Shadows in the Night

Surviving

The pavement was scorching the soles of my feet. Each step felt like an eternity, and there was nothing but endless pavement ahead of me. Each step more painful than the last. The August sun beat down on my back and on my neck. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew it would take me away. Somewhere safe. Somewhere perhaps the pain would stop. I glance behind me only to discover blood marking my path. A path for him to follow. I weave into the grass hoping the softness will lessen the open sores on my feet. The searing blades slice into my feet, inflicting even more pain. There is no comfort. No one to help me. Only he is there. Only he is following me.

I jerk awake in bed. The window is slightly open, and a cool May breeze circulates the once stale air in the room. I try to shake the grogginess - instantly reaching for the water on my side table. The water is cool and refreshing and a quick glance at my phone tells me it's only 3 am.

My mind is on alert, and my body is slowly recovering from its fight response. I have work at 6 am, and I could use the extra couple hours of sleep. But I can't shake it. I can't shake the fear or the depression. I just lie there - staring until my alarm is a muffled shrill in the background.

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"Well don't we look well rested this morning?"

I begrudgingly glance at my boss, Theia, before brushing past her to put my belongings in my small locker along the back room wall.

"You know a hello is usually customary when seeing someone first thing in the morning..." Theia pointedly comments as she follows me to the back.

"Sorry I didn't sleep well. Good morning Theia." I make quick work of pulling my dark black hair into a long braid down my back, absentmindedly brushing out imaginary fuzz along my Emerald Books and Espresso sweatshirt.

"It's okay... I suppose you will just have to make lots of money in tips to make it up to me for such rude behavior." Theia teases, her usual smirk appearing on her face. I could always leave it to Theia to brush off my grumpiness in the early mornings.

"Is it just us today or will Sammy be joining us?" I turn and ask. I take a moment to assess Theia's outfit of the day. Her dark green hair is down and cut in a messy shag style. Her long figure matches well with her baggy black jeans and short sleeve button up - no doubt from the thrift store two stores down the street. She has her signature black platform Doc Martens and more jewelry than normal today. Her typical vertical labret catches the light along with her three nose rings - two in each side and one septum. She has her usual black and white gages, but unlike most days, she has added a couple of rings along her thumb, pinky, and pointer finger.

She looks up with a sappy smile on her face. "No Sammy actually stayed home with Gwen today. Gwen woke up with a fever and cough so Sammy is watching her."

I look away and frown thinking about little Gwen being sick. I have such a polar reaction to children, but I love Gwen and her older brother Lucas with all my heart. I feel terrible that she isn't feeling well.

"Did you need me to stay here alone today so you can head home? I can imagine you're worried about her." I imagine Gwen's usual dimpled and freckled face giggling as she jump scares everyone at the cafe, her dirty blond curls bobbing as she scurries away looking to escape a scolding from her mothers.

Theia glances over me and shakes her head. She quickly grabs a pitcher and several bottles before answering me. "It's okay. I wouldn't want to leave you all alone." She winks and walks to the bar.

I follow after her, and we quickly fall into the routine of opening the store. Before I know it, I'm taking my lunch break. I'm munching away on some pasta salad when a group of three men walk into the store.

The first man I notice is Theia's brother, Adien. He has a tall and muscular build similar to his twin sister, and his dark brown hair reaches the top of his ears in soft waves. His dark brown eyes find his sister immediately, and he smiles. Next to him is another familiar face, Caspien. Caspien is a a couple inches shorter but much wider. His long locs are in a half-up hairstyle, and he is in his usual black aesthetic. He smirks at Theia in greeting.

And then there was Nowan. He towers over the other two and, overall, is more massive. He stands behind the other two almost in a protective stance - like he would always protect their blind side. His shoulder length black hair is tide messily in a low bun, and his dark blue shirt stretches tightly across his chest. Unlike his comrades, his honey gaze immediately finds my dark green stare. He inhales softy and smiles gently.

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Okay first chapter and first thing I've every written so please be kind!!

Love,
Muwolly