Beyond the Skyline | [UNDERGOING HEAVY EDITING]

Chapter 2| La la land

I leave at the end of the day and heave a well-deserved sigh of relief.

If this wasn't one of my most mentally draining days then I don't know what to think.

Before I get home, I make a quick stop at the supermarket and stock up on things we need back home. Feeling achieved, I continue my journey back to my safe haven.

I open the door to my apartment and meet Hiko and Chuks on the couch. I look from one man to the next several times before bursting out in laughter. They had been caught in an incriminating position with Hiko lying down on the couch and Chuks between his legs kissing him.

They quickly rearrange themselves and greet me with a smile. Still laughing I drop the groceries on the kitchen island and wash my hands. Chuks comes behind me and tickles me.

"Hey Ri. How was your day?"

"It was interesting. Apparently I'm getting an intern working under me. I tried to negotiate but well, you know how it is."

"I do girl, I feel you. But I know you're cutting off some details. Tell me about it later?"

I cast a wary glance towards Hiko's direction. He was sitting crossed-legged on the couch looking at the tv but I could tell that his real interest was in the conversation Chuks and I were having.

"Okay."

I walk past him to the living room and sit on the rug in front of the sofa.

"So. What are we watching? Anything good on?"

"Actually we were just watching The Polaroid. Good movie. 100% recommend."

Horror. Just great. Chuks always had a thing for productions concerning screams and shivers. You could say he was kind of obsessed with anything paranormal and unusual.

"Yeah okay sure. I'll pass. You know what. I'll leave you guys to it and go for a run instead."

I go to my room and change into a pink and black camouflage Nike sports bra and black tank top with black yoga pants. I put on a pair of trainers and make my way out of the apartment waving a quick goodbye to the lovebirds as I pass.

With a nice beat in my ears, I make my way down the block and unto the streets. At night, the streets of New Jersey are relatively peaceful. Dotted with couples who decide to take in the fresh air at night and individuals who want to tone up their bodies, the path you take determines the people you come across.

On this particular night, though, I just wanted to clear my thoughts and understand better the situation I have been thrown in. Making mindless conversation with passers-by wasn't on the agenda for the night.

As I walked by, I saw a guy also walking in the opposite direction. He looked like he knew this path well. His complexion was breathtaking, even at night. He had jet black tousled hair and blue hooded eyes eyes that looked intense and void of emotion. His jaw was chiseled and his lips were full but set into a straight line. He looked like he could mess you up real good in bed.

Quit fawning over him like a lovesick college girl, my paranoia wails, he could be a serial killer for all you know.

Pfft, yeah right, my inner goddess smirks, he can serially kill me with that thing, you know what I'm saying?

Same.

I still cross paths with him on my next lap. On my last one I find him sitting on a bench with his head in his hands. He was groaning and I noticed that his left leg wasn't resting on the ground. I contemplate whether to help a total stranger who could easily kidnap and dismember me.