Never Let Go

It was dark out, darker than usual, barely any stars were out and I found it difficult to see where I was going. I slowly made my way down the sidewalk, hands in the pockets of my baggy, leather jacket. Crisp air caressed my body, sending small chills down my spine. Something was wrong, I don't know what, but I can tell I'll be finding out soon.  

Bang! What was that..? Was that a gun shot? I looked up from my feet and squinted, trying to see further in front of me. Down the street, I saw a car screech away and a body fall to the ground. That hair...I know that hair too well. Not caring that I couldn't see, I broke into a sprint.  

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the lifeless eyes staring towards me. Dark brown, the normal sparkle of life completely gone. Her dark blonde hair fanned out around her head, her pale hand clutched her side, and her body remained still.  

I felt my stomach churn but I ignored it and knelt down next to the girl who I called the love of my life. Warm tears made their way down my face, falling onto her frail body. The street light above us began to flicker and then went out, creating a new, terrifying darkness.  

I shoved my hands in my pockets, trying to find my phone. I came out empty handed and searched my back pockets. I felt the cool plastic graze my fingertips, I gripped it so hard it could break and rip it out of my jeans. I hastily typed in the 3 digits and help the phone up to my ear. 

911, what is your emergency? 

My throat closed, no words would come out. I tried talking, and only a faint sob came out. Next thing I knew, tears were spilling, I was sobbing so hard I could barely breath. 

"My girlfriend.. She-She's been.. She's been shot, she's dead, please...please." I didn't know why I was saying please, it felt right. I choked up more sobs when the woman's comforting voice came out, slightly panicked.  

Sir, you're going to need to calm down and tell me where you are. 

"I..I don't know where I am!" I looked up from the body in front of me. I snapped my head around, begging for a sign to be close; I don't want to leave her here, bleeding and dead. Down a little bit, I saw the street sign. Reluctantly, I tried to get up, my knees buckling a few times, causing me to fall, but still I tried. I stumbled to the street sign and read it aloud to the woman on the phone. 

We've sent the police and ambulance, they should be their shortly. Please don't leave the scene and try to remain calm. 

The call ended and I stumbled back over to my love. I grabbed her limp body and cradled her in my arms, slowly rocking her, my tears splashing on her sickly, pale skin. I touched my forehead to hers. Her skin was so cold, colder than ever. I moved my lips up to her forever and let a kiss linger there. 

"I love you..Please..please don't leave me.." I whispered. I squeezed my eyes shut. I could hear the sirens off in the distance, but just then, my world seemed to stop. I felt her chest flutter up slightly; my breath hitched. I moved my head back to look at her. I saw her eyelids close slowly, and the side of her mouth twitched slightly.  

"Baby...baby are you..are you alive?" I couldn't help the sobs that came out between words. Her eyes opened and she stared at me her. Her eyes were dull, but lively. I missed them.. 

"It..it hurts so bad.." she moaned. I stopped breathing. She talked. She's breathing. She is looking at me, crying. She's alive. And then she was pulled from my arms. I freaked out but saw it was only the paramedics. Her arms reached out to me, but she couldn't fight them. She was put on the stretcher, and they put her in the van, and let me in too. She reached out for my hand, and her eyes closed when I held it. "Never let go.." she whispered.