The Captured Returns

Jacob was getting ready to go to college, for his lectures, he was so happy to get back after a long summer break, of parties and fun.

"I am getting late," He thought.

He quickly packed his breakfast and lunch, took his car keys, made sure everything was locked and, ran towards his jeep. He kept his small black bag on the front seat, got inside and drove as fast he could.

Jacob was an intelligent boy, he and his friends always made sure to get together and study at least once a week. All his friends were waiting for Jacob outside, as they saw Jacob car, they all ran towards it, and hugged him as soon as he got out.

"Where were you, we were waiting for you." They said lethargically

"Sorry dudes, I was stuck in a huge traffic jam, He replied.

In all this commotion they realize that they are late for class and start running towards the class. In his fast paces towards the class, Jacobs's eyes fell on a girl, walking by almost as if in slow motion. Her caramel brown eyes and long silky hair hovering around her. The ticks of her high heels adding rhythm to her movements. She looked like an angel descended from heaven, mesmerized by her beauty and grace. Jacob just stood there like a pillar.

All of his friends were calling out his name,

"Jacob, Jacob, hello?" Earth to Jacob, are you there.

But, He was in his world, he thought to go and ask one of her friends about her, and suddenly he hears someone calling her name

"Fiona" It was Isabella.

After then it was all downhill from there, he used to sneak peeks at her, trying to match his timings with her, going to her favourite hangouts and getting to know her friends so they could introduce him to her.

"Dude, I have been admiring Fiona for a long time and, it's time to step it up a notch and connect with her over the phone, what do you say guys?"

"Oh, someone loves Fiona, and wants to start a relationship with her?"

Jacob started to laugh and blushed, his face turned pink. They all started teasing Jacob.

Jacob knew Isabella and had asked her to talk to Fiona.

"Isabella, did you speak to Fiona?"

"Hey, Jacob. Yes, I spoke to her, come we shall have a chat about it."

"Okay, Jacob, See she also likes you, but she would like to get to know you better before you guys move forward," Is that okay with you?"

As he entered his lectures, he sees Fiona, right sitting in front of his desk. He went towards his desk and said

"Could you please slide your chair forward?"

"Yeah, sure Jacob,"

Wow, her voice is so sweet," He thought."

Fiona moved it; Fiona as well-liked him, and smiled at him.

Jacob was very shy type of a person, as he didn't know what to say. He just smiled back.

Fiona was looking outside the balcony, and she sees the clouds turning gray,

"It's going to rain? Jacob said.

"Yeah, it looks like it is going to rain."

"Fiona, I really like your hair, it's really long and so silky,"

"Oh, thank you."

"Do you mind, coming with me for a cup of coffee?"

"Yeah, sure,"

As it was, there was a break and, their next lecture would be starting in an hour. They went to their college cafeteria and, had their lunch together.All of his friends looked, and said to each other,"Wow, look at that, Fiona and Jacob were made for each other. Don't they look cute together?" What do you guys think?

They all agreed, and Isabella made sure that Fiona was happy and alright with Jacob.

He was so happy, that he was finally talking to her.

"So Jacob, I heard you talking to Isabella, and like she said, I would like to get to know you first."

Jacob didn't say a word, he looked deeply into her eyes, fall more in love with her by the second.

As the months flew by, they got to know each other well and started going out. Soon Jacob proposed to her, they talked day and night, and they were literally inseparable all of their friends were happy to see them happy.

Fiona cared for him, took care of his food and everything else, Jacob too helped her with her work. They shared a beautiful relationship until…

A cold Stormy night

It was a misty ice cold Friday evening in north California Fresco with clouds that weregray and gloomy, the wind howled outside like a hungry wild animal, desperate to get in any way possible. The trees trembling at their feet and the crowd growing impatient.Fiona isthe sales and marketing managerat cypress, thin- tall and a complete workaholic. A modern girl, who enjoys life. She found delight in the little joys of life, a cup of coffee in the morning or listening to the radio while going to work or at least she tried too.

Her parents lived in Russia Ardon in a country house. She works part time since she is still to complete her studies. One fine day, as she hurried back from her office because she had to go out with a group of friends for a book launch at the college she attended.She could see the wind blowing rapidly. It felt ominous like something or someone was trailing her. But she thought not to dwell on it.

It's going to rain. How the hell am I going to get home now?

It's already half past seven. She then herd her cell phone ring, it was Olive. "Olivia, thanks god you called. I am waiting outside my office and can't even step out as it's raining continuously."

"Fiona, I am on my way to pick up Isabella, do you want me to pick you up too? Olivia asked.

"Oh Olivia, That will be great. I have to go home and get ready; and the weather's so bad," Fiona said.

"We aren't ready either. So don't worry, I will be right there," Olivia said.

"Alright be here soon, I am waiting inside," Fiona said.

Fiona kept staring outside and started wondering about Jacob.How he used to pick her up from the office.

"Fiona, Fiona" Someone was calling her loudly.

She turned around to see it was her manager Mrs. Sonia, She always figured her as someone with a strict face but a calm withering face.

"Fiona, Could you please come to my office, I need to have a word with you." Mrs. Sonia said in a calm voice.

"Of course, ma'am, I'll be right there," affirmed Fiona.

As she was walking up to her office, her cell started vibrating she quickly answered before getting in.

"Fiona, I and Isabella are on our way to pick you up. Don't worry, we'll get there on time.

"Olivia, need to rush. I am outside Mrs. Sonia's office, just gives me a call when you reach here." Fiona whispered.

"Ok, we're stuck in really bad traffic due to the rain, but don't go anywhere." Olivia said.

Fiona opened her small red bag and kept her phone inside. She then knocked on the door.

"May I come inside ma'am? Fiona asked politely.

"Come on in Fiona, Sonia said with a smile on her face.

"Thank you, ma'am,"

"You look beautiful today, your dress is really nice! It suits you Fiona "Complimented Sonia.

"Oh, thankyou, ma'am"

"Come in, have a seat dear," Sonia said.

Fiona slowly sat on the huge chair and stared at the clock.

"Fiona How are you now" Sonia asked.

"I am doing well," Fiona replied.

"That is great Fiona, don't be sad about Jacob, whatever happened, happened, and it's in the past now.

So, what's your plan for the long weekend?" Sonia asked Fiona.

"Ma'am, I am going to a book launch party at my school with friends and then we might go out for dinner. Tomorrow we have our annual prom night, I am really excited, Fiona said.

Mrs. Sonia stared at her and kept silent for a few minutes. She kept looking outside and then her phone started to ring. She quickly took her bag out and opened it.Itwas Isabella.

Excuse me, it's my friend

Sure,

"Hi Isabella, where are you?" Fiona asked.

"Fiona, we are outside your office." Isabella said.

"Oh, alright, I will be there."

"Ma'am, my ride is here" Fiona told her manager.

She stood up and headed to the door.

"Have a great day and an awesome weekend." Ma'am said with a smile on her face.

