Within the Shadows by J.D MCG (knowledgeable books to read .txt) 📕

had a shit couple of months. I don't know how you've coped with it all. Just don't bottle it up, talk to us. You have family all around you, and we're here for you, day or night,' she consoled him.

'Thank you, Belle. It means a lot. I'm so grateful you came into my life.'

They finished their meal and discussed having dessert when Belle's phone began to ring again. It was Ben, but she didn't want to spoil hers and Jacob's evening, so placed it back in her pocket.

'Answer it,' Jacob insisted. 'He's so desperate to talk to you.'

'Are you sure? You'll be alright?'

'Yes, I'll be fine. Now go and phone him back,' he demanded politely with a smile.

Belle walked outside of the restaurant to make the call, leaving Jacob sat alone at the table. He removed his phone from his pocket and scrolled through it. His home screen featured photos of him and his family, making tears form again in his eyes. Wondering what was happening at work, he scrolled through his contacts, seeing Ally's name at the top.

He stared at it for a minute, not moving an inch. Has she taken the job? he pondered. I hope not. But how do I express my feelings for her? I've just come out of a really bad relationship. Jacob wanted her to stay. What if she's already made her mind up and doesn't want to stay? He called her, putting the fear of rejection at the back of his mind for a change.

'Hi, Ally,' he greeted as she answered. 'How's the case going?'

'We've discovered where Hannah was being held and have one person in custody,' she explained.

'That's great news. Is there any connection to Jack yet?'

'Not yet, but Ethan's checking that out. Did you just call for a check-up or was there something else you wanted, Jacob?' she asked with humour in her tone.

'I wondered if you fancied going for a drink sometime?' he went straight for it, leaving the thought of rejection behind.

'Not even a meal first?' she joked.

'Well... we could go for food first... that is if you wanted to?' he started to stutter.

'I would love to,' she said.

'How about tomorrow night?' he gleamed with excitement.

'Let me just check my calendar.' She paused for a moment leaving the line quiet. 'Yeah, tomorrow seems fine with my busy schedule,' she laughed.

'Good, so it's a date.'

'Well, I wouldn't call it that,' she teased, joking once again.

'I'll see you tomorrow.'

'Take care of yourself, Jacob. Get plenty of rest.'

Jacob had not long hung up the phone before the waitress approached and took his dessert order. Belle walked back in from phoning Ben, to find Jacob munching on his warm cookie with ice cream.

'Started without me?' she said.

'I couldn't wait,' he laughed. 'I've taken your advice on staying positive and phoned Ally to ask her on a date.'

'And what did she say?' she asked before scooping ice cream into her mouth.

'We're going out for dinner tomorrow night,' he smiled.

Jacob felt incredible for a chance, focusing on the good rather than the bad. Kate would come around eventually and they'd be as close as they had been before.

'Wow, check you out. Who’s this guy, and what have you done with Jacob?' she laughed.

'So, what did Ben want so badly?'

'We're going out on a date tomorrow too,' she announced.

'I'm really happy for you, Belle. You've done really well. You've escaped your past and made a future for yourself. I'm proud of you,' Jacob said while trying not to cry again.

'Thank you. I'm glad I've got you looking out for me.'

After dinner, Belle and Jacob returned to the apartment. It was pitch black, making it incredibly hard for them to see. Belle flicked the light switch on, brightening up the place. Jacob headed for his bedroom, but before he walked through the door, he turned to face Belle.

'Thanks for a great day.'

'You're welcome. Glad you had fun,' she replied.

He walked into his dark, depressing bedroom and flopped onto his bed. Jacob just kept thinking about Ally, thinking she must feel the same way about him, making him feel ecstatic. Happiness was all he felt, focusing on the happy things in life, just like everyone had told him. Nothing was going to stand in his way between him and happiness.

His tired eyes began to close as he blinked repeatedly, trying his best to keep himself awake, but failing. His vision became blurry with every blink until he eventually fell asleep.

Standing in a dark alley, Jacob was confused about how he ended up here. His vision was blurry, just like before he fell asleep. A woman came from around the corner of the building. She resembled Hannah Jones. Hannah? Jacob said to himself. How is she alive? His eyes caught sight of a silhouette behind her as she stumbled closer to him. His vision became clearer and could see it was Jack Roberts.

'Excuse me,' Jack said in a deep voice, getting the attention of Hannah.

She turned around just as he edged closer to her.

'No, Hannah. Don't!' Jacob shouted, unable to move, he held out his hand.

But Hannah couldn't hear him, leaving Jacob to hear her choked screams while Jack had his hands around her throat, squeezing the life out of her. Jacob covered his mouth in shock as he watched the life drain from her eyes, as she got lower to the floor. Once her breathing terminated, Jack propped Hannah up against the wall and walked away. Jacob stared at Hannah's corpse in horror, before opening his eyes to a blinding light.

Jacob glanced around, sighing with relief as he realised he was inside his bedroom. Are the visions back? he asked himself, not sure what had just happened. He sat up, rubbed his eyes and checked