First Date

             I'm still afraid during the full moon. I'm afraid of what could happen on those nights when the moon is full. Zach and I were friends. Our families were close. He had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. In high school, it seemed like we had every class together and he always had some smart remark to make whenever. I walked into the classroom. I started to to look forward to those comments, wondering " What's he going to say about me today?" Then, one day, when I was 18, he asked me out on a date, one part of me thought "absolutely"

When Zach came to pick me up, I had butterflies in my stomach. He looked handsome. Zach always looked handsome. We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Then, we took a scenic drive up the canon. I felt that that little twinge of excitement when you realize you have a crush on someone and they have a crush on you. While we were driving, I remember thinking, "Maybe I'll get a kiss". It was a stunningly beautiful night.  We pulled it over to the side of the road and Zach said "I got a suprise for you". Then he pulled out his photography equipment and told me he was going to teach me to use it. We were going to take pictures of the full moon. We started walking and I think it was about time when a white truck pulled up. The man in the truck started walking toward us.

He asked me, "Do you know where this path goes?". "Im not sure" I answered. I turned my back and that's when the man pulled out his gun. I screamed.... a loud, piercing shriek...and my ears started ringing. I don't know where the first bullet hit me, but my body just fell down. Then, it was silent. I remember thinking, "this is over now", but then i realized the man was reloading. There were three more shots and I could feel them rushing my my head. Then he finally stopped, I didn't dare move. All I could think was "Play dead, play dead, play dead", I held my breath, and kept my eyes open and stayed still as Iong as I could.

       I heard footsteps walking around us and the man leaned over me. I let my body go limp. He rolled me over. As far as I know I'm a corpse. He started going through my pockets, looking for money. His face was inches from mine and I could feel him breathing on me. I was terrified that I might blink. Then, suddenly, he ran back up the mountain and I heard a car start up and drive away. When I was sure he was gone, I yelled Zach's name. It was so quiet. I yelled again, "Zach". It was the worst silence I've ever heard in my whole life. I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand, but I knew I had to get up to the road and find help. I started dragging myself up the mountain side. It felt like there was sweat pouring down my face, but when I touched it, I realized it was blood.

I don't know how I did it, but eventually, I got to the top.  I waved my hands at the first car that came along, but it passed by me. Eventually, another car came along and the head lights illuminated me. I looked like something that you see in a horror movie. I flagged them down out of consciousness. Eventually, the police arrived and the helicopter took me to the hospital. As we took off, it was the first time I could relax and feel safe. I hoped and prayed that Zach was going to make it. I was shot four times.... In the back, in the side, in the thigh.... and several bullets grazed my head.

When they told me Zach had died of his injuries, I felt horrible. At that moment, I would have given anything to switch places with him, I still think of Zach everyday and I miss him dearly. This happened in 1996. The girl's name is Yvette Rodier and the boy's name is Zach Snarr. The murderer's name is Jorge Bienveuto and he will spend the rest of his life in prison for his horrible crime.