Through the Dark *ON HOLD*

Part 3 Better

NOT EDITED.  Thanks.

___________________________________

After my initial surprise and terrified scream I just froze. It felt like time was moving slow. I couldn't breathe even though my body needed air desperately. They always say don't panic in these type of situations but how could I not? These men were drunk, their common sense was out the door, and they could really hurt me.

I didn't like being touched. I was always the type of person who was just too awkward to function. Touch was one of those things I avoided. Not because I hated it, I was just bad at it. I had grown so used to people leaving my bubble alone that when I did interact with someone new getting too close I would flinch and freeze. That's what was happening here.

It hurt, his grip on my arm would bruise. I shut my eyes as if cutting my vision from them could somehow protect me. All of a sudden everything just moved very quickly. I felt as if I was shoved and the grip was released. I stumbled forward and opened my eyes.

I turn quickly around to see where my attackers were. One was already on the ground and the other one was getting a fist full to the face. I heard a crack and blood began to run down his face. He was shoved roughly to the ground where his friend laid. They both stayed frozen for a second but when my savior took a threatening step towards them they quickly disappeared.

It wasn't in till they were out of sight that I let my eyes move up. My savior was tall and built, I was sure this wasn't his first fight. I let my eyes roam his back. He wore an old jacket and worn jeans. His hair was like ink running down to his shoulders and partly down his back.

He must have felt my eyes on him for he turned around and I caught the sight of his electric blue eyes. It was him. The homeless man I always watched from afar he had come to my rescue he must have seen me being followed or heard my cries. I didn't know but I was glad that he had come.

I caught movement out of the corner of my eyes and flinched. I saw a flash of hurt pass through his eyes but then it was gone. He just remained still and I finally allowed my eyes to glance down. His hand was extended to me holding my purse out for me to grab. I had judged him wrongfully thinking he might do something when he had saved me.

"Thank you" I manage to cough out as my hand slowly moves to grab my bag. I let out a breath I had been holding my lungs were still screaming in need of more air.

I felt his fingertips brush against mine and it sent a jolt up my fingers. Static electricity? I wasn't sure but I took my bag and then looked up at him. He seemed uneasy as he glance away. Perhaps he wondered if he should leave me alone now, but I wasn't ready for that. I wasn't afraid any longer but I didn't want anything else to go wrong again this night.

"Can you walk me home?" I ask softly. He gave me a short nod and I began to lead the way. He was only but a step behind. It was comforting to have someone there. He felt like a guardian. I had been so scared that this night would end with my death or worst but instead it was ending even better than I had expected.

I was curious about him. I had a billion questions but at this moment in time all I wanted was to walk close to him and just enjoy this moment as it was. I let my mind clear and just thought about how nice it felt to have his foot steps following. They let me know I was being protected.

The wind picked up and I breathed in deeply. I had always thought that homeless men smelled bad but I didn't get that at all with him. He smelled like the woods it was refreshing, usually men at work wore strong cologne. I always preferred natural scents.