The Light That Rid My Darkness

ten

Realistic Fantasy

The day passed on faster than it usually did. And I'll go ahead and admit it, I was looking forward to calling Mah and cussing his ass out as soon as I'd gotten off. To hear his voice bring warmth to my ears as soon as he'd answer my call.

As I would normally get off at 5:00, today I'd gotten off at 9:00 to make up for the absence I 'd had this morning.

"It's clock out time, Zilah. I already feel bad for making you work late,  couldn't imagine letting you do another minute."

Zach and I were the last two left in the bookstore by this time. His attitude was completely different from the encounter we'd had with one another earlier.

"Thanks, Zach. See you tomorrow then?"

"If you don't have 'misfortunes with waking up'  in the morning." Zach cackled at his own joke, which made me try to smile a bit as well.

  I guess seeing other people happy, I thought, can make you feel just the slightest bit of happiness as well.

I began putting my things back into my backpack, ready to go home for once.

"And hey, you're duty is opening up tomorrow."

I nodded, threw my backpack over my shoulder, and walked out of the doors before we had to have anymore conversation.

My apartment was not far from the bookstore, which was an advantage with me walking home late at night. And this time I made sure I'd pay attention to where I was going.

My phone buzzed the same time I heard a whistle at me. I looked around to see who or what  it could possibly be. I failed to notice who this was but then they made another noise, this time in words.

"Pretty girl."

I then recognized who this person was just by those two words. I'd decided to turn around as if no one were there and continue on my way. I was convinced I was daydreaming.

The pace of my walk gradually increased. I  walked so fast that I found myself near my apartment in no time.

Right when I was about to reach for my key to unlock my door, my phone began ringing. Echoing in the quiet apartment complex. Interrupting the silence.

I quickly answered so that the noise wouldn't irritate my neighbors or cause attention.

"Hello?" I answered without looking at who the caller was. Not having a clue of whatever voice that would speak to me.

"Zilah." An angry tone said my name. A angry, familiar tone. It was like this voice had control over my name.  A voice that I was so desperately waiting to hear.

I didn't answer and looked around to make sure no one was behind me. The city looked vacant to me as I studied the streets for emptiness. Nothing appeared to be on the sidewalks but residue of snow and the yellow bright streetlights gleaming across the city.

"Aye...I told you to call me." I'd forgotten so quickly that the phone was still to my ear and was surprised when I heard his voice again. This time it wasn't as harsh.