"Thank you ma'am" Fiona said, all the while wondering, if she has Mrs. Sonia all wrong. May be she is not all that strict and genuinely interested in her coworkers.

She opened the door softly and closed it without making a noise. Mrs. Sonia looked up from her desk and gave her a big smile. Fiona ran down the stairs so fast that the security guard looked at her wondering whether she was okay or not.

She quickly signed out of the record book, then ran outside without looking around.

It was still pouring heavenly so she quickly ran towards Olivia's yellow car. She opened the door, and sat down inside with a great sigh of relief.

She saw Olivia and Isabella were wearing Normal clothes.

Isabella looked at Fiona and Uttered,

"Oh! Fiona you're really wet. Let's get you home so that you can dry off and get ready.

Olivia stopped on the way to get Fiona coffee.

"Please give me a hot cup of coffee with sugar."

The Barista glanced at her as he went to pour the hot coffee, meanwhile, Isabella and Fiona were in the car waiting for Olivia, she was really getting Impatient to go and get dressed.

She stood there for fifteen minutes.

"20 dollars ma'am"

She gave him the money, took the cup of coffee and hurriedly walked towards the car, handed the coffee into Fiona hands.

"Olivia drive slowly; at least till I finish drinking my coffee."

By the time she finished her coffee, they had reached home. It was eight o'clock and the weather was like cold slaps on their faces. Fiona and Isabella got off and opened the garage door for olive to park. Then they all went upstairs. Fiona went to her room and selected a red dress with designs of stones and thread. It was a beautiful dress. She laid the dress on her bed neatly and went inside to take a shower.

In her room, Olivia was also getting ready and wore a green gown and a nice pair of Lifestrides heals.

As Fiona, Olivia and Isabella were ready, they thought to click pictures, and upload it on Facebook to let their friends see and get jealous. Isabella ran downstairs and made sure that everything was locked, Olivia ran in to start the engine, Isabella made sure that Fiona had locked the gates and went to the garage. Fiona was just observing the weather, when all of a suddenshe saw Jacob standing right next to her.

For a moment she was fazed unable to understand anything.

"Jacob please leave me" She shouted.

Jacob didn't move, he was standing still right next to the car, As if he knew Fiona was going to come there.

A normal day at home

Olivia and Fiona were the best of friends. They had been living together for a while now. Olivia was up early this morning. She freshened up and made coffee for the two of them. Fiona was still asleep, So Olivia went to the balcony to enjoy her coffee and the beautiful view outside. She was just admiring the snow covered hill behind her block, when suddenly her phone rang, breaking the silence, she quickly went to answer it.

"Hi, Olivia, it's Bernard here, good morning hope you slept well," Said Bernard in a jolly mood.

"Yes Bernard I did and Fiona is still asleep. But what's going on there?" She asked him.

"I've decided on a few more places to go after our midterm. So,are you coming to prom tonight?" He asked.

"Yes, I will be coming" She replied

"I will pick you all up and then we can decide where to go for vacation afterwards" Said Bernard.

As she put the phone down, she went to see whether Fiona was awake or not. She wanted to tell her that Bernard had called.

She finished her tea, put the mug in the kitchen and then went up to Fiona's room. Slowly opened the door and saw that Fiona was trying to get up, but still in a haze of sleepiness.

Olivia closed the door and thought to have a shower and prepare breakfast before Fiona woke up. So she went to her room and went for a shower, She usually wore her blue blouse and yoga pants, but today shedecided to wear a skirt and a blouse at home. Trying to break patterns and also because the yoga pants had started to mock her, wearing them day in, day out and not going for even a single yoga class.

Meanwhile, Fiona got up still half asleep. But when she looked at the time, she jumped right up. It was already ten o'clock.She quickly jumped into the bathroom, brushed her teeth and washed her face. Then she ran into the kitchen, saw that her coffee was ready, she poured herself a cup and went to see what Olivia was up to.

When Fiona saw that Olivia was still in the shower, she went to the kitchen, to find breakfast was already made. By the time, Fiona drank her juice; Olivia came down.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" Olivia asked and smiled at her.

"Good morning Olivia. Oh! Yes. What about you?" Fiona asked.

"Yes, I did. By the way, Bernard called and he said that he will be coming to pick us up and then we can decide about our annual trip." Olivia said.

It was time for Fiona to go and have a shower and take out her clothes that she was going to wear for prom tonight.

"Olivia, I am going to take a shower. If anyone comes just let them in" Requested Fiona.

Then Fiona went to her room, arranged her bed, and made sure that everything was clean, she took out her clothes for prom night, and opened her long hair and brushed it,and she looked like a Barbie doll.

She changed into her bathrobe and went inside the bathroom; meanwhile Olivia was getting everything ready so that she and Fiona could go out for some shopping.

It was eleven- thirty Olivia was still waiting for Fiona. She had finished her shower and now was drying her hair. She made sure that her hair would look good tonight.

Olivia was waiting for Fiona, but she could not wait any longer. As Fiona was coming down, the doorbell rang.

"Olivia, Please go and check who it is" Fiona said.

Olivia knew it was Isabella, who was ringing the bell, so she ran to open the door and saw Isabella right there frowning at her. So she let her in.

"Oh my god! I was ringing the bell for so long why didn't you open it?" Isabella asked angrily.

Isabella, I was having my breakfast and just now Fiona finished having her shower" Olivia said giving an excuse.

Isabella looked at Olivia irritably, but Olivia didn't care about it. Isabella went inside and saw Fiona was looking at Jacob photo, and started to cry.

Olivia and Isabella went next to Fiona and tried to console her, both of them really cute hugging each other in the picture, like it was something more than what it seems. They were made for each other, but I guess not meant to be together.

"Isabella, let's go out. We have to go shopping. I don't have shoes to match my prom dress for tonight," Said Olivia.

"Isn't that a good idea, Fiona?" Isabella asked.

Fiona kept silent for a moment.

"Fioooona" Isabella called her name again.

"Yes Isabella, I am not in the mood to go out now, but I want to get that book, it's based on Jacob's story.

All of them were really excited about tonight. So Fiona reluctantly agreed. They dressed up, wore their shoes, made appointments at the saloon and headed outside. Isabella made sure that everything was locked and went to the garage. As Fiona was getting inside she remembered she left hercell upstairsand quickly ran back up to get it. Then she made her way back to the car.

Olivia started the engine and drove them towards the main street.

It was twelve in the afternoon when Fiona noticed the weather going bad again and the sky was turning gloomy and dark. She started to wonder why the weather was like this all of us sudden.

As they were about to reach the salon, the wind started blowing so hard that the trees began shaking, people started running for shelter, and no one was on the road.

Fiona got scared; she quickly took Isabella and Olivia and ran inside.

