Code Red

Chapter 1 2/10

It’s been 3 years since that incident. I’m still kind of messed up about it. Everyone is. I now help my uncle with a coffee shop. After I graduated, I don’t go out much. Only to pick my sister up to and from school. My sister is currently at school. My aunt is no longer with us… we’ll be okay. “Don! can you get more coffee grounds from the back!” uncle shouted from the counter. I nodded and headed to the back. The backroom is always chilly. Though I never asked what type, I have a feeling on which one he wants. I pick up a bag of Columbian coffee beans and bring it up front. Then scooping, grinding and filtering the coffee till the blend was perfect. I yawned; no sleep has been weighing me down. I’m surprised there’s no dark rings around my eyes. I shouldn’t take the car today. I watch my uncle from the kitchen. He’s serving the usual customers with a warm smile. Then I notice a man looking at me, dark brown hair, dark skinned, probably in is early 20’s. I walk fully into the kitchen. I don’t like people staring at me. It makes me paranoid…
As I mixed sugar with dark coffee and cream, I couldn’t help but stare at the swirls, so calming to look at. Then my thoughts were cut short when the digital clock went off indicating it was three a clock. Covering the coffee and putting my gloves/ apron away. I took my bike to my sister’s school. She was in 8’th grade. So, I wasn’t surprised to see her huddled with her group of friends, talking and laughing, you know, what friends do… I think? I smile, knowing she’s still okay. I wave to her from the sidewalk. I don’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of kids running around.
I don’t think she saw me, so I parked my bike at a lamppost and waited for her. I looked amongst the trees. Fall was over, seeing the snowflakes gently fall was refreshing. The mark of winter.” benny. can you sing for the duckies” I spun around in shock, Abby was standing there. “Yo, you okay? I called but you kinda freaked out”. Abby said. Her friend who was close by Her friend, who was close by, waved bye to Abby then ran off. “Wanna head to the store before we head home?” She asked. I nodded. We both got on my bike and headed off to the store.
I waited for my sister, who was in the store. I don’t really talk so she takes care of that sort of stuff. As I wait, I see three guys walk towards the store. They didn’t look like thieves or anything. There was just something off about them. It didn’t seem like they were walking towards the store anymore, I-it looks like they’re walking towards me. I casually walked into the store. I can’t let them know I’m running from them or they might chase me. They can have the bike if they want, I need to get my sister.
I Casually dropped my bike and strolled into the store.