Potion

Stranger danger

I awoke in a haze of blurry idleness, trying to recall the events of last night. A burning headache roared in my ears. Rubbing my temples, I looked to the passenger seat and saw all the evidence I needed. Six empty beer bottles lay strewn about on the chair and floorboards.

I groaned.

Idiot. Didn't even bring Advil.

I focused on gaining enough composure to find my phone. My shirt was twisted halfway around my torso and my legs were propped up on the steering wheel. Hell knows where my phone went.

As I was slowly searching for my phone, I noticed a blur pass by the rear view mirror. Now I'm turning delusional. Fantastic.

A strange feeling erupted in my stomach and the hairs on my neck stood up. The alcohol hasn't worn off yet, and my head was spinning and swirling with waves. I look into the rear view mirror, checking for a sign of something. I hear a dull noise, and suddenly a face appears by my window. Looking out, I see a black man wearing a dark sweater. A black beanie covers his head. Something dangerous lingers in his eyes, telling me he's not to be messed with.

In my drunken, idiotic state, I opened the car door. "Can I hel-"

The man yanked me out of the car by the front of my t-shirt, and I stumbled into the road, attempting to get my balance. It was a chilly morning. A small coating of mist covered the horizon, and the sky was turning to a lighter gray color. The gas station lights were off, indicating they were closed. I was weary, and I felt like my knees would buckle any second. I looked at the man, who knew he had the advantage here. A sly grin crept across his face. He wasn't too big in size, yet he wasn't a stick either. He was probably in his late twenties. If I was in better condition, I was positive I could take him.

"What do you want." I stated with a slightly slurred d.

The man chuckled, mocking me. He took short strides around me, reminding me of a hawk stalking it's prey. "I want you to bring me to Willow Chase." His voice was deep and gravelly.

I gasped.

What does he want with Willow?

Using my spare amount of common sense, I tried masking her identity. Something was going on, and I wasn't going to reveal that I knew her quite yet.

"Who?"

The man stared me down. His gaze was demeaning and calculating.

" Don't lie to me. We both know the truth. You have some connection to Willow. "

His dark eyes flashed mischievously.

"Is she your friend?"

I remained with a blank face, and held my ground.

He stepped closer.

"Your neighbor?"

I didn't waver. My throat was caught on a lump of fear.

His next words were deep whispers.

"Your girlfriend?"

I flinched. I knew he'd seen it, and I knew I'd given myself away.

"Ah. Looks like I struck a soft spot."

My headache throbbed. I backed up a few steps, and leaned against my car. Whatever was happening was happening way too quickly. I needed to know what this guy wanted. I needed answers. The man followed me closely, not letting me go further than two feet. I heaved a sigh and held my arms out with my palms to the sky, showing my surrender.

"Just tell me who you are and what's going on." I basically pleaded.

The mans eyes lost their hard edge.