When Darkness Falls

S E V E N

Work had been a breeze. Since it was my first day, they gave me an easy shift. They let me wait on a few tables and I got to have a break that was a little longer than everybody else's.

But Mel had given me closing time which meant I had to stay after everyone and lock up. I didn't have a problem with it but I wish I would've told Shelley so I didn't have to walk home in the dark. She'd probably be asleep soon anyways.

I wiped down the remaining tables and threw the cloth on the counter." See you later, Ana." I heard. I turned to find Riley with her purse in her hand and a plastic bag full of the food. I gave her a wave and wiped my hands on my shorts.

I walked to the back and switched off the lights in the kitchen. My converse squeaked against the shiny tile floors as I walked towards the front. I looked out of the large windows and couldn't see anything but darkness. The parking lot was completely empty.

I switched off the lights in the dining area and locked the door from the inside. I made sure that it closed behind me and took a deep breath in.

I began my journey home in the quiet atmosphere. The street lights were the only source of light that let me see into the darkness.

As I walked down the sidewalk, my converse made a sound against the concrete. As if I was stepping on tiny rocks. I reached into my pocket to grab out my phone. I checked the time to see that it was almost eleven. I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

I heard the sound of footsteps and took a glance behind me. I was the only person on the streets at this time of night.

My heart began to race and I kept a steady pace. I could see Shelley's house in the distance and calmed myself.

I heard the footsteps again and couldn't help but get the feeling that someone was right behind me.

The house was less than a mile away and if I started running now, I could make it in a few minutes. My feet picked up the pace and all I did was look ahead of me. I ran until I couldn't catch my breath anymore.

I felt myself come in contact with something hard and I was suddenly falling. I laid on the grass now, I flipped myself over to find red eyes staring back at me.

"I told you not to run." He said.

"I thought I was being followed." I spoke breathlessly. He chuckled.

"Yeah. I was following you. I was making sure nobody hurt you. It's too late for you to be out here alone." He explained. I nodded and he quickly rose to his feet. He stuck his hand out and helped me to my own feet.

I wrapped my arms around him and took in his scent. I pulled away." Why can't I run? What if I have to save myself?"

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and walked with me towards my house." We like the chase. It excites us. You have more chance of living without running away."

I nodded." Will you stay the night with me?" I asked. Justin looked down at me with a grin on his face.

"Anything for you." He said and kissed my head.

We made it to aunt Shelley's house and I quickly grabbed a plate from a cabinet. I found a box of pizza in the refrigerator and opened it to find a few slices taken from the large pizza. My stomach growled as I stared at it. I ripped two pieces off of the whole and set them on my plate.

I put the box away and trekked up the stairs. Justin had already gone up to my room so he could get comfortable.

I walked into my room to find Justin holding a picture frame in his hands. It was of my parents and I. I sat on my bed and began consuming the cold pizza.