Runaway

[footy]

oh my god this is so good

[hann18]

Chapter 12

Mariah, had no idea what Tish's phone was doing in some shrub in a place she had never been. Mariah put the phone in her pocket and discreetly walked back to the house. Grayson had beaten her to it.

"What were you doing over there?"

Mariah quickly thought of something. "Oh I was just taking a look around the local area"

"Excellent, you will love living in Emmerdale, come I must show you your new home"

Grayson took Mariah inside and showed her around. The decor was mainly green and creme, not to her taste a bit depressing. The kitchen looked modern.

"Princess, how do you like it?"

"I can get used to it"

That wasn't the answer he was expecting. Grayson then showed Mariah to her bedroom. Her room was facing the back of the house, not much sun light got through. The view looked onto some woods, she never thought she would say it but she missed the view already from the apartment. The view of the housing estate, the burnt out cars, chavs every night underage drinking.

The room was medium sized. The was a wardrobe in one corner, an armchair, bookcase, dressing table and a bed. Mariah would have to redecorate, at least it would cheer her up.

"How do you like your room"

"Lovely," she tried to make it sound convincing.

She then shut the door and sobbed into a pillow.

-----------------------------------------------------

Mariah decided to look around the house a bit, she wanted a drink. When she went downstairs she saw Grayson at the dining table working on something. He noticed her.

"Hello, princess, everything alright"

"Its fine, look I just came down for a drink"

"Sure, go ahead, look are you hungry its almost dinner time?"

"No, I ain't, really"

Mariah sat down as far away from him as possible.

"Listen, Mariah, I've been thinking, about your education, Leeds is an awful long way for you to travel every day, I've found a school nearby, in Skipdale, I've spoken to the headteacher, she would be glad for you to start soon"

Mariah wasn't sure she liked the sound of it

"What, a different school"

"Of course, has an excellent reputation,"

"I bet it is, tell me is it a private school father," Mariah said the father bit sarcastically."

Grayson picked up on this

"Mariah, don't mock it, you're my daughter and I want whats best for you, you must understand that"

"Fine," she snapped going upstairs and spending the rest of the night up there.

----------------------------------------------------

Mariah had decorated her room with posters, it looked busy. Mariah then filled the wardrobe and found a school uniform. "What the hell is this..."
she muttered.

There was a knock at the door, it was Grayson. He saw her holding up the uniform like it was some horrible thing.

"You expect me to wear this hideous thing"

The uniform had a medium length acid green skirt, white shirt and yellow spotted tie. There was a dark yellow jumper and a red blazer with the school logo which was decorated with orange stitching, There was also a hat to go with it.

"That is the uniform of your school, now I'm taking you to the school now and you will come"

Mariah shut the door in his face and bolted it across. Mariah noticed the change in Grayson's behavior.

She put the uniform on, the sight of it made her wanna puke. "I look a bloody mess," she said to herself.

Grayson drove her to the school. It looked really posh. The school was like
a manor house, Mariah was shown around by the headteacher. Mariah thought to herself "Well I only got to do my GCSE's then I'm out of here"

-------------------------------------------

Once Mariah's exams were over she had the summer. All over the summer she was wondering what happened to Tish and why her phone was in a shrub. It didn't make sense, Tish wasn't the kind of girl to leave stuff lying around, especially not in places she never been to in her life.

Even if Tish had lost her phone, she knew Mariah's number off by heart, Tish would have phoned her from another phone. Mariah decided to report her friend missing.

Mariah dialled the police on her mobile. She spoke quietly. A policeman answered and Mariah gave all the details to Tish. The police were officially reporting Tish missing, but would she be found.

[footy]

thanks can't wait for the next instalment

[hann18]

Chapter 13

Mariah was very lonely all through the summer. Tish still hadn't been found. One thing was looking good for Mariah. She had a place guaranteed at college to study dance, she just hadn't told Grayson yet.

Mariah walked downstairs.

"Dad can I talk to you"

"Of course you can"

"Well its about college. Ive been thinking and I really wanna study dance, Ive got a place guaranteed at a college"

Mariah got excited and started jumping about. The same wasn't said for Grayson.

"Calm down Mariah, so you want to do dance, I don't think thats a good idea"

Mariah's face dropped

"What"

"Well how many jobs are there with dance, Mariah, its not a very promising career, is it now"

"Look I really don't understand you, don't you want me to be happy, I want to study dance"

"We can't always have what we want now can we"

Mariah looked sad she couldn't find words to say

"I'll tell you what, why don't I put you an economics course"

Mariah's mouth was wide open

"Yes, I think I will, economics will give you a good job"

Mariah stamped her foot and screamed and ran up to her room.

--------------------------------------------------

Mariah started sobbing in her room, she didn't want to study economics, but she was being forced to. She wish Tish was here. Mariah wanted some fresh air, so she went to the window to try and open it.

To her surprise the window was locked. Mariah went downstairs.

"Dad, I need a key to open my window"

Grayson looked down. "Oh I'm terribly sorry, I don't have one, must have got lost"

Mariah nodded, really fed up, she went to go for a walk outside. Grayson stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"For a walk, dad, I haven't even seen the village yet"

"Well I'll take you tomorrow I promise, why don't you go and watch some television"

Mariah walked into the living room and switched on the TV. She noticed there was no family photographs, she thought it was a little strange, but Mariah said nothing.

Mariah was watching Midsomer Murders. Halfway through the door bell rang. Mariah wondered who it could be. She continued watching TV.

Grayson went to get the door. "Oh hello, come in," it was one of Grayson's friends. Mariah was more interested in the TV.

The man was in his early fifties and spoke with a posh accent.

"So who's that girl," he said to Grayson

"Thats my daughter"

"I didn't know you had a daughter"

"Mariah, come here"

She didn't want to, she was more interested in Midsomer Murders. Mariah thought she better had go over anyway. The man gave Mariah the creeps.

