A Monster in Mans Clothing

New 'Friends'

               (Two days later)... "And what  would you like as a side mam?" The waiter said smiling down at me. "Just a salad please." I said trying not to let my voice shake. It had been a while since I had been in public. Luckily I had a reserve of money that my parents left me.

 As she walked away I got up and went to the bathroom. Watching my surroundings the whole time I made to the door and went in. " Good a single bathroom." I said relief flooding through my voice. I had been watching around to see if anything out of the ordinary happens. So far I haven't noticed anything but I'm still watching. I left the bathroom and headed back to my table.

 "This looks like a good spot." A guy said pointing to my table. " Yep." Said a girl beside him as they sat down. The girl then looked over and saw me and quickly got up. "I'm soo sorry! Is this your seat?" She said looking embarrassed. "Yeah.. But its fine you guys can take it!" I said trying to be enthusiastic sounding. "Are you sure we can find a different spot?" The guy said trying to be polite. "Wait! We could all sit together." She said full of energy. "I guess I could. Ah!" I said as she grabbed me and ushered me into a seat. "I'll be right back." She said running to the bathroom. "Sorry about her she can be a little energetic. I'm Gabriel." He said rubbing the back of his head. "My names Carrie nice to meet you." I said mimicking his actions. "And i'm Nina!" she said popping up behind me. "Ah!" I yelled. "Sorry." She said laughing. "So how do you two know each other" I ask trying to break the ice. "We've been dating for 8 years." she said lovingly looking at him. "We met in middle school 8th grade." He said sharing the expression.

 (1 1/2 hour later) "Oooh I love this part" Nina said excitedly. After the meal I invited them to my apartment, they made me feel more secure but, ....they were nothing like me. Nina's a very energetic person shes always making sure Gabriel and I are okay and, she is pretty funny. Gabriel is more withdrawn and is a bit quiet. He seems to try to hide in the background but the minute Nina's excited he smiles and joins in. "Hey guys when do you need to be home? I can pay for a cab." I said trying not sound like i'm trying to get rid of them. "Ummm I think we have an hour or two before we need to get home." said Gabriel looking at his phone. "YAAAY!" Nina said looking excited and relieved.

 It was a nice night and I hated that they had to leave but both of them had work in the morning, so I told them goodbye and gave some snacks to them. They made me feel safe for some reason, but when they left I felt insecure. He's still out there. Watching. Waiting. And planning. And I had to be ready for when he came.