I smiled at my co-worker and best friend, Jeremy. "Bye." I said softly, as I stepped out the back door of the restaurant. Chris’s truck had disappeared, had I only imagined his truck? The air felt off… I looked around but nothing seemed weird. I must be more tired than I had thought.
I started to walk to my Mom’s car through the ally when I felt someone's gaze pouring into my back. I looked around to find Christopher standing behind me. I stepped back in surprise but smiled. He smiled in return but there was something off about the way he looked at me. I stepped forward, he mirrored my movement. His face didn't soften, it was frightening. I looked at him with concerned eyes. "Chris?" I asked taking another step forward.
I could smell the alcohol radiating off of him now and it scared me, he was an unpleasant drunk. "Chris," I started in a harsh tone. "It's a Wednesday night! What are-" I was cut off by him grabbing my arm. I looked at him in shock, trying to pull away. The harder I pulled the stronger his grip got.
"Maria, we have to talk." He demanded, his words were slurred but, his tone was harsh. "Take a ride with me." He added pulling me toward him. I broke free of his grip taking a few steps away.
"You’re coming with me, you don’t get a fucking say in this anymore. Whore." Chris growled. I looked past him to see two human figures walking toward us.
I tried to scream but only air escaped my lips. I started to panic stepping backwards again. I looked around frantically, making sure not to take my eyes off Chris, I continued to step backward hoping to find an escape route. Too soon, I found a cold stone wall against my back. Chris grabbed my shoulders, I could feel them brushing my skin his grip was so strong. I tried to fight back but he was so strong. He grabbed my waist and lifted me over his shoulder.
I opened my mouth to scream again but, again nothing came out. I beat my fists on the small of his back. I stopped to look around when I could see the two black figured again, one was holding the door to Chris truck open the other had a roll of duct tape.
I thrashed around hitting Chris as hard as I could. Oh no! No! No!
"Maria!"
I froze, that wasn't Chris' voice, it was too high.
"Maria! Wake up!" No! I knew that voice now, he couldn't be here, they would hurt him!
"Up, wake up!"
With a tap to the face I was awoken by a bouncing smiling child. I couldn't help but smile at the little bundle of joy, he was always happy. I wanted to thank him for waking me before my dream got worse but he wouldn't understand... I sat up grabbing his feet, I pulled them toward me quickly, forcing him to lie on his back he let out a small scream but started to giggle and wiggle around. I couldn't help but laugh a little; he was fun to wake up to. I laughed wrapping my arms around his waist and throwing him over my shoulder.
He screamed. "No! I don't want to!" He was giggling and shaking his head wildly.
"You don't want to? You don't even know what we’re doing yet, silly boy." I laughed
"I don't wanna!" He giggled again.
I just shook my head and continued down the stairs to the kitchen. I put Cameron down on the counter and tickled him before heading to the fridge. "What should we have for breakfast?" I asked glancing back at him to make sure he was still there.
"Ice cream!" He shouted clapping his hands.
"That's not breakfast silly!" I chuckled grabbing the milk and poking Cameron's stomach.
