Blood Of The Shadow World

- Chapter 1 -

       Another cool breeze brought my dark hair dancing around my head, also sending a shiver throughout my body. Now being the end of September, the leaves were changing, dying rather. As sad as the thought was, this was my favorite season. How the trees looked like fire, red, orange, yellow, a beautiful blend. Was winter to approach quicker than last year? I could only hope not. Halloween was a holiday I absolutely loved, and being up in here New York state, it was cold enough.
      The leaves crunched under my black Nike shoes as I quickly walked along the path through the forest, eager to get to work on time. It was quicker to take this path than walk the streets, even though at night it was creepy as all hell.
       Soon enough I found myself at the end of the path the lead to the back of Walgreen's, where the wind was stronger in the clearing.
       "You should really get a car girl, you're going to freeze in less than a month." Brian stepped out from his black 2004 Mustang, slamming the door behind him after tossing his finished cigarette onto the pavement.
      "It's nothing I'm not used to, but I'm sure I'll have my own car by then." I replied, shyly avoiding his grey blue eyes.
     "I can always give you a ride, you should of let me know you were coming in tonight." He replied, walking by my side as we headed around the side of the building.
     "I don't mind walking." it wasn't a lie, but I didn't feel totally comfortable with that just yet. It was obvious the guy liked me, whether or not I heard it from other co workers. I'll admit, his good looks had me tempted, but I wasn't sure if I was ready for any type of relationship. Especially since I kept hearing about the drugs-
     "Hey Alex." Katie called out from behind the front register, her blonde curls bouncing with her movements as she continued ringing out an elderly man. I replied quickly with a slight smile before heading to the back to clock in.
      3:59. Talk about timing, shit.
After clocking in, I quickly put my small black purse in the locker. I knew Katie was most likely dying to get out, for it was Friday night and there was no doubt she had plans of some sort.
     "How was it today?" I asked as I came around behind the register, noticing her blue eyes flicker from me then to Brian as he went to the photo station.
      "You'd never believe it- its been super busy, and Jason feel off the ladder!" I couldn't hide the shock on my face, that was totally unexpected.
      "Seriously?!" I asked while we both walked along towards photo where the fridges also were. I needed a drink badly-
      -I had turned to look back at register to make sure no one was coming up at the wrong time. Brian cut the end of the isle right into me, making me trip and nearly fall when someone else grabbed ahold of me.
     "Whoa, nice one." Brian commented like it was my fault.
     "I'm so sorry-" Amber eyes caught me off guard as he let go once he realized I was steady.
      "You're fine." Sean replied, eyeing Brian and Katie as they both chuckled. My cheeks grew warm from the action of it, but Sean and Brian continued on towards photo.
     "Since when does Sean close?" I asked, pulling out a cherry coke as Katie texted away on her phone.
      "Since Jason fell off the ladder. I think he'll be closing for the next week or so. Three broken ribs and a sprained ankle can keep you out of work."
     "I can't imagine." I sighed, and yet I couldn't help but feel a bit relaxed by this. As horrible as his incident was, he was a bit strick and annoying when it came to working with this manager.
     "So, any plans after work?" Katie asked me while ringing up my drink. Slightly shaking my head, I pulled out two 1's and handed them to her along.
     "None that I can think of." I replied as she handed back my change, which I placed in my back pocket of my black Dickies pants.
     "Well, the Wag crew wants to have drinks at Tony's. You should come, it'll be fun." I couldn't help but raise a brow at her invite. Tony's did have good food and cheap drinks so I've heard, but...
Well I don't work in the morning...
     "I'll have to see what my dad has going on."
      "Yea? Well text me, I can give you a ride if you'd like- or unless you'd rather go with Brian?" A small hint if a smirk grew on her face, I narrowed my eyes.
      "Kate." I replied sternly, my eyes drifting towards a women walking up with a basket half full of items.
      "Okay okay, well text me." She chuckled, then headed towards the back to clock out. I was getting a bit annoyed with everyone's assumptions. What exactly was he saying to everyone?