After I recovered (only very slightly) from the incident, my brain decided it finally wanted to engage with my mouth and I felt like I must talk. I didn't know what I was going to say as such, I'd just have to see what came out. All the while I was trying to calculate the situation; I could see Amelia to the side of me with her mouth also agape. If this wasn't so serious, I would have cried with laughter.

"Right, err, ok then," the words splurged out of my mouth, "So here you are, "claiming", that you are in fact me, only bloody 52 years older?"

"Yes," she replied, "That would be correct."

"And, tell me please, why I shouldn't just pick the phone up now and call the police or someone to come and get you away from me?"

"You know, deep in your subconscious, that you don't really want to do that," she said as if trying to brainwash me, "You're thinking that there might be something in what I'm saying that rings true. So, on the basis of that, why don't you ask me something only you would know?" Yes, I thought, that seemed a reasonable request.

"What's her name?" I nodded over in Amelia's direction.

"Your best friend, whom you have known since you were 12, is Amelia." She reeled out, "Am I correct?" she asked, but truthfully, she already knew.

"Yes, you are." I replied dumbfounded. I couldn't ask another question, I just didn't know what else to say. Then she sighed and looked at me as if she knew the turmoil my brain was in.

"Is it also correct that Amelia is not at all happy with her Mother's new partner and she wants to move in with you to get away from it all?"

"Ahhh, no," I was now seriously freaking out and I realised that she was not a mad woman after all, "I mean, yes; again you are correct."

"Well, now you can at least see that I really am not making this up. I have lived you all your life up to my age now. I am not here to scare you. I am not here to hurt you in any way." She said trying to calm me.

"Then why are you here then?" I asked feeling a little less scared. I managed to muffle a small sob that had been building up and tried to hold back a tear that was threatening to fall from my eye.

"I am here as a guide. I will not and cannot change anything that has already happened and what is going to happen, but I can steer you through it; point you in the right direction." She spoke like a mother. "Have you never wondered what your older self would say to you if you ever met them? Have you ever wondered if they could tell you to do things differently? To change something if you could?"

"No, not particularly," I responded truthfully, "I'm a firm and strong believer that everything happens for a reason and you can't change the past."

"Agreed," she said, "and like I say, I'm not here to do that. I'm not here to change anything. I'm just here whenever you need me. If you want to talk or you just feel unsure, I'm here."

"Well, I suppose I should just say thank you, although I don't know what for." I said, trying not to sound overly ungrateful. "What use are you really?"

"I can understand why you would ask that question and all I can say to you is, you will see. You don't know yet," she said, "you don't realise, but you'll know when you need me and you'll know I'm always here."

**************************

My head was a tangled ball of mixed emotions. I kind of knew deep down that this woman was telling the truth; that I was telling the truth to myself. On the other hand, I just found it so difficult to believe what was going on. I badly wanted to give Molly a hug; that's what my heart was telling me. My head, however, was telling me to hold back and see what evolves. All the while, Molly just looked at me with pure love in her eyes.

"What happens now then?" I asked my older self.

"Nothing, something or everything; It's entirely your choice Molly."

I sighed with frustration. Now I was even more confused.

"I'm sorry, but exactly what do you mean by that?" I asked again.

"Well," she started, "You can totally disregard me and anything that's just happened between us. I cannot go against your wishes. I cannot intrude where I'm not wanted." That sounded pretty good I thought, but then again? She continued without prompt.

"You could just have me floating around...... Oh Lord," she said, "I sound like some sort of apparition don't I? Ha ha. You could just have me around in the background of your life so that you call on me whenever you feel the need, OR, I can be by your side everyday if you so wish. If you choose the latter, you've no need to worry about your "street-cred"; I'm not going to be your shadow. No one will be aware of me and I'll keep a safe distance. Only you will be aware I'm around."

I didn't have to think this over too much.

"Well, I kind of liked the idea of the second thing you said if that's ok?" I asked even though I knew there was no better alternative for me.

"That's more than ok. Like I said, what you want of me is entirely up to you."

"Thank you," I smiled with relief, "Thank you, really. I know I've reacted with hostility, but......." Molly put her right hand up in the air in front of my face as if to stop me from going any further.

"You reacted in a manner which any sane person would. This is a huge thing for anyone to contemplate or come to terms with. There really is no need to apologise. I truly understand."

