Teenage Dirtbag

The Depths

They swiftly recoiled from each other, their eyes dropping to the floor as a maelstrom of fear and turmoil churned within them. A vivid crimson flush colored their cheeks, barely visible beneath the relentless red strobe of the flashing lights. Desperately trying to suppress the unexpected and tender connection that they almost shared, Jinx pressed her ear against the door, the cold metal sending a small shiver through her. She strained to sense any vibrations, hoping they might reveal whether the menacing presence they were hiding from was still nearby.

Lux, unsure how to keep herself calm, gripped Jinx's calf, fiddling with one of the many frayed tears that lined her black skinny jeans. Jinx continued to press the shell of her ear to the door, her eyes widening as she quickly removed herself from the surface, placing an index finger to her lips, signaling to Lux to stay absolutely still. With Lux's free hand, she gently clasped her hand to her mouth, repressing the urge to cry out in fear.

As they sat there, the red light almost taunting them, they heard heavy footsteps outside, down the short hall from where they were currently located. It was distant, but closer than they wanted. Lux's grip tightened around Jinx's calf, her diaphragm inflating slowly, being careful to not fall back into another unwanted downward spiral, her teeth clenched. Jinx sat like a statue, her eardrums on high alert, her eyes focused on Lux's slender fingers digging into her leg. The air was still. Neither of them dared to move too much as they listened to the soles connect with tile.

The footsteps were heavy, heavier than Jinx's boots, which had silver metal incorporated on the toes. Whoever it was sounded large. Jinx glanced upwards silently, turning her gaze away from Lux's hands and inspected the supplies neatly sitting on the shelf, searching for anything they could use for defense in case they had to face the criminal head-on. Her striking blue eyes landed on a yellow and white aerosol can of Lysol disinfecting spray on the top shelf. She turned her attention to Lux, waving her hand and pointing upwards toward the can. The blonde shot her a confused look, unsure of what Jinx was trying to convey.

Jinx dug her hand into her right pocket and pulled out a silver metal Zippo, a doodle of her notorious graffiti monkey painted on the cover in pink and blue acrylic paint. She pointed at her Zippo and then at the can above, mimicking the motions of holding the can with the lighter in front of it, as a makeshift flamethrower. Finally understanding, Lux gave a singular nod and gently removed herself from Jinx, an immediate feeling of emptiness washing over her. Lux pulled her pale-toned legs to her chest, her arms tightly wrapped around them to make herself as small as possible so the taller girl had enough room to stand.

Carefully, Jinx rose to her feet, making sure to keep her head down as much as possible as she extended her lengthy arm towards the yellow and white cylinder sitting on the top shelf. As she stood hunched, curiosity took over and she quickly peeked out of the rectangular window near the top of the door, her heart pounding as she surveyed the area. From what she could see, it was empty. The only thing her eyes were met with was the sinister off again, on again intruder alarm light painting the walls and floors red. Out of all the colors to use, you'd think they'd find something a little less daunting, but, then again, it did convey the urgency.

Gripping the metal can in her hands, she quickly fell to her knees, crouching as she uncapped it, discarding the lid on one of the shelves to her left. Jinx held the canister firmly as she looked back at Lux, giving a reassuring nod. Lux, still clutching her legs, gave a slight nod in return, her eyes wide with anticipation. Slowly and silently, Jinx unlocked the door, turning the handle, inching it open just enough to peek through the crack. Lux's eyes widened in horror as she watched Jinx peer through the crack.

"What are you doing?!" Lux hissed, her voice low. Lux's petite hands gripping Jinx's arm, pulled her backwards onto her butt, the door making an audible click as it closed shut again.