My head was banging on the fogged up window of the school bus. Bang! one ... Bang! two ... Bang! three ... Three, that's how many days we've been back to school. no more summer, sun and fun, back to high school. I do believe now not wearing a coat was a bad idea, as the rain poured down hitting the old vessel of a yellow submarine. Ice water slowly oozes through the gaps between the window and the bus itself, showing its age. My trusty yellow backpack sat sluggishly next to me.

Looking down at my outfit I think this might be the worst, no coat and it's pouring down, a tight lilac wrap crop rib-knit top, with bell sleeves, black paper bag jeans and my light grey vans. My hair up and down, hair at each side of my face pulled back behind my head into a claw pearl hair clip.

A screech of the wheels and ache of the old vessel settling. Thudding doors swung open. A shock of frosty damp air rushed through the bus making every one its victim.

Fiddling with my locker key in my shaking wet hands. "Oh come on , come on !" I hush to myself.

In my locker are science textbooks, and my spare just incase pencil case with all the necessities. And right at the back of the shelf safely hidden away is my emergency snack. It was a big box of Kellogg's crunchy nut clusters, honey and nut flavor, and I had already eaten all the chocolate ones. What can I say, the first few back to school days are hard don't judge me. Just hope unlike last year I don't go up in size due to these habits. As I don't have the money to be buying a whole new wardrobe again.

Grabbing the physics textbook in my hand I close the locker and head to Mr Keller's classroom. But before I take the turn to the left I hurry back to my locker to collect a handful of honey nut clusters. Taking my usual seat near the front next to the door.

"Aaaatchooo!" Wiping a sore red bulbous nose with a damp hanky stood Mr Keller, in front of the smart board. This is the fifth time now that red nose has been wiped by that hanky, only six minutes into the lesson. His normally tidy desk, now a graveyard of tissues. Every time the corners of my mouth went south and my body grimaced back. I started spraying my table and hands down with my hand wash spray, meant to 'kill up to 98% of germs'. I hope that 2% don't come for me.

Heading to the cafeteria I stop at my locker unloading all my books, and grabbing a hand cupful of cereal. Once through the double swinging doors I head for the long line at the hot food counter. Looking side to side of the people in front of me, wondering what's available today.

Now displayed in front of me Mac & cheese, though it looks like the sauce is splitting, some pre-made sandwiches, salads and quiche ingredients listed are three cheeses, bacon, mushrooms and sweetcorn.

Shoving the last bits of the honey and nut clusters in my mouth, pondering what I fancy. Checking out the sandwiches in search for a brown bread cucumber, ham, sweetcorn and iceberg lettuce one. The best one. 'Cheese and ham. No. Tuna and sweetcorn. No. Sun-dried tomatoes and cheese. No.' Mumbling with a now half mouthful. A frown creased distorting my face.

'Hurry up.' The lady huffed from behind the counter. 'What will it be then?'

'Umm... I'll have.. ah...' eyes slipping back over the options, the split sauce Mac & cheese, the squished quiche and the sandwiches. ' I'll go with a slice of quiche, please.' It being the least worst.

Flinching and my mouth down turning as she scooped the quiche in her see-through gloved hand and smashed the frail quiche on the semicircle of the plastic plate/tray.

The lady went down to the next section, desserts.

A circle strawberry jam tart, all of them mishmash in size and in quantity of jam. Small sliver of white frosted and rainbow sprinkled sponge.

The smell hit me first, an aroma so warm and inviting, that could only belong to ginger cake.

'So what would yo-'

"Ooh! Ginger cake please!" My face beaming, this will make up for the sad squashed quiche.

'Drink.' Her unamused voice sounded out.

Bottles of water, sodas, juice, and chocolate milk and smoothies.

' A chocolate milk please.'

Grabbing my tray I turned around to scope out the cafeteria. Full and bustling with students, talk and gossip. The windows are dark grey with streaks running down. Sighing and heading for the double doors. After I go to the back of the school, there are some stairs that no-one really uses. Out of breath from walking up all the stars to the top where there is just the fire exit door to the roof and where the roof is slanting downwards above. I take my seat in the corner on the opposite side of the landing from the fire exit, next to a small box window. From my seat I can't  see if anyone is coming but I will probably be able to hear them but it's not like they can see me here, like I can't see them.

