Surviving the Dark

Chapter 1 - Darkness Arrives

Living in fear sucks.

Most people live in fear for rational reasons and at some point either grow out of the fear and move on or conquer the fear completely.

Me? I've been running from the dark for thirteen years.

"Isadora. Darl can you please take this Latte over to table six please?" Marie, my manager, asked handing me the drink.

I tried not to gag at the smell of coffee. I hate everything about coffee, the smell, the taste, the fact it takes so long to make.

But to blend in, I needed a job. The Coffee Club needed someone to start right away. I told them I would only be around for a month, but I am a fast learner, and it will give them more time to find someone permanent. So they gave me the job as it was a win-win.

I don't think Marie realised how quick a learner I was, though, only needing one day of training, when most need at least 3.

I walked over to table six and almost dropped the Latte when the customer looked up. Her eyes were completely black, including the area where the whites of the eye should be.

I couldn't give away I was here, so I tried to act normal, which is hard enough being socially awkward.

"Here is your Latte. Was there anything else?"

The soulless eyes turned to me and shook their head as a reply.

To everyone else, their eyes looked like everyone else's, which is why I needed to act normal. But knowing they are so close I can't.

As I walked back to the counter, Marie looked at me concerned.

"Darl are you okay? You look as pale as a ghost." I shook my head.

"Actually, I'm not feeling that great. Is it okay if I go home early?" I looked at the clock; I only had an hour left of the shift anyway.

"Of course Darl. Go home and rest up."

I gave Marie a small smile as I took my apron off.

Once outside I looked over my shoulder making sure the customer with black eyes didn't follow me.

I didn't run back to my apartment, but I didn't take my time either, not wanting to take the risk.

It was time to leave. I generally only stay in one place for a month and move on. This time, I've been here for almost two months.

I've got too comfortable.

For them to be at The Coffee Club, they must have felt me from that day I was in the park.

I haven't been around a large area of nature in over thirteen years, but that day I couldn't help it. The pull was too strong.

I shouldn't have taken the risk. I just hope I get out fast enough before they catch up to me.

I dug out the key to my apartment from my pocket. Once inside, a small wave of relief washed over me.

I still have time.

I didn't have much to pack. I lived in a fully furnished studio apartment, so I never have to worry about furniture. And renting an apartment for a month is cheaper than staying in a hotel room.

I was packed within five minutes, knowing I only have the necessities. Locking the door behind me, I headed down to the landlords apartment on the bottom floor. I always pay the rent upfront when I arrive so all I had to do was return the key and sign a few forms.

As I left the building, I made a beeline for The Coffee Club.

Marie sent me home not even two hours earlier; usually, if I left early and started to feel better, I would come back in and finish my shift later even if I was just washing the dishes. But this time, I was coming to say goodbye.

They found someone permanent last week, but she still needed a few more days of training. I still felt guilty that I was leaving Marie in the lurch with no notice, but I knew they had the new girl and would be able to manage.

"Isadora, is everything alright?" Marie asked when she spotted me.

When I didn't reply, she dragged me into her office. I felt bad. She was the best boss I had worked for. The past month and a half she was almost like a mother to me.

"You need to leave don't you?" I looked up shocked. Did she know who I was?

All I could do was nod.

"It's okay Darl. You said when we hired you that you would only be here for a month, and it's been almost two."

Again I looked at her shocked.

"I knew when you needed to leave I wouldn't get much notice. To be honest, I was just expecting a text or a phone call while you were on the road, not you coming in person." She smiled and pulled me in for a hug.

I tensed but soon relaxed.

I haven't been hugged since I was ten.

"I'm sorry. I'm leaving you in the lurch." I said pulling away from her.

"It's okay. We have Katie now; she could do with more time in store training anyway, so I'll give her your shifts."

"I'm still sorry."

"Oh hush up Darl. I knew this would happen soon."

She pulled me in for another hug, this time, I didn't tense.

"Just promise to take care of yourself." She pulled away and reached over to her desk to write something down and handed me the piece of paper when she was done.

"If you ever need me, here are my details. Now you stay in here and calm yourself down a bit; you're shaking like a leaf."

I did as I was told and stayed till I wasn't visibly shaking anymore.

"For your trip to the next stop." Marie handed me an iced tea and a muffin.

"Thanks for everything Marie." Taking the tea and muffin, I turned to leave.

"Take care Darl."

I smiled over my shoulder.

When she couldn't see, I ditched the smile.

If only she knew.