Fruits of the Gifts Risen

four

     The last rays of the sun were going down behind me as I cruised the streets. After I left the park I just drove around lost in my own thoughts wondering about everything. The car had a damp smell in it even after I dried off with the heat. The jacket I was wearing got super stiff and uncomfortable. I'm lucky no critters hitched a ride with me. My fingers gripped the wheel in frustration. I know the trip to the woods didn't accomplish much but dammit I had all types of emotions swirling inside. It felt as though I had wasted my time in there. Did I really think I could test my limits by jumping off a waterfall? All I did was lay like an idiot in that stupid cave and gave myself goddamn hypothermia. It was dark out now and I didn't really feel like going home. My stomach grumbled in response to that thought. I decided to grab a quick bite at the convenience store. There's nothing better than hot frozen food to lift your spirits; and I mean that.
     The store was so brightly lit it was almost blinding, or perhaps a beacon of hope for those who needed quick grub this late. I opened the door and nodded at the cashier in a silent greeting. I walked around the aisles even though I knew what I had a taste for. I needed a hot greasy pizza inside my belly, I knew it would make me feel better instantly. I walked up to the rolling grill where they had the slices laid out and picked the greasiest one. I went to pick out an electrolyte drink too, to replenish from my earlier escapade. So I brought all of that to the counter and waited for the nice man behind the counter to check me out.
     "How's your night going?" the clerk made polite small talk.
     Flustered I answered, "pretty gooood how about yourself sir?"
     "Good good. Not too busy quiet night" he smiled back at me.
     I didn't really want to continue the conversation so I just looked to the outside.
     He finished up my transaction, "you stay safe out there" he smiled at me.
     I grumbled and was about to exit the store when a man swung the door open before me with a wild look on his face. His hood was up, his eyes darting side to side.
     "Back up bitch!" he shouted.
     Instinct kicked in and I did as I was told. So I backed it up a few steps away from the door. He had his hand in his pocket but quickly whipped it out. He was holding a gun.
     I didn't know what to say my words were stuck in my throat. I didn't dare move an inch.
     "You!" he yelled at the guy behind the counter, "give me your cash, ecigs, whiskey, cigars, anything of that value," still pointing the gun at him he threw him a black garbage bag.
     "Please I don't want any trouble" the man pleaded his hands in the air showing submission.
     "Just do as you're told and you'll be fine" the robber said almost calmly, the most coherent he probably sounded all night.
I could feel the tension in the air, anyone could. Something in me snapped though. Perhaps it was the events of the day that had me riled up. Or perhaps it was this asshole robbing this nice man.
     I tried to look him square in the face but he wouldn't make eye contact, "man would you leave this poor man alone? What's he done to you?" I challenged.
     He turned to me, "now I know you're not talking. Shut the fuck up!" he waved his gun at me.
     "Miss please-"
     "Go ahead shoot me, see how far that gets ya" I exaggerated.
     He kind of stopped for a second almost with a baffled look in his face. He must have thought I was an idiot. Quick like lighting he pointed the gun at me and I heard a loud bang. I was wearing dark denim so even if I could bleed you wouldn't be able to tell. Oh man I felt it though. I was honestly shocked, I called his bluff and he shot me.
     "You motherfucker" I spat at him and lunged dropping my bag of food. Another loud bang.
     I put my hands around his throat, "I'll teach you a lesson" I said in the calmest voice.
     He was choking and I could feel him scrambling to find air. His body was convulsing under me. He was trying to reach for the gun but I had him pinned. The rage I felt was overwhelming and I was seeing red.
    "Miss!" the clerk cried out.
     My head jerked towards his voice, the body under me struggling less and less. I let go of his neck and crawled backwards away from him.
     He poked his head out from under the counter, "you need to go to the hospital miss."
     With my shaky voice I replied, "I'll be okay."
     I stood up away from his body and went to pick up my food. I grabbed the plastic bag from the floor. I knew my pizza was cold by now. I sighed heavily and went to leave.
     "Miss I can give you some more food" the clerk said quietly.
     I turned my head around, "I would appreciate that."
     He rushed from around the counter to give me some goodies. He went to a few spots and got me more hot food.
    "What's your name?" he questioned.
     I narrowed my eyes, "Oakley."
     "Good to meet you Miss Oakley, my name is Feliks."
     "Yeah you too.. Feliks" I pursed my lips.
      "Here you go," he handed me the food, "I hope to see each other again."
     "Hopefully with no trouble next time."
      He chuckled the tension easing a bit, "if you ever need anything please stop by."
     I waved a thanks and left the store. The adrenaline was now leaving my body and I leaned against the car. Shit! The bullets. I patted my body down in search of them. I knew he shot my abdomen but did he get me anywhere else?
     I lifted my shirt and found the bullet hole. It was already healing. I dug around in there wincing in pain, feeling the metal. That's such a gross feeling. Pain was setting in.
      "Got...it..." I pulled out the bullet and held it up to the light. It must have been the only one to hit me. There wasn't any blood anywhere. On the bullet, around my wound. Nothing. I leaned my back now against the car and looked up into the sky. I was so exhausted. I closed my eyes head still tilted to the sky. I was breathing rather heavily. With a grunt I opened the door and got in. It was time to eat.