471 Diamond Ct

Chapman, New Jersey

Amanda's POV

I was stuffing my mouth with a chicken quesadilla from Wawa, and washed it down with a chocolate milkshake, savoring the zestiness of it all. My husband, Richard was getting ready to leave for Thailand. Jealously had a tight grasp on me. I wasn't allowed to go with him, as he had to go on an important business trip in Southeast Asia. Richard worked for United Enterprises.

"I sure am gonna miss you, babe," I pouted.

"Me too, apple dumpling," said Richard. He pecked a kiss on my cheek. "I'll be back in two weeks! Love you! Don't let any strangers in the house!"

"I love you too, babe!" I said. Richard grabbed his briefcase, and headed out the door, and closed it. With my hubby gone, what am I gonna do for two whole weeks? Might as well make the most of it.

I made up a shopping list, for items I needed. I put on my white Converse low tops, tied the shoelaces, and headed out of my house. I got in my blue 1987 Buick Regal with a New Jersey license plate on it. This was such a beautiful, quiet neighborhood, with a complex of houses, and sidewalks for the neighbors to walk their dogs.

In the mirror, I saw an unfamiliar man, who looked to be Hispanic, wearing a red shirt, beige jeans, and white Reebok sneakers. He gave me a scary look, that screamed murder. I just shrugged him off, and drove to Shop Rite.

I arrived at the supermarket, got a carriage, and started my grocery shopping. I got a few cans of Chef Boyardee beef ravioli, Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie dough, Hershey's strawberry syrup, milk, two cartons of Florida's Natural orange juice, and laundry detergent.

I proceeded to the cashier, who looked bored out of his mind, while he was scanning my items. He looked to be about 16, with red hair, blue eyes, and freckles. I paid for my items, and exited the supermarket. I was greeted my an angry looking sky, and heard a distant rumble of thunder. Without a moment to spare, I quickly opened the car trunk, and loaded it with my groceries. I slammed it shut, as I heard another rumble of thunder, this time, a bit closer.

I drove home, and when I pulled into my driveway, there was that same man. My heart skipped a beat. A loud thunderclap rattled my chest, as he was coming closer to me. He breathed so heavily, without saying a word. Screaming at the top of my lungs, I raced inside my house, and closed the door, and locked it.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. It was that man. Shaking like a leaf, I ran upstairs to the bedroom, where my husband and I slept, and locked the door. My paranoia quickly set in. Another loud thunderclap shook my house, as I was cowering in fear, worrying about what that mysterious man wanted with me.

"What if he wants to kill me?" I whimpered. What his intentions were, I dared not to think. The storm finally ended, and no sign of that man was found. I sighed with relief. To forget about what just transpired, I decided to take a nice, cool shower. I had on my red, bath robe, as I stepped into the bathroom. Turning the water on in the tub, I stepped in, and let the smooth water flow all over my body, making me feel at ease. Nothing like a relaxing shower to make me forget all my troubles.

Or so I thought.

A/N Hey, guys! What did you think of this first chapter? Did it give you goosebumps? And, the fun is just getting started! Don't be a silent reader. Please show some love and support by voting, leaving feedback, and sharing this book with others! Thanks, guys! Love you all!! 💙💛✨😘😘😘