"Mariah this is my lawyer friend Richard"

"Alright," she said shaking his hand

"So Mariah, how old are you?"

"16"

"Excellent, so are you in school still?"

"Nope, I've finished but I'm off to college in a few weeks"

"I bet you are glad, what are you going to study"

Mariah was going to say dance but Grayson gave her a look not to

"Economics, It sounds very interesting"

"A fine choice Mariah, will give you great job opportunities"

"Yes, I'm sure it will, can I go now dad"

"If you must"

Mariah went back in the living room and watched the TV, she had missed the bit that was getting interesting. Mariah could still hear them talking but she couldn't exactly here what.

Grayson went into the kitchen. His friend sat down in the living room opposite Mariah. She deliberately ignored him. Then Grayson appeared.

"Dinner is ready"

Mariah sat down at the table really depressed. Mariah just sat there saying or doing nothing. She was in a trance.

"Are you alright Mariah?" said Grayson's friend

"I'm fine, look I'm feeling tired, so I'm going upstairs"

Mariah went up to her room, trying to figure a way out.

[eppsy]

Great story. Can't wait till the next installment.

[footy]

great story i really love it

[hann18]

Chapter 14

The next day Mariah went downstairs. Grayson told her he would show her the village today and he did, however Mariah wasn't expecting it to be done the way it was.

Instead of walking, they went in Grayson's car. It was a nice warm day too. The village had a pub, cafe, shop, church, garage and playground.

Mariah wanted to walk around.

"Look I don't see whats wrong with taking a proper look"

"Princess, theres not much more to see, its nothing special"

"Well let me be the judge of that"

"We should be getting back home"

"Dad, you're making a big deal of something so small, now I want to see the village"

Grayson looked worried. She was suspecting things. He gave up

"Very well, then"

Grayson drove to the end of the road, by the bus stop and stopped the car.

Mariah jumped out, glad to be finally outside.

"Its a great view, I don't know whats wrong dad, you were keeping this from me"

"I was not"

"Whatever, hey who's she over there"

"Princess, no," before he could stop her she was running downhill very fast towards a girl that looked a few years older than her.

Grayson jumped in his Range Rover and sped after Mariah.

Mariah ran to the girl.

"Are you alright," the girl said surprised

"Sure, I am, I'm Mariah, I'm new to Emmerdale"

"Thats nice, oh my name is Gabby, my dad is the vicar round here, oh look here comes that Grayson bloke, come on he doesn't look pleased"

Gabby pulled Mariah along, she didn't know she was Grayson's daughter,

"Where are we going"

"To the cafe, hurry, he's coming"

Mariah and Gabby ran to the cafe.

Grayson ran after Mariah and Gabby, he wasn't fast as them.

---------------------------------------------------

Once in the cafe, Gabby and Mariah stopped for energy.

"Don't think he'll see us again, where you from anyway?"

"Leeds, look Grayson is my dad"

"Thats nice,, whoa...your dad, I didn't know he had any kids"

"I didn't even know I had a dad until recently"

"He hasn't been married for years, well according to my stepmum Laurel, so are you in college or school?"

"Ive finished school, I want to go to college and learn dance, but my dad is stopping me, he's signed me up to economics. I don't wanna do it though"

"So don't, you know whats best"

"Wish it was that easy, you said my dad was married before"

"Well yeah, thats what Laurel told me, she was always sad. His wife had one of them posh voices, had long black hair too, she killed herself apparently"

"Oh my god"

Then they were interrupted

"Mariah, princess, so this is where you ran off to," he didn't seem too happy, but he hid his disappointment.

"Hey dad, this is Gabby"

"I know who she is, we best be going"

"It was nice talking to you Gabby, see you around"

"You too Mariah"

Mariah walked to the car wondering what on earth was up with her dad.

[footy]

great, i wonder what's going to happen please update

[eppsy]

Great story.

Wonder what Grayson is hiding fro Mariah?

Can't wait for the next installment.

Loving This Story, It Just Brill.

;D

[hann18]

Chapter 15

Mariah knew her dad wasn't happy with her talking to Gabby. Mariah couldn't understand why, it was like he didn't want her to talk to anyone but him.

There was silence in the car. Mariah knew something was on his mind, she didn't like to say until they stopped.

"Dad, whats up, you've been acting strange lately"

"Mariah, I was very worried when you went off"

"Dad, you saw me, she wasn't exactly a serial killer you know"

"Listen to me please, princess. You shouldn't get too friendly with people, I'll discuss this with you better inside, come on"

Grayson went in to the house, Mariah followed close behind.

Once they were inside, Mariah wanted to bring up the subject.

"Well go on then"

"Why don't you sit down"

Mariah sighed and sat on the armchair. Grayson spoke.

"Mariah, this is a new place for you, people around here are not how they seem. For example, Gabby is not who she says, she was adopted by Ashley. Her real parents were murdered, there was this big family, the King's.

Anyway, there was a lunatic amongst them. Jimmy King. He was a nasty piece of work, he was a cold blooded killer. He decided to murder this family when they stayed at Skipdale. This was back in 2006. The girl, Gabby survived, the parents didn't. She was targeted, if you speak to her you might be to, Oh princess, if anything happened to you I don't know what I would do"

Mariah was quiet, she was feeling horrified.

"Well thats only one person, I'm sure all the other village people are nice"

"Oh you do, do you? Don't underestimate them, Gabby's story was only the start"

"What"

"Well theres this man who lives around here Eric Pollard, his wife runs the local pub - the Woolpack. He's not sane, he has been in and out of a mental hospital for decades. He is on medication, to keep him under control. But not everyone remembers to take their medication. He kidnapped a man, Matthew King back in 2007. The poor man being kidnapped, he had to leave the village after that hasn't been seen since. Me and Matthew were best of friends. He was a gambling addict though and I helped him get through it, I've never seen the appeal in gambling and casinos, sure is a waste of money"

"Oh my, I had no idea, about the people here"

"I told you, princess, didn't I"

Mariah started to sob. Grayson sat down by his daughter and gave her a hug.

