Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

I run through the forest, but I don't know where I'm going. 

I just know that I have to escape. I have to live.

I can hear Parker behind me.

He's running too.

I can hear him screaming my name.

"Rachel," he yells. "Faster! Whatever happens, you keep running!"

I can hear Lance behind him. He's yelling, too.

"You'll never be free of me, Rachel. Not ever."

My heart sinks. I know he's right.

But then there's Parker's voice, brave and clear and strong.

"I won't let you have her."

I'm going to kill you, you son of a bitch" Lance replies, "and then I'm going to kill her."

The words seem to echo through the forest.

"I won't let you touch her," Parker insists.

"Like you could stop me."

I stop then. I can tell they're about to fight. And I can't just leave him there on his own.

But then Parker yells at me again.

"Run, Rachel. Just run!"

And as much as I want to argue, my fear takes over, and I run.

With every step, I know I need to turn back.