Chapter 3 NORA
NORA
I’M BEING WATCHED.
At least it feels that way. A tingling sensation inches down my spine and I slow to a walk.
Turning around, I stop, breathing hard. My lungs feel like they’re on fire.
I hastily wipe the sweat from my eyes, peering around me.
I’m completely alone, but I can’t shake the sensation of having eyes on my back.
Maybe it’s just my self-conscious thoughts creeping in.
I’ve never been a runner, nor have I ever had the desire to be one, but I’d like to challenge myself to learn and achieve it. I’m not planning to enter any marathons or anything, but if I could run a few kilometres without dropping back to a walk, I’d be pretty happy with that.
Exhaling, I tighten my ponytail and push forward, picking up a steady rhythm.
The thump, thump, thump of my joggers connecting with the cement grounds me in a way that I never thought exercise could.
I’ve heard of this ‘runner’s high’ before, but now that I’m experiencing it, I must admit it’s quite addictive.
I love how I feel after doing this, and it’s encouraging me to do it more and more.
The sky is streaked with pink and orange, the heat of the day finally easing, a cool breeze rolling over me, carrying the salty tang of the ocean.
I love running at twilight; the view is incredible.
As I’m cooped up inside so much with writing and studying, it’s nice to be out in nature, enjoying the breeze and the sound of kookaburras in the trees.
This is the point of the track where I usually go off through the hills of the forest area near campus.
It’s a very popular running track, so I often pass plenty of other walkers and runners on my way, but I just feel off today.
A strange sense of unease has embedded in me and the thought of going out of sight and isolating myself, even if there will potentially be others around, makes me think twice. Instead, I keep following the footpath.
Gravel crunches behind me and I whip my head back and stare at the path I just ran, but there is no one there.
I’m half-tempted to put my headphones back on and blast the audiobook I was playing, but I’m concerned that if someone is following me, I won’t hear them coming.
Maybe I need to slow down on the true crime podcasts …
A car engine starts and I glance over my shoulder as a black SUV pulls away from the curb and drives past me.
It noticeably slows down and I turn to stare at it, but the windows are tinted to the point where I can’t see inside.
It then takes off at such a dramatic speed that I stop, blinking after it, my brows furrowed. What the hell was that about?
‘Idiots,’ a voice behind me says and I startle, pivoting to face a guy that is dressed in trackpants, a singlet and runners. He shakes his head, looking down the road.
Swallowing, I take a healthy step away from him, feeling the need to increase the distance between us. I don’t know where he came from, I literally just checked behind me and there was no one there.
‘They always speed down this road,’ I agree, my voice coming out a little shaky, but I’m hoping he thinks it’s from the running, and not because I’m on high-alert and ready to run if need be – although there is no chance I could outrun this guy.
He looks fit as hell, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is on the football team, or maybe plays one of the other sports, since I don’t recognise him.
He continues jogging, and I wait a good minute, watching his retreating form.
I don’t release a breath until he is well out of sight.
My shoulders sag, and I decide to speed walk the rest of the way home.
I feel so paranoid, and I don’t know why.
I’ve never been like this before, but it honestly feels like someone is watching me, and the way that car just slowed down like that … it’s bizarre.
I rush up the steps and practically fall through the door.
The place is deserted, and I’m relieved that I don’t have to talk to anyone.
I rush to my room, where I gather my things and go to the bathroom.
After a long shower that makes me feel considerably more human again, I flop down onto my bed and reach for my kindle.
My bed, with a good book and a glass of wine beside me, is my happy place.
It’s content and peaceful here. I stick to water tonight, deciding that as part of my new health journey, wine is for the occasional dinner with friends, not a regular occurrence.
I want to take this seriously. I’ve never liked the look of my body, and it’s time I really start to knuckle down and try to improve all the parts of me I don’t like.
I already feel so much better off for it.
The front door of our apartment opens, followed by the sound of heels clicking on the floor and giggles.
I sigh, staring up at the ceiling for a moment.