Taking the third fork full of quiche to my mouth I push the tray so now facing me is my beloved ginger cake, still warm. Leaving half the quiche.

Empty milk box discarded on the floor. No crumb of ginger cake insight. An abandoned half quiche. Legs spread out. Head leaning sideways on the wall.

'BBBBUUUURRRRPPP.!' Belted out my throat without my consent. Bringing me back into the world. Covering my mouth and looking around making sure that it did really come from me. Satisfied that I am alone I check the time. 'Shit!' I whispered. It's now the end of the day, well the last lesson. 'How the frick did that happen!' Flapping my arms trying to collect the evidence that I was there and missing steps to get to my locker throwing the evidence in now of the bins on my way.

Yanking at the locker door it finally opened. I grabbed my sports kit and slammed it shut, not checking to see if it closed properly. And ran to the changing rooms, to the sports hall.

'You're late miss Burrows' Ms Hanson's voice reached me before her. 'Half an hour late, got to say I think that's the longest yet.'  ' Hurry up and get outside.'

My gormless face produced a 'What?'

Ms Hanson stood tall, with a slim frame, greying hair, deep lines of wrinkles, a sharp pointy nose. Wearing her old team tracksuit, 'the Welch girls' embroidered on the back, on the left hand chest and the right legged hip. A smile making the lines in her face more prominent spread on her face ' oh you are in for a right treat. The boys and girls are now put together for gym class and they are currently outside.' Her smile grew as the colour drained from my face along with all the hope I had fro this year.

'No.' Whispered in disbelief.

'Yes!' Ms Hanson clapped her hands looking very close too laughing.

Head down and drag my feet along the shiny wooden gym floor to the fire exit door, where behind it led to the school field.

Terror hit my body as I saw they where doing track racing. ' no no no. please god from now on I'll be good. I've learnt my lesson, stop the punishment!' On my knees, hands praying and face towards the say.

'Stop being so dramatic!' Ms Hanson said as she walked past me towards the class.

Wiping off the mud from my bare knees I slowly start to walk over.

'Phoebe! Over here please!' I make my way closer to Ms Hanson, who is now standing near the track starting line. 'It is your turn now.'  Taking both my shoulders she forcefully moved me to stand on the white line. 'Harley!' One of the girls sat in the group made up of populars and turned some hair effortlessly falling each side of her face from her ponytail. ' you haven't run yet. Why don't you two race?' Ms Hanson said, patting my shoulder and back as she walked away.

'This is going to be sooo easy.' Harley whispered to her group while she stretched before meeting me at the white line. Them laughing behind her as she walked, making her shoulders push back and her spine to straighten, confidence and pride rippled off her.

'Shit.' I mumbled just before the whistle blew, our signal to run, only one lap.

'Wat...water.... Please ...' my pants stopping me from talking properly.

A smile on her face Ms Hanson handed me an unopened bottle of water.

Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.

Less than half the water left. Bending over feeling sick rises. ' uuuggg!' A soft pressure made its way on my back, in the shape of a hand. Oh it must be Ms Hanson ' Why ... Why did you do that to me?'

'I didn't do anything wrong!' A voice to masculine to be Ms Hanson's. The colour drained from my face yet again, the feeling of sickness found its way back to me. Now the voices of laughter hit my ears. Spinning up, I turned around to see a boy, taller than me not by much, grey eyes, light brown hair and a dimple on his left cheek and on his chin when he smiled and laughed. ' Hi I am Wilbur, Wilbur Haynes.' Extending a hand.

'Um... I am Phoebe Burrows.' Accepting his hand in mine.

'You did really well out there.'

'how I lost and it wasn't one where it was a so close win she was like already halfway through the track just as I was setting off. Drugs!' I exclaim.

A breathy 'what?' Said through a laugh.

'Drugs, its the only way she could do that. She must be using performance  hastening drugs'

'Okay but why would she use them? Just to win one gym track race?'

'Ugh! I don't know!' Rising my hands to the sky as I throw myself on the field muddy grass , closing my eyes lying on my front.

