The Red Doves

Chapter VII

June 26, 2021...

The sunrises weren't there really much. The rain was falling since this morning and nobody was outside because of that. For a Saturday, it was pretty calm on the roads. People would usually go to the stores to do shopping but it didn't look like it.
The rain didn't stop Suziky from going out that day. It was June 26, meaning that in 3 days already, Alan would turn 22. Lucky her, he had to go to work this morning and won't come back before 17h. He started working 3 weeks ago and it looked like his planning was really messy. Working on Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Sometimes Friday depending on his workmates.
But since he was gone on that day, she decided to go buy his birthday gift. She had many ideas in mind – she still thought she didn't thank him enough for all he did – so she wanted to buy him the best of the best. She already got him a gift card that she wrote lately this morning.
On the clock of the car, 13h was lighting while I'm Yours was playing to the radio, a song that she specially loved. It was the first song she heard as a child when her mom entered the house with her, some time after she was born. Somehow, she remembered this moment, not like every children.
She stopped her car in the parking and went out of her car. She entered the store and walked in the alleys, searching for what she was looking for. Some pencils, special pencils, and paper, a lot of paper. Maybe some color pencils too, depending on if she found some good ones. She wanted it to be perfect.

- Can I help you miss?

Suziky, surprised, turned around, ready to defend herself. In front of her, a girl was standing there, looking at her, a question mark on her face. Suziky calmed herself down and took a deep breath and smiled.

- Yes, you could help me. Could you show me where is all the art stuff?

- Of course, follow me, the girl answered as she passed in front of her.

Suziky followed the worker, who was actually pretty little, and they arrived at the art section. A lot of pencils and color crayons were there with paint, sheets and all the stuff needed for an artist.

- Thank you! You're saving me, said Suziky, taking some package of drawing pencils.

- I don't want to be impolite but how could I save you with this? asked the young worker – from the height and the voice of the girl, Suziky guessed she was not older than her.

- Oh, well it's the birthday of my friend in 3 days and I really needed these for him.

- I see... I'm happy I could help then.

- Hey, how old are you, just like that? asked Suziky.

- I'm 19 years old. My name's Hana, continued the girl, holding her hand out for a handshake.

- Suziky, said this one, surprised, taking Hana's hand and shaking it. I'm also 19 so call me Suzy if you want.

- Nice! It's fun to see someone of my age around, especially to converse with them. I usually work and then go back home.

- Don't you have friends?, asked Suziky while taking some papers and put them in her basket.

- Yea but I don't see them during the weekends, counting Friday in. And my family is also very strict with me so...

- You still live with your parents? Sorry if I'm getting too personal with my questions.

- No, it's fine! Don't worry, said Hana, looking Suziky with her blue eyes. I live with them cause I don't have the money to leave. And I don't want to leave my sister behind.

- I understand. If I had a brother, I would've stayed to the apartment, Suziky said, looking to the floor.

- You moved?

- No. Well kinda. I live with my best friend now. He also lives with his parents.

Suziky took some more pencils and after putting them in the basket, took her phone out.

- You want to stay in contact with me? she asked to Hana.

- You're serious? I wouldn't want to disturb you or anything...

- Don't worry, I don't mind. I need some more friends. I only have Alan and when he works, like today, I'm lonely. We could hang out together sometime.

- Who's Alan?

- My childhood best friend. I might introduce you to him if you want.

- Gladly! answered Hana, a smile on her face.

Hana took her phone out and gave it to Suziky. She typed her number and sent her a quick Hi. She gave back the phone to Hana and she typed back with another Hi. Then, she smiled at Suziky and thanked her. They both walked to the front door of the store to pay everything and they talked a little while the man at the bank was counting.
Saying bye to Hana, Suziky walked out of the store, a smile on her face. This meeting made her day. She walked to her car and opened the door to enter in, after putting her purchase at the back of the car. She started her engine and noticed she was almost running out of gas. She took the closet road leading to the nearest gas station.

. . .

Standing next to the machine, Suziky was fulling her automobile. She was looking around, trying to see something interesting. Her coat was now all wet because of the rain and some fog was starting to appear. She finished and walked inside of the station. She took some chips for the ride, paid her stuff and left as fast as she entered.
On the way to the car, Suziky saw a black form close to her car. Trying to break the window, the person didn't notice the young woman's presence. She took her phone out and typed the 911. The phone ring started to sound in her hear. At this moment, the shadow turned around and made eye contact with Suziky.
She looked at him as she was walking backwards without knowing. The masked person walked to her, then started running toward her. Suziky turned around and ran away, dropping her chips and phone to the ground. She tried to escape but the mysterious person was running faster. They were now behind the store, one running to its victim, the other escaping the armed one.