Athanatos; The Awakening

Chapter 3: Prejudice

Chapter 3

Prejudice

I looked under the chair. We're at our math classroom- again. Though classes finished early today, I had to stay. I can't go home without those car keys.

"Kelley, it's almost eight o'clock. I think we should leave," Lizzy said, worried.

"My Mom texted me- she's already looking for me," jenny commented. "I should go home."

"Guys, go ahead- go home. I just really need to get those keys."

"Kelley it's already dark outside; you sure you wanna be left here by yourself?" Lizzy asked with worried eyes.

"I can take care of myself," I said smiling at them to assure them.

 “You sure?”

 “Go.” Jenny exited the room immediately- probably her parents prompted her to go home. Lizzy, on the other hand, spared me first a worried look.

 “I will be alright,” I mouthed. She finally exited the room. I sighed- I’m alone. Though that’s alright; I’m a bit of an introvert. I like this- it gives me time to enjoy solitude.

~~~~~~~~

It’s 9:00 clock- I’m starting to get scared as well, actually. I think I should go home because I’m the only soul left in school. All I see are some of the janitors. Probably it’s time to call quits. I walked through the lonely and dim hallways that lead to the exit of the school.

It’s so quiet- and it’s creeping me out. No- be strong Kelley. You’re no coward.

 I left the school, and walked by the lonely side walk of Alaska; actually, this is normal here- there's not so much people here that there are times when the road are desolate of people. Some might say it's rather creepy. Though, if you live here long enough, you would get used to it. As a matter of fact, it’s already 9:20- and, therefore, that made the streets more desolate.

To add to the eerie background around me, everything is dark. Nothing but the street lights faintly illuminated the streets. You can do this Kelley, I reminded myself. A gale of frigid wind brushed over my whole body; I shivered. I clenched the thick jacket around me closer.

 Shhhh- the sound of snow being stepped on came from behind; instantly, I snapped my head towards that direction. Thug, thug- my heart beat sped up. It’s the hooded man who stared at me and Elyssa. Is he following me? The light that shone on him is to0 dim- I can’t make out his face.

 He kept walking, yet, when he notice me staring, he halted.

 “Are you following me?” I boldly asked the guy.

 “What?” his husky voice sounded.

 “Are you following me?” I repeated my question.

 “No- I’m not following you,” he defended.

 “Yeah, right,” in disbelief, I said. “If you get near me, I’ll tase you.” I lied- I didn’t have a taser. It’s the only way I could scare the guy off.

 “You shouldn’t judge people Miss,” I said, offended. He briskly walked to the other side walk across the street and briskly walked away. Guilty my actions made me feel- but still, you can never be too careful, right? I looked around- he’s nowhere in sight. Now, I should be heading home. I walked.

 I heard a snicker; swiftly, I looked behind me. A group- about 4- of questionable looking men is a few meters away. Somewhat malicious, they gazed at me. Uncomfortable I felt.

 In fear, I fasten my pace. I looked back; they made their walking quicker, matching my own speed. Thug, thug, thug- I can feel my heart beat beginning to crescendo; my cold sweat trickled down my forehead. I looked around for help- no one outside but empty sidewalks. It's just me and those men. What are they going to do to me?

 I ran. They also ran. With all my might I tried to lose them; unfortunately, they were faster. Thus, they gained on me.

 "Help!" I cried.

 Grabbing my jacket from behind, someone forcibly pulled me back; instinctively, I kicked whoever who got a hold of me. Cursing after, the impact made him loose his grip on me. This is my chance!

 "Ahh!" I cried in pain- one of his friends pulled my hair, bringing me to them.

 "Where do you think you're going... hick*... girl?"

 "Somebody! He.."- a hand covered my mouth.

 "Don't worry girl we're going to take you somewhere safe," he said. The man kept grasping my hair, dragging me along with his group of friends to somewhere I know I would dread. Fear made my body numb. I knew there was no hope in fight with one girl against five men. Yet against all odds, I shall retaliate. I’m not going down without a fight; in spite of this, it doesn't mean I'll be stupid.

 Let's list my advantage: their dunk- they could be very clumsy. I groped my pocket: there's a ball pen. I know there's a police station not far from here. If I stab the guy on the leg, and make a run for the police station, will I make it? What if I fail? Well, if I do not try, I'll get harassed.

...

...

...

 It's worth a shot.

 I was about to do my plan when someone shouted:

 "Leave her," a husky voice said.

 Eyes turning toward the voice, I saw the man: the hooded man.