River of Red

II

I had finally managed to fall to sleep last night for a little, but definitely not a lot. Images of my mom and the shadow kept flashing across my mind. I tried to push the thought away, but they kept coming like a swarm of bees.
My eyes snapped open. There was no hope I could fall asleep, so I decided to get ready for school.
Oh. I had forgotten about school.
I swung my legs over my bed, peering at the clock. It read 6:43 AM. Way too early.
Sighing, I stretched my aching muscles. I had to be ready by 8:00, and be at school by 8:30. That would be easy, considering I only lived 2 miles away from school.
I stood up, rubbing my feet across the soft carpet. A clank sounded behind me, and I flipped around fast. It was the knife. When my heart rate slowed enough, I picked it up, looking at its curved edge.
I set it down on my table and walked to my closet. After shuffling around for a minute, I decided on a camouflage t-shirt with some skinny jeans and cowboy boots. After I slipped into my outfit I put on a little makeup, not much only mascara and a little eyeliner. The eyeliner set off my blue eyes and the mascara made my light lashes dark. Even if I wanted to wear foundation, none of the tones matched my tan complection.
I brushed through my wavy blond hair, which fell to just above my waist. I decided I looked good enough, so I pulled on my Old West leather cowboy boots, grabbed a poptart, slung my backpack over my back, and headed out the door.
The morning was chilly, probably about 63 degrees. Birds chirped and fluttered around, oblivious to any danger. The leaves shifted in the wind, making a shuffling sound.
A branch snapping sounded in the distance.
I stopped, straining my ears and eyes to pick up any sign of what it could be. Steps sounded on the gravel behind me. I spun around, clutching by pocket knife.
Nothing was there.
I spun around and started running. After last night lets say I was still a little jittery. I ran and ran until I saw the school in the distance. Seeing the school, with all the people crowded outside made me feel comfortable.
I was just up the hill from the school, about 302 feet away. I slowed my pace to a walk, trying to catch my breath from my heavy sprint.
Running in boots was definitely not easy. It really puts a strain on your feet.
With my aching feet and stomach, I started trudging down the road toward school.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. It took 5 seconds to react.
5. I spun around.
4. I grabbed my knife.
3. I pressed my knife on the strangers throat.
2. I actually looked at the stranger.
1. I dropped the knife.
Standing behind me, with a cocky expression, was he most beautiful boy I had ever seen.