "Hey, my girlfriend went in there awhile ago, and she hasn't come out yet. I want to make sure she is ok. "
"Nobody else is in there."
Charles leaned in closer. "Are you sure?"
The poor girl stammered. "YY...Yes. No one is in there."
Charles pushed past her. "I am going to see for myself!"
"You can't go in there!" The girl stared after him in amazement, and then ran for campus security.
Charles looked under the door of every stall in the restroom. No feet were visible. He was crawling under doors to double check, just as security guard burst into the room.
"You're in the wrong room, buddy!" One of them said as he grabbed Charles and pulled him to his feet.
"I'm looking for my girlfriend!"
"Obviously she isn't here. Come with us and tell us all about it." Each securtiy guard had Charles by an arm and dragged him to their office, past the gaze of startled onlookers. Once in the office, they pushed Charles into a chair. Charles thought about fighting it, but decided against it. He decided to go for the sympathy ploy.
"Now, just were you doing in the ladies' room?" One of the guards asked.
"My girl was really sick. She went in there and didn't come out. I was checking to make sure she was alright."
"Looks like she's given you the slip, buddy."
Charles silently fumed. Julie was going to pay for this.
Julie found the office of her counselor, Doctor Samuels. Luckily, he was in and the door was open. Julie tapped on the door and waited for him to look up.
"Hello," he said. "What can I do for you today?"
"I need to change my class schedule immediately, " Julie told him.
"May I ask why?"
"My former boyfriend is stalking me. He knows my schedule. He's been waiting for me in places where he knows I will be."
"I am afraid the it is too late in the semester." Dr. Samuels shook his head sadly. "If you change classes now, you could lose all of your credits."
Julie sighed heavily."Please," she began. "I am in danger."
Dr. Samuels looked at Julie for a moment. He had a daughter of his own about her age. He pulled the college time schedule out of his desk drawer. "I may not be able to give you the same teachers. If I can get other teachers to agree to accept the work and grades you have earned this semester, I may be able to do it."
"That would be wonderful! Thank you!"
Dr. Samuels handed Julie a card and the time schedule. "Fill out your contact information, current schedule, and the schedule you need. Bring it back tomorrow. "
"Oh, I will! Thank you so much!" Julie left feeling very relieved.
Charles sat in the security office, fuming. His counselor, Dr. Nickoloff, was present.
"Young man, you have committed a serious offense. You have violated this school's code of conduct. As a result, you will be expelled."
Charles was stunned.. "Damn Julie!" He thought. "If she had only listened to me, this wouldn't have happened."
Dr. Nickoloff continued. "You will leave immediately. Campus security will escort you to your car. You will not be welcome in this school again."
Charles rose and stormed out of the office, campus security right behind him.
6 months later...
Julie had tried her best to stay away from Charles. Since he was expelled from school, he still found ways to annoy her. He called the house often and let the phone ring once and then hang up. He drove past the house day and night to see if Julie was at home. Julie was fearful for her life. She never went anywhere by herself if she could help it. When she went to school, she made sure she was in a crowd of people She knew Charles was watching her. Calling the police hadn't helped because he hadn't done anything illegal. Something had to be done. Julie realized that he was never going to leave her alone. She had realized that after she had answered the phone and he whispered her name in an omnious tone.
Julie and her parents sat around their kitchen table discussing their options.
"You could stay with my sister in Idaho for the time being," Julie's mother said. Julie loved her aunt dearly, but really didn't want to live with her.
"We could move," her dad offered.
"No, Dad. He would find us. " Julie thought for a moment. Suddenly an idea flashed into her mind. "What about Mr. Roarke?"
"Yes!" Her mother exclaimed. "We can send you to Fantasy Island!"
"Mr. Roarke has invited me to come visit him before. Maybe I should take him up on it."
"That is a great idea! " Her father exclaimed. "We'll call Mr. Roarke right now!"
The phone rang once and stopped. "The sooner, the better," Julie said.
A few days later, Julie was on a plane to Fantasy Island. She reflected on the events that had brought her to this point, including a tearful goodby to her parents. She hadn't told any of her friends that she was going, for fear that Charles would find out and try to stop her. Her parents had taken her to the airport in the middle of the night to lessen the chances of being detected. Julie eagerly looked forward to visiting Mr. Roarke. Her parents had been guests on the island before she was born. They had enjoyed their fantasy so much, that they named Mr. Roarke as Julie's godfather when she was born. Julie and her parents had visited the island from time to time, and she became Mr. Roarke's favorite godchild. Julie and Roarke corresponded often. When Julie's parents called him, Mr. Roarke agreed enthusiastically to a visit. Mr. Roarke had even offered her a job. It didn't get any better than that.
The plane flew on into the night. Julie slept more peacefully than she had in months. Morning came. Julie looked out her window and saw the shores of Fantasy Island. The captain's voice came over the loudspeaker.
"Good morning. We are now approaching Fantasy Island. We will be landing in about 20 minutes. Please make sure your seats and trays are in the upright positions, and that your luggage is properly stowed. Thank you for flying with us."
Julie quickly obeyed and sat up straight. She couldn't wait to be on the Island!