I finally smiled at her like I meant it. I stepped towards my older self and hugged her. She wasn't expecting it and she laughed nervously. As I stepped back, I felt my smile spread uncontrollably across my face.

"I'm going to leave you to yourself now," Molly said as if she'd got other plans to attend to, "I think Amelia is still in shock and looking at that clock on the wall behind you there," she pointed behind me and I turned to look, "it seems you don't have long before you close up and go home."

I was amazed that the time was 9:35pm; it only felt like I'd been at work for half an hour. Where had the time gone?

"Ok," I said, "Yes, it's almost time to get going but are you going to be ok though?"

"Absolutely!" she said. With that she bid goodbye and good evening to the both of us and headed for the exit door. Just as she was about to open the door, she turned and gave us a final wave before heading out and away until I would need her again. 

Amelia must have seen the cogs going round in my brain and asked, "Molly honey, what's the matter?"

"Amelia, I honestly don't know." I replied, bemused, "I just feel that I've seen her before or even know her somehow, but I just can't put my finger on it." I wrestled internally, trying to rack my brains. Was the old lady a friend of my parents? Was she an old school teacher? Did she used to live in my street? Each time I asked myself, I bought up blank after blank. Maybe I just had to bite the bullet and speak to her.

Amelia must have read my mind, "Why don't you speak to her to settle your mind?" I nodded over at Amelia knowing I would do just that. I don't know whether Amelia noticed, but I drew in a deep breath as I lifted the hatch at the end of the reception desk and slowly made my way over to the poetry section. I looked back at Amelia before taking the final steps to the middle aisle. All the while, I could feel the old lady's eyes boring into me.

"Excuse me," I said, slightly shakily, "Can I help you with anything?" The old lady didn't utter a word, she just sighed and smile at me. It was as if she was frustrated with the fact that I didn't know what she wanted.

"I said," I said louder than before, thinking the lady may have been hard of hearing, "CAN I HELP YOU WITH ANYTHING AT ALL?"

"There really is no need to shout young lady," she shot back, "I merely cam here to see how you are. I've been a bit worried about you and just wanted to check you were ok. Where's the harm in that now?"

"Well, there's nothing at all wrong with that," I replied, "but I do find it a little distressing when I haven't got a clue who you are! I've wracked my brains trying to pick out who you are, and nothing. What's even more distressing than that is I feel that I do know you; that I should know you?"

"Ah, you see now, you do know me." She said, almost relieved that I'd finally got it, "You've known me for all your life so far, you just won't see me very often, that's all?"

That's all? That's all? So, I've apparently always known this woman; a woman who I think I'm familiar with even though I have no recollection of ever meeting her. Either I was going insane or she was.

"Right, ok then." I accepted, "I know you so why don't I take your name and maybe that will refresh my memory?"

"You honestly need to ask my name dear?" she shook her head a little sadly, "After all the years I've been around for you and you need to ask my name? Maybe this isn't such a good idea. I shall leave you in peace to carry on with your work. I'm sorry for any upset I've caused."

Now, I'm not the kind of person who would hurt anyone, especially not an old lady, but I grabbed her by the arm as she shuffled away from me and I pulled her to face me.

"Um, hang on just one minute!" I demanded, "You can't just come in here and act like you're a long lost relative who wants to get something out of me. You just tell me your name and why you're here or I SHALL call the police, ok?" Hopefully, this scared her enough to give me the information I so needed.

"Right Molly," she name dropped and watched my face turn to shock, "If you really must ask these silly, unnecessary questions, I suppose the very least I could do is give you answers." Finally, the penny dropped.

"My name is also Molly," she divulged, "and I've known you forever. You see Molly, I am you and you are me. You are talking to your 72 year old self."

I don't remember hitting the floor as I blacked out; that's something a worried Amelia told me on that same evening. Had I imagined meeting my future self or did it really happen?

I finished my lecture at 3:45pm and got home just after 4:10pm. I practically wolfed my dinner down before having the quickest shower ever. I decided to wear my black corduroy flares and white skinny t-shirt. I pulled my dark brown/auburn shoulder length hair into a messy ponytail and put the minimum of make up on; a light covering of foundation, black eyeliner and a touch of lip gloss on my lips before popping my thick, black rimmed specs on. There, all done by 5:00pm. All I needed to do now was walk to work. That's the beauty of working in a library that's just down the road. I also work some weekend shifts now and again at my local pub, The Gargoyle but luckily I got this weekend off. Shifts there can be sporadic, but I am grateful of any work that comes my way.