"Girls, see the weather! People are running and I feel a major storm is about to come." Said terrified Fiona

While they were doing their hair, Fiona kept thinking about how to get that book to find out more about Jacob and his family, suddenly the woman in the salon said,"Alright, your hair is done,"

Fiona was so happy about her hair that she kept looking at the mirror to see if her hairstyle was good enough. The mirror was facing the balcony, and as soon as Fiona got up and looked at the balcony to check the weather, she saw Jacob standing there and smiling at her. Fiona quickly turned and pinched herself to check whether it was a dream. But it was not. He was standing there like a ghost, looking at her. She turned back and couldn't move her legs. Again she turned towards the balcony and saw that he was still standing there. She turned around and started to shiver, her body was trembling and shegot Goosebumps all over her body. Isabella and Olivia got up and came to ask her,

"What happened?"

Fiona could not talk seeing Jacob's face again. She was scared out of her wits. She couldn't fathom how this was happening.

Her eyes were red as if about to cry. Her hands were cold as ice and her body was shivering. Olivia and Isabella made her sit down on the couch as Fiona looked at them and stammered.

"I… I…I saw Jacob right next to me,"

She did not know what to do, as she looked out, she saw his eyes staring back at her from the darkness. "Olivia, I can see him. He's staring right at me. Please do something," Fiona said as if she would cry right away.

"Olivia, it's better to get out of here," Isabella said.

"Yes, it's better," Said Olivia.

They both got up and went to get their bags, but Fiona could not move.

"Excuse me, could you please get me a glass of water?" Fiona asked the hairdresser. So she went to get the glass of water as Fiona kept sitting still. By then Olivia and Isabella had finished their hair and paid the bill.

Olivia went next to Fiona, helped her get up and then suddenly heard Fiona saying,

"I don't want to go out."

"Why Fiona, can you still see him? Asked Fiona

"Yes, I can, he is waiting outside," said Fiona.

Isabella went outside and saw that there was no one there. As the wind was blowing hard, she came with a furious look and said.

"Fiona, there's nothing out there. Come on lets go"

As they left the salon, the wind was still blowing and they could not get in the car; instead they were stuck for half an hour at the salon door.

Suddenly, there was this guy who came to the girls and said

"Come on girls," He has an Umbrella, he can take you to your car."

Isabella looked at the guy and said

"Thanks a lot; you have helped us a lot."

Fiona was shivering, and so Olivia asked her

"Fiona are you okay?"

Fiona did not reply instantly, as she was looking around. Almost paranoid looking for Jacob.

"Isabella, let me get into the car," Fiona said as Fiona could not believe, she saw Jacob right next to her. Her feet had stopped moving and her body was trembling.

Suddenly, while she was sitting in the car, her phone started ringing; she took her phone out from her bag and answered it.

"Hello," there was a low voice.

"Hi, Gerry here, guess what?"

"What is it Gerry" Fiona asked.

"I got your book," Gerry replied.

"Oh really, are you serious?"

"Yes; well when I see you for the prom night, you will get it," Gerry Assured.

As she hung up, Olivia and Isabella looked at Fiona and started to worry about her.

It was four o'clock in the evening. Fiona was still inside the car, while Olivia and Isabella were out shopping looking for shoes to wear for prom night.

There was heavy traffic on the road and the cars weren't moving when Fiona suddenly got scared. As she looked back, she saw a shadow, her fingers started getting cold, and she nearly started to cry.

She looked to the front and, Jacob waves his hands, givesher a flying kiss. Fiona didn't know what to do. She was wondering whether to get out of the vehicle or not, but truly, she couldn't even move. Her feet were stuck on that single place. Even still Jacob has this hold over her.

After about an hour, she saw Isabella and Fiona heading towards the car and felt relieved.

Olivia and Isabella asked Fiona,

"Do you want anything?"

"No" Fiona answered to the point.

It was six o'clock,

"We are late," Isabella said, let's get home soon.

They reached home in a few minutes. Isabella went to Fiona's room to see where she saw. Fiona was ready and looked like an angle. So Isabella and Olivia also got ready.

She wore a beautiful red bell sleeve gown.

While Isabella was busy, the heard the doorbell rang, so Fiona went to answer it. It was Bernard and Gerry. They were dressed in crisp black suits and looked really handsome.

Hi all!

"Hey Gerry"

"Hey Fiona, Hope you are doing well."

"Yes, I am… it's just that Jacob is always on my mind."

"Please, don't be upset Fiona, just remember the past is past, and look here is the book you wanted"

Fiona was happy to have the book, and gave him a tight hug.

"Thanks a lot; you're a really good friend."

"No problem, what are we friends for if we can't even help each other in need? Gerry muttered.

"Oh Gerry, that was really sweet of you,"

As they were all ready to go, Fiona wished that Jacob was there. He would have been surely happy to see her wearing this long dress, which he bought for her during their second anniversary.

Olivia, Isabella, Gerry and Bernard kept deciding when to go.

Suddenly, Fiona heard someone playing the piano, she went around to see who it was, but she could only hear the song that Jacob used to sing.

My delight, my tantrums, my crazy fellow, I am scattered all over.

Why do you fear, come, savor me. What else do I say to you?

Happy-go-lucky!

Bitter gazes on the sweet poison; we are both happy-go-lucky!

Slowly, you fell for me.

As if this road, that road, all the roads, turned towards my street,

But I fell for you, the first time I saw you.

Whether you accept or deny,

We have been bonded together.

From within you, slowly, something happens to you, too.

She knows it, you know it, and everyone knows it."

Even then, why do you feel shy?"

You say, 'I am a girl, afraid of you; don't tease me, everyone's watching.'

I smiled a little and got trapped, I swear. You are just too smart!

Happy-go-lucky!

She was Helpless to rumens on the old days.

They were all ready.

Prom night

Bernard had brought a date for prom night. They had a crush on each other for a long time. They even tried dating a few times throughout the year, but there timing was always off. In some ways this was their first mutually accepted first date.

Bernard introduced his friends to Susie, she was a really pretty girl, with her blue eyes and long straight hair. All of them were surely shocked they couldn't believe he had someone who loved him so much to tolerate us all and even wanted to marry him. They had never seen this polite, loving side of Bernard. They always knew him as their dwebe friend who liked to tough it out.

So Gerry asked Fiona cheekily "What's going on?"

"Is that his girlfriend," he said slowly as they both laughed.

Suddenly Isabella turned towards them and asked,

"Guys, what's happening back there?"

"Fiona, why are you laughing? Olivia asked.

"It's nothing." Fiona uttered.

"Come on guys, don't lie." Olivia and Isabella kept wondering what Fiona, and Gerry were talking about. Bernard was driving, after a while he stopped and asked Susie to come in the front and sit close to him.

So, Susie got down from behind and went to the front. Everyone stared at Bernard all resentful and confused. As Susie sat beside him Bernard tried to hold her hands, but Susie slowly pulled away. Everyone smirked at the interaction and started teasing Bernard.

