The Slave

4. The 5 PM Rule

In the darkest of night, when nothing is visible,

You seek the light which could fight the dark;

When the dark rules over the light,

It's the time when dawn takes place in life!

*~*

The mysterious creature is coming closer, almost closer to our car; he seems strong, his speed singing the tale of his being different from any other human being; calling him human would be implausible. The collision will be lethal, very lethal. My mouth felt dry not having the strength to croak out any word, any scream.

My eyes widened more as it came close almost touching the shadow of our speedy vehicle.

As for my friends, they were too occupied in their bubble to witness what tragedy is going to happen. They paid no heed but I knew if I won't forewarn, we all will suffer.

My mind went numb; eyes widened extending the limits when I saw the shadows of our car and the creature in cloak touched, embracing each other. That's when I snapped out of my petrified stance.

Suddenly my mouth felt strength like a miracle bloomed, the voice came out of my cords and I took all my efforts to use it wisely.

A screech escaped me, a screech which was strong, terrified and cautious.

"NO!"

My eyes close shut on instincts as I felt the brakes on the vehicle worked slowing down reducing the speed of our rolling vehicle with a screeching noise of wheels being dragged on the road until with a jolt we stopped, I jerked forward harsh, my forehead collided with the metal wrapped in soft surface in front.

Heart pumping in mouth, I heard gasps, terrified and alarmed; my forehead throbbed severely with its collision that was with the back of Veronica's seat.

I sat numb closing my eyes and throbbing head before the faces of my friends crossed my mind.

My eyes shot open instantly like a lightning bolt.

Veronica!

Kevin!

Oh dear lord!

The view inside the car was blurring. I blinked once then again, until the vision didn't find the clarity before my gaze snapped at horrified face of Kevin who was gawking at the road ahead.

"Ke—vin!" I called him but it came out as a whisper.

Finding no answer from him, my heart sank, putting my forehead in my hand; I pressed the throbbing area averting my eyes at Veronica who was no different from Kevin.

Stunned and stone!

My eyes roamed over their body to seek any sign of injuries but bless the rules of road, they had their seatbelts on.

Suddenly like a snap of finger, the reason and reality crashed back upon me.

Why it all happened?

My gaze went to the window with a jolt, nothing, just absolute darkness!

I gulped in pure fear.

My eyes went back to my friends who were still in shock. With shaking hands, I unlocked the door of my sight. Fear was drumming inside my heart, absolute trepidation that something or someone might pop out of the darkness.