"Oh princess, don't cry, I'm the only friend you will ever need in this world"

[missking]

great update post more soon

[hann18]

Chapter 16

Mariah was lonely all through the summer. It was only days before she would go back to college and do the subject that wasn't her choice. Mariah spent most of the time up in her room listening to music.

Grayson was downstairs, working on a case. Just then the door knocked, he went to answer it, trying not to make a loud noise in the process. Grayson answered the door it was Gabby.

"Hi, is Mariah there, thought she might wanna come out for a bit"

"No, she isn't I'm afraid, in fact she has gone to Leeds for a few days, visiting family"

Gabby was feeling really uneasy talking to Grayson. She thought he wasn't what he seemed, but what could she do.

"Well ok then, tell her I called"

"Of course," Grayson shut the door and got back to his case.

----------------------------------

Up in her room Mariah swore she could have heard voices downstairs, she made her way to the dining room.

"Was that the door?"

"No princess, must have been me seeing what was on the television"

Mariah nodded. "As you say," she went to go back in her room.

"Princess, I haven't seen much of you these days, you keep yourself locked in your room most of the time"

"Oh, do I," she said trying to sound surprised

"Yes, you do, college will be starting soon, I bet you're looking forward to it"

Mariah put on a false smile.

"Princess, I know economics wasn't your first choice, but trust me you are doing the right thing"

Mariah just nodded and made herself a cup of tea. She thought to herself for a moment. "I have no friends round here, life is so lonely, at least I have my dad to talk to. Gabby wasn't honest with me, why didn't she tell me she was adopted, and whats with that rubbish about dad being married, he never has in his life, he would have told me"

Mariah was waiting for the kettle to finish boiling, she reached in her pocket. It was Tish's phone, she forgot it was there. Then Grayson appeared in the kitchen. Mariah quickly put the phone in her pocket.

"Whats that you got there princess?"

"Oh its nothing"

Grayson nodded, sensing she was hiding something, but said no more.

-----------------------------------------

It was dinner time soon, Mariah couldn't eat a lot, she had lost her appetite lately, so she just made herself a sandwich.

"Is that all you want," Grayson said

"I ain't really hungry, no point eating loads if you don't feel like, I'll only throw it back up"

Mariah wondered why there was no family photographs in the house, it was like her dad was trying to hide something, but what. Mariah was determined to find out, whatever it took.

[footy]

oh..... this is great, I wonder if she'll find out that Grayson is lying to her

[hann18]

Chapter 17

First day of college came very fast for Mariah. A year ago she would have been really excited, but now she wasn't really bothered. At least she wouldn't have to wear a hideous uniform like in that school she went to.

Waiting downstairs at breakfast was Grayson.

"Hello princess, I bet you are glad you're starting college"

"Ecstatic," was all that came out.

Mariah sat down at breakfast, on the table was a bowl of cereal, two slices of toast with marmalade, a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice.
Mariah just sat there, not really bothered about eating.

Grayson looked up from his copy of the Financial Times. "Are you not hungry, I made that breakfast for you especially"

Mariah felt under pressure to eat. She just sipped some juice and took a few spoonfuls of cereal. Mariah wanted a newspaper to read, there wasn't any good ones here.

"Dad, is there a copy of the Mirror here, I like reading the Mirror"

Grayson wasn't impressed. "Ah no, there isn't, look you won't find any tabloid papers here, why don't you read the Financial Times, being as you are studying economics"

Mariah rolled her eyes. "Actually I'm not in the reading mood, you carry on"

Half an hour later Mariah still hadn't eaten all of the breakfast. She pushed everything forward, indicating she was done.

"Look I best be off, gotta catch that bus to Leeds, its a fair way from here," Mariah got up started walking quite quickly to the door. Grayson stopped her.

"Actually, it isn't"

"What, has the journey time gotten quicker"

"You won't be going to Leeds"

"What, I won't why"

"You're not going to college in Leeds, you're going to college in York"

Mariah's face dropped. She had her heart set on that college in Leeds. It looked a good place. Even if she wasn't doing dance she would still be there.

"Come on, I'll drive you." It was more like an order.

---------------------------------

It was a fair drive to the college. It was a very old building, looked like a stone prison to her. Her life was like being inside.

"Look Mariah, I'm sure you will like it here, when I studied law i enjoyed my time here. I will pick you up at the end of the day, see you later princess"

Grayson then drove off leaving Mariah in this horrible place.

Mariah walked inside she was greeted by an older looking woman in a suit.

"Can I help you"

"Well yeah, I'm studying economics, my dad was speaking to you earlier today, or so he said in the car"

"Ah yes, I remember, you're Mr Sinclair's daughter Mariah, he spoke highly of you"

"He did"

"Of course, now Miss Sinclair, if you follow me"

Mariah didn't exactly catch what she just said

"Excuse me but did you just call me Miss Sinclair"

"Well dear I did, that is your name"

It just caught onto Mariah, as Grayson had taken legal responsibility, he had changed her surname from Sugden to Sinclair. He also hadn't told Mariah about it, so she thought of something quickly.

"Oh yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just not used to people addressing me like that"

The woman led Mariah up a big staircase and along a few corridors.

"This is your classroom, the teacher will explain things to you now, good day"

Mariah walked into the classroom, there wasn't many desks in there about seven at the most. A teacher who looked in her 50s sat at the desk. She noticed Mariah.

"Hello"

"Hello, my name is Mariah Sinclair," she said her surname bitterly.