After getting changed I went to the toilet and saw dry mud on the left side of my face. Collecting water in my hands and scrubbing all in vain as the resilient mud stayed.

'It's fine, I am just going home anyway.' I shrug and walk to my locker.

Collecting my bag and a generous handful of honey nut clusters, as I deserve them I've been traumatised.

Once I finished the hand full off I swung my backpack over my shoulders as well as my sports kit, as that needs to be washed.

"You belong to me!" A voice came from behind me as I was checking I had everything, and pondering if I should get myself another handful for the road home.

My face creased "You what ?!" I turn around while closing my locker, by accident with my backpack which has my sports kit bag on it as well.

"You're mine!" Eyes darkening, and mouth sneering. Jeez he should really get something for that, like man go see a doctor and leave me alone.

"I think not!" I Pushed past him. This bitch, now I can't have my honey nut clusters on my way home. Rage consumed me.

Contact was short and brief but electrifying. Before I could think more he had me, had me. No grabbed me around the waist. Hulling me over his right shoulder. A small breathy gasp left my parted lips, sounding like a grunt as his shoulder walked on my hip as he strutted out the school building. There will definitely be a bruise tomorrow. What a complete and utter arsehole.

'You bitch! Let go of me!' I scream all down the corridor to his car. Shit his car. Shit. Shit. Shit. From all the true crime I've watched I know that once the kidnapped victim has reached a secondary location the chances of survival dramatically diminish. Frickity frack!

Swigging violently to make his grip loose or to make him come off balance. But no god is against me today. Whispers catch my ears, people will help me. Yes!

'Stop standing around and can you please help me!' I roared. They froze and looked my way. Yes! Yes! Yes! Take that you caveman! But nothing most walked or ran away and some just looked on. 'What great help you all are!' I spat.

Next thing I am gently placed into the passenger seat at the front of the car not the boot. Interesting...

He leaned over and fastened my seat belt before slamming the door and jumping in the driver's seat. Speeding off. I tried to make conversation but there were some grunts here and there. Now on a narrow country lane, one I know that heads out of town, towards the woods. This is it, he's gonna kill me!

' Oh **** it.' I whispered and undid my seat belt, opened my door, arms up over my head and rolled out.

Head banging, knees scraping. 'Ouch!'

The skid of tires on the dirt road. A slamming door.

'Shit.' I breathe out.

Got on my feet and ran. Full on sprint. Not wanting to go in a straight line I jump over the low wire fence hidden by the shrubbery. Cross the sheep filled field sat an old worn farm house with a green ford car out in the front. Okay so someone must be home.

An open window, nice. Going head first, putting my hands down on the bathroom sink that is positioned below the window and carefully got to the ground.

Nice try arsehole, now try and get me now!

A heavy knock came and a door opened, letting heavy footprints in. Wait, how did he get here so fast? Is he on performance  hastening drugs as well? I mean if it is him.

Pushing myself up against the bathroom door ...

'Sorry to bother you but I believe that someone I am looking for is in this house.'

'Oh um ... come in then'

'Sorry again,'

'No bother.'

Footsteps getting closer I move back to the open window to escape. Just before I poked my head out a hand grabbed my elevated ankle. No no no. wiggling, kicking, everything but the grip didn't loosen. That arsehole! A battle cry ripped through my throat as I was slowly pulled out the window and off the sink. My fist flying out in hopes of hurting this arsehole.

All my actions were in vain. Now held tight in his arms, my heart beating out my chest I could see the entrance to the bathroom and there stood an old couple. My eyes pleading with them to help me. Adrenaline wearing off, my body ached, stung and was exhausted. Watery eyes Turing everything blurry. So this is it? Going to die before I've even lived! Trying to fight back my heavy eyelids to no avail.

Sweet smell of freshly baked warm ginger cake caught my nose wafting gently around me, filling the air with its aroma. The sweet tempting fragrance was not all fresh warm ginger cake but fresh warm ginger cake with sticky runny caramel sauce. Mouth watering.

Hypnotised, like a moth to a flame, my feet made their way closer to the looming smell. A door. That's where the aroma leads me. A white wooden door. Wait ...

