7 Minutes ✧ Syndisparklez

Shadows

"The trailer for this looked so dope. So like, the main good guy is a driver of some kind or whatever, but his name is Baby," Tom rambled on and on about the action movie we were about to see.

"I don't get it," Alice mumbled.

"How don't you get it? It's a buff fuckin man, whose name is Baby, and he kills people. How can it get more ironic than that?"

"It's so nice outside," Jordan squealed, dancing around like a gleeful slug.

"But it rained yesterday, it's all sad and wet."

"And it smells like worms," Tom complained, grabbing his boyfriend by the hand.

"It doesn't smell like worms, it smells like refreshing puddles. Ingrid, back me up on this."

"Tom, it smells like happy puddles, not worms," I argued sarcastically.

"Whatever, your definition of refreshing is completely different from mine."

~~A Definition~~
Refreshing
Welcoming or stimulating because of a new or different modifier

"My butt just buzzed," Tom giggled, pulling his phone out of his back pocket.

"You could've just said you got a text, but a'ight," Alice teased.

The playful conversation paused, as Tom studied his phone.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, this is just a weird text... must be a wrong number."

"Can I see it?" I asked.

"Sure," he placed it in my hand, waiting for my response.

~~The Text~~
It was an unknown number, nothing I had recognized. It was the message that was most unsettling.
"Check your shadow."

"That's weird... It might be someone pulling a prank on you or something. Don't delete it though, Ethan can track it and figure out who sent it."

The phone buzzed once more.

~~A Threat~~
"Don't underestimate me. I'd look around if I were you."

The speech bubble made my skin crawl. I did as the message said. I searched the alleyways near us, the dark buildings behind us. Sure, we were in a rough neighborhood, but at least there weren't any gangs. Hookers and hobos, sure. But they are anywhere remotely run-down. That was expected. But there was nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that looked startling, anyway.

"What is it?"

"I don't know, I'm sure it's nothing... We'll give it to Ethan when he visits. For right now, we can go inside the theater where it's safe, and just enjoy the movie. Sound good?" I asked, trying to fake a smile.

I knew it was a bad idea to go out in public so quickly. I usually don't scare very easy, but this is terrifying. Nothing about these texts made sense. Why were they sent to Tom, of all people? Do they know we're with Alice? Are we being watched, or tracked?

Or was my first instinct correct? Is this all some sick prank a couple of bored, 14 year olds decided to pull? It wouldn't be hard, our names are all over the news. A couple of Google searches, some Facebook stalking, and boom- you've got their phone number.

A prank would be an easy explanation, however I have a horrible feeling it's something more.

~~Learn From My Mistake~~
Those weird gut feelings you get... They aren't just tummy aches, they're warnings.
If your friends tell you about a risky party, and you feel vaguely nauseous; don't go.
If you meet a person or a classmate who seems sweet, but makes you feel uneasy; don't trust them.
It's a simple concept, right? Listen to your body?
Then it should've been easy to comprehend that I should've seen the texts as a warning.

"I'm gonna need to see some identification, ma'am, this is an R rated movie," the scrawny teen behind the counter politely asked.

"Of course," I smiled, frantically searching my pockets. "Shoot- I left my wallet in the car, but I can assure you I'm over 18."

"I very well believe you are over 18, but I'll lose my job if I let you in without seeing I.D. I'm really sorry ma'am."

"Is there anyway for us to get tickets to another movie, or-" Tom suggested.

"No, it's not a big deal. I can grab my wallet out of the car real fast, it'll only take a sec. I'll meet you guys in there, save me a seat!"

"Alright, see ya in a few."

~~A Plea For Your Safety~~
Please use the buddy system.
Don't go somewhere alone, no matter what the situation.
Whether your getting a wallet or using the restroom. Bring a friend.
They could make a huge difference.