"Ah yes, welcome my name is Mrs Murray, I'm your teacher in economics, please sit," the teacher pointed out a place for her.

Mariah sat down and was sat two rows from the front, in between two girls. A boy sat behind her.

One of the girls started talking to her. "I'm Tracey Smith," she said with a hint of proudness.

Mariah nodded. "I'm Mariah Sinclair"

"How lovely, you're Grayson Sinclair's daughter aren't you"

"Yeah, how do you know my dad"

"Well I don't know him personally, just know of him, he is one of the country's best barristers"

Mariah nodded.

Then the other girl butted in. "Tracey leave her alone"

"Ignore her, stick with me and you can't go wrong. My name is Lisa Thomas," she shook Mariah's hand, she seemed a lot nicer that Tracey.

Then Mrs Murray spoke and began the lesson. It was all really complex. Then the woman who showed Mariah to the classroom reappeared.

"Sorry to interrupt Mrs Murray, but there seems to be a problem, Miss Sinclair you must come with me"

Mariah looked confused and brought her stuff with her.

"Miss Sinclair, I shouldn't have put you in that classroom, you are to have one to one lessons, thats what you enrolled on right"

Mariah was confused. She hadn't any idea, she just went along as normal.

"Yeah, thats right"

"Ok, well sorry about that, you're in here"

Now Mariah was alone in college like at home. It was going to be a long day.

[footy]

great story i really love it, it;s getting better everytime i read it

[missking]

great update post more soon please x

[hann18]

Chapter 18

Mariah's first day was a complete nightmare, the only person she talked to was her teacher, which wasn't the best of company.

Her teacher was strict. She was a tall woman, with short black hair and looked in her early forties. Mariah wasn't enjoying college at all, the building gave her the creeps and she had no friends. At least it was the end of the day.

Waiting for her outside was Grayson. Mariah jumped in the car.

"How was your day?"

"Just great, you didn't tell me I was going to be on my own"

"Ah, terribly sorry, one to one teaching is the best way of learning"

"Yeah really, in the class I was put in first there was 3 other people, not exactly an army"

"Princess, I want you to have the best possible education"

Mariah rolled her eyes and just sat there for the whole journey.

--------------------------------------

The whole week went just as bad as the first day. There was nothing but homework to do at breaks and lunchtime. Mariah had to spend all her time in the library just reading anything. There was nothing else to do. It was either that or walk around the buildings like a loner.

The days seemed do draw on and on, the weather got very miserable as the weeks turned into months. It was December before she knew it. Then something interesting happened on a Saturday afternoon.

Mariah was watching TV, when the phone rang. Grayson answered it. Then after he finished he put on his coat.

"Princess, I have to see a client, its urgent"

"Sure, go ahead"

Grayson then shut the door on his way out. Mariah cautiously looked out of the window and saw him drive off. It was her opportunity.

Mariah jumped up and turned the TV off. Mariah was going to have a look around the house, see if she could find anything out about family.

Mariah first started in the living room. She opened the cupboards but all she found was bills and old cases that Grayson had been working on. She was spending ages, almost half and hour looking through drawers.

Then Mariah decided to head upstairs, look in Grayson's room. Mariah knew she shouldn't be in here. The room was on the other side of the house and was a lot bigger than hers, The view from the window looked out towards the front of the house. The driveway was still empty.

The walls were painted white and there was a double bed, wardrobe and dressing table. Mariah looked through his wardrobe, there wasn't anything but clothes and shoes. Mariah knew she had to be careful about touching things, if anything looked out of place when he returned, suspicions would arise.

Mariah decided to look in the drawers to the dressing table. Mariah was hoping to find at least something after 45 minutes altogether of searching, it was no use though. All she found was more bills and letters to various companies. Something did catch her eye though, it was a letter from a casino.

The letter was dated late 2006. Mariah began to read:

Dear Mr Sinclair

We thank you in deciding to join our casino. Enclosed is your casino membership card. All of benefits of becoming a member are listed on our enclosed leaflet. We have also included our events brochure. Don't forget your membership never expires.

Yours Sincerely
Paradise Casino

Mariah didn't understand. The letter was clearly addressed to Grayson, but he told her he wasn't a gambler. Perhaps he used to be. 2006 was a long time ago, two years before she was born.

Mariah decided to hold on to the letter. She folded it up and put it in her jeans pocket. Mariah then shut the drawer, and made sure everything looked like it did, when she came in.

It was a wasted opportunity though. Mariah sat down on the floor outside the bedroom, thinking. "It was a rare opportunity for me to have the house to myself, I probably won't get another go for a while".

Mariah looked around the corridor and stared. Then something caught her eye, a trapdoor in the ceiling. It was the attic. Mariah smiled and jumped up. "Great." Mariah was going to try and get up there, until she heard a car arrive and a door slam.

[missking]

great update post more soon please

[hann18]

Chapter 19

Mariah hurried downstairs and ran to the kitchen. She thought of something. Mariah brought down some coffee cups and waited until the kettle boiled.

The door opened and Grayson entered. "Mariah"

"Hey dad," Mariah went to see him.

"I'm so sorry about running off like that, it was important"

"Its fine, just been doing my homework"

"I'm glad to hear it"

"Dad, why don't you sit down and watch some TV, you look like you could do with a rest, I'm making coffee"

Grayson didn't know what to do. "Well, if you insist,"

Mariah made sure he was sitting on the sofa, before she continued. She went back into the kitchen and found the kettle had finished boiling. In Grayson's cup, she put the coffee in a filled it up with water, then Mariah dropped something into the cup. They looked like pills. Mariah put three into the water and stirred around.

To make everything look normal, Mariah made her cup of coffee and drank. She then handed Grayson his cup.