Spinning around, dizzying my head, this is definitely not my bedroom. Shit! I am in the secondary location! I am as good as dead!

Falling to the floor on my knees, head up to the unfamiliar ceiling. ' God why ? Please tell me why are you so cruel to me?' I sob through loud mouthfuls of air.

'The door!' I race to it and menacingly strangle the metal handle. ' locked. Shit! Well what was I expecting? He just left the door open for me to just wander out. Think Phoebe! Think!'

'The windows!' Climbing clumsily over the bed messing the sheets up, to get to the over side of the room. Two big windows claiming dominance over me. 'Okay, you've got this.' My feet bouncing on the light wood floor. Klick! 'Yes!' My outstretched hand let go of the window. I carefully climbed through. Out on the ledge, looking down like three? No four ? Stories. 'Frick!' To the left standing helpful is an old oak tree, its beaches lush green strides spreading far and wide. 'Thank you tree.' Patting the bark trunk as my bare feet made contact with the grass. What? Bare feet? I remember having shoes on...

My attire now is made up of a white t-shirt and ... shit that's it. No! Nothing else, just a white t-shirt that barely covers my bum. 'What a creep. Pervert!'

Debating whether or not to go back for my bag, clothes and phone. No I can't this is about my survival above all else I will not die today!

Harsh bark hands grabbed at my exposed skin as golden leaves squish beneath my feet and toes. Got to get out, go home, call the police. Hug my older brother. A perilous howl echoed around me, in full defence I pushed my sore legs harder, clenching my newly shaking hands. Got to stay alive, got to get home. Trees whipping my body as I recklessly try to navigate the never ending woods.

Light! Iridescent light! Heavy eyelids opening a little wider. Yes! Nearly there.

Onto the dirt road, rounding the corner, making contact with pavement, going up Lonnie road and weaving in and out of Alf street, turning the last corner making it on to Albert road. The twelfth house down, with a light blue door. ' ah ... home at last.' A heavy sigh left my body as I Walts up the drive. 'Shit! I don't have my keys.'

Bang! Bang! Bang!

'Jeez I am coming!' My brother's voice, muffled by the door. Tears started to prick my eyes.

'Edric!' I jump wrapping the confused him in my arms. Pushing away from my hug Edric walked back inside plonking himself on the old sofa picking up his controller. 'Edric? Why aren't you celebrating? I am home.'

'Whoop ity doo!' His eyes are not leaving the tv screen, which is displaying his character in a war zone shooting at each other.

'Didn't you notice I was gone?' I huff walking to the side of him making sure I am in his line of sight, hands on hips. 'I got kidnapped!'

'Uh, yeah sure you did.' He said, raising a bushy caterpillar-like eyebrow.

Folding my arms over my chest I walk past the TV to the kitchen. Food and maybe a drink. A small kitchen like the rest of the house. Fringe, quarter block of cheese, mouldy grapes, a packet of wrinkly bell peppers and a carton of milk still in date. Cupboard one, pasta bag, jar of curry sauces, canned vegetables, Kelloggs cornflakes and some seasonal salt pepper paprika and five spice. Next cupboard a packet of fourteen bags of chips, flavours cheese and onion, chicken, hot cheese, salt and ginger, barbecue.

'Umm ... cheese and onion.'

Waltzing back into the living room I took the armchair.  What am I doing? I need to go with the police. Shooting up off the armchair chips falling to the ground. Hand on the handle ... wait should I get changed first? I ran upstairs grabbing some knickers and pulling them on. Slide my feet into my old trainers and take Edric's keys in hand.

'Ah! Ramos street. The station should be on the next corner.'

Busting through the double doors ' I'll like to report a kidnapping!' I roared.

All eyes looking at me scared and worried. I look down and slowly make my way to the reception desk.

'A kidnapping was it?'

'Yes!' I say too loud.

'Name?'

'Phoebe Burrows.'

Wheeling her chair over to the phone ' yeah ....mmm ... best to get DI Godfrey down... yeah ... okay ... thank you.' Wheeling back squeaking, a forced smile on her red overpainted lips ' it won't be long would you like to have a seat.'

