Page 30 of Love Under Siege

"Lana!" I say firmly, causing her to turn her head towards me. "Your constant pacing and checking isn't helping anyone. It's making me nervous. Please, just sit down."

She lets out a loud sigh and plops onto the couch. "I just want to make sure you're safe," she says in frustration.

Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my knees and fold my hands before gently looking at her. "I understand your concern and appreciate you wanting to keep me safe. But all your checking and double-checking won't change anything. So please, just try to relax a bit."

She slouches in defeat but nods her head in agreement. "Fine, I'll try my best to tone it down. But I won't stop keeping an eye on you."

"Okay, that's fair," I reply with a small smile.

As Lana finally settles down on the couch, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt for snapping at her. She's only trying to protect me, just like Jacob and everyone else. The weight of their concern presses down on me, both comforting and suffocating at the same time.

I move to sit beside Lana, feeling the warmth of her presence beside me. "Thank you, Lana. I know you're just looking out for me," I say softly, reaching out to squeeze her hand in gratitude.

She offers me a small smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and determination. "Always, Anya. I promised Jacob I'd watch over you, and I intend to keep that promise."

Her mention of Jacob brings a pang to my heart. Since meeting him, he has always been my rock, my safe space through the darkest of times.

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to push away the lingering worry and fear that gripped my heart. "I miss him, Lana," I confess quietly, feeling tears threatening to spill over.

Lana's hand tightens around mine, offering silent support. "I know, it's hard having him away, especially with everything going on."

As we sit in the living room, the clock ticking loudly in the background, I feel a sense of unease settling over me once more. A sudden shiver runs down my spine, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill that seeps into my bones. Lana notices my discomfort and moves closer, her comforting presence a balm to my frayed nerves.

"Anya, we'll get through this. Together," Lana whispers, her voice filled with quiet determination.

I nod in agreement, determined to get up and start my day. "Let's have some lunch first, and then we can go shopping for workout gear before the self-defense class tonight," I suggest with enthusiasm. Lana's face lights up at the mention of shopping. "Girl! you know how to win me over," she jokes with a laugh.

After lunch we head out to a nearby sports store, the cool breeze outside is a welcome change from the stifling atmosphere in the house. Lana's infectious energy is a stark contrast to the tension that constantly lingers within me.

I try to focus on picking out workout gear, but my mind keeps wandering back to the stalker. The thought of someone watching, waiting, fills me with a sense of dread that refuses to dissipate. Even with Lana by my side, the fear coils in the pit of my stomach like a slithering serpent.

As we browse through the racks of workout clothes and gear, Lana is like a whirlwind of color and enthusiasm, pulling out various items for me to try on. Her energy brings me out of my dark thoughts.

"Anya, you have to get this one! It'll make you look like a total badass," Lana exclaims, holding up a sleek black sports bra with matching leggings.

I chuckle at her eagerness and shake my head. "I think I'll stick to something a bit more low-key Lana. Besides, I doubt anyone will be looking at my outfit during the class."

Lana pouts playfully but eventually relents, helping me pick out a few comfortable yet practical workout outfits. As we finish up our shopping, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the full-length mirror at the end of the aisle. The image that stares back at me is a stark reminder of the turmoil that has consumed my life in recent weeks. Dark circles under my eyes betray the sleepless nights spent in fear, and the tension that lines my face speaks volumes of the constant unease that grips my heart. Lana's vibrant presence beside me casts a sharp contrast to my own subdued demeanor, highlighting the weight of responsibility that rests on my shoulders.

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the heavy cloak of anxiety that threatens to suffocate me. Today is about taking a step forward, reclaiming a sense of control in the face of looming threats. Self-defense class may be just one small part of that journey, but it is a crucial step towards empowerment, towards breaking free from the shackles of fear.

As we approach the checkout counter, Lana's infectious chatter fills the air, momentarily dispelling the lingering shadows that cling to my thoughts. The cashier greets us with a warm smile, scanning our items as Lana continues to gush about her excitement for the class. I nod along, grateful for her unwavering support and light-hearted demeanor that eases the heaviness in my chest.

After we paid for our items, Lana insisted on grabbing a couple of smoothies from a nearby cafe before heading home. The cool, refreshing drink is a welcome relief from the tension that has been coiled tight within me. As we sit at a small table by the window, sipping our smoothies, Lana's phone buzzes with a text notification. She glances down at the screen, furrowing her brows in confusion.

"Who was that?" I ask, curious about the sudden change in her expression.

Lana's eyes flick up to meet mine, a mix of concern and disbelief clouding her features. "It's from an unknown number. They're asking if we're enjoying our shopping trip," she says, her voice tinged with nervousness.

I snatch Lana's phone and stare at the messages on the screen. Why are they contacting her now? Guilt and fear churn in my stomach, knowing that I may have put Lana in even more danger by involving her in this mess. "Lana, I can't let you help me anymore," I say, returning her phone to her. She looks at me with shock. "What?" she responds.

"I can't bear to put you in any more danger than I already have by dragging you into this," I say solemnly.

She scoffs, "Girl, please. I chose to be here. There was no way I was going to let you face this alone!" she declares.

"Lana, I -

She raises her hand, cutting me off, "No, Anya! You didn't force me into this or twist my arm. I'm here because I want to be," she insists.

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