Missing

Chapter 32

I run out into the cool crisp air of autumn. There is a thin layer of frost that covers just about anything with a surface. I shiver and pull my hands into the sleeves of my borrowed black hoodie. It prevents the cold from coming in but the heat is radiating out of me.

My car seems clean. I recall driving though the woods on an uncharted road; or I hope it's a road. The tires should be dirty and my car should have scratches from the rough branches it hit along the way. It should also be covered with dust but there are no flaws in it's appearance. The tires are spotless, the rims are as shiny as a mirror. My car has no scratches. It looks brand new. I think it is brand new. Whatever angle this person - Amanda - is playing, I'm going to take what I can get.

I open the door and hop inside. Then I realize I don't have any keys. Or my cellphone. Or anything.

Something buzzes in the background.

"Ah!" It startes me.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

It's a phone.

Buzz.

It's my phone.

I turn around in my seat to look for the source of the sound. Like I thought, it is my phone.

It's lit up with a text. I can't read it from back here so I reach out my arm to grab it but I fall short. I get onto my knees then stretch my entire body over to the backseat.

I'm coming for you Emily. You have all you need now; have fun while it lasts because I can take everything from you in a flash.

The text shocks me but I'm quite used to the feeling now. I have to go.

I turn around to face the front again, bringing my phone with me. On the passenger seat is my bag, a coat, a granola bar and a set of keys. This person is trying to give me everything so they can take it all away.

The keys fit nicely into the ignition and the soft hum of the engine makes me feel safe; but doesn't do enough to make me let down my guard.

I press the gas pedal and drive away. This person even backed in for me already so all I have to do is drive.

Once I'm out of the parking lot, I hit a fork on a poorly paved road. Right or left. Which one will get me out of here?

I pick right and drive off in that direction. Other than me, the single lane road is completely isolated. I pick up speed. Suddenly, the surroundings are just a blur of colours. I look at the speed dial. 145 km/h. Instead of slowing down, I speed up. This better take me back to civalization, and if not, I hope I drive off a cliff.

The blurs and colours look to be trees. Big trees, small trees, green trees, red trees. Whatever, I'm driving the middle of the forest. I wish I can go back and get a sense of direction from the map. This is hopeless. For all I know, I might be driving in a circle.

Why can't I fall unconcious now? Of all the times I've forgotten a drive, why can't it be now?

I decide this is useless. I slam on the brakes and feel myself fly forward in my seat.

"What do I do now?" I mutter to myself.

Something catches my eye. My phone. Will I even get reception out here? Probably not.

This is stupid. Just sitting here and waiting for this person to catch up to me. I gather up the things that are supplied to me on the passenger seat and jump out of the car.

Where do I go now? I have more senses when I'm by myself but I don't have as much security. No one is behind me, or waiting to do a sneak attack.

Then I run. I run off the road and into the forest.