Remember Death

Chapter 9. Reckless and Relentless

Our triple-date started with dinner. We went to a lovely Italian restaurant that Sam recommended. Ethan and I ordered the chicken marsala and sweet tea. Wine would pair perfectly with this meal, but they wouldn't sell to us; Sam tried, almost getting us kicked out. Aside from the theatrics from Sam and Sarah, dinner was enjoyable. Ethan has been a gentleman all night. He has held every door open in my honor and kissed my cheek at every turn. 

While we patiently waited for the check, we thought it would be best to decide on a movie. Aiden, Ethan, Sam and I were all set on Winter Soldier. Elizabeth didn't want to watch a superhero movie; she wanted to drag Aiden to a chick flick. Sarah couldn't have cared less, she insisted that she and Sam "wait for us" in the car. She claims her head hurts, so she doesn't feel like being in a loud theater.

We concluded separate movies would be best. Aiden and Elizabeth watched some romantic musical. Sarah's wish was granted, causing them to miss any movie altogether. Winter Soldier ended before Aiden's and Liz's movie. Ethan and I tried to go wait in Sam's car, as long as they were decent, but the car was gone. We tried calling Sam and Sarah, but got no answer from either of them. Since we caught the latest showings, we could not go back inside. 

We sat down on the sidewalk and patiently waited. Ethan's phone went off. He viewed his message and it looked like he saw a ghost.

"Hey, I'll be back okay?" He said nervously. He kissed me on the cheek, before shuffling off.

I was left outside, all alone, in downtown. Although this is a nice theater, it isn't in the best neighborhood. I could hear footsteps slowly approaching from the side-street. I check to see who is coming, with hopes that it is Ethan. It is not. It is a dirty and tattered drunk, who appears to be in his 40s.

"Hey baby. How much do you charge?" He said, slurring his words.

I tried ignoring him. Perhaps if I didn't give him the time of day, he will go find another victim to harass. Beads of sweat form on my forehead as I wait anxiously, for Ethan's return. I am praying that someone/anyone shows up at this point.

