The Exception

Chapter 33: And What Trumps A Date?

I quickly packed the last stock of sweets as I watched Keith cash up. Today was officially my second date with Evan. I was thrilled. I mean, yesterday, he could barely leave my sight, and I always saw him staring at me, despite other girls flocking to me. I felt special. He made me feel special. 

I looked up to see Keith looking at me.

"What's with the pixie tinkerbell dream-look?"

"What? How do you know about tinkerbell?"

"Your one backpack you brought to work had a "I love tinkerbell..." print on...that was kind of a big indicator....and you're all fidgety...so I'm assuming you're nervous and excited about something?"

"Yeah," I said. "Today is my second date with Evan."

"Ah," Keith stooped down and picked up a coin he dropped. "So you guys are really going for it."

"Pretty much," I responded. "And considering my first date was kinda awesome...I'm kinda nervous and excited."

"Well, all the best," Keith grabbed the bag and keys and I headed out. I waited for him to lock the door, but froze as I heard something...or was it someone?

A scream rang through along with a loud bang noise. I gasped as Keith grabbed my arm and pulled me back inside. He ran through to the counter, half jumped over to press the panic button. "Come hide here,"

"Where are you going?" I asked him.

"Going to see what's going on..."

"Keith are you crazy? It might be some Psycho with a gun...you could get shot!"

"Someone out there might be in danger or in need of help, you lock the door behind me until the cops come. If I call you, then you know I'm safe and I will let you know of the situation..."

"What about you not being a risk-taker?"

Keith grimaced. "Yeah, about that...it's never actually grown out of me...." Keith closed the door of the candy shop. I locked it and hid behind the counter, praying that Keith would stay safe. My heart beat heavily inside of me, and I was terrified. Yes, every city had it's problems, and I heard this place was notorious for mugging. However, the scream and bang was an indicator of something potentially much worse. 

After what seemed like an eternity, my phone buzzed. I answered it.

"Keith, what is going on? Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm ok, but I need you to direct the security and police that are coming to the alley way one block from here south on Midearth Street. Someone's been hurt. I've already called 911, and according to the dispatcher, the police are almost there...and the ambulance is on it's way...."

"Ok," I said and nodded. I clutched my phone and peaked over the counter. No one was there, but I could hear the sirens. Relief flooded inside of me as I opened the door.

"What's the emergency, ma'am?" The one cop,  female climbed out of her vehicle.

"We heard a gunshot, someone's been hurt...this way," I said and started running towards where Keith directed me. We arrived and I saw Keith was busy putting pressure on a wound. It was an older lady, and she was crying.

"You're going to be ok," Keith softly reassured her. He looked up to see me and the cops, and I realized then and there, that this trumped a date by far. I was in for a long night ahead.