Finally, they all arrived at the Marriot hotel. They were very excited to get the ball rolling. Prom was set up in of the rooms of the hotel. The grand entrance and the prom welcome wagon raised their hopes.The entire set up led them to believe, it might turn out to be a great evening.

Fiona thought that this could actually be good as they passed several shops and restaurants and made their way to the room for prom.

It was not exactly a big room. But, you could not refer to it as small either. Nor was it the way either of them had imagined it to be. Soon they found a place in one of the several tables set for dinner. The moment Fiona sat down, she saw that her friends were staring at her in bewilderment. No one could fathom why she needed almost an array of spoons and a couple of other items. She shifted uncomfortably while repeating the one piece of dinner etiquette that she could recall when Jacob took her out on her first date.

The host was dark and so Fiona guessed that he came from south of U.S. Although he spoke with an almost cartoonish French accent. "Ella, my name is Pedro and I will be your waiter this evening."

He took the orders. But it was then that the weird moment came again.

He grabbed what Fiona thought was a table decoration in front of her, but soon realized that it was just a napkin and spread it out.

"Uh, she can get that, thanks." He said.

"Oh! No, sir. It's my duty." He said as he made sure there were no wrinkles on the napkin.

This will be a full service meal." He finished with that.

The dinner was excellent and a little more enjoyable than they expected it to be. After having dessert, Fiona folded her napkin and placed it in front of her to make sure Pedro would not again need to put his hands on her lap.

It was time forprom. They had a DJ on the dance floor. The music was loud and there were only a few lights. The prom was somewhat lame and there was no other way to say it. It was not long before that they all got bored and started to wonder aboutin the hotel.

As they walked down the hallway, they heard music much better than thst of their own prom. Some live music wafting from another room. They soon realized that it was another school's prom, they were certainly dressed for the occasion. So they decided to join it

Overall, the evening was neither good nor bad. They had a great time. The only thing that bothered Fiona was that senior prom turned out to be a bit of an anticlimax in her life.

But still, she had more fun at the after prom, probably because she was not awkwardly trying to manage herself. She was free to do as she pleased and she enjoyed every bit of it.

It was a cold simmering night. The wind had settled down and the day's storm had left the atmosphere blissfully moist. They were out walking on the beach enjoying the cold currents of the ocean when Olivia and Isabella started talking. "What has happened to Fiona?" Isabella asked Olivia. "She must be missing Jacob or dreading what had happened," Olivia Uttered. "She truly loved him, she can never forget him, and it is too hard for her to even try to do so" Isabella said,

Fiona overheard their conversation and walked towards them.

"Fiona, please come and join us," Olivia requested her.

Fiona looked dull. She did not want to sit.

They stayed up all night and heard Fiona singing.

He was deprived of a young girl's dream,

By the cruel force of nature out of the blue.

Instead of night

Full of romance serene

All I got was a runny nose and Asiatic flu.

It is raining on prom night

My hair is a mess

Its raining

All over

My taffeta dress,

It's wilting and quitting, my maiden uniform,

In addition, mascara flew all down my nose.

Because of the storm

I don't have my corsage

Oh gee

It fell down a sewer with my sisters ID.

Guess it's raining on prom night

Oh my darling, what can I do.

I miss you

It is raining from the skies,

In addition, it is raining tears from my eyes,

Oh dear god, make him feel the same way as I do.

Make him want to see me again.

Oh, what can I do?

It is raining tears from my eyes over you

Raining

Tears from my eyes over you

Raining

Raining on prom night

My dear, I miss you.

She went on and on….

False Fate of love

After prom night, Gerry, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia waited for some time and then went home.

It's been Four months now. Bernard and Susie have been together fromthe prom. Bernard had officially asked her out, and their first date was at a gorgeous Italian restaurant where they had the most amazing meal. However, Susie kept wondering how expensive the whole night was and it turned out that Bernard had actually stolen Fiona credit card. However, she did not really complain. After that date, Bernard took her to places that hosted her favorite entertainment: karaoke.

Oh! God, they had such fun! One time, Bernard had even stolen a few of his dad's beer bottles and had too many of them. Then he started to sing "The Best" by Tina Turner in high notes. Susie had never laughed so much in her entire life; shame on the manager who noticed his intoxicated state and kicked them out. Bernard had trouble walking and so Susie had to support him and drive him home while he continued singing to the radio.

Their dates often turned out this way getting drunk and going home late at nights. However, Bernard would always surprise her by taking her to the park at twilight. He would plan a picnic with candles and flowers and they would spend their entire night talking or planning their future under the stars. Nothing could touch or destroy their love.

However, when it comes to young love, things always feel stronger like you would move heaven and earth for that person, you feel that you are with your soul mate.

To the contrary, you never meet 'The one'. You never fall in love at the first sight; you never realize that you two are futilely trying to match each other's pace. Even Susie did not know that, but tonight, she was about to come to that heart-breaking revelation.

The carnival

Bernard and Susie had reached the carnival before eight o'clock. They had borrowed Isabella's car because something Susie's engine was acting all funny. The carnival looked amazing and chaotic at the same time with all the clowns, rides, food stands and people. The long queues were adequate proof that this carnival was indeed very popular.

Bernard and Susie reached the entrance. There was a clown act going on and Susie knew Bernard was terrified of them, he had spent every childhood birthday party fear stricken hiding from them. So she told him to close his eyes and run past them.

The first rode the roller coaster fast as a racing car. Then they rode the spinning teacups, three times in a row. It was a good thing that they did not eat anything before the ride because it would have only made themmore nauseous. After that dizzy spell they decided to play a game of darts. While playing, Susie missed every ring and nearly hit the person behind the stand, but Bernard somehow was able to get every ring and won a big, ugly, green dragon with orange eyes. They had so much fun that they continued to venture round the carnival with their new dragon called Sue Sylvester. Soon Bernard's eyes noticed a jewelry stand. The stand had everything from rings to anklets. After a while, Bernard actually purchased a little necklace.

"Why did you buy that?" Susie asked.

"I bought it for you," Bernard replied.

Bernard gave Susie, the little package. She opened it to see a chain with a silver circle and a heart engraved onto it. Written on it were the words, 'Forever Yours'. Susie stared at the necklace in shock. So, Bernard decided to break the ice.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes," Susie said quickly. "I love it, thank you."

"I thought that it would be perfect for you," he said.

"It is Bernard, I love it."

"Good. And it's also true that it will forever be yours."

"So, I am yours forever."

And they awkwardly hugged each other. But what they didn't knowwas that even though they were both smiling, they were feeling a jolt of confusion and anxiety. Forever is a very long time and a very long commitment. Is this what they really wanted?

Susie was wearing the necklace that Bernard gave her, but now all she had to do was find him. After Bernard had given her the necklace he said that he had to go to the bathroom, but it had already been half an hour since he left. So, Susie got worried. She spoke to a man who had left the bathroom. He told her that Bernard wasn't in there. So, Susie decided to search for him. She searched all the places that they had been to, but had no luck in finding him. But Susie, she herself wasn't sure if she wanted to find him at all. When a girl gets a necklace from her boyfriend saying 'forever yours' on it, she should be jumping in joy. Yet Susie didn't feel like it, she felt... Well, she didn't know what she was feeling, but surely it wasn't something new.

