Chapter 1
Harlie's POV
It's been six months since I was freed from the hell that was Daniel. It's been six months since my new hell began. I try to forget, I try to tell myself that I am safe but the reality is that I'm far from it he's still out there somewhere out there lurking in the shadows stocking his next victim.
My therapist said that I needed to start living my life and not let fear keep me from my dreams. So here I am standing outside my dorm room ready to start my first year at Yale. I was lucky that in the time that I was missing I didn't lose my scholarship and thankful the high school allowed me to graduate And didn't make me repeat the year. Thank God I had good grades and perfect attendance.
I walk into the room closing the door behind me and locking the door, for good measure I take the desk chair and wedge it under the handle to ensure the door will not open.
"Here's to a new start" I tell my self making my way over to the small bed that's positioned under the window, I'll have to move around the furniture so that the bed is along the farthest wall from the door and window. I may be on the third floor but I'm still afraid.
After moving everything around and putting away my things, I grab my purse double checking that I have my pepper spray. I walk out of my room locking it behind me and making my way to the elevator.
As I'm walking through campus on my way to the small coffee shop I spotted next to the administration office I hear someone calling my name. Fear starts to creep in as I quicken my paise.
"Hey Harlie wait up"
"Hey stop hey Harlie it's me Lance it's ok your okey I'm not going to hurt you"
I jump as I feel Lance place his hand lightly on my shoulder cousing my frantic strides to come to a halt.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you, oh Harlie it's okey don't cry here come sit"
Lance bringing me close holding my trembling form as we sit on a nearby bench.
Once my breathing slows and I've stopped crying I reluctantly pull away saying a quiet thank you.
"Hey there's no need to thank me bebe I'm here when ever you need me k. Now where were you headed" Lance
"I was going to get some coffee and a bit to eat. Um wo..would you um like to join m..me I mean you don't have to if you don't want to I mean you pro" I'm cut mid ramble by an amused Lance.
" It's ok relax I was on my way to the coffee shop as well. So how about we go get something to eat first then grab a coffee and I'll show you around. How dose that sound" Lance says with a soft smile and a raised eyebrow.
"Sure sounds good"