That's the one and only problem with living on your own - you need all the money you can get to keep your small roof over your head. I of course know that my parents are only a phone call or short walk away, so if it ever got too much for me I know I'll always have a home with them, but I love my independence. My Sister, Alexandra, still lives at home with my parents. She is studying to become a Sports & Physical Education Teacher. The money she gets from her part time job/work experience at the local swimming pool gets spend on her passion for shopping. Sometimes, I wish life was still that easy for me but ultimately I am happy to live the life that I have.

I arrived at Central Library at precisely 5:24pm which gave me enough time to pop to the ladies to give myself the once over and use the toilet. I was out at reception at bang on 5:30pm to take over from Amelia, my colleague and fellow student at college. She's also my very best friend. Amelia and I have been great friends since we were both 12 years old. She's younger than me by just under a month. She's always there for me and is as much a Sister to me as Alexandra, who is also a great friend. Amelia is far prettier than me although she doesn't ever make any kind of deal out of it. She is very slightly taller than me and has a fantastic figure. She has perfect teeth and rosy cheeks and deep brown, glossy, chin length hair. I could go on about how amazing she is until the stars fall from the sky, but she hates it and can never see it for herself.

"Hey honey, I'm Superwoman and I've come to free you of this ball and chain that is Central Library!" I exclaimed exaggeratedly and hugged like only a best friend could.

"Christ Molly, you scared the crap out of me. I was in a world of my own for a while there." She replied after her shock.

"Come on," I said as I grabbed her hoodie and backpack from under the reception desk, "Time for you to get home and relax."

"Actually, would it be ok for me to come and stay with you for a while?" She asked quietly.

"Of course it is honey, but do you really not want to go home?" I asked, knowing that I would if I had the chance.

"I can't wait to go home," she replied, "but I wanted to have a quick chat with you about something when it's quiet. Oh, and also, I want to keep an eye on you; make sure your shift goes ok?"

This conversation was a) very intriguing and b) also a little unnerving, so I asked what any other slightly freaked out girl would ask, "Why do you want to keep an eye on me? I can assure you I'm big enough to take care of myself."

"I know that," Amelia said as she looked at me like I was stupid, "Anyway, the first thing I wanted to talk to you about is to see if you wouldn't mind having me as a lodger? My Mom's met a new guy that I really cannot stand and I want out!" She practically shouted at me.

"Shhhh; just think where we are?" I reminded her, "Of course you can come live with me. Christ knows it'll help out with the rent and bills. Look, why don't you get your stuff tonight, well as much as you can, and I'll help you get your room sorted when I get back. We'll get the rest of your stuff tomorrow after college."

"Awwww, Molly, you are a life saver! What would I do without you eh?" She jumped up and wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck and almost squeezed the life out of me.

"Yes, I know I'm a life saver and no, I don't know what you'd do without me." I agreed, "Anyhow, back to the other thing; why do you want to keep an eye on me?"

"It might be me just being paranoid," she started, "but there's this strange old lady that's been here all day asking when you start work. I played dumb and said I wasn't sure, you know, to try and get rid of her, but man, she's so persistent. She's been here since 10:00am and she's showing no signs of budging."

"Where is this weird lady then Amelia? Point her out to me." I urged

Amelia didn't have to raise her pointed finger very far for me to look straight at the old lady. She was standing in the middle aisle of the poetry section and she was staring intently straight back at me.