Since last month, Susie had started to question her feelings for Bernard and their relationship. Every time they went out, there was a little change in the way they were around each other, like they felt awkward about being in the same room. Also, when they made plans to go out something felt foiled. She thought may be what she was feeling was just a phase and will probably pass out, but they weren't.

It was almost nine o'clock and Susie still had no idea where Bernard was. So in the end, she gave up and decided to just wander around the carnival.

The carnival still had all the lights on and was packed with people.There were kids in front of every ride except the ferries wheel. So, Susie made her way to it and decided to have a ride alone. She paid the man, went into one of the carriages, shut the door and rested her head against it.

"Hey."

Susie snapped her head around to see Bernard sitting next to her. His arm was propped up on the window of the carriage and his head resting against his hand. He looked like he had been thinking for a long time, but his smile tried to hide.

"Sorry about ditching you back there," apologized Bernard.

"It's okay." She replied.

There was a silence between them. It wasn't the first silence that they had tonight. The Ferris wheel started to move, causing the carriage to rattle a bit, but it couldn't knock Susie from the truth that had been haunting her for the last month. All the awkward moments, all the dreadful dates, all the fake smiles and happy couple act were still there.... But she just didn't want to do them with Bernard anymore. This wasn't something that she wanted. She and Bernard had planned everything together, their marriage and kids an entire lifetime together. It's not that she didn't want them, she did, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't want them with Bernard anymore.

And she knew that Bernard didn't want them either. It was time to face the truth which both of them had tried sohard to avoid.

"We don't love each other anymore, do we?" Susie spoke.

"What do you mean? I still love you." Bernard could not even look at her when he said that.

"Don't fibber Bernard."

"No, I don't."

"Then why did you give me this necklace?" She asked.

Now Bernard could not speak... He was lost in his thoughts,trying to find an answer as he knew this time he had to be truthful.

"Because I thought that it would bring us together again," he replied sadly.

"I don't think a necklace can bring us together, Bernard. This is something that was going to happen eventually," Susie said apologetically.

Bernard knew what was coming next. They were only teenagers when they had fallen in love and, in no way were they the same people they'd first fallen in love with. Life didn't work the way they had thought. They had changed so much over the years that their love couldn't survive it. Gerry was right; they did not love each other anymore and now was the time to face it. Bernard had to agree that it was the right time to finish what they had. To part with sweet memories rather than sour.

"We're breaking up, aren't we?" Susie only nodded to his question.

She undid the chain around her neck and gave it back to Bernard.

"Give it to the girl who will be yours forever, Bernard. Because she is out there somewhere, you've just got to find her."

"And you will find your Mr. Right out there too."

May be our love was not meant to last forever. But I'm glad that I met you.

After that, no more words were said. They shared one last hug and kiss before the Ferris wheel stopped. Susie left the ride while Bernard stayed on and kept looking at the chain. However, before Susie could go home, there was one place she had to go to. The jewelry stand was still open and there was one ring that interested her. It was a silver ring with a flower bud on it. To everyone else, it was an ordinary ring that had a pretty pattern, but to Susie it had a meaning. The bud and Susie had only one thing in common. It was the fact that they were still growing. Susie still had a lot to learn about life and about love. Now she had only learned her first lesson. She had learned to let go of what she thought she wanted. There was still lots to learn.

They were blissfully happy when they first started dating, but the flames of their love burnt out long ago. Only she did not want to admit it. Now she could look forward to what was out there in the world and to the many lessons that she was about to learn. So after losing love she realized that nothing good could last forever, but she will always cherish the time that she had spent with Bernard. But now, without him, she would look for what she really wanted.

After the carnival, Bernard went home at eleven. He parked his car opened the door and went inside. He saw that Gerry was watching TV. Gerry saw Bernard and asked him, "Bernard, how was your day with your girl?"

"We broke up. It didn't work out," Bernard answered him.

He looked upset and, did not want to talk to anyone. Slowly, he went up to his room. Gerry did not ask him much about it.

As he went up, opened his room and went to change. Gerry called Isabella, but she did not answer the phone. So he too went to sleep.

The next morning, Fiona woke up, made tea for Olivia and herself, and drank it outside in the balcony.

Suddenly, Olivia's phone started ringing. It was Gerry.

"Hi Gerry, Are you coming to School today?"

"Yes, I will tell you something when you come to school, we have a lot to discuss today."

"Alright," said Fiona.

As Fiona drank her tea, Olivia went to her room to take a shower. Later she heard Fiona singing, and told Fiona, "Fiona, you sound so happy today!"

Fiona only smiled at Olivia. Suddenly she heard the doorbell, and quickly went down with her bathrobe covering herself.

It was windy. She went to check who was there at the door. As usual, it was Isabella.

Isabella had brought breakfast for Olivia and Fiona. But Fiona was still having a shower. So Isabella packed their breakfast to take it to school with them.

As they reached the school Olivia and Fiona unpacked their books and got ready for class.

Fiona saw Bernard, and said, "Hey Bernard."

Bernard did not say a word; he looked really dull and upset. Even when Olivia looked at him, he did not smile.

During lunch break at twelve in the afternoon, Olivia, Fiona, Isabella and Bernard met in the canteen to plan their tour. Soon Olivia came up with something.

"Hey guys, let's go to a Greek Island."

"Why?" Bernard questioned.

There I know of a lodge where we can stay."

The lodge name is D'Andrea mare Beach hotel in Rhodes- Timokreontos, You get all the facilities there. There are a lot of exotic locations nearby that we can visit. We'll click pictures and have loads of fun. Oh, that's nice!" Fiona said.

There was silence as they all looked at each other, and stared at Olivia.

"Hey guys, what happened? You didn't like the plan or what?" Olivia asked.

"We think we should proceed with this plan," all of them said.

They were all so excited and happy that they were finally going somewhere.

As class wasnearly over, Fiona walked outside and suddenly saw a shadow. But still kept walking,ignoring it.Suddenly the trees started shaking and the clouds were turning gray. A gloomy aura surrounded her. She started panicking and increased her pace and then in the swift breezes, she heard a whisper "Fiona."

She stopped and turned, her body started to shiver.She ran towards the college, stopping in front of the language building. She waited for Isabella to finish her classes. As it was already five,she was hoping Isabella would soon come out.

Seeing Fiona, she went right up to her and asked her, "Fiona, are you okay?"

"Yes, I am. But can you drop me home please?" Fiona asked Isabella and gave a faint smile.

Isabella did not say a word. She only looked at Fiona and thought that there must be something wrong, but did not want to pry.

Isabella asked Fiona to wait. "Fiona, I will bring my car right here. Wait here and don't leave."

