I couldn't believe it. I stared harder. This time I didn't see anything. Maybe it was just a trick of the light.

The girl started the tow truck. I looked at her but couldn't make out much of her features in the dark.

She chatted nonstop during the entire ride while chewing a gum loudly.

"Hi. I am Sabrina Watson. so are you new to this town? I haven't seen you before."

"Yes." I replied.

"Welcome to Audserbury. It's really nice to meet you. I have lived here my entire life. Oh, how silly of me. I forgot to ask - where should I drop you?"

"Um, I was lost actually when I called you. I need to go to..." I fumbled around in my purse looking for the address. It wasn't there. Maybe I had dropped it.

"Do you know any Mr.Philippe Vincent? He is leasing out his apartment to me."

"Omg, he is my neighbour. I won't have to go very far now." She looked extremely pleased. " If you ever need any help don't be afraid to ask for it."

"That's really nice of you."

I smiled at her and she smiled back.

We drove around for a bit when she stopped the car in front of a two-storeyed house.

"Here we are. This is Mr Philly's house," she said. And pointing towards a smaller house " And that's mine."

She unhooked my car and opened the trunk. Taking out the groceries, she left the luggage in the trunk. I helped her with the groceries.

We walked towards the front door. It was locked.

Luckily, Sabrina had Philly's number. we called him and he told us that the keys were under the flowerpot on the front porch and that my room was on the second floor.

Huffing and puffing up the stairs, we kept all the stuff in my room.

"Well, I got to get going. my mum keeps texting me. See ya around."

Thanking her, I showed her out.

As soon as I reached my bed, I promptly collapsed on it. I was really thankful for the fact that as soon as mum had gotten to know about the shift, she had made sure that I got a really good furnished room.

Even though it was a little small, my fully furnished room was clean and airy with a large window above my bed and one on the adjoining wall.

The only downside was that the kitchen and bathroom were downstairs.

I thought about all the strange things I had seen today. I felt really tired. Before I knew it, my mind began drifting off and I went off to sleep

The next morning dawned bright and clear. I woke up feeling confused about the events of the previous night. Bright sunshine streaming down on my face from the big window above my head.

Groaning, I tried to get up. I thought about last night again - the screaming in the woods, the hand moving in the back of Ethan's car- all of it seemed like a bad dream.

I lay there for a second. I didn't have to start my new job until two days later. Getting up, I opened the window. Even though the sun was shining brightly, a cold chilly wind was blowing. Shivering, I decided to stay indoors and set up all my things. I walked to my car to get the luggage from the trunk. Hauling out the suitcases, I began walking towards the front door, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a piece of paper lying on the floor near the front seat. It was probably the address of this place. I picked it up thinking that might need it later.

As I bent over to pick it up, I heard scrunching of twigs behind me. My heart started beating faster.

It was probably nothing. Then I heard what sounded like a jacket brushing against the hedge. I whirled around. I couldn't see anybody. A sudden chill came over me. Grabbing my suitcase, I ran indoors as fast as I could.

For a small town, this surely didn't feel as safe and homely as I had expected.

I just had a really bad feeling.

After spending the whole morning straightening up my things, I realized I hadn't eaten since morning. Not in the mood to cook, I decided to try a local cafe.

As soon as I stepped out of the house, I saw Sabrina. I waved to her and she came up to me.

"What's up?"

" I am just going to try a local cafe. Wanna come with me?"

"Sorry . I would love to but I have to work tonight. Rain-check?"

"Sure."

"Try Barney's. Everyone loves it and it's not too far from here."

I found the cafe quite easily. as soon as I entered, the warm smell of baking hit me. ordering a crumpet and a large cappuccino, I sat down.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, the waiter was shaking me awake. Scarfing down my meal, I got up to leave. My head felt unusually light.

I began walking home, the cool wind swirling around me. By now darkness had fallen.
My hair whipped around, I was feeling a little chilly. Drawing my coat closer around me, I started walking a little faster, determined to get home sooner this time. After all the crazy events of last night, I didn't feel safe around here.

I got to my apartment and fished around in my bag for the key, I put it in the lock turning it about. It didn't turn. It must have got stuck. I tried again with all my strength. I turned and twisted but it didn't budge.

I yanked it hard and gasped as the key flew forward my arm twisting. I yelled, nursing my twisted hand.

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I turned on the flashlight. Sitting on my knees, I tried to find the key. I finally spotted it lying some way off. As I bend down to pick it up, I again heard a twig crack behind me. With my heart hammering in my chest, I picked up my bag and ran to the door, trying to unlock it. I finally managed to do so and slammed the door shut.

Trying to calm my nerves, I decided to call my mom. She had been worried as she had not heard from me yesterday. I described the house but I left out the details of the bizarre events from last night. She would just worry and call me back. I didn't want to lose this job.

Before going to bed, I wanted to read something. I had always loved reading since I was a child. I picked up the fault in our stars and started reading. I didn't like the idea of sleeping alone tonight, but I had no choice.

I was woken up by curtains flapping over my face.

Apparently, I had fallen asleep while reading. The lights were still on. Wiping the drool off the corner of my chin, I got

up and switched off the lights and returned to bed. Turning over I tried to sleep again. but sleep evaded me. Sighing, I got up and looked out of the window. There was a beautiful moon outside. a full moon. Suddenly, I heard a long howl, a terrible voice that went on and on. I felt my blood chill. The long drawn out sound hurt my ears. I threw my hands on my ears and hurled myself back on my bed. Throwing the covers on my head, I lay there trembling.
                          ***

I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Is the story going too fast or is the pacing okay?😊😊 Do vote and comment.❤❤