HIDDEN TREASURES 

By Tessa Harvey


    Alice had simply reheated a casserole for their evening meal. It was one Jess really loved - with chicken, rice, tomatoes and various green veges added just prior to serving.
    Apple crumble with a few added late blackberries, served as dessert, with cream. Sometimes in summer there was wine, but as both were tired, they decided on Milo. They were drinking the warm beverage, gazing dreamily at a make-believe fire. The radio was playing in the background. All the music seemed to be Christian, which really puzzled Jess.
    About to ask Alice about this, her mobile rang rather stridently. "Sorry Mops," she said, forgetting their agreement about names. Puzzled, she stared at the caller ID. It was Simon. She thought she had blocked and deleted him, so she did so again. 
    "He has been following me," she blurted. "I'm scared."
    Their peaceful evening disturbed, Jess explained about the older student who had charmed her into a dinner date. On the surface it seemed perfect - a beautiful meal in a delightful setting. Then the man found fault constantly with her, trying to organise her life.


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