PANIC

I take a right and head for the next exit. With One Ok Rock's Eye of the Storm' playing in the background, I rush to safety. I am panicking because a black jeep has been tailing me ever since I left the house. I noticed it after I had changed lanes on the highway. What was worse, I knew no one that owned a jeep.

I make a quick decision and drive into a Tim Hortons. If I am to be captured, I will ensure I am in the public eye. As I thought, the black jeep is two cars behind me. The car park at Tim Hortons is nearly full. I drive around for a minute and find a spot between two cargo trucks.

My heart is pounding against my chest when I turn off the ignition. I double-check that the doors are locked. I reach for my phone that has been buzzing and check the messages. As expected, they are from Lloyd.

'Sorry about last week.'

'Be careful today, I won't have my eye on you.'

'We need to talk.'

I spot the black jeep from the side mirror and type a quick reply, 'Are you the one following me in a black jeep?'

The jeep drives past my car and I breathe a sigh of relief. I call my mother just to let her know where I am. The call goes to voicemail after three rings. I leave her a message saying that I will be downtown most of the day and ask her to check up on me once she gets the message.

'What black jeep?'

'The black jeep that has been tailing me since I left the house.'

'I do not own a jeep. Did you get the number plate by any chance?'

'Not really. I was focused on staying away.'

'Where are you right now?'

'I am parked at a Tim Hortons off the highway.'

'Is the jeep still there?'

'It must have missed me. I am parked between two cargo trucks.'

I look through the side mirror one more time. The black jeep is not in sight. I suddenly feel my bladder swell. It is 11 am and I am starving.

'And where are you going to so early on a weekend?'

'I thought you were a stalker. Shouldn't you know my routine?' I roll my eyes and smile as I send the message.

I zip my jacket and slip my phone into the right pocket. I secure my fanny pack and slowly open the door. My sneakers crunch their way onto the gravel as I walk towards the building. I take a quick look around and the black jeep is nowhere in sight.

The parking lot is swarming with customers carrying lattes and iced mochas. My hooped earrings sway as I rush towards the building, in need of the toilet.

"Excused me, Miss, you need to place an order to access the washrooms," said the guy behind the counter.

"Really?" I said, stopping in my tracks.

"Yeah, sorry. We need to maintain them, and this is the only way," he replied.

"Um—then I'll have a large cup with two bags of green tea and a blueberry muffin to go," I reply. I tap my card to pay and stand in line to wait for them to fill it in.

"We'll have them ready once you are out. Here are the keys," he said, handing me a key on a short metal rod.

Once I am in the ladies, I place the rod by the sink and sit on the toilet. My heart stops pounding and my phone buzzes.

'Sorry Mila, I am in a meeting. I'll call you when I get out of it.'

I flush the toilet, wash my hands, and lock the toilet behind me. I thank the cashier as he hands me my order. Phone in hand, I walk out of Tim Hortons feeling more confident. I make it through the parking lot and right before I get to my car, I hear tires screeching behind me. I turn and quickly step aside. It is the black jeep.

I briskly walk towards my car without looking back. My heart is throbbing in my mouth and I can feel my palms sweat. Who the hell is following me! I rush towards the driver's side and get in, nearly spilling my tea all over the passenger's side. I buckle up and prepare to drive out. I turn back to reverse out of the parking lot and the jeep drives up just in time, blocking my exit.

Sh—!

I take out my phone and call my mum. My hands are trembling as I swipe the screen. Her phone rings and goes to voicemail. I switch and call my dad, the same thing! The jeep door opens and a man in a maroon trench coat walks out and heads to my car.

I flip out and call the one person I know I should not—Lloyd. The phone rings three times and I hold on, hoping he does not disappoint me. The phone keeps ringing. Pick up Mr Stalker!

Tap! Tap! Tap!

I freeze with the phone in my ear. I turn towards my window and there he is, the man in the trench coat. He bends and taps the window again.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

I glance at my phone and think of hanging up then decide otherwise. I need a witness and I pray to the gods that Lloyd picks up. I lower my head to get a better look at the man and then he motions for me to lower my window. I open it just a crack and cool air rushes in.

"Can I help you, sir?" I ask, trying to sound confident. "Your jeep is in the way. Do you mind moving aside?"

He motions for me to lower my window again. I glance at my phone one last time and the call was dropped. So much for a protector!

Tap! Tap! Tap!

I take a deep breath, reach for my cup of hot tea, and lower the window halfway waiting for the trench coat man to show his face.

"Hi, Mila," he says, reaching his hand through the window and pressing the button, opening it all the way. "You have become better at driving, I must say."

He reached for the cup in my hand and took a long sip of the hot tea. I could smell the aftershave on him. His black curly hair was a beautiful mess and his hazel eyes sparkled.

"Did I startle you?" He asks, swirling the tea in the cup. "When you took the exit, I was sure that you were running from me."

"What are you doing here?" I ask, taking the cup from him. I place it on the cup holder and push the door open, forcing him to press himself onto the side of the cargo truck. I step out and plant my feet firmly onto the ground.

"I'm here for you," he replies, "Mummy and Daddy think you need my protection." He slips his hands into his pants pockets and smiles.

"Well, I don't," I reply, moving in on him. "Now, Matt, kindly move your jeep. You are blocking my exit."

"Still as feisty as ever," Matt says, "I love what you did with your hair."

"Move. Your. Jeep."

"Okay," he replies, throwing his hands in the air. "No need to get angry. I'll be watching you, Mila, like always."

He winks and walks, backwards, to his car. A smile danced on his lips and I recall every memory I had of him. I bite my lower lip and get back into the driver's seat. Of all the people I wanted to protect me, my parents had to send the one person I was happy to have left behind in Montreal.

Matt drives away and I pull out of the parking lot. I join the traffic on the highway and decide to head straight home. I look at my rear-view mirror and there he is, right behind me. He waves. I look away and turn the radio on.