I didn't take a seat I can't. Pacing back-and-forth in front of the desk. Really wishing I could have my honey nut clusters.

The door next to the desk opened revealing a man in his late thirties in a smart shirt, slacks and pointed shoes. ' Phoebe Burrows?'

Now I sat in an office room with him at his desk, me sitting opposite.

'Kidnapping?' Rising an eyebrow

'Yes.'

'Okay, this is serious business. If we find out you are making this up there will be consequences.'

'I am not, it is a real kidnap!'

'So name, how long they have been missing, etc.' 'you know the basic information.'

'Okay.' Taking a deep breath. 'Phoebe Burr-'

'No not your name, the person who has allegedly been kidnapped.'

'Oh but I was the one kidnapped.'

He didn't say anything but the way he paused and looked at me said everything. ' you're saying that you got kidnapped?' Pointing a finger at me.

'Yes when I was leaving school!' Why are people finding this new information so hard to understand?

'Okay, are you hurt in any way?'

'Um no...'

'Mmm' he started typing on the keys. 'Do you remember anything about the person who kidnapped you or the place you were?'

'Umm ... he was a male, was taller than me...mmm ...uh ...had a sports fast car ....and he took me to a house in the woods.' 'That's all I can really remember'

'Okay, did you get an address? Number plate?'

'No...' I said in a small voice.

'How come you're here now?'

'Well I escaped.'a little bit of pride flowed through me.

'How?'

'Through the window, it was unlocked, you see.'

'Mmm.' 'Well thank you for your time, do you have a phone number we can contact for you.'

'No as he took all my things and still has them, my phone included.' 'oh! Wait, this is his shirt. I believe I woke up wearing it.' ' Do you need it like for DNA, to find out who he is?'

'No, you can keep the shirt.'

Strange, I wonder why? Mmmm .....

' You can leave now.' He said standing up going over to the bleeping printer.

'Oh yes okay bye.' Leaving with a weak wave, not even looking to see if he saw or waved back.

Back home I collect a plastic bag from the kitchen and rush to my room that barely fits the single bed in and take off the t-shirt as carefully as possible and fold it into the plastic bag. Placing the bag under my bed for safe keeping. Just in case they need it.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

'Uhhhgg!' Making sure only my hand goes out the safe warm covers to the icy land, in search of my phone. Patting my desk, that is placed next to my bed. Nothing. 'What?' My voice comes out like a frog. Now both hands and arms out in the cold searching. 'Oh wait, I don't have my phone.' I sighed, curling back into my cocoon.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

'OH MY GOD! What the hell is that noise!' Springing out of bed, my body immediately engulfed in goose bumps. Stumbling out of my room I follow the god forsaking beeping to my brother's room. Should I open his door? Oh there could be so many unsightly things in there. Taking a big gulp I harshly pushed the door open, eyes closed. Peeking out of one eye I see my brother sprawled out hugging his covers. Next to him his phone alarm going off, flashing 06:55. Jeez, why so early? Hitting him over the head with his pillow that I got from under his head. Nothing but what was I thinking if that beeping didn't wake him up nothing will. Turning off the alarm I leave shutting his room door behind me.

After being in bed for 15 minutes and now I can hear my brother noisily waking up, going to the bathroom, brushing his teeth, stomping downstairs, pouring cereal and milk out into his bowl.

'Why do you hate me god? Can't I have a peaceful day anymore?' Opening my wardrobe I pick out black sports leggings, though I won't be doing much sport in them, a white strap top and a navy blue very large hoodie. Hair in a high ponytail.

'I am going to work now!' My brother yells from down stairs.

'Okay!' 'Wait can you leave your keys, I lost mine!'

'Um sure!'

Slam went the front door. Food time !

Blasting the radio, and dancing on the kitchen tiles I make my breakfast of some misshaped pancakes. Sat eating in my armchair I turn on the news. The bottom of the screen shows the time, 8:45. 'Shit! I am late.' Looking down to my lovely babies I shrug ' it's worth it' savouring every mouthful. Pulling my trainers on and tying them as best I could, which is quite shocking. I pocketed  my brother's keys in the hoodie and walked off to school. A nice leisure walk.

