He Stalks at Night

Ch.6 "second encounter"

Feeling a little drained from a hectic night, Ashley decided to still get ready and go out for groceries. The moving truck was no longer there but everything was so close in town Ashley didn't mind making the walk. Besides she still admired how beautiful the town looked and it seemed to almost look different every time she admired it. I Could never get bored of this, She said to herself. Making her way down the smoothly paved side walk Ashley can see the super market up ahead. Well this isn't too far at all Ashley exclaimed. As Ashley entered the super market she was amazed to see how clean and organized it was. Neat rows and everything broken down by catagories and various produce bins. This is such a perfect town Ashley thought, what could ever go wrong here. She made a b line strait for the produce section, everything looks so ripe and fresh! She gasped in amazement while picking up an orange which were Ashleys favorite fruits. She put 4 oranges in the basket and headed over to the meat section. I think I'll make chicken for dinner she thought, so she grabbed one pack of chicken and placed it in the basket. Hey there! Ashley looked up to see a handsome familiar grin smiling back at her. Remember me? He asked, Brandon right? Asked Ashley unsure if she got the name correct, that would be me he replied with a smile. Was wondering when I'd run into you again he said. Oh said Ashley with a forced smile feeling a little nervous and shy. Well I need to be heading back she told Brandon and headed over the the checkout lane me too said Brandon and stood in line behind Ashley. Ashley paid for her groceries and headed for the door swiftly, hey wait up! Brandon called uhg, Ashley thought and stopped to turn around. What's your hurry he asked not to be rude replied Ashley but I need to start my walk if I want to get back with enough time to cook dinner, let me give you a lift! Said Brandon, no that's ok replied Ashley. No I insist please, you can trust me I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't do a good deed for a woman in need! I know that sounded corney said Brandon with an embarrassed smile but Ashley couldn't help but to laugh. See I'm harmless Brandon exclaimed and I made you laugh I know I get points for that come on!! Well ok said Ashley but I'm watching you laughed Ashley. Ashley felt a little less nervous. Up here take a right Ashley directed Brandon. It's the gray cottage to the left she pointed out. The truck came to a stop in front of the gravel drive way. Well thank you said Ashley as she was getting out of the truck, my pleasure replied Brandon. Ashley walked a few steps she stopped, umm how can I repay you? Awe don't worry about it, no I insist Ashley! replied, my! have the tables turned said Brandon with a laugh look who's insisting now!! Ok said Brandon how about some dinner? Brandon asked, well I'm cooking chicken would you join me? Sure what time? Asked Brandon, 6:00 pm. Ok I have some errands to run and I'll be here. Ok replied Ashley and she walked into the house smiling. Preparing for dinner, Ashley felt light on her feet and began dancing around the kitchen, I know I'm a nut Smokey so don't look at me like that Ashley said with a giggle. I'm just in a great mood and I finally feel that I can move on. Oh shoot I lost track of time gasped Ashley as she noticed it was 5:36 I need to get ready, come on Smokey help me pick out something to wear, Ashley grabbed up Smokey and headed to the room and set him on the bed. I want nothing dressy and not too incredibly casual. How about these? Ashley held up a pair of fitted jeans, Smokey nudged her so I guess that's a yes? Ok then now for the top, Ashley decided on a floral print off the shoulder top. Not too much? Asked Ashley as Smokey wasn't even interested, well this is it I'm not making anymore effort then this. After Ashley got ready ding! dong! Ding! Ding! He's here Smokey wish me Luck! Ashley cleared her throat, fixed her hair then slowly opened the door as to not seem too interested. You look great responded Brandon and handed her daffodils, they are beautiful said Ashley! Thank you. Ashley didn't want to be close to a man, she was terrified and after what she had been through, yet she felt like she was falling for one. Well come on in, Ashley directed Brandon to the small eating area in her kitchenette. Brandon proceeded to the stool to take a seat. Ashley caught Brandon's gaze on her and they shared a moment. This is WRTT Evening news! In the investigation and disappearance of 21 year old Amy Stewart, who had disappeared from her home earlier this afternoon,( The news broke in disrupting their gaze,) Ms Stewart had been reported missing by a friend after she witnessed ms Stewart getting into a red pickup truck! Poor girl! Exclaimed Ashley! Just then Brandon went over and shut off the tv. Just when you think nothing could go wrong in this perfect little town Ashley said. I'm sure her friend is just over reacting replied Brandon. They finished their meal and said their good nights. As Ashley was cleaning up she realized Brandon had a red pickup truck also. She shook her head no it's coincidence, many people have red trucks! She told herself. Well Smokey time to hit the sack, I got an interview tomarrow.