Rena: Code 143

1.8

He was late.

He was late, storm clouds were beginning to roll in, I was hungry, and I had a migraine—four bad combinations for a woman who's having a rough day. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this. I had to find shelter seeing as my building closed about an hour ago. I was supposed to be home hours ago. I had called Kenny a million times to which I received no answer. I called Rick and his phone went straight to voicemail. Lastly, I resorted to calling a cab and an uber and both were unavailable. How shitty is my luck?

I stayed at my job as long as I possibly could, but all the workers had to leave at some point and lock it. And it seemed nobody lived where I did or had no car. And if they did, no one wanted to chance getting stuck since there was a storm underway. Again, how shitty is my luck? I couldn't stand out on the curb all night and get caught in a rainstorm so I decided to try and find shelter. Still mindful of the fact I'm wearing heels due to my feet aching. I was honestly scared to be walking out alone like this, but I tried not to show it. The area where I worked didn't have many structures around it. There were hardly any homes or shops, and most of the stores were closed anyway. It was nearing midnight, the last time I checked before my phone died. I knew there had to be a bus station nearby or something and began walking in the direction I thought it was in.

I had to have been walking for about twenty minutes before I felt the first splatter on my shoulder. Then another on my head before a drizzle began. Good thing I didn't wear makeup, or it would've smeared. I walked for another few minutes before the rain started pouring down harder. I couldn't believe it. Why was this happening to me? Am I going to be forced to stand in the rain waiting for the bus? A bus I hadn't even made to the stop yet? Now that I think about it, I think I was wrong about where it was. I glanced around me to check my surroundings, but it was empty and dark. It was also getting harder to see in the rain and difficult to walk in heels. I sped up my pace and walked down the street, looking for any kind of sign. Anything that would show directions to a bus route or sign.

The rain stopped altogether out of nowhere when more time passed. That is until it started to come down, heavy. There was no way a person could stay in this rain without getting hit by a car, slipping, or getting sick. I needed shelter fast and as I looked every which way I started to lose hope. That is until I saw a neon sign pointed to the right with a coffee cup. I don't know if it's God or pure luck helping me, but I'll take it. I walked as fast as I could to where the sign pointed and when I got there, I recognized some things. The area seemed familiar. As I drew closer I saw a building with bright lights on.

Shelter!

I became excited and rushed to the doors. I peeked inside and saw one man with his back turned at a bar of some sort. I didn't know what he was doing, but I didn't care. I pulled at the door handle, juggling it a little before realizing it was locked. The rain came down harder and by this point, I was drenched. I started knocking frantically on the door, beating it as hard as I could. I soon gained the attention of the man inside and he turned.

It's him! The waiter!

He looked about the same yet he was dressed in casual clothing, not work attire. Although my eyes currently had rainwater in them, he still looked handsome. With his dark hair, clothes clinging to his muscled body, and flawless skin. He looked at me confused before rushing over, pulling the door open, and inviting me inside. I rushed in and as I turned to thank him, I noticed something different. Unlike the last time when he wore a hat, I could see his eyes more clearly. I thought his eyes were a greenish-brown color but in all actuality, they were more a greenish-blue. Beautiful and crystal-like.

Husband. I have a husband.

Wrapping my arms around my waist to generate warmth I spoke, "T-t-thank y-y-you-" Or at least tried to. I was shivering like crazy as my teeth clattered when I spoke. The man stepped closer, his brows furrowed in...worry?