I was walking down the street to my house. Head down, music playing, hands in my pocket. The usual. No one walks down this street. Thats why I do. I always have this feeling like something will happen here. Never does. Always the same.
I didn't realize I was standing still until a man tapped my shoulder. "Miss? Are you alright?" I looked straight and only found a chest. I had to look up even more to find his face. My face became a light red as I stared at the man. I merely nodded and stepped aside so the man could walk away. He didn't. "Is something wrong? You look upset?" He was right. I was upset.
My best friend of 10 years had just died before my eyes. It was raining. I imagined that was her crying. I started crying as well.
"You don't have to tell me. I know you don't know me that well." The stranger pulled me into a hug. I started bawling into his chest. He rubbed circles on my back.
"Would you like to stay at my house until the rain stops. It's right over there." He pointed to a house three doors down. Since mine was more than a mile away, I nodded.
If you're wondering, I ran the whole way to the hospital.
He led me inside and closed the door behind us. We sat on the couch as I continued crying. My head hurt, I had no more tears, my throat was very tight, and I was shaking violently. That's what happens when I cry.
When I was just about done crying and able to talk in full sentences, I had told the man what happened. "It all happened so fast. In a months time. The same driver. He hit me first, in the beginning of the month. Then he hit her." I stopped talking and touched the multiple scars the driver had left. "I lived when he hit me. I was severely injured but I pushed through. For her. Yet he hit her full speed. I'm surprised she didn't splatter everywhere. The paramedics didn't let me come with. So I ran there. I made it in enough time to see her while she was still alive." Tears started forming again. The whole time this man was listening. Not pitying me. Actually listening. "The heart monitor was so low. I worried she was already crying. I made her one promise before she went though. I promised to find that driver and put him through the exact same pain. Dark. I know." I let out a sad and sadistic chuckle. "I would do the same if that happened to someone close to me." He said lowly. I looked up from my lap at him. "What is your name?" I ask. "Dallon." "Nikki." "Well, Nikki, it is very nice to meet you." I nod, letting out a few more sniffles and tears.
"I'll get you something to drink, you must be thirst after everything that happened." "You don't have to. I should leave anyway. I don't want to be a bother." I stand up but he grabs my hand before I could start walking. "At least wait until the rain passes. It is supposed to be bad later." He wasn't lying. The whole town was on a tornado watch. I sigh and sit back down.
Then realization hit me and I bolt up. "I'm getting your couch wet! I'm so sorry!" I say frantically. He chuckles and pulls me back down. "I don't mind. Really. I always get it soaked from rain." He stands up and walks into another room. I sit and wait patiently.
After another 5 minutes, Dallon comes back out with two mugs. "Hope you like coffee." I nod and shyly take the mug.
Right as he sits down, the power does out and we are in pitch black. I jump and let out a little squeal. There's enough light for me to see around the couch and Dallon but I can't see past our feet. "Do these scare you?" Nodding, I sink into the couch. "It's alright. I'm right here." I keep looking around me. My eyes start drooping but I keep them open. "You could sleep. I'll wake you if something happens." But I didn't sleep. I was in a new place with a man I had just met. I was nervous and because of the blackout, scared. I hugged my knees to my chest and rocked lightly.
After a few minutes of silence, Dallon's phone let out an annoying alarm. "Basement. Now." I was terrified now. He used the flashlight on his phone and directed me to his basement. We hurried downstairs and hid in a cement chamber. Dallon and I were squished together inside. He held onto me and rubbed my back. I was red in the face yet terrified at the same time. Is this Dani? Is she mad at me for living? Is this her way of saying she hates me? While these thoughts run through my head a loud storm like sound erupts from upstairs. Everything shakes violently and hail can be heard, smashing windows and hitting the walls. Dallon holds me tighter as I start to shake from fear.
...When will this be over?...