"Drink up dad"

"Thanks, princess"

Mariah just stood there and watched while sipping her coffee. After ten minutes Grayson had fallen into a sleep. "Excellent," she thought.

Mariah turned off the TV. Grayson would be dead to the world for a few hours. This was her chance.

--------------------------------------

Mariah went upstairs and opened the trapdoor to the attic, a ladder came down. Mariah climbed up. It was pitch black up there. Luckily for her there was a light switch, it was a dim light but good enough to look around,

The attic was medium sized. Mariah could tell not many people went up there, it was dusty. To carry anything that she might find, Mariah brought her rucksack with her. To begin with it looked like the average attic, boxes everywhere full of old stuff nobody used. There was boxes of old books, games, toys and clothes.

"Damn," she muttered. Mariah found nothing. She must have been half an hour looking. Then when Mariah was going to give up and accept Grayson wasn't hiding something, she decided to look in the far corner of the room.

There was a old wardrobe, armchair covered in dust and a chest. Mariah opened the wardrobe, fortunately there was no lock, it opened without trouble, being as it was very old.

Mariah was surprised at what she found. It was female clothing. The woman who wore the clothes must have been a smart dresser, being as the clothes in there were suits, shirts, smart dresses and shoes. It didn't seem like the sort of thing her mum would wear. Perhaps it might have been from even before Grayson moved here, it wasn't unknown for things to be left behind in attics.

As Mariah brushed through the clothing, she felt a silk dress. The material felt thick. As Mariah pulled it towards her she realised it was an old wedding dress.

"Strange," she whispered to herself.

Mariah thought this because women usually loved to keep there dress, it was their big day. Mariah wondered who it could have belonged to. Mum had never been married. Perhaps dad was married after all. Mariah had enough of looking through this wardrobe, she closed the doors and decided to look through the chest.

The chest was slightly harder to open, it wasn't locked but just a bit stiff, this couldn't have been opened for a long time. After much trying Mariah finally got the thing open. Dust came out in a cloud. Mariah brushed it out of the air by waving her hands.

A cloth covered the top of the chest. Mariah lifted it and found many photo frames stacked. "What the hell," Mariah didn't know what was going on. Mariah turned the photo round, she had to wipe away the thick dust first. In the photo was a woman, she had medium length black hair, she looked in her forties and had a pale complexion. There were many photos of her.

There was no name, by her photo, not a clue of who she was. Mariah decided to put some of the photos in her rucksack. Mariah dug deeper and found another picture, this one wasn't framed. It was the woman, she looked younger, and she was wearing a long white dress, it looked very like the wedding dress in the wardrobe.

Then there was a book, Mariah opened it. She could tell it was old, she knew the smell of old paper. Mariah sat in the sofa and began to read.

August 2007
Why won't her believe me, can't he see she is trying to kill me, nobody believes me only Matthew

It was somebody's diary. The writer seemed desperate. The writing seemed feminine. She had heard that name Matthew before, but where. Mariah wanted to read more, then she remembered the time. She had been up here at least an hour and a half. Mariah put the diary in her bag and the wedding photo. Mariah zipped her bag up really tight, put everything back to as it was, turned the attic light off and climbed downstairs.

Mariah closed the attic trapdoor and made sure it was secure. Mariah then went into her room and opened her wardrobe and safely put the rucksack in there.

-----------------------------------------------

Mariah went downstairs and went to check on Grayson. He was still asleep but she could tell the sleeping pills were wearing off, he started to move.

Mariah took his cup way, washed and dryed it. Mariah decided to make herself some beans on toast. It was the most she ate in a while. Mariah sat at the dining table. As she was eating, Grayson appeared.

"I must have slept for hours," he said

"Oh yeah, I noticed you drift off, didn't wanna disturb you though," Mariah said innocently.

Grayson nodded

"Is that all you're eating"

"Its all I feel like"

"No wonder you're so thin, you don't eat properly, I haven't seen you eat a proper meal since you got here"

"This is proper"

"You call beans on toast proper"

"It fills me up"

"As you wish, but tomorrow I'm cooking you something"

Mariah just nodded and continued eating.


----------------------------------------

All over the weekend, Mariah read more of the diary she found in the attic. There was another entry

August 2007
I caught her in the act, trying to poison me. Its these pills she has, malaria pills, what for I don't know, she's not going anywhere. She's been mixing my pills with malaria ones. No one will believe me, only you diary. Matthew understands me, diary, he's going to rescue me from him and her.
I bet it was her who murdered Tom, the old witch, anyway I must go someone is coming

Mariah wanted to read more and more, she turned a few pages

She admitted she was trying to get rid of me, I got her in the attic, she said she hated me and I was not fit to be a wife. How dare she. It was her with the baby clothes. Then she said I was hurting her, the old witch. He believed her, they both did, he had me sent away. Diary my only true friend, I write to you from this place he has sent me. Only Matthew can help me

The writer was getting more and more desperate in her writings. Mariah would love to know who she was and the others she spoke of. She couldn't ask Grayson, she needed to know from someone else, but how.

If only she knew that the information was closer than she thought.

[eppsy]

Wow. Great chapters. So much detail and entertainment out of them.

Wonder why Grayson is keeping so many secrets from her? Why is he telling Mriah lies as well?

Absolutely marvellous.

Please write some more soon. x

[footy]

wow great read, please update

[hann18]

Chapter 20

Mariah had another lucky day. Grayson was going to be out all day, so Mariah would be alone again. Mariah decided to head to a library, she could trust library staff.

Mariah grabbed her rucksack. The one with the diary and photos. Mariah also made sure she grabbed some keys before heading out. She decided to walk towards the village. She would have to be careful of all these crazy people. Up ahead Mariah noticed, Gabby she was talking to an older man with black hair, he was dressed in a suit. Gabby noticed Mariah.

"Mariah, oh my god, I haven't seen you in ages, how was Leeds?"