"Isabella, please come fast," said Fiona.

As Fiona kept waiting, she did not want to turn around. She knew Jacob was looking at her. Fiona didn't even talk. She ignored and started talking with Isabella and Olivia.

Her hands were numb. But finally she gathered up courage to turn around and ask, "Jacob, what do you want?"

"Fiona, I miss you. I want you and I can't stay without you."

Fiona stood still and did not speak a word.

"Fiona, why are you ignoring me?"

"Jacob, please leave me alone."

Fiona got into Isabella's car and she did not say a word more. She knew that Jacob was following her….

She couldn't shake him.

Tour to Greece

Since the carnival, Bernard was depressed about his break up with Susie.He wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. So, to cheer him up, Isabella decided to plan for the tour to Greece early.

"Shall we go to Greece before the exam? It will be stress relieving!" Isabella asked her friends. "Come on Bernard, cheer up."

"Whatever happened has happened for the best, we are going onholiday. Olivia stated firmly. Bernard smiled, but did not say a word.

Olivia and Fiona couldn't wait to start the trip. They started packing bags and planning tanneries making arrangements.

"There is this one place which is called the National Archaeological Museum, which is situated on Pattision Street in Exarhia it has artifacts from all around the Greece; Mycenae, Delphi, akroir, Knossos. It is made up of five collections of the oklen days- which comes from the Aegean civilization of Cyclades, Mycenae and the mnoans"

. "Oh! That will be nice. We will take our cameras and take lots of group photos."

Isabella already had everything arranged and the tickets came much as a surprise for the others.

"Here are all the tickets."

"Tomorrow night itself?" Gerry screamed in excitement.

Bernard, Fiona, and Olivia ran straight to their houses and started packing their bags. Meanwhile, Isabella and Gerry were left to do some shopping for Greece as they were all excited to go have fun.

Oliva was so exhausted packing the entire night that she slept the ride to the hotel. They were all very excited for the trip. It was long due and they all needed a break.

Oliva and Fiona went upstairs to freshen up and Bernard was lost in his thought in the lounge. He was having a hard time letting his first love go. He couldn't believe that something so precision could just one day not exist. How it possible, their love was so strong.

When did their differences become obstacles in its path?

He kept rewinding what happened on the ferries wheel again and again trying to find what he did wrong. How did it come to this?

Perplexed in his thought he didn't realize when he fell asleep.

Next morning, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia went out and got some things for their trip. While they all were doing shopping they all discussed what to do with Bernard. They were all worried about him.

"Bernard, what's wrong?" Isabella asked.

"I am not in the mood," Bernard replied.

"Oh come on, we will have fun there. So cheer up." Isabella said.

As the day flew by, they got ready to reach the airport on time. Olivia and Fiona took their bags and kept them inside the car. Bernard too got dressed and was ready to leave.

"Our flight is at 12 o'clock tonight, Isabella said.

"It's already nine; we should be leaving as it will take half an hour to reach the airport and another hour to pass through security."

All of them quickly got inside the taxi, and checked whether all the bags were inside and everything ready to leave.As they were inside the vehicle, they all cracked jokes and played around.

This is going to be the best trip ever, right guys?" Isabella said in a joyous tone.

"Yes, it will be." Olivia said.

But Bernard kept quite silently observing as life passed him by.

As the taxi stopped at the airport, they were all screaming, "Yes! We have reached the airport."

Fiona took out the luggage and put it in a big trolley. Then she went inside to check in, there was a huge crowd, but somehow she got through it.

As they checked in, they felt really hungry and thirsty. It was already past their dinner time.

"Where do you guys want to eat?" Fiona asked.

"McDonalds." Isabella said.

As they all ordered their chickenburgers and fries, they were excited. They sat down at a big table and grabbed their food and started to eat.

"Fiona, did you get the camera? Olivia asked.

"Yes, I got it.Let's take a photograph." Fiona suggested.

As they all finished eating, they started to walk towards the gate number that was announced for their flight.

"Here we come Greece!" Gerry exclaimed.

They all started to laugh in merriment. Soon they took their tickets and entered through the gate. They were all in one row and sat next to each other. They kept their hand bags beneath their seats. The whole night passed, early next morning,

"Please get ready for landing" The pilot announced.

"Here we come Athens." Gerry Exclaimed excitedly again.

It was around ten in the morning and they were all very tired, but still wanted to go sightseeing.

"Okay people; sit inside the cab. I'll put the luggage inside. Which hotel do you want to go ma'am?" the taxi driver asked

"D'Andrea Mare Beach hotel in Rhodes- Timokreontos end STR, Rhodes Island"

Whilst they were on the way they saw lovely places to go for sightseeing.

"Wow, look at this river, it's awesome." Isabella said.

As they drove past, they were looking mesmerized by the beauty around them. The taxi driver showed them the Archeological Museum which is in Thessaloniki it is one of the best museums in Greece that houses,art from Archaic, classical, and Hellenistic eras, as well as artifacts from ancient Macedonia including gold ornamental art and ancient Greek weapons.

"The museum is really nice, you should visit this place."

"Great." Isabella said.

They were all delighted to be in such an exotic place and sharing it with each other the cultural heritage of Greece.

As they reached the hotel, they went to the receptionist and got their room keys. The hotel was so beautiful with its breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea the warm weather was a pleasant change as well.

"Come on guys, let's all freshen up and go out to have some fun." Gerry said.

They all went up to their rooms and relaxed for some time.

"Let's all get ready by one and then we'll go out fora well-deserved lunch somewhere." Fiona uttered smirking.

"Alright" they all agreed in unison.

They all had their individual rooms which were huge with attached bathrooms. As it was time, they all got down to the reception area and took the taxi to a place called the white tower which was a beautifully built round fort at the eastern waterfront.

"Let's go guys, Lets rock this holiday." Bernard said.

They were all in the taxi and the driver took them to a place called white tower where they all took photographs and cracked jokes.

"This is fun, look at the beach, its crazy.It's full of opportunities my friend Gerry said to Bernard.

As they reached the white tower they quickly got into their swimming suits and went into the water.

They started playing beach volleyball. They divided themselves into girls and boys team and started playing.

"Yes, we won guys," said Bernard.

"Awww, poor girls lost ha," Gerry said bullying the girls.

"We saw there's a huge shopping mall over there. So, let's get dressed and go there. The mall is so monstrously big and looks lovely." Fiona said.

"Fiona, what are the plans for tonight?" Bernard asked.

"Weshould go and have a light dinner in the hotel and hit the hay Fiona asked?"

"Yes, we're all tired.We can go to bed early." Isabella told the others.

They had loads of fun, took pictures and played beach ball…. Now, it was time to go back to the hotel.

It was nine when they got inside the hotel and ate their dinner. Fiona and Isabella went straight to their rooms and slept while the others kept talking and having some wine till one in the morning. They also made plans as to what they wanted to do the next day.

