In his grasp

First sight

This book contains difficult content and some viewers may find it hard to read. It involves aspects of paedophilia and is based on a true story. The beginning is all true and the story is based on the metaphor of the power that Joe has over Lauren. Do not read on if you find this type of story offensive.

Walking into the lesson area, me and my auntie sat down on the benches waiting for my cousin to enter. I hate having to go with her to watch him have his horse riding lesson. My mum is a single parent to two children. My brother is 3 years older than me so he is able to have a little bit more independence than I can. However because I’m only 13, I have to be looked after by a family member. This is why on Fridays I now have to go with my auntie to these stupid horse riding sessions because no one else is able to look after me. 

“Hi Sally, who have you brought with you today?” The teacher of the lesson said walking over to us. He was short and round and had light grey hair with brown eyes. 

“This is my niece, Lauren” she replied smiling at me. I didn’t really want to meet a load of new people. I just wanted to get this done so I can go home. 

“Nice to meet you Lauren” he said smiling at me. I smiled back as I didn’t want to give him any indication that I wanted to have a long chat. He turned around as the students began to enter the big barn on their horses. My cousin was the last one to come in and there was a helper holding the rains of the horse. As this mysterious guy looked up, my eyes met his. I felt the entire room disintegrate into a blur as it felt like I was in a day dream. His short hair was dark and matched his eyes, his muddy tracksuit bottoms were covered half way with black wellies and he wore a black tank top as it was June time and the weather was very warm. His muscular body was highlighted by his shirt and I couldn’t stop scanning his thick bare arms. He didn’t take his eyes off me and this made me feel nervous. Once he had led the horse to his spot, he turned towards the door and walked away, breaking eye contact. I felt like I could breath again... that was until he had one more glance before leaving. Who is this guy. 

The lesson finally finished and the helpers came in to take the students back to the stables. However, it wasn’t him, it was some girl that had ginger hair. I felt a little bit gutted as I got up from my seat. 

“Will we being seeing more of you Lauren?” The teacher said trying to have another go at making conversation. I looked at my auntie, implying for her to answer but she just continued searching her bag for her keys. I turned back at him and opened my mouth to answer him but found myself nodding my head instead.

 “Good, I look forward to seeing you again”. 

We stood in the waiting area along with the other parents. I kept looking around but couldn’t see him anywhere. Maybe he had gone home. I looked down at my phone when I suddenly heard my auntie. 

“Joe!”

“Hello Sal” it was him. He was standing in front of us with his hands by his side. My heart jumped as his angelic voice hit my ears. I flashed a nervous grin. 

“And who might this be?” He looked straight at me, the same way as he did in the barn. 

“Lauren, my niece” she answered. He didn’t break eye contact and paused for a second. Tension was building as the silence began to feel uncomfortable. Finally he put his hand out to me and said “Joe” flashing his teeth as he smiled. I looked down at his hand and saw the in the corner of my eye, the horrific choice of clothing I had decided on that morning. I was wearing black leggings with a plain navy t-shirt. How attractive.

“Lauren” I hesitated and took his hand to shake it. Instead of him shaking my hand in a way that was to a stranger, he softly tightened his grip and raised the corner of his mouth to smirk. 

“You seem a little too old to be in this class” he narrowed his eyes. He knew I was sitting there watching and not a part of the class. Why did he say that? I smiled back at him. 

“She’s 13” my auntie interrupted. I looked up at her breaking the contact and took a step back. What was that? Why didn’t I let go sooner? This feeling I’m getting is very confusing and I don’t really know if I like it. My heart was beating fast and my stomach was churning. 

“Well I’m very pleased to meet you...” he looked down at me and sternly said “Lauren”

I felt my cheeks start to burn up as I began to blush.

“Well I hope to see you all soon” he said goodbye and began to walk back up the stony path to the stables. Finally my cousin had arrived and we set off home. 

———————————————————————————————

Over time next few days I kept thinking about him. He was extremely good looking and very well built. I wonder how old he is. He is very mature for someone of my age group that’s for sure. I don’t understand why he looked at me like that. Does he do that to every girl. Why can’t I get him out of my head? Does he think about me? 

“You are definitely ignoring me” a voice interrupted my thoughts and I sat up abruptly. 

“Huh?” I replied. 

“Tomorrow...” it was my best friend Molly. We literally know each other inside out. All of our secrets, obsessions, hobbies, dislikes etc...  

I looked at her confused. I was trying to guess what we were talking about. 

“Shopping?!” She said raising her tone and folding her arms in frustration. 

“Oh... yeah of course” I finally replied. Oh f**k. 

“I.. I completely forgot... I can’t” I stuttered finally snapping back into the room. Molly’s face dropped. 

“I promised my auntie I would go to my cousins lesson with her” I continued. She looked at me with a very intense look. Folding her arms, she sighed and said “why did you do that?”

“She wants a bit of bonding time and we get that whilst Sam is having his lesson”. I lied. I wanted to see this mystery guy who hasn’t escaped my thoughts. She smirked and rolled her eyes at me. I knew she wouldn’t believe what I was saying.

“Okay” she said quickly 

Before she could say anymore, the school bell rang through the hallways for students to make their way to their next class. I picked up my bag and walked through the hall.