Mariah didn't understand

"Leeds, what are you on about"

"I came around a while back to see if you wanted to come out. Your dad answered the door, he said you were in Leeds visiting family"

"I haven't been to Leeds since mum died, I have no family there"

Gabby looked angry. Mariah started to remember that day when she thought someone was at the door. Grayson had said it was the TV.
Mariah realised he was lying about it, but why was what she thought.

Just then the man that Gabby was talking to came up to them.

"Who's your friend Gabby?"

"Oh Matt, this is Mariah Sugden, her dad is Grayson Sinclair, she lives with him"

The man looked interested.

"Larry has a daughter. Hi Mariah, I'm Matthew King," he said shaking Mariah's hand.

Mariah looked confused.

"Nice to meet you, you escaped?"

Gabby and Matthew looked confused.

"Are you OK Mariah?"

"My dad told me a psychotic man called Eric Pollard kidnapped you back in 2007, and that you haven't been seen since. He also told me he helped you come over your gambling addiction and you were best of friends"

Matthew looked worried.

"Mariah your dad has been telling you lies, I wasn't kidnapped never have been and especially not by Pollard," he began to laugh on that bit and began again,

"Me and him were certainly not best friends and he is the one who's had a gambling problem"

Mariah couldn't believe it, Grayson had been lying to her.

"So if you're Matthew King, are you related to Jimmy King?"

Matthew laughed. "He's my brother, you might see him, he usually comes this way,"

"Gabby can I have a word with you, in private?"

"Of course, Matthew will you excuse us for a bit"

They went over to a bench and sat down.

"What is it Mariah?"

"Well its something my dad said about you and Jimmy"

"What"

"Well he told me that you were adopted by your dad, and that your real parents had been murdered by Jimmy King, he said he was a cold blooded killer"

Gabby didn't look happy.

"He said that, but why?"

"I don't think he liked me talking to you that day,"

Then Gabby laughed. "Jimmy a cold blooded killer, yeah right, he couldn't harm a fly"

"I came out to try and find out things, about someone, I found some things of interest in the attic in the house. Loads of photos and a diary,"

"Well I wouldn't know who they belonged to, Matthew might, come on"

Mariah and Gabby went back to Matthew.

"Mariah has some things like photos and a diary, you might know who they belonged to"

"I'll take a look, why don't we go to Home Farm"

They all got in Matthew's car and drove to Home Farm.


------------------------------------------------

Home Farm was a huge place, it was like a mansion. Matthew showed them through to the living room.

"Do any of you want a drink?"

"Yes please"

Matthew brought out three cups of coffee. Mariah emptied the rucksack and took out all the photos and the diary.

Matthew picked one up and looked.

"Where did you get these?"

"I found them in the attic, locked away in a chest, do you know who she is"

"Of course, her name was Perdita Hyde Sinclair"

Mariah remembered that name, where had she heard it before.

"Who was she?"

"That was your dad's long suffering wife. She was married to him for years, she was a very lonely woman. She put up with everything you could imagine over the years. Then in sometime in 2007/08 everything wasn't going their way. The marriage broke up, she left him"

Then Mariah pulled out the diary.

"Do you think this was her's too?"

Matthew opened the book and read a few entries.

"Yeah, this is Perdy's diary all right. I remember this like it was yesterday"

"What happened?"

Matthew began to say what it was all about.

-------------------------------------------

August 2007

Perdy was alone at Mill Cottage, with her mother in law Rosemary.

"Here darling drink up," Rosemary handed a glass of juice to Perdy.

"Actually, I'm not thirsty, you see I know what you have been doing to me, drugging me, trying to make out I'm mad, how dare you

Rosemary looked smug. Then Perdy pulled her upstairs and took her in the attic. Perdy locked it.

"Now you're going to admit to me, why you've been poisoning me!"

An evil grin came over Rosemary. "Perdita, you're not fit to be a wife, you can never give him what he wants a child, so just face it"

"You evil witch"

Arriving at Mill Cottage was Grayson and Paul.

"Perdy, mother, where are you?" Grayson called out.

Up in the attic, Rosemary shouted and made some story up.

"HELP, GRAYSON, SHE'S GOING TO HURT ME, HELP"

Grayson and Paul ran up. "Perdy, darling its me, open up

Perdy opened the attic.

"I never touched her, oh you don't believe her now do you Gray"

Rosemary came out of the attic, in tears.

"Mother, what happened"

"She got me in the attic, she said she was going to kill me"

"Gray, she's lying, I wasn't going to kill her, she has been trying to do that to me, can't you see"

Grayson wasn't listening to Perdy. "Its alright now mother, you're safe"

Perdy then turned to Paul.

"Paul, surely you believe me, oh come on"

Nobody was listening to Perdy.

"Gray, I've been telling you, she needs proper help, call the doctor now"

Grayson didn't hesitate to his mother's words. He called up the doctor.

"Gray, you can't have them take me away, so now you believe her, you can't do this"

Soon enough there was a knock on the door. A bunch of doctors had arrived and an ambulance was waiting. Grayson and Paul took her out.

"You can't do this, Gray, please, listen to me, she's lying. I'll never forgive you for this Gray," Perdy screamed as they took her away, leaving Rosemary to look on all smug.


Matthew finished.

"Oh my god, that poor woman, he did that to her?"

"He did, he believed his mother over her, Perdy was released with my help, I told her to play along, pretend she was ill, when she wasn't. Then weeks later we caught her out. Grayson was horrified of what he had done to his wife, she was right all along. Then Rosemary had ended up dead in Miami, she had killed herself."

Mariah didn't know what to say.

Matthew continued.

