Love Bites

1 | Hunted

I was working the graveyard shift as always. Listening to my music, cleaning tables and refilling condiments. I'm just about finished with my closing duties when my manager, Janie, scares me half to death sneaking up on me.

"Ness, go home! You work too hard and your vacation starts tomorrow. Get some rest." She nearly barks at me after laughing at my expense.

"Are you sure, I can stay its no problem."I say, reassuring her that Im completely focused. She just points to the door shaking her head. I thank her and proceed to gather my belongings.

As I am changing and picking the right songs for my route home, a chill washes over me. I am still weary of what transpired not so long ago. Ever since that day I have felt like someone was following me. I even tried to ask for police escorts since I was the one and only witness to a murderer that has yet to be caught. Well, they immediately said no. There could be some speculation as to whether or not I am In my right mind. Because of my dream as well as being sleep deprived from the late work hours, the cops rendered my statement unusable. I mean I can see why, a small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing bad happens ever, then a sleep deprived waitress states that the supernatural world could be a possibility because she had a vivid dream of the exact same events. Yay, sound soooo real!

I mean I even laughed at myself. How could that be? Vampires, right? Thats only for fiction novels and bad romance movies. It's not like a body drained of all their blood could have any relevance. Or two very distinct puncture wounds on their neck. I mean the coroners report came out in the paper. Distinctive puncture wounds and drugs found in blood stream concludes the Mara murder mystery to be solved as a drug binge gone wrong. See, Vanesa! No vampires. The police labeled the case open and shut. Since Mara did in fact have a drug addiction.

Though the accidental murder mystery was solved, I did however still feel very off ever since. I do remember seeing someone and If they are real Im sure that they would want to make sure I stay quiet. Ever since then it has been hard to listen to my music on my walk. With the feeling of being watched, I keep my music volume low and as soon as I hear a noise I turn it off and bolt home, but not today. I can't keep living in fear. The case was solved and I didn't see anything. I was sleep deprived and my dream stayed with me. There was nothing to fear. So today, I put my phone and ear buds away. I walked home silently while watching my surroundings.

I continue my normal route and as soon as I get close to the park I decided to cut through it and really take in my new found thoughts. When I make it to the tree I hear something behind me. I turn and nothing. I mean maybe something in the shadows, but thats just the paranoia, right? Turning back around I walk on to where the body was found. Looking at the spot, everything was dead. The grass, and the nearby flower bushes. I mean I heard about this, when someone dies in a horrible way, nature will die too as a way to show the living the truth. I mean thats only lore but it doesn't settle well with my gut. As my gut hardens while I investigate I swear I hear a growling noise somewhere. My hair stands up and I look around once more. As soon as I do it stops.

This only aggravates my nerves more. Now something inside me tells me that I'm not alone but that only sounds like my paranoia more. Now with my insides aflame, I quickly turn back to my route and rush home. I stumble quite a bit on the walk way that has been uneven for years. As I get closer and closer home that sense of stalker doesn't go away. I quicken my pace more, as I do I get the sense so does he, and when he quickens too, I decide to sprint. Then he sprints, so I run. Now not paying any attention to him and only just motivated to get to safety. Finally I reach my last stretch and I slow down. The feeling gone. I look around quickly, checking my surroundings and also looking deep into the shadows to try to prove to myself that I am not crazy. Nothing. I release a sigh and regulate my breathing as I now walk up to my door.

Fumbling with my keys, I find my blue house key and put it into the lock only to find out that it's unlocked. Dad must be home. I head inside ready to be blinded by the flat screen. It's dark. Huh?

"Dad!" I shout into the house closing the door behind me and locking it. No answer. I head into the kitchen to set my stuff down and find our notepad.

' Went out to the town over to see the boys, will be back late. Don't wait up. Love you, kid - Dad '

Oh great, I'm alone tonight. He must've forgotten to lock up. I shake my head and begin to trudge upstairs double checking the door. As I head up I try to relax now knowing I'm in the safety of my own home. I walk past my bedroom door and go straight to the bathroom. Jumping in for a nice hot shower. Quickly washing the stress and anxiety of the day all away. I am so ready to crawl into bed and have the day finally be over. I wrap up into a towel, then grab my last nights pjs off the floor and dress. Nothing like comfort clothes to jumpstart some relaxation. Using the same towel I twist it around my head for my wet hair. I now head to my room to blow dry it.

My bedroom door is wedged open. I always keep it closed.

"Dad?!" I shout out, hoping he's home, trying not to panic again. Still nothing. I glance down the steps to check the front door and that too is ajar. Frantic now, I nearly scream but a squeal of sorts escapes and a shadow can be seen moving down stairs. I push my door open and close it behind me and turning on my light. I turn around and my room is a mess. Clothes on the floor, bookcase scattered, desk drawers open and a scuffled. He's here. He's looking for something? But what? What would he need but, me? To kill me and tie up loose ends.

Panting now I look around for a weapon. I grab my candelabra that dad got me for my sweet sixteen. Oh, how it was easy for little ol' Phantom loving baby Vanesa. Bet you weren't about to face death. I try to compose myself some as I am about to face him. I open my door and look out in the hall. Nothing.

"Alright, sir! I know you are here, I have called the police ( Fuck! ) and they are on their way!" I shout out, cursing myself for not thinking of a better plan. I slowly move my way toward the steps. Looking down the door still ajar.

" I have a weapon, and I will not hesitate to use it!" I continue on, moving my way silently down the stairs, praising my dad for fixing the creaky noise it used to make. As I get closer to the middle of the stairway, the shadow moves briefly before once again, out the door and closing it. I shriek as the motions were fast and startling. I quickly rush to the door again and lock it, now with the heavier setting. Meaning the deadbolt and the sliding lock thingy my dad installed for extra protection. Sighing, I lean against the door recollecting myself.

" I'm always watching you, Vanessa " I hear a soft manly whisper behind the door. Startled once more, I peak through the eye hole and there is nothing there. Not even a shadow. Looking out the hole onto my street and the lamps cast a big enough light. No shadows. Did, I just hallucinate? Puzzled I sit on the neighboring couch. Has my paranoia gone that far?

As I am questioning my sanity, my body goes into hibernation as the stress and anxiety have rendered me dysfunctional.