Dreamlocked

Chapter 4: Stranger? Hero.

Hello my darlings!

Good to see you all today.

I mean, I can't actually see you, but you get the point.

So here is my newest chapter.

ENJOY!!!!

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“Cassidy!” He yelled out again. I froze, and turned on the spot.

“Hang on. What did you say?” I almost yelled. He knew my name. We hadn’t even discussed it, like normal people would’ve. I noted that he was running toward me, but I was still frozen in place.

Time seemed to slow. I saw the man bolting towards me, in the middle of the road, and heard the squealing of tires to my right. I looked toward the sound. A cabbie was swinging his ride around the corner. The rain was considerably heavier than earlier and the driver was going pretty fast. I probably wasn’t visible on the road; I put two and two together. I was going to die. My obituary, if I had one would read ‘hit by a cab’; hardly a noble death. What a stupid and pointless way to go. He could stop. I closed my eyes, took my glasses off my nose, and shoved them away in my coat. I breathed in the smell of rain and delighted in the feel of the rain of my face. Each drop spelled the moments I had left. Time seemed ultra-slow. Adrenaline could do that; could save my life, but either way I would be in front of the cab for at least three steps either way I ran. No way out. Just three steps to safety. I wasn’t even trying to run or get out of the way. Why? I closed my eyes. No time to investigate; I had no time left.

I heard a cab passing on the road. Wait. A cab? I cautiously opened one eye. I was in someone’s lap; someone who was breathing quite hard. I opened my other eye. There was no way I was alive still, was there? I placed two fingers below my jaw. There was a pulse; it was quick, but still there. Thank god.

“You can let go. You're not going to get hit by that god awful cabbie anymore. I’m sure of it.” There was a familiar smirk in that voice. I looked up into a pair concerned green eyes.

“You don’t look so sure.” I released the grip my right hand had taken on his forearm. “Sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” He talked as if it was a sad thing to do.

“I almost died and you had to save me and I think I may have just injured your arm.” I said looking down.

 I cracked a smile. Why was I smiling? I almost died. I felt more rain pour down my face and it mixed with the tears that began to fall. I was shaking uncontrollably; my sobs silent while they echoed in my head. I barely ever cried. I viciously wiped at the tears and water on my face.

“What’s wrong?” The most I could do was shake my head just enough so he would see. I felt more tears coming. I could also feel myself being removed from my hollow and moved into a cradle tight against a stranger’s chest. A stranger? More like my savior.

“Would you like me to take you up?” I nodded. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t save your book. The cabbie has his own memento,” his voice was bordering on controlled anger, “I hope he crashes. You get to keep your umbrella, though. You left it by the bench. I also don’t think-”

“No you don’t.” My words barely escaped from the tangled web of tears in my voice.

“I don’t what?” He asked, seeming as if it was perplexing that I was able to speak.

“You don’t wish that he’ll crash. You're too good of a stranger. Thank you.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave this hero a hug. He squeezed back.

“You’re right.”

“I’m good at that.” He chuckled softly. “I knew you were pretty fast.”

“You know that’s not what I meant-”

“I knew that too. How'd you know my name?” I interrupted. He was chuckling but he stopped as soon as the question dropped from my lips. A huge weight settled on my chest and an invisible force made a vice around my neck. My breathing was labored and my thoughts were getting rather fuzzy. “I think I need a doctor,” the words escaped in a gasp, “I can’t breathe.”

“You're quite lucky. I know just the man.” He didn’t sound too worried about me, but my concern over his lack of concern dissipated as I faded from consciousness.

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So a curious ending for you all.

I'm sure what will follow is sure to amaze.

Glad I could entertain you this morning, evening, or whenever.

Feel free to drop me a comment in the lovely box for comments.

Next week I update things will be less hectic and I might update more than once. Who knows? Soccer season and xc are coming to a close so I will have plenty of free time.

Wishing you the best,

Avery