"Then things started to happen. At the time the hunt for my dad's murderer was still on. Rosemary had been keen to stitch me up. Perdy and I had an affair. Then at Christmas that year, Grayson had found out, he was furious and started on revenge. He had this old cardigan of his mother's, he put the button in my car to try and frame me. It didn't work, we confronted him, me, Perdy and Carl, he's my other brother.

Grayson ran with the cardigan so we ran after him, we got it though, then weeks later I realised that Perdy had been keeping hold of the cardigan to blackmail him. I threw her out, she had no where to go."

"Oh dear," Mariah said.

"So what happened after that?"

"Well Mariah, this is where your mum comes into all of this. She had been a friend of the Sinclair's, had a share in the business with Perdy. Your mum had fallen in love with Grayson. This happened in 2008. She even moved in with them. Your mother had agreed to be a surrogate for them, but when you were born she had a change of heart, when she knew they had lied to her, your mum took you to Leeds and thats where you grew up.

Perdy had ended up in jail, not sure what, but she couldn't handle prison and killed herself."

Mariah started to cry. Gabby gave her a hug. "Its ok, Mariah, don't cry.

"Mariah I'm sorry to make you upset, but you had to know"

Mariah nodded, she understood.

Mariah felt betrayed, Grayson had been lying to her about everything,

[footy]

oh... I wonder what she will do great story

[missking]

great update

[hann18]

Chapter 21

Mariah was still upset, Gabby went into the kitchen to speak to Matthew.

"Gabby do you know her mum's phone number"

"I don't sorry, even if I did it would be pointless, her mum died, suicide"

Matthew looked interested and didn't believe it.

"I never had Katie Sugden down as suicidal"

"Do you know how she killed herself"

"She shot herself in the head"

Matthew shook his head. "Impossible," he knew Katie was terrible with guns, at that shoot back at Home Farm she couldn't even hold a gun properly. "I'm going to investigate this, further, it doesn't add up."

"I wouldn't know where to begin, I can help you"

"Thanks"

--------------------------------

Mariah got up from the sofa. She was going home.

"Mariah, where are you going?"

"Back to Mill Cottage"

Matthew stepped in. "You want to go back to him after he lied to you?"

Mariah shook her head. "I need to get my stuff"

"Ok, I'll drive you down there, then you can come back here for a bit"

"Thanks"

All three of them arrived at Mill Cottage, Grayson wasn't home fortunately, probably in a court case. Mariah thought she best be quick.

Mariah ran to her room and packed all the stuff in her huge backpack. Then she went in the kitchen and took £50. Then she left and shut the front door and got back into Matthew's car. They drove back to Home Farm.

Matthew then spoke fast. "Quick, Mariah, get down, I see Grayson's car coming this way."

Mariah got down quick and she didn't get up until Matthew told her he was quite a way away.

"Phew, do you think he suspected anything"

"I don't think so"

Mariah couldn't rest until she got to the safety of Home Farm. Matthew ordered a pizza.

"So what you going to do now," Gabby asked

"Ain't got a clue, but as far away from the monster as I can get"

----------------------------------

Grayson arrived home from a busy day. He was representing a client, in court. He entered the front door and called out to let his daughter know he was back.

"Mariah, princess"

There was no answer.

He called again, he thought she might be listening to music, so he left her for a while. It was almost dinner time, so he began to cook. He told Mariah he would cook her a proper meal today, so he was.

Dinner was ready, he called out again, there was no answer, it was very quiet up there. Grayson decided to go up. He knocked on the door, it wasn't locked.

"Princess"

After five minutes he opened the door, Mariah wasn't in there, he looked all over the house, she was gone. Grayson opened the wardrobe in her room, all her things were gone. Grayson got angry. She had left him.

Grayson knew she had spoken to Gabby, he marched out of the house and went to her house. He banged on the door really loud.

Ashley answered. "Grayson, hello, can I help?"

"Yes you can actually, tell me where she is"

"Who"

"Gabby, she's in here I know"

"She's not, now please leave," Ashley tried to close the door but Grayson stopped him. Then Laurel appeared.

"Whats all this about"

"Tell me where Gabby is"

"Look, she's an adult, If she doesn't tell us where she's going we don't ask, now leave"

Grayson wasn't taking no for an answer. Then Laurel grabbed Arthur's super soaker which happened to be fully loaded with water. Laurel went outside.

"Grayson, all these years I've known you there is one thing I would like to give you," Laurel said in a sweet sickly voice with a big smile on her face.

Grayson looked confused.

"What"

"THIS," Laurel shouted aiming the soaker at him and pulling the trigger. Grayson was drenched in water. Laurel ran back into the house, laughing hysterically. She closed the door behind her.

"I can't believe you just did that," Ashley said laughing too.

Grayson just stood there defeated and looking embarrassed, he would find Gabby another way. He noticed she was very friendly with Matthew King.

[missking]

great update

[hann18]

Chapter 22

Up at Home Farm, Matthew, Gabby and Mariah were finishing the pizza. Just then a car was heard outside. Gabby went to see who it was.

"Oh my god, Mariah its your dad"

Matthew ran to the window, "She's right Mariah"

Gabby thought quickly of somewhere for Mariah to hide.

"Matt, are those log cabins in the woods still, up at the old holiday village?"

"Yes, but they haven't been lived in since the 90s"

"That will do, fine, we don't have much choice, come on Mariah"

Mariah grabbed her bag and ran out of Home Farm the back way with Gabby. The woods weren't far.

------------------------------------------

The doorbell to Home Farm rang. Matthew went to answer the door. It was Grayson.

"Fancy seeing you here, what do you want"

"Where are they?"

"What are you on Larry"

"You know, Gabby and Mariah, and don't call me Larry"

"There not here, come in and look if you don't believe me"

Grayson barged through, he looked all over the house. There was no sign of them.

"What did I tell you, now sling your hook," Matthew pushed Grayson out of the door and slammed it.

