(ARIELLE’S POV)
After driving for a while, I finally brought the car to halt at a spot I considered safe and tried to catch my breath. My hands shook uncontrollably on the steering wheel, while my heart thudded fast like it would jump out of my chest.
I tried to calm down, else I might not be able to drive myself home in that state. Taking slow, deep breaths, I tried to get a grip on myself. Panic tried to press in on me, but I pushed aside the feeling. I can’t have a panic attack, no, not here. After a few minutes, my heart rate slowed down to normal, and my hands steadied. Satisfied that I was okay to drive again, I turned the car back on, and resumed driving home, my senses now on high alert.
As I drove, I grew increasingly anxious, as I tried to figure why someone would follow me. It didn’t add up, and intermittently, I looked at the rearview mirror to ensure the person was not behind me.
Each glance revealed nothing suspicious, but I still had to be extra careful. I couldn’t risk leading the person, whomever it was, to my home, as I didn’t know what their motive was.
Finally, after taking so many turns and even taking a longer route than usual, I turned into my street. Even as I pulled into the driveway, I kept my eyes fixed on the rearview mirror for any funny movements. Heart racing, I alighted, and before I walked into the house, I looked behind my shoulders one last time.
Nothing, fortunately.
Inside, I locked the door behind me firmly, before leaning on it, with my hand pressed to my chest.
Safety. Finally.
I made it home to my mum and Son.
“Mom!” Maverick yelled, breaking into my thoughts as ran towards me.
I straightened up, stretching my arms to accommodate him. I had to put on a smile and shove the thoughts of the incident aside like it never happened. I was safe and home to my family and that was all that mattered. “Hey, champ, how was your day?” I asked, forcing a bright smile.
“It was awesome, Mama. Nana and I made cookies,” he exclaimed, his usual bubbly self.
My Mom joined us, a smile on her face. “You’re back. How was your day?” And then a frown creased her forehead. “You look tired.”
I nodded and forced a smile trying to sound casual. “It’s nothing, mum. Just a long day.”
“We missed you,” Maverick said, snuggling even closer to me.
“I missed you two, too.”
And then I pulled away, exhaling. “I need to freshen up. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, dear. Dinner’s almost ready,” my mom said.
I nodded and walked away to my room, shutting the door behind me. It felt relieving to be in my space, and I inhaled deeply.
After freshening up, I joined my family for dinner. We chatted about our day, and I listened to Maverick’s stories.
As dinner ended, I pushed my chair back. “I’m tired, guys. I think I’ll head to bed early today.”
“But Mama, you always tuck me in bed,” Maverick said, his lips curving in a pout.
“I’m sorry, baby. I promise I’ll do it tomorrow,” I said, guilty enveloping me.
And then I leaned down, pecking his Head. “Goodnight, sweetie.”
“Goodnight, Mama,” he replied, hugging me.
“Are you okay?” Mum asked, looking at me intently.
“Yeah, I am,” I said quickly. “Goodnight,” and then I hurried away before she saw right through me.
In my room, I tried to call asleep but it was futile. Thoughts thru say is obstinate, and so my thoughts kept drifting to the incident earlier. began tossing in bed, growing restless by the minute.
I had just been back in town for a week or so, surely I haven’t incurred any enemies, have I?
Unable to rein in the troubling thoughts, I reached for my phone and dialed Dwayne’s number.
“Hey,” his deep gruff voice came through.
“Hey,” I responded. “Did I wake you?”
“Maybe you did,” he said with a chuckle. “But you know I don’t mind, ostrich. What’s up?”
I took a deep breath, bracing myself to go over the terrifying details. “Someone followed me today on my way home.”
There was a pause on the other end, an attitude he exhibited whenever he wanted to digest information. “Follow you? Like tail you without your consent?” “Yes.”
“Are you sure? You probably might be paranoid. You know, you think someone is following you and it is not so.”
“I’m not being paranoid.”
And then I took a breath and recounted the incident to him.
After my narration, Dwayne, who had been listening silently, spoke up. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. You must have been terrified.”
“I was,” I admitted, feeling shivers run down my spines just by the thought of it.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got someone who can help. A friend over there in New York. He’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“No, don’t bother. I’ll handle it,” I protested. The last thing I wanted was him worrying about me. He had a life to live and not to always fook out for me like I was some spineless woman.
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“Listen to me, Arielle. You can’t handle this alone. You need protection so it doesn’t repeat itself.”
I sighed in resignation, knowing he was absolutely right. “Okay, fine. Thank you for wanting to help.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of this, okay? Do not be scared.”
“I will,” I replied, trusting his words.
We spoke for a few more minutes before calling it a night. “Get some rest, ostrich. I won’t let anything happen to you. You’re safe now.” “Thank you. Goodnight.”
“Sleep tight, and kiss the champ for me. Tell him I miss him.”
“I’II.”
The call ended, and I finally felt my eyelids drop in sleep. I slept with the assurance Of Dwayne’s words.
*****
The next morning, after preparing for work, I grabbed my bag and headed for the door. Just as I grabbed the handle, the doorbell rang.
I opened the door to come face to face with a towering guy with dark shades. He was imposing, to say the least. Gently, I took a step back, startled.
Before I could speak, he beat me to
it, taking off his shades with a slight bow. “Good morning, miss. My name is Joe, but my friends call me Big Joe. l’be your New assistant and bodyguard henceforth, courtesy of my boss’s friend, Mr Dwayne…”