I thought living in a shared apartment would be a good opportunity to mingle with people and make friends, but I feel completely isolated from them. Like I’m invisible.
Switching off the light, I roll to my side and close my eyes, letting sleep take over.
The next morning, I tick things off my list. I love lists. They help me stay sane.
Walk, check.
Shower, check.
Morning skin care and make-up routine, check.
Coffee, check.
Write at least 1000 words, check.
Soak up some sunshine and read five chapters of my current read, check.
I’m feeling pleased with myself and my productivity as I also manage to clean the entire apartment, cull some clothes that I no longer wear and remove a rather persistent stain in the corner of my room that was left by the last tenant. That’s been something I’ve wanted to do for three months.
I continue looking for my bracelet that I lost last week.
I remember putting it down on my bedside table before my shower, and when I returned, it was no longer there.
I thought it might have slipped off and fallen underneath my bed, but I’ve searched the entire room and come up empty handed.
The door to my room was unlocked, but surely no one would have come in here.
The bracelet isn’t that expensive, but it holds more sentimental value than anything, since my best friend growing up gave it to me, and she passed away a few years ago.
It’s the one thing in my room that I am really attached to.
Bree was someone who was very special to me, and I feel her absence in my life like a hole in my heart.
By the time the afternoon rolls around, the sun is shining and I’m on my way over to Anya’s house to catch up with her and Cami. Even when Cami and I lived together she was hardly home, and I would see more of her outside of the apartment than in it.
Music floats through the open front door as I step inside, kicking off my sandals. Anya is in the kitchen, moving around as she creates some sort of cocktail concoction.
‘That smells divine,’ I say, pointing to the candle nearby.
‘Oh hey,’ she tosses over her shoulder, beaming at me. ‘How’s it going?’
‘Good! I’ve been busy doing chores, and I am so ready for a drink.’
‘Well then, perfect timing.’ She hands a cocktail glass to me. I inspect it; it’s glittery pink with a strawberry on top.
‘This looks lush,’ I comment, wafting it under my nose.
She winks. ‘Just a little something I threw together. Have a taste.’
Bringing it to my lips, I take a sip of the fruity sweetness. ‘Oh,’ I moan, licking my lips. ‘Yum!’
‘Good, right?’
‘Bloody beautiful.’
‘Oh, you can put that up in the spare room,’ Anya says, noticing the bag slung on my shoulder. ‘You and Cami can share it, if that’s cool.’
‘Yeah, of course!’
‘You know the way?’ she asks.
‘Yup,’ I reply, turning and trotting towards the stairs.
Taking them two at a time, I get to the top floor easily and move down the hallway to the spare room.
I swing the bag onto the bed. Heading back out, I pause, waiting to hear any noises or movement from the other rooms, but it appears that Mason and Zayden aren’t home.
They might be out doing something with the team.
I love their house. It’s so calm and quiet here, with a lot more space than my cramped apartment.
The neighbourhood is open, dotted with gum trees, with lorikeets screeching from the branches.
Merinda Waters is a good area. Far enough from campus, but close enough to the city that it’s convenient to get anywhere.
I wouldn’t mind buying a house around here, at least while I’m studying.
I have a few things planned for my future investments, and I think this would be an excellent place to start the process.
A year ago, I was living week to week, unsure I would even survive coming to university.
The fact that I have the opportunity to invest funds is literally crazy to me.
Initially, I wasn’t in a rush to purchase a house, but if the environment at the apartment doesn’t improve, I might be buying earlier than expected.
The whole process is overwhelming, especially since I haven’t spoken to any family about it, since hardly anyone knows I’m even able to do this.
By the time I return downstairs, Cami has arrived, and we almost collide when I jump off of the last step.
She grabs my arms, steadying me as I almost go flying.
We burst into laughter, seeing as that is exactly how we first met.
She is always running late, rushing from one place to another, and we’ve connected headfirst on more than one occasion.
‘You gotta slow it down,’ I tell her.