The Girl With The Dice Necklace

Chapter 1- Tag

     I thought my heart was going to beat out of my body as I ran down the cold black pavement. The road was wet from previous rain and fall's orange leaves stuck to it making a beautiful sight, something like a collage. It's one of the best things about fall of you ask me, absolutely beautiful; beautiful, but perilous when running. I forced myself to run faster and planned out a safer route to take. I turned my head for a split second and found them falling behind a couple paces. A couple paces isn't much but it's all I need.

Planning the timing down to the second, I turned into the dark alley between the local pizza place and the ice cream shop. I hugged the brick wall and struggled to slow my pant into a much quieter breath. I watched them pass me going the opposite direction, slowing their pace. I knew they would figure I changed routes and quietly slipped out the back way of the alley. Without giving it much thought I ran into Manny's Hardware across the street from the alleyway.

"Can I help you?" asked the older man at the counter with an almost southern accent. This must've been Manny. I shook my head as I panted hard. I looked out the window and saw the 3 boys charging, about to barge in any second. I hid in the isles pretending to be interested in some bolts and screws. I unzipped my jacket and hid my face in a beginners' manual when the door burst open and 3 broad-shouldered kids walked in.

"Have you seen a panting 14 year old girl with a leather jacket on?" Asked one of the boys after me.

"Uh..." Manny answered, scanning the isles. I couldn't believe this guy was gonna rat me out to a bunch of suspicious kids. I held the beginners' manual down as I watches in shock.

"Well you can just tell her that that was a fun little game of tag. And tell her we wanna play tomorrow too." Said the same boy, Sid, looking right into my eyes.

With that, the gang left the store leaving me to dread the next frightening day.

"A couple of boys were looking for ya. Said they want to play tag again tomorrow." Manny said as I walked for the door.

"Thanks." I said in a sarcastic tone as I pulled on my leather jacket again and walked out into the pouring rain.