• Molly is 20 years old. She wears thick rimmed black spectacles. She has pale skin with naturally rosy cheeks and has shoulder length brown/auburn hair. Molly is the typical "nerd". She has a penchant for red wine and loses herself in books, films and music. She obsesses over comics.
• She is studying a degree in English Literature at University. She lives in a private rented flat; on her own at first, but then her best friend moves in with her. She works a minimum of 21 hours per week at Central Library (opening times: Monday to Friday 10:00am - 10:00pm and Saturday 12:00pm - 3:00pm; hours are worked in shifts) and sometimes does an evening or two at her local bar. The work in the library counts towards her degree as extra credits. The bar she works in is called The Gargoyle.
• Molly's parents and Sister live close. Although they do not see eachother as often as they used to, they still keep in contact on a daily basis through phone calls and visit eachother as often as they can. Molly's parents are Henry & Katherine and are both 45 years old. They make it possible for Molly to live on her own by transferring a small allowance into her bank to top up her earnings. They believe it's a good idea for Molly to have her independence, but their door is always open. Molly's Sister is Alexandra (Alex for short). She is 18 years old and is studying at college to become a Sports/Physical Education teacher. She is definitely the more athletic of the two sisters. Molly lost her Grandma when she was 17 years old and has never really got over it. Her Grandfather lives in a residential home and is happy (she thinks) in his own little world. He has a dog called Maggie.
• Molly will meet future Molly (who is 72 years old). She wears tortoise shell rimmed spectacles. Her hair is long and white (not grey). Her dress is casual but always stylish. Her jewellery is antique but very unique; minimal. She wears a little make up and is generally a jolly person. She is very caring and loving.

PLEASE DO NOT STEAL/PLAGIARISE THIS STORY. IT IS AN ORGINAL FICTION

I pulled away from his embrace like my life depended on it. Had I heard him correctly or was my mind playing tricks on me? I needed to settle this; I needed to ask.

“What did you just say?” I questioned him already knowing full well what his retort would be.

“You heard me; we’ve got to clear the unfortunate mess of your dog up,” Gerard said matter-of-factly, “and we need to do something about that bitch of a best friend of yours!”

“I will not let you speak about her like that!” I barked, “If you so much as dare to touch even one hair on her head, you’ll be sorry!”

“Oh really?” he laughed, “Why; what you gonna do about it?”

I racked my brain for ideas of how I would “dispose” of Gerard, but there was nothing to find within my fear addled skull. “Oh, I don’t know; it’ll be a surprise!” was all I could muster up.

Gerard just stood there with his hands on his hips and stared at me. Slowly, a smirk started to spread over his pallid face. Damn it, I could have smacked it right off of him.

“What?” I shouted, “Why do you do that? Why do you just stand there and think all this is funny?” I tried to stop myself from getting worked up; he enjoyed it way too much.

“Because, Lucy; it’s hilarious!” he was practically jumping up and down with excitement, “I love to see you when you’re angry; you wouldn’t believe how much it turns me on!”

I’d just about had enough of trying to play him at his own game. “For fuck’s sake Gerard; you really are sick, you know that?”

“Yup; you’re not wrong,” he laughed, “but that’s why you love me!” He looked at me with those mock puppy dog eyes. I had to tell myself, “No!” don’t fall for this shit again Lucy.

“Love you!” I hollered, “Your seriously are a fruitcake if you even think I come anywhere close to having the teeniest ounce of love for you!” I took a deep breath, “I was actually starting to warm to you and your peculiar little ways, but that went out the window the minute you said you were going to harm my best friend. So, you know what?” I questioned again, “If you don’t like it then you’ll have to kill the both of us and then, well, you’ll have nothing, won’t you!”

God, I needed to breath. I don’t know where I pulled all this anger from, but as much I was shocked a little at my outburst, I also felt strong and giant like. Just as I regained some composure, I looked at Gerard whose head was now hung low; his shoulders hunched and trembling.

“You really should not have said that!” he said between stifled sobs. Then through the sobs I could just make out the laughter of a lunatic. “I would never dream of hurting you, but if this is how you’re going to treat me, then I really feel I have no choice but to.......” the laughing subsided now and he broke down; this time the sobbing was almost uncontrollable, “but to kill you!”

“Come on then Gee; do your worst!”

“Please tell me you’re kidding?” I questioned with shock.

“Course I’m not!” She snapped back, “You really think I’d lie about something like that?

“No, no; of course you wouldn’t! I’m sorry but my head’s just a bit all over the place at the moment. One minute I’m absolutely petrified and the next, I’m worrying about the very same guy that’s doing all these awful things to us! What’s wrong with me Sarah?” I pleaded on the verge of tears.

“There’s nothing wrong with you hun! We’ve both had a real nasty shock and we’re both struggling to deal with all of this,” she sympathised, “I’m almost just thankful that I got left up here; at least he hasn’t been able to try and mess with my head. What you need you need to do is just play along with his game and then we’ll mess him up just as he’s done with us, ok?”

“Sounds like a plan!” I agreed with a nodding of my head, “I’ve got to make my way back down now; my half hours nearly up. You’ll be ok, yeah?”

