Black Rose

5. Happy Birthday

    It’s a hard day’s work. Mrs. Grey, the owner of the store I was working at, didn’t let me have my day’s off because it’s Saturday. This was the time where book enthusiasts go to the bookstore and buy their stuff.

It was already seven in the evening when we closed it.  Keith was already getting impatient about my delay. Every after five minutes he calls and I was starting to get a little bit irritated about his behaviour.  

“Are you still at the store?, ” he asked. I can imagine how his forehead creased as we talk.

“Yes, and there’s no cab around.”

 “Stay there. I’ll pick you up.” He said and hung up before I could say anything. I sighed.

If not with Rosaline, Arthur and Keith I won’t be needing to pretend that I’m happy about this day. But I don’t really want to hurt their feelings so I just have to silence my own.

I decided to walk myself down the alley. I’ll meet Keith at the end. It was only now I realized that I was the only one in the streets.

Darkness never scares me but a dark place while alone, sure did.  I am staring to hyperventilate.

I put my arms across my chest to prevent myself from curling into a ball. I took a deep breath and tried thinking of other things.

I wonder what kind of surprises my family have in store for me. I smiled, as I think of Rosaline cooking my favourite dish and Arthur helping her prepare. They were such a lovely couple. And Keith, my short-tempered best friend, I know he has some gifts for me. I just hope that it’s not that expensive just like last year’s.  

I am halfway to the next block when I noticed two men following me. I forced myself to relax, thinking that they were just passers-by. When I turned to the other block, I saw from my peripheral vision that the two were already gone.

To my surprise, I saw them standing few feet in front of me.  Both of them wore black clothes. The one from the left had his long hair fall to his shoulders while the other one had it ponytailed.  And even though I know I am already in big trouble, I still find time to admire their beautiful faces.

One after the other, I met their gazes. They have crimson irises which show how malevolent they are.

 “We’ve found you, at last.” said the one from the left. His razor-sharp teeth is glowing I the dark.  

I took a step back and decide to run to the other direction but just before I could turn, the ponytailed vampire is already in front of me. He took my arms and had it pinned behind me. His cold touch sent goose bumps all over my body.

I am definitely scared right now but not for myself.  What if Keith arrives before they could drain the life out of me? I’m sure he’ll try to save my life and I can’t risk my best friend’s life for that. For a moment, I wished to be killed instantly. Before he arrives.. Before they could even hurt him.  

I heard growls coming from the vampire in front of me. I looked at him, confused of what’s going on. His jaws were clenched and she showed his teeth as he continually growls. His irises were unusually crimson this time and he’s glaring at something from behind me.