In the Shadows

Chapter 4

We got in his car and drove off. I was so nervous I couldn't find any words to start a simple conversation. I wanted to talk to him but I was afraid  my life's story would come up. He seemed like a good person and I didn't want to ruin his view on me because of my past and present life.

We drove up to a diner called "Charlie's Diner". The place was filled with Big Red drivers and prostitutes.

We were greeted by a lady with big curly red hair wearing a pink and white pin up dress.

"What would you folk like to have tonight?"
Her southern accent was strong and friendly.

"I'll have a milkshake and fries" said Alex.

It'd been a long time since I've eaten out, let alone eat greasy food. My stomach started to twist and turn and I felt weightless and cloudy once more.

"What would you have ma'am?"
"I'll have a milkshake"
"Alright that'll be a five minute wait"

I could picture how the conversation of my life would come up and how disgusted Alex would be with me. I instantly regretted coming with him.

"I take it that you aren't hungry?" He said worried.
"I don't eat a lot of greasy foods but a milkshake is okay."
"Sorry I should of asked you what you would of liked to go to eat."

I felt horrible knowing that I've made it difficult already. He was going to find out about me and he'd never want to talk to me ever again.

"No no, this is . . . Perfect. It's a good place to get to know someone"
"Yeah if you're looking for sex"
"Well Um, that would explain the prostitues."
He laughed and grabbed my hand.

"Natasha today when you passed out, I saw you're forearm" I felt lightheaded. I was so afraid of this conversation.
"It's no big deal, really. I'm fine."
His hand bounded with mine and I felt that rush of energy again.

"I'm here now. I'll make it better so you don't have to hurt yourself. I know you feel that. That energy when I touch you."

What was he saying? "He's here to make it better"?

"What exactly are talking about?"
"Natasha, you've been chosen and I've been sent to make it better. There's a reason to all this. This hurt you go through. You no longer will suffer if you let me take you!"

I felt dizzy and I couldn't concentrate on a single word he said.

"What do you mean by "take me" where would we go? You aren't making any sense and I've only known you for less than a day"

He held my hand tighter and his energy made my arm feel heavy and cool.

"Here y'all go. Two milkshakes and an order of French fries."
I was so relieved for the big curly haired woman to come and break the awkwardness.

"I know how forward and sudden this may seem. You don't know me but you will."

I didn't know what to say. He was saying so many things that seemed impossible.

"Okay listen. I think you were about 8 years old. You were at the park. A guy with a leather jacket grabbed your arm. He gave you that rush of energy you've been feeling from me."

I was shocked. How did he know that? I've never told anyone about that.

"How did you know that?"

I was beginning to think he was a crazy stalker.

"That was the day you were chosen. I've been sent back to bring you to our world. Your different than the rest of the Zaire ones. You aren't one of the ordinary."

"So what is this world you're talking about?" I said.

"It's called Zaigon. The world of the Zaire ones and the Zaige Lens. Those unique scars on your arm is what you created. Believe it or not you were preparing for us. That hurt you think you're going through is the beginning effects of it. Soon you'll get better if you come with me." 

I wondered where this world was. Could it be another dimension. It all seemed so unrealistic and fictional but the energy he gave me was real and unlike any human being ever has.

"When will we leave?"
"Today"
"No that's crazy. My parents will go nuts they'll think Im missing"
"They won't. Once you leave, the world you lived in will forget about you. Life will go on as if you never existed."

  That seemed scary but I had nothing to loose. I hated my life and if this was a one way ticket out of it  I wasn't going to give it up.

"Okay I'm going." His eyes glowed with adventure.