“I’ve got to be haven’t I hun?” a hint of sadness evident in her voice.

“It’ll all be over soon sugar; I’ll never let him hurt you, I promise!” I meant every word. I pulled my best friend into the biggest hug I could muster and kissed her forehead. I stood up and headed back towards the bedroom door. Man, the smell is getting unbearable in here. When I got to the door I turned quickly and smiled at Sarah; it made me so happy when she smiled back.

I calmly walked down the stairs which made quite a change considering how quickly I had had to scale them earlier on. I realised that Sarah was right; the only way to win was to play Gerard at his own game. I needed to be clever about this. I needed to muster up the courage and the conviction to pull this off convincingly.

I entered the living room and noticed that the door to the kitchen was still open just as I had left it. Gerard noticed me too and was standing there ready to greet me. He smiled as I walked up to him.

“There,” I said, “I got back in half an hour just like you asked.”

“Yes, so you have; let’s give her a round of applause.” He clapped his hands together with little enthusiasm. He didn’t seem particularly happy.

“Gee, is everything ok?”

“I suppose so,” he replied with a deep sigh, “I just missed you is all. What did you two talk about up there?”

“Not a great deal to be honest with you,” I replied, “I was just so happy to see her and vice versa. We hugged and made sure we were both ok. She was asleep when I got to her; I think all this has just exhausted her. She’s my best friend and we talked like we hadn’t seen each other in years; actually, it was pretty amazing. It made me realise just how much we mean to each other.” I poured out.

“Why weren’t you ever like that to me in school?”

“Well, I didn’t really know you did I?” I replied truthfully.

“Yeah, but you could have tried to get to know me; you just didn’t put the effort in like I did!”

“I know; so that’s why I’ve decided to put the effort in now. It’s better late than never, right?”

“I suppose so,” he gestured to me to hug him, “So let’s make this the start of a beautiful relationship! Now that I’ve got you, I will not let you go again!”

I walked into his open arms and wrapped my arms around his waist. He rested his chin on the top of my head and let out a contented sigh.

“This will be a new start for us. All we’ve got to do now is dispose of your dog..........................and your best friend!”

He looked up at me from the comfort of my lap. His eyes were now shining; a huge difference to the dark emotionless orbs that they were a mere hour or so earlier. I didn’t really know what to do with myself now. I felt completely torn; my best friend was upstairs (probably still beside herself with fear) and then there was Gerard. No! Best friends come first; I was going to have to see her.

“Listen Gerard,” I asked quietly, “would you please let me go so I can check up on Sarah? She’s been up there a while now and I need to see that she’s ok; ok?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about her!” He looked surprised, “Well, I guess you do need to check up on her, so yeah; carry on. If you’re any longer than half an hour though, I shall be coming up there to find out what’s going on! I will let you take her gag off but the hands stay tied – you catch me?”

“Yes, I catch you. I promise I won’t be long. I’ll be back with you pronto, ok?” I replied as I bent down and kissed his forehead.

“You better; we have so much catching up to do!”

With that, I stood up from my chair and Gerard bowed for me as I stepped past him. I tried to maintain a steady walk towards the hall door, but I couldn’t disguise the quickness of my step as I got closer to it. I went through the door and I practically flew up the stairs.

As I approached my bedroom door I shuddered. Could I stomach the sight of my dead dog again? Well, I’ll soon know.

The door was still slightly ajar so I lightly pushed it open. The smell hit me like a freight train; it was horrendous. I gagged and pulled my shirt up to my nose and then locked to the floor where my best friend was.

Sarah had curled up in a ball on the floor, still hugging her knees. She was sleeping albeit fitfully. I stood there and watched her eyelids flickering and now and again her legs twitched involuntarily. I really didn’t want to wake her but Gerard’s words were swimming around my mind about not staying here too long. I really didn’t want to find out what would happen if I defaulted on our agreement.

I quietly stepped towards her then I bent down and gently untied the gag; she didn’t make a peep. I softly placed my right hand on her thigh and started to shake her slightly. She awoke with a scream of, “no, no; please don’t hurt me!” I stroked her leg to try and comfort her.

“Shush, shush, shush; it’s only me hun – Lucy. Come on now, just try and stay calm. I could feel her trembling beneath my hand.

