Aimed At You

Chapter 9

It was a gloomy Wednesday morning. The clouds appeared full, and the sky seemed darker than it was the day before.  There were fewer cars on the street today, which was a very rare sight in New York. People walked along the sidewalk with an umbrella in hand. They were prepared to conquer the streets of New York despite the fact that the rain was threatening to pour. 

Nathan performed his usual morning routine; after starting his day at 9:30 in the morning, he began to walk to Vance with a sandwich in hand. He noticed that most of the people walking were holding umbrellas, making him suddenly aware of the darkness engulfing the previously  blue sky. 

When he finally arrived at the building, he was greeted by the receptionist, who was called Esmeralda. He politely smiled and bowed to her, making her smile. When he reached the target site, he found himself unconsciously searching for a red-headed girl. After looking around for about 30 seconds, he furrowed his brows uncomprehendingly. For the first time in 3 weeks, he didn't find her sitting in the corner by herself; silently watching them compete. 

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Nathan used to be nervous about the competition. Now, he plays the game as if he were only tasked to recite the alphabet. He turned around to face 2 really tall and 3 averagely tall men, already holding the pistol in their hands. 

"Good afternoon," he greeted. "I see you're ready. Let's start, shall we?"

***

Lexie walked, walked, and walked with her suitcase in hand until she finally saw the diner. She placed her hand on the door, when she remembered that Nathan worked at the diner. She froze, thinking about how she didn't want Nathan to see her like this. She looked through the window to look for Nathan, then remembered that he works the night shift. 

She entered the surprisingly empty diner, only 2 other people were inside. She sighed, silently thanking the universe for the peace that she's been given. She made her way to her usual booth and sat down, pulling out the book"pride and prejudice" from her suitcase.  Clark, the guy who usually takes her order, went up to her with a dashing smile that Lexie couldn't return.  

"What can I get you, Lexie?" 

"Uhm," she pauses to think for a second. "I'll just have the fires, thank you."

"No milkshake?" Clark asks, surprised by her order. 

Lexie chuckled, "I won't be having it today."

Clark nodded and went straight to the kitchen to make her order. Lexie shifted her attention back to her book and began reading page 113. She found herself reading the same sentence over 12 times, her mind preoccupied by the events of last night and this morning. She started to think about her dad, feeling guilty for a second. She then shook her head and told herself that what she did was right. She had been putting up with the disorderliness of her father for a very long time, and it's only right to start living her life again. Once her food arrived, she instantly began eating, trying to focus on nothing else but her book. 

***

The bell at the diner's door dinged, signaling that a customer arrived. Lexie was still reading her book, and she had about 2 empty plates of fries on her table, a milkshake, and a donut. She turned her book to read page 223, when a tall figure shadowed over her. 

"We meet again."

Lexie looked up, facing the man she didn't want to see today. Both his hands were pressed on the table, and his eyes were staring intently at Lexie, glad to finally see her again.