In the Lodge

Early next morning. Fiona, Gerry, Olivia and Isabella went down to have breakfast, but soon they realized that Bernard had not joined them.

"Where is Bernard?" Gerry asked.

"He should be here by now," said Fiona.

"Yeah, he should have started his breakfast." Isabella said.

Fiona got up from her table and started searching for Bernard. For one second, everyone looked at her wondering what was wrong.

"Where are you going?" Isabella asked.

"I am going to see whether Bernard is in his room or not? Fiona said. She couldn't say, but Fiona could feel something ominous was about to happen.

She went towards the elevator pressed the button, got inside and went to his floor.

She went to his room and saw that his door was opened. The room cleaners were cleaning his room.

She called out, "Bernard?" And looked everywhere for him she was starting to get worried now. She started screaming. "Where is the boy who was staying in this room?" She asked the cleaner

"He did not return to the lodge last night," the room keeper informed Fiona.

She quickly went down and shouted to her friends

"Bernard's missing."

Everyone got up and asked her if she was okay. "What happened?"

No one could understand the fanatic look on her face.

"Bernard's not in his room!"

Everyone was shocked and worried. Where did he go?

Then Fiona got a sickening feeling. She realized that it had something to do with the book that she had bought recently.

She quickly went upstairs and to her surprise saw that the book that Jacob wrote had also disappeared. She searched for it everywhere, but couldn't find it.

Isabella went to Fiona's room and asked her, "What are you doing?"

"I am searching for that book."

"Where did it go?"

"I kept it on the table before I went downstairs. But where did it go?" She kept thinking…. She started searching for it, she remembered the incomplete story of the book. At the very thought of it, she stood very still.

"What's wrong?" Isabella asked fanatically

"What's wrong Fiona?" answer please.

Fiona did not say anything. Only after a few minutes, she shouted aloud.

"Jacob has captured Bernard!" Fiona said.

"What, how, when?" Isabella looked confused.

"I have read that a ghost can do anything for love. He can even capture people. That's what the story says!"

This is no time for jokes Fiona; it can't be Jacob, Fiona. Please don't be a fool", said Isabella.

"I am not I swear to you guys that I read and there was an incomplete story."

As everyone else was downstairs, Isabella quickly went down with Fiona.

On seeing them, Olivia asked,

"What happened?"

"Bernard has been captured by Jacob's ghost," repeated Fiona.

"Why would he capture Bernard?" Olivia asked sarcastically.

"Because he wants me back in his life. He wants me to be with him for the rest of his life. And because I will never agree to his will, he wants to get to me by you." Fiona said.

They all looked at Fiona.

"I am warning you guys Jacob might do something to you all. So, please go and be in your rooms. Don't come out!"

"Fiona, we don't want you to be alone," Isabella uttered.

"I want to be alone!"

As they left, looking worried and scared, Fiona sat there thinking.

"Why can't Jacob leave my friend alone?"

Slowly, her eyes watered and her face looked dull.

As the time flew by, Isabella, Olivia, Fiona and Gerry did not know that Jacob was listening to them all the time.

But on seeing a walking shadow, Fiona stopped and looked behind.

"Jacob is that you?"

She walked away. But Jacob kept following her. She stood still and did not say a word even after knowing that Jacob was after her.

She looked into her room and saw Isabella, Gerry and Olivia were watching a movie. She joined them, trying to ignore Jacob.

Jacob Takes Revenge

It was eight in the night when they finished watching the movie. Soon they ordered their dinner and played cards till it came. Then they kept cracking jokes, but Fiona knew that Jacob was behind her. He wanted to talk to her, but she tried to ignore him till they went to bed

Isabella, Olivia and Gerry left Fiona's room and went back to their rooms and went to bed. While Fiona was arranging her bed, Jacob asked. "Fiona, do you know that?"

"What?'

"What is it? Why are you following me?" Fiona asked.

"I have captured Bernard," Jacob said in an angry tone.

"Why did you do such a thing? Please send Bernard back."

"No, I can't. You have to marry me if you want Bernard to return back safely." Jacob said.

"What are you talking about? I can't marry you, it's impossible," said Fiona.

"I can't forget you! You mean the world to me!" Jacob said emotionally.

Fiona realized that living with a ghost meant death for her. She did not talk for some time.

"I don't want to marry you Jacob. You are no one to me and I believe that I deserve a good guy."

"Fiona, if you don't marry me, I will have to capture all of your friends," threatened Jacob. "If you don't want me, I will have to kill you as well."

She quickly called Isabella, "Please be careful. Jacob may try to kill you all." But no one answered back. Her friends had probably gone to sleep.

"Hahaha" Jacob laughed.

"Please I beg you, don't harm my friends. I will marry you, I'll do anything you say. Just don't hurt my friends"

Jacob was happy that she had accepted his offer. He kept looking at her like he had found a lost part of his soul back.

"Thank you for accepting me. I love you with all my heart."

Fiona went to her bed, trying not to think about Jacob.

Jacob sat next to Fiona and said

"I shall be a good husband to you, I promise."

"We shall see, Jacob, I can't trust you."

"Fiona, trust me once more, get your trust back on me, I love you."

"Now, please don't try to do anything to my friends and send Bernard back."

"I will send him back,"

Fiona went to her bed, trying not to ignore him, but he kept on staring at her while she was trying to sleep, he was standing there trying to kill her, but he could not because she was keeping an eye on him and trying to stay away from him.

"Now, please don't do anything to my friends and send Bernard back."

"I will think about it." Jacob said.

"If you don't, I will not marry you."

Jacob was quiet and started walking around.

As she switched off the lights, she started to realize that her life hadbecome an empty cell after Jacob's death. She could still remember the day when he had the car accident and the way he suffered when he was in the ICU.

Her eyes turned red and she started to cry. Soon she fell asleep. She was fixated in that moment, even in her dreams.

The next morning when Fiona woke up, she did not realize that Jacob was still in her room. It was nine when Fiona puts her foot down, started stretching her arms and then went to the bathroom to have a shower and freshen up.

In their rooms, Isabella and the others started getting ready. As they were all about to change, they saw Bernard coming. They ran towards him and hugged him. They were all so happy to see him back safely.

Where were you Bernard? We kept waiting for you all day long."

He kept quiet and did not say a word.

"Bernard, can you please talk? What happened to you?'

"Are you guys okay?"

"Yes, we're okay, but what about you?" Everyone asked together.

"I was captured by Jacob," said Bernard.

"What?" Everyone shouted.

"Yes, this is the truth! He tried to kill me."

"Why is he doing all this?"

Jacob loves Fiona a lot. He had done a lot for her. They were very serious. But Jacob's death tore them apart. His love for Fiona is keeping him from crossing over. He longs for Fiona and will do anything to be reunited with her.

He wanted to marry her, but he did not have enough time to propose to her. By the time he prepared for it, he had the car accident. Don't you all know that their love was true?