“Oh God Lucy, it’s you!” she cried, “Oh Jesus, are you ok? What has he done to you? Please say you’re ok? She was so upset but at the same time seemed so pleased just to see my face.

“I’m fine hun; it was you I was more worried about. Are you ok?”

“Well, apart from having to look at that on the bed,” she nodded shakily to where my dog was, “I’m not really that bad; just scared out of my wits! All this has made me really tired, so I thought I’d try and shut it all out by sleeping, but that hasn’t helped much either.”

“I know. You were talking in your sleep when I came up, you poor thing.” I stroked her face and pulled her into a hug; I felt bad that she couldn’t hug me back.

“Tell me what he’s done to you? When I get free I’ll fucking kill him, I promise you!” she bellowed.

“Shush babe, please calm down. I haven’t got much time with you, so let’s make it good eh?” I pleaded. “Just so you know, he hasn’t done anything to me; well not bad anyway.”

“What do you mean; not bad anyway?” she asked.

“Well the reason why he’s doing all of this is because I turned him down at school and it’s sent him a bit over the edge. He hasn’t hurt me; in fact he’s almost been a model gentleman.” I saw Sarah’s jaw practically hit the floor. “He’s held my chair out for me and has been ever so gentle. I think he really loves me. He asked me to tell him I loved him too, which I have. I needed to get him off of my back for a while so I could come and see you.”

“You told him you loved him?! Shit me Lucy, what the hell are you playing at?” She barked.

“Ok, I know you think I’m an idiot for saying it, but you should have been down there; he looked so happy when I said it and actually he doesn’t seem all that bad.” I knew she was right; why else would I have been so defensive.

“Are you taking the piss? Lucy, come on; this nut job has just butchered your dog and put us through all hell and back and you’re saying he’s not bad? Fuck me; I’ve heard it all now!”

“I know how it looks,” I replied, again on the defensive, “but I think I could help him.”

“Well, you go right ahead, but don’t think I’ll be having any hand in this! You wouldn’t want to help him if you heard the things he was telling me. He’s putting one hell of an act on Luce ‘cus from what he was spurting out up here before you came back, you’ll end up the same as the dog!”

He took a sharp intake of breath.

“Right; do you remember me at all? Do I not seem familiar to you?” he implored.

“Well, now you come to mention it, I did have a small flicker of recognition earlier on, but you know; it was the furthest thing from my mind when I saw what you’d done to my dog.” I guffawed back sarcastically.

“Come on,” he urged, “rack that brain of yours; why do you remember me? Who am I?” I was really not in the mood for these mind games. I wanted to get back to Sarah; make sure she was ok.

“Brains racked – No, I don’t remember, ok?!” and I really didn’t but then all of a sudden, little snippets started to filter through my tired brain. “Errrrmm, hang on a bit, you were at school with me right?”

“Well, now we’re getting somewhere. Yes, I was. Anything else?” his eyes were boring into mine so intensely that I was finding it difficult to look back at him.

“We.........we were...........I-in the same class?” was this a shot in the dark I thought.

“Yes, yes; that’s bang on!” he exclaimed excitedly. Jeez, this guy was a complete fruit cake. Then, oh shit; I had it.

“You asked me out and if my memory serves me correctly, I turned you down?” I half questioned. I wanted confirmation.

“Well, blow me down, you’ve got it!” He jumped from his chair at this point and came and knelt back down in front of me. “And so now you know.” He nodded his head a few times before dropping his head and resting it on my knees.

“Know what? Know that this is the reason why you’ve put us through all this shit; all this terror? Know that we’ll probably be traumatised for life?” I really wanted to see this bastard squirm.

He looked up and smiled at me. He ran both his hands down my arms and slowly started to shake his head from side to side. “Oh Lucy, all those years, all those years ago I watched you. I followed you. I ate, drank and slept you. It was all for you, you know; all this. But then you declined my advances. Do you know how much that hurt; how it still hurts?” his voice quivered with restrained sobs.

“I’m so, so sorry, I really am. I didn’t realise I’d hurt you so much, but is that really any reason to do all of this?” I pleaded.

“Well, yes; it’s the best and only reason! At least this way you can’t get away from me; you won’t turn me down again.” He finally looked contented and actually, I really felt for him. He laid his head back on my knees.

“Just say my name Lucy. I’ve longed to hear you say it for such a long time. Just say my name and tell me you love me........please?” Part of me couldn’t bear to say what he wanted but part of me was truly sincere when I replied, “Ok then; I love you Gerard.”