-----------------------------------

Gabby and Mariah were somewhere in the woods.

"Where are we going, the woods aren't the best place to go if he's after me"

"Relax Mariah, you won't be staying outdoors, look back in the 90s there was a holiday village not far from here, the log cabins are still there, you will be safe there"

They kept running until some log cabins came into view. Gabby for some reason had a key.

"Where did you get that"

"Found it on the ground, come on, from what I can make out it says 8 on here"

They searched for cabin 8, it was on the other end of the village, very secluded. Gabby put the key in the lock and it turned.

The door was a bit stiff so it needed a bit of a push. Strangely the cabin was warm. It was obvious the cabins hadn't been occupied for quite some time, the furniture looked dated.

There was a black and white striped sofa, coffee table, TV which wasn't modern looking. There was a cooker, microwave and cupboards. On the other side of the room was a double bed with bed side table. Wardrobes were nearby and there was a separate room for toilet and shower.

Mariah decided to look through the cupboard, curious to know if there was any food. To her surprise was an unopened multi pack of Wispa Gold. Unfortunately the best before date was May 1999.

"Look Mariah, I brought a pack of Custard Creams along, I will bring more tomorrow, but I'm going to have to be careful, Grayson is about. It will be safe here, just remember to keep the curtains drawn and the door locked with the chain across at all times. If I'm here I will knock three times, now I have to go, take care." Gabby gave Mariah a hug.

After she was gone Mariah did as Gabby advised, she bolted the door really tight and put the chain across. She made sure there were no open windows and that the curtains were closed.

It was dark outside now, there was no electricity so she couldn't do much, Mariah decided to go to bed. After all who knows what tomorrow would bring.

[missking]

great update

[eppsy]

Wow. Great updates. More soon please. x

[hann18]

Chapter 23

Mariah woke up still where she fell asleep, the log cabin. Daylight came in through the curtains. Mariah decided to get dressed. There were no more diary entries to read. Breakfast consisted of custard creams and a warm bottle of water that was in her bag.

Most of the day was spent reading. Mariah had a book to read, so that kept her occupied. Mariah was taken out of her novel by three knocks on the door. Mariah was careful she knew was Gabby told her. Cautiously Mariah went to the door and unlocked everything. At the other side she saw Gabby.

"Hi Mariah, glad to see you're alright. Look you best let me in, Grayson was following me in the village, dunno whether he saw me come here"

Gabby hurried on through. Mariah looked around the place, there was no one around the woods. Mariah as always bolted the door including chain. The curtains were still closed.

"Did you sleep alright?"

"Yeah, it was fine"

"Excellent, oh I brought you some things, to keep you occupied and to brighten up the place a bit"

"Oh thanks Gabby"

Mariah had a bag of things with her. She pulled out some puzzle magazines, books, regular magazines, food and a four pack of Bacardi Breezer.

"There you go," Gabby started rearranging things, making the place look homely. "Oh and heres a couple a cushions and candles"

"That looks great, Gabby, you're a great friend"

Mariah sat down. Something made her feel uneasy.

"Oh my god, Gabby, I think I heard something"

"Really, its probably nothing"

"Shh listen, someones out there I know it"

Gabby sat down she nodded her head in agreement.

"Keep down and very quiet"

They should be safe, everything was locked up, curtains drawn like every other cabin. Then Gabby crawled to the window and pulled the curtain back just a tiny bit and then quickly put it back.

"Oh no, someone is out there, its Grayson"

A look of panic came across Mariah's face, she didn't know what to do. Gabby noticed.

"Its alright Mariah, he didn't see, look he's going back the way he came, calm down please"

Mariah was shaking. It took half an hour to calm her down.

"Mariah, look, its alright, if I came later he would have seen me, everything will be fine"

Mariah was starting to calm down. "I can't stay here, not now he knows about this place, at least it wasn't dark"

"You want to leave, but where"

"I've been thinking, London is the only safe place"

"London, its a long way, you sure"

"Absolutely, I could manage fine, I just want to leave now, please"

Gabby nodded. "Ok, come one, we'd better make a move, we better stop at Home Farm first"

Mariah was a nervous wreck. Gabby carried her bag for her and led her through the woods to Home Farm. They went through the back entrance.
Matthew was there.

"How come you're back here"

"Grayson discovered the village, Matt, we had to get her away from there, think what the place would be like at night with him lurking around in the shadows"

A shiver went down Mariah's spine as Gabby said the last part.

"Well here's not that safe"

"Mariah's set on London"

Matthew thought for a moment. London would be safer to get away from Grayson, for starters it was big and easy to hide, plus London wasn't like Emmerdale where everyone knew your business.

"How are you going to cope Mariah?"

"I'll make it fine, I'm going to follow my dream and become a dancer"

Matthew nodded. "Ok, look you'll need some money. Matthew handed Mariah £500.

"Oh, thanks but I can't take that"

"Mariah, just take it, I don't need it, you will"

Mariah took the cash and put it away for safety.

"Thanks, Matthew"

Then the three of them got in the car and headed to the train station.

"Now Mariah, is there anything else we can do for you," Matthew said.

Mariah thought for a bit, there is one thing. She handed Tish's phone to Matthew.

"After my mum's funeral my good friend Tish vanished. When I arrived at Mill Cottage I found her phone in a shrub just across the street. I have been thinking all the time why it is there. Perhaps you can find out why and find Tish, thanks"

"I'll see what I can do Mariah, you take care of yourself"

Gabby was starting to cry. "I'm gunna miss you, you know. You just take care of yourself, the London streets can be tough, but I know you, you're strong, you'll make it. Oh yeah you can come back any time, catch you around"

Gabby hugged Mariah tight. "Thanks Gabby, you've been great to me, I guess I could come back, see ya"

Mariah walked off towards the platform and boarded her train to London.