Bernard and the others felt bad for Fiona. They had all felt her pain and seen her suffering to get over Jacob. They all went to her room and hugged her. Fiona felt really happy, thinking that Jacob had kept his promise… he had sent back Bernard. She knew that he was the Jacob, she loved. But, he was a little different. This ghostly soul did not fell as kind as the Jacob she knew. It was violent, erratic even.

A day at the Museum

The afternoon passed, it was about Three o'clock, they decided to go do some sightseeing, in the museum so they all decided to go out and loosen up.

"Phew, finally everything is fine and we are all going to be happy right Isabella, Olivia said.

Fiona was all dressed and they went straight to the museum.

"The National Archaeological Museum here we come"

As they all got out, they were all happy, but Jacob was still standing there and Fiona was just ignoring him. She couldn't pin point what, but an oraa of anger and lust radiated from him.

They visited the cultural and the art section and revisited Greek history, took some selfies submerged themselves in jolt of cultural experiences.

The museum was built on the island of Aigina, in the sardonic Gulf in 1829. It was divided into many different collections, as they all went inside they saw.

It is from the Neolithic era, roughly between 6800-3000bc, early and mid-Bronze Age between 3000-1700bc

They saw Cyclodic art collection, which finds as marble figurines which have influenced modern art. These are tiny sculptures date back to the third millennium BC from cemeteries throughout the Cyclades islands in Aegean.

As they looked around they saw what is called Mycenaean collections, it also finds in the Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization which includes gold death masks, stone stellers, bronze weapon, cups, rings, Ivory and Figurines. The artifacts came from all over the sites, Tiryns, Pylons, Mycenaean and so on.

The Golden death mask is found by the Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 in grave circle a, Mycenae from the 16th century BC.

The Egyptian collection- it was one of the best collection in the world, out of over six thousand artifacts only 1100 are displayed to the public.

Which they saw was interesting they saw the Antikythera Ephebe which is a bronze statue of a youth. It was discovered in the year 1900 by sponge divers at a shipwreck off the coast of anticathode.

The Stathatos collection has about thousand items, pottery, vases and jewels dating back the bronze- age up till post Byzantine.

As Olivia, Bernard, Isabella and Gerry were looking at them, they noticed that Fiona was missing and started searching for her.

"Fiona, where are you? All shouted desperately.

Fiona was with Jacob, trying to kill him, but she couldn't. She brought her hands up to her face to protect it, but it was useless. He brushed them aside as if they were nothing more than a nuisance. He pulled her hair, twisting her head around so that she was forced to look up at him. His pale blue eyes flickered over her face without expression. She could hear herself saying something. A word or two, a reply perhaps in her own language, she could not tell. He took no notice. He slapped her heavily, as if making fun of her and then he drew back his hand, correcting his aim. There was a moment's pause and then his heavy fist made contact with her cheek. She felt it hitting on her jaw. Her mouth was filled with blood; after a second pause, she received another punch, and another and then another. Her mouth felt pulpy and warm. Suddenly there was ice on her teeth. It took her a moment to realize that the cold, sandy stuff in her mouth was grit, mixed with ice. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the floor face down. He was big, almost her size, and when he got her on her feet again, she was light as snow and carried her in his arms.

"Stupid." He whispered, that stuck between his lips and teeth. "You stupid girl!" He said it again and again; each time with a blow, and sometimes even with a slap. She could see his boots, clean black boots. She even caught a glimpse of her own face

She felt the steel cap prodding her face, below the site he had kicked her hard and fast. The poker- hot stab of pain went all the way up to her follicles. He looked down. His face inches away from her as he pulled her coat from her shoulders and kept it aside. She was already cold, colder than she could've ever dreamt of, she felt a chill on her bare skin that had nothing to do with the wind. He then grabbed her skirt ripping it off her hips.

She Screamed, "No.... Please, no".

"Stupid".

"No, No."

"Shut up." The exchange lasted less than a second. Slapping her again and again, he climbed on top of her, smothering her with his bulk and weight. He wrapped his thick meaty hands around her neck and pulled her knees apart. She had never felt anything like this. He was cutting into her as if to split her in two. She cried, she pleaded. But he did not stop. She could feel him sliding in and out of her in a rhythm of excruciating pain and discomfort. His hand choked her throat, cutting off her breath, all the while continuing his treacherous desires. She could feel herself slipping in and out of consciousness. The sounds coming out of his throat seemed like that of an animal, forcing himself on her as she struggled desperately underneath him.

She was lying lifeless on the ground when they found her. They couldn't believe what had happened.

Who could do this? No human being for sure. No one, not even him…

The Incomplete Story

After the horrible day, Isabella and the others decided to go out and try to enjoy their day. They all decided to go out for dinner.

"See you at around eight, Fiona." Isabella said.

Bernard and Fiona went to their rooms, but the others kept roaming around, chatting and enjoying themselves. They wanted to make her fell as comfortable as possible. She couldn't bear to stay alone, the sickening felling started looming over her.

On reaching the room, Fiona switched on the lights and saw that the lost book was back in its place. The book was open and she could see the incomplete story.

"What is that?" She thought.

She walked towards it and picked it up. Soon she started to read it.

There was a boy who truly loved a girl. He took her out for a date and had a candle light dinner. He wanted to propose to her, but unfortunately couldn't.

After the dinner when the boy dropped the girl back home and was walking back to his own house, he met with an accident. The people took him to the hospital, but he didn't live to say to her the last words: I LOVE YOU.

As Fiona read it, her eyes flooded full of tears. It was then that she suddenly heard someone knocking at the door.

"Who is it?' She asked.

"It's me, Bernard."

She opened the door and gave a smile. She looked as if she was crying.

"What happened, Fiona?" Bernard asked.

"I read the incomplete story of the book." Fiona said.

Now I Know, that it was not Jacob. Jacob wanted me to know, but I guess he was too late. But I am Happy. Even after all this I can get over him. May be if I hadn't tried to reconnect with him, even after his death this would have not happened. It was my attempts that let that ominous angry creature out and put you all in danger.

That thing behaved like Jacob but I now know with certainty that it was not my Jacob.

"Oh! Now come on lets join our friends."

May be this was all meant to be

"I'm coming." Fiona said.

Yes, she was going. But not to her friends. She was going back to her love... She was going to complete the incomplete story.

Never again would this ghost capture anyone because he would soon get back his true love… and so I would find mine

Author's Bio

Hi all! Well, let me first introduce myself, I am Rishika Mirchandani, 28 years old, English teacher based at Puna. I love teaching children and, reading stories to them.

But, my true love are novels, it is only after a pacing career of eight years that I learned my true passion and this is when I came up with Fiona and Jacob. The journey towards "The Captured" has been an enlightening one. I find a very evident struggle of sorrow and relief in the story. I am really glad to be an author and to be able to share it with you. Writing is my salvation, a release I had always looked for. I hope you savor this book as much as I have in writing it.

All the best for your future endeavors.

Thank you.