I could have lost my footing so easily with the speed at which he dragged me down the stairs. In fact, as we got to the bottom I fell into him when he stopped abruptly before the living room door. I ended up in a heap by his feet. He looked down at me in utter disgust.

“Get up bitch!” he snapped. In the position I was in, it was extremely difficult to lever myself up to standing. He could see I was struggling so he bent down and hoisted me up. I hated his hands on me; I wanted to break his fingers so that he couldn’t touch anyone ever again.

He opened the living room door and pulled me along with him; then straight through to the kitchen. He pulled out a chair from the kitchen table and literally dumped me on it then he pulled out a chair for himself directly opposite. As he rested his elbows on the table, he stared intensely at my slumped form.

“Now, the question is; do I untie you and let you speak or do I carry on talking to what feels like a brick wall?” He pondered this for a moment before kicking back his chair and walking round to me. He pulled my chair back abruptly and knelt down to speak to me.

“I’m going to release you from these bindings but I swear to you, if you scream or do anything to draw attention to what’s happening here, I will cut you like I did your precious little pooch; understood?” I nodded quickly and finally he bought his hands round to the back of my head and untied the gag; my God it felt good. Then he, actually very gently, untied my hands which were rested on my knees.

The marks on my wrist were red and swollen, and here’s what I don’t understand; he rubbed them gently and said sorry. I was so confused; what was going on here? He seemed to pick up on my confusion and sat back down opposite me. I kept my head low and rubbed my face to try and ease the pain from where the gag had been. I was thinking about Sarah all on her own alone upstairs. I wish I would have been telepathic; I would have told her that I was fine and to try and hang on in there.

“You’re wondering why all this is happening, yes? Why I’ve done that terrible, horrible thing to your dog? Why I’m holding you hostage? Why.......well, why everything?” He asked with remorse; yes he honestly sounded remorseful. I opened my mouth to speak and after a few croaks to regain my voice, I replied.

“‘Course I fucking am! Yeah, I’m just thinking how damn normal all of this is you know. It’s just another bloody walk in the park to me!” I think he noticed the hint of sarcasm in my voice.

“Ok, ok; just calm down please. This is difficult enough for me as it is; I don’t need you going all hysterical on me!” He demanded. I was officially speechless; totally at a loss for words. I could just about manage a “go on then!” and he was certainly about to do just that!

I don’t know how he could be so blasé about all of this, but then again, I suppose you’re not right in the head if you could ever do such a thing in the first place.

I was in total shock; I didn’t know whether to laugh hysterically or cry uncontrollably, either way whatever sound that emitted from my mouth would be muffled and inaudible anyway.

We sat and watched as the intruder pondered over what his next move would be. I don’t think he was in the habit of holding people hostage. When he said he wanted to get this shown on the road, I thought he’d have done something with us by now. After a few minutes he had a Eureka moment; a smirk played across his pallid face.

“OK, I’m going to take one of your downstairs so we can have a nice little chat about stuff and shit.” He went on nonchalantly.

The look on Sarah’s face was that of pure terror. I tried to remain calm but when I kept looking at the bed and seeing my best pal lying dead on it, thoughts of torture and abuse flooded through my head. Would we see the same fate?

“Right then,” he clapped his hands together, “eenie, meenie, minie – MO!” he playfully recited and landed on me when it came to mo. He was seriously enjoying this.

Sarah tried to yell something but the gag in her mouth was stopping anything from coming out. I looked at her, trying to convey that everything would be ok, which is actually pretty difficult when you can’t touch or speak. She shook her head and let it loll forward as if she knew that this was it; this was the end.

The intruder smiled again as he sharply pulled my knees down from under my arms which were still tied up in front of me. In a funny way, I was kind of pleased that he had released my legs as my arms were really starting to ache. Once my legs were free he put both his hands under each of my armpits and heaved my up in to a standing position. As much as I was scared, the relief I felt just to be upright slightly overridden this.

He pulled me towards him and put his hands on my shoulders. He stroked my cheek with his right hand and smiled. “Ooh, now what shall we do with you Lucy? My hairs stood on end when he asked me this. What I wanted to say (well, shout and scream at him that is) was that I thought he was a psychopath and he would not get away with this, but the reality was, I couldn’t.