Stealing Your Heart: One Crime At A Time

Chapter Three

June 7, 2038
SanFrancisco, CA
3:14 PM

I sat in the farthest corner of the coffee shop on this cold and chilly afternoon. My computer flashed as I entered her passcode. The doorbell to the small building chimed as people walked in and out; their shoes tapping against the floor.
If I had to guess, maybe two people in this building are college kids and the rest are either adults or younger kids.
How could I tell?
The girl sitting near the counter has bags as dark as night, while the barista who served me looked like like he hadn't eaten in days. That's just how it be sometimes I guess.

I felt a cold chill run up my spine and grip at my neck. Like cold fingers grazing your skin and then grabbing you in a chokehold. I felt,,,odd and it confused me. Was I catching a cold?
I shook my head. No, that couldn't be. It's not even chilly outside yet. The sun is still here and it's not even close to winter times.
The doorbell of the small campus coffee shop chimed as someone entered inside. I could hear the sounds of heels clacking against the floor, along with the thud of large boots. I paid no attention to it and continued staring at my screen as the noise was getting closer and closer every millisecond.
My computer shut closed. A hand laid pressed against the screen top as another hand gripped one of the sides, lifting it up into the air.
"I knew ya borrowed my computer. Now I owe Jess fifty bucks."
I knew that voice too damn well to not look up.
"Salutations to you too, Bimbi." The girl in front of me pulled up a chair from one of the other nearby tables and placed it down in front of the table so she could sit and stare. The back of the chair was pressed against the table edge as she straddled it, hands folded on the table. I moved my eyes upward so we were both looking into the other's eyes.
"What did I tell ya about sneakin' aroun' campus without me?" Bimbi asked, her southern accent echoing in my ears. "We made a deal, remember?" She tapped her chin. "Oh wait. How silly of me. I fergot ya neva go through with deals." Her head cocked to the side as a questionable smirk growed on her face. I wanted to smack the shit out of her.
"Whatever." I grabbed my drink and chugged the rest of it. Bimbi studied the current mess on the table; homework was scattered everywhere. There was not a spot where you could see any part of the table top. It was embarrassing to say the least, but we're in college so it's not too bad.
As I drank my drink, my eyes started to wander over towards Bimbi's new hair color of the month. For the last six months, it was all colors of the rainbow: first month was red, second month was orange, third was yellow, and so on. But this time, she didn't continue with the beautiful colors and instead decided to go,,,crazy.
The top half of her hair was pink, the middle section was an orangish-purple, and the bottom section was dyed a very tropical greenish-blue. It was,,,a bold choice, yet I actually thought that it looked nice on her. It brought out her amethyst eyes.
Bimbi must've noticed me staring because I saw a pair of eyes staring right back at me.
"Ya like it?" I nodded.
"It's an interesting change, but bold nonetheless, " I retorted. Bimbi grinned; her silver grills shining in my face. I still can't believe her parents let her get them. And at such a young age. Bimbi was always the the type of kid from a young age to do her own thing and one up people.
One time in fourth grade, a kid in her class had their ears pierced. So Bimbi decides to come into class the next day with a septum piercing. I don't remember when this little "trend" for her started, but I always thought it was cute.

Bimbi and I stayed in the shop and chit chatted until it was time for my next class to start. I waved Bimbi bye and trotted off to Bio.
I sat down in the way corner of the classroom; waiting for the students to enter while also doodling in my notebook.
Everything was going fine until I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I placed my hand over the area and started rubbing it. Then the same thing happened, but instead it was in my arm.
I murmured, "What the hell?" as I started rubbing this newer spot with my fingers.


"Es ist fin. Onen být acontecer indetro per schlof."
I felt,,,,something watching me.


"Agus,,,,a dhéanamh."
My head raised up. I surveyed the room.

"Hei sitten."
A shadowy figure stood near the doorway. Dark little whisps fluttered around it as it,,,,stared. Stared at me. Stared into me.
I heard that this place is haunted, but never actually believed it.

I watched as the shadow held up its hand and did the little "come here" with its fingers in my direction. I had two options.
>Stay
>Follow the shadow

>Stay

A loud booming sound echoed in my right ear, causing me to squeak in pain.

>Follow the shadow

The shadow turned around and vanished into the hallway. I dropped everything and ran after it.
Darting around students and pushing them into the wall, my boots stomped against the floor as I chased down this shadow. Where is it taking me? What is it going to do? Who even is this shadow? I can't answer those questions.

I need answers.