Greeted by a pacing wall of a person. Black flopping over his face, his hands running through it keeping it from his face. I took a sharp intake, making a loud noise. Once I saw his eyes, they were Heterochromia. One blue and the other one brown. 'Wow' I whisper I've never seen anyone with those eyes before. His jaw looked like it could cut through anything, even Edric's attempt at making homemade bread. To call him a god would be an understatement, his muscles flexed in his a bit tight white t-shirt. 'Oh my' my mouth hanging open, surely some drool, to add to my crazed look.

'Anything I can help you with?' He said with a smirk on his lips. His hand scratched an itch at the back of his neck. Increasing the amazing view. His arm raised meant the bottom of his top lifted showing a sneak peek of his toned body. Caught staring again, our eyes meet.

'Oh no! Just going to school.' I said while miming walking on the spot. I am so embarrassed, why Phoebe? Why? It's such a cruel world!

Laughing 'well go on then' he gestured for me to go first.

'Oh no you. You were here before me.' He didn't move, so I did. 'So how come you were outside?' I asked, swinging my arms back and thought as we walk together down the corridor, me in front of him walking backwards.

'Just getting some air.' 'How come you where late?'

'Pancakes.' I said casually turning around to walk forward. A smile played on his face. He looked down, shaking his head, making me grin widely.

'Today class we will be- ' oh miss burrows! And Mr may! It's very kind of you to join us.' Mrs Clem gestured for us to take a seat. Taking the last empty table, I pulled the stool out. 'Don't forget to work with your lab partners' taking the chemistry set out the tray sat on my table. I follow the instructions Mrs Clem wrote on the whiteboard. ' Emmett, go sit down!' My view blurred by the goggles, I can make out Emmett standing at the front near Mrs Clem. Looking down and sticking out his bottom lip. 'But Mrs Clem, I wasn't in our first chemistry lesson.' 'So I don't have a partner.'

'Oh well....' Her blue eyes landed on me. No no no! Please, god please I am fine working by myself. 'Why don't you go sit next to Phoebe, she doesn't have a partner either. As no one picked her.' Oh thanks for the last part Mrs Clem, so unnecessary. A cheeky smile plastered on his face as he basically skipped to me. 'Hey partner.' He whispered. 'Ugh! Not you again.' My focus is all on carefully pouring an oil coloured liquid from a test tube into a beaker of see-through liquid. Rising it with a lollipop stick and pouring the cloudy liquid into the graduated cylinder. 'So what are we doing?' This time closer to my ear. Flinching, nearly falling off my stool. I scowl. His innocent eyes sparkling. Bitch.

He was there all day. The bitch wouldn't leave me alone even when I was by myself i still felt his eyes staring at me. Because of him I couldn't get my daily dose of honey nut clusters. Lunch time all in the line his arm kept brushing on mine, once we got to the food he handed me my usual - sandwich, chocolate milk but no ginger cake today. Making me confused as all day I smelt ginger cake. I must be really craving some. He tried to get me to sit with him and his friends but I said 'no.' and walked off up the stairs to my little place.

'Miss phoebe burrows to the office please!' The loud speakers echoed as I just punched the straw through the foil on my chocolate milk. Walking, taking sips of my milk I reach the desk smiling at the lady with the straw in my mouth. She pointed to the right. Standing there was 'DI Godfrey ?'

'Hello, miss burrows. I am here to inform you of your report-'

'Oh have you found him? Or have you got any leads? ... hav- '

'Miss burrows if you let me finish.'

'Oh umm .... Sorry.'

'Thank you. Back to what I was saying, we have discussed it and due to low evidence and low danger, as you are stood here right now, we have decided not to look into it - '

'What ! You can't do that! it's your job, it's what you get paid for, to protect and hold out the law!'

'Miss burrows!' 'We have decided not to look into it as of yet, as it doesn't show signs of a high risk case.' Then he was gone out the doors and in his stupid police car. My hands wet, looking down I saw my milk carton smashed and bent in my hand. Chocolate milk running down. Drip .... Drip .... Drip ...