We all smiled large smiles and the stranger took the photo.

“Thank you.” I said as I walked back over to him. Handing me back my phone he looked directly into my eyes.

“Ariah? Ariah O’Connoll?” The colour drained from his face as he spoke.

It was my turn to be surprised. “Yes? How do you know my last name?”

He went to answer but just as he opened his mouth to reply the bell rang sending hordes of students rushing past us.

Leaning in, he whispered quickly in my ear. “Ariah, you’re in danger. You need to come with me.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me along with him as he tried to walk away. I stumbled after him.

“You need to let go of my arm. I’m not going anywhere with you.” I said defiantly as I pulled backwards against him, his grip firm.

Seeing what was happening, Dylan and Georgie came rushing over. The others had already started to head inside at the bell.

“Hey man, what do you think you’re doing? Let her go.” They yelled as they got closer.

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“You don’t understand, she needs to…” The stranger whispered intensely looking around again as he did so.

“She needs to get to class and she’s coming with me.” Georgie said as she grabbed my waist in an attempt to help pull me away from him.

“What’s going on here?” Principal Carter walked up to us with a concerned look on her face.

The stranger let go of my arm, and quickly looked around again. Georgie let go of my waist and stood beside me with her fists clenched.

“Nothing, nothing’s wrong.” He said quickly as he moved backwards away from us.

“Ariah, is that true?” Looking at me, Principal Carter nodded her head in the direction of the stranger.

I looked at him then back to her.

“He grabbed me by my arm and tried to make me go with him.” I told her, folding my arms over my chest in a staunch pose, I didn’t want him to see that he’d frightened me.

“Who are you and what are you doing on school grounds?” Principal Carter rolled up the sleeves on her suit and turned to the stranger.

“I can explain, but you won’t believe me.” He sighed.

“Maybe the police will. Shall we give them a call?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone and began to dial.

Not giving a response, he turned around and ran into the car park. Dylan went to give chase but I put my arm out to stop him. He relaxed and put his arm around me protectively instead. I leant into his chest and he squeezed my shoulder in support.

“Ariah, let’s get you to my office.” The Principal whispered to me as she held her phone up to her ear waiting for someone to answer. She motioned for me to follow her as she started to walk towards the main entrance.

“I’m okay, thanks Principal Carter. I’d rather just get to class.” I whispered back.

“Are you sure?”

I nodded numbly, even though I wasn’t sure that I was okay at all.