When Darkness Falls

T H R E E

After dinner, night had come quickly. I was showered and full from the big dinner Aunt Shelley had cooked up. I laid in bed on my phone. I scrolled through my social media and found nothing interesting happening.

I got out of bed and headed down the steps with my phone in my hand. It was unusually dark but then again it was midnight. I used my flashlight from my phone to find my way towards the back of the house.

I found the patio door and unlocked it. I stepped outside and the ringing of crickets filled my ears. I walked towards the lawn chairs and sat down on one.

I stared up at the twinkling stars and breathed out a breath of contentment. It was so beautiful at night. I heard the snapping of twigs up ahead in the woods. I tried staring into the darkness but I couldn't see a thing.

I made sure my slippers were securely on my feet before stepping out of the gate. I left the latch up and the gate open as I stepped towards the woods.

I continued to use the flashlight on my phone as I walked closer. I was happy that I wore pajama shorts and a t-shirt because it was the perfect temperature tonight. 

"Hello?" I called out. But the only response was leaves ruffling with the wind and some more twigs snapping.

I stepped closer and felt my heart accelerate. Once I had gotten to the entrance of the woods, I contemplated on going inside again. It's dark and I'm alone. What if something kills me?

But then I heard the sound of a daunting laugh. I fearlessly stumbled further into the darkness and I kept the light ahead of me. The croaking of frogs and the hissing of snakes made my blood run cold. I hated scary creatures. Especially spiders. I couldn't deal with those.

Suddenly, a person stepped out into the light that I was showing off in front of me. They squinted their eyes and held their pale hands in front of their face.

I realized something quickly.

"Justin?" I called out.

"Yup. Can you please shine the light off of me?" He asked. I giggled.

"Yeah. Sorry." I said and left the light shining towards the ground.

He chuckled a bit.

"Why're you out here in the dark?" I wondered. I couldn't see his face clearly but I noticed something odd. It made my thoughts race and my heart sink. His eyes. They were shining through the darkness.

His eyes were a deep red color.

He must've caught me staring because he looked away from me and shook his head, he looked back at me. His eyes returned to their normal color that I had seen once before.

"I'm just wondering around. What about you?" He questioned. Why was he wondering around in the dark?

"I was bored. I came outside to watch the stars but then I heard some sounds. I came to investigate." I said playfully.

A small smile appeared on his face." It isn't safe, you know?"

"I think I can fight off the boogeyman." I said jokingly. He smirked.

"I wouldn't be so sure." He said suddenly.

I raised a brow." Says the guy that's out here alone...defenseless..."

He chuckled." I'm pretty strong if I must say so myself. I think others would agree.." He trailed off.

I rolled my eyes." Well Mr. Macho man, I'm gonna head back." I spoke playfully.

He smiled but nodded." Mind if I tag along?"

"I wouldn't mind at all." I said truthfully. He was nice and mysterious. I wanted to get to know him more but he didn't seem to want to tell me anything.

We walked casually towards the backyard. I stayed a few inches apart from him to make myself more comfortable while walking with him.

I could see the gate coming into view and I breathed out in relief. It was hot out here and I needed some cool air conditioning.

"It is pretty hot out here." Justin said suddenly as if he was agreeing with me. I could tell he was smirking but I kept my eyes in front of me.

I nodded to stay calm. It's like he read my mind. Was he some kind of wizard or something?

"No, I'm not." He whispered. I knew it wasn't meant for me to hear but it was too quiet out here.

My eyes widened." You're not what?" I asked.

He didn't answer me. He kept quiet as we arrived at the gate. I stepped inside the backyard.

"Thanks for walking me. I'm glad I wasn't killed on my way home." I giggled. He stared at me as I laughed. I felt my cheeks burn.

In the middle of our silence, Justin's eyes quickly switched from me to the house behind me. I turned to see what he was looking at to find aunt Shelley's bedroom light on. She walked past the window and caught sight of me.

Oh no.

She opened her window." What're you doing out there?" She called out, trying to whisper-yell.

"I was just talking to-" I turned to look at Justin except he was gone. I furrowed my eyebrows. What the hell?

I shook my head and began making my way inside.

Why did he keep disappearing? How did he do it so fast? I mean, there was no where to hide and he was completely gone. I really couldn't understand him.

I closed the patio door behind me and locked it. Shelley was standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"It's almost three in the morning. What are you doing outside?" She questioned.

"I couldn't sleep. I went outside to watch the stars. I thought it would relax me." I explained. Aunt Shelley nodded. At least she believed me.

"Well, let's get you back into bed." She whispered and I followed her up the stairs. She walked me to my bedroom and I stepped inside.

I said one final goodnight before she disappeared and I heard her door close down the hall. I laid in bed and fell asleep with the thoughts of Justin on my mind.

[a/n: ugh short :/ I'm sorry... Anyways hope you guys like this story. Please let me know(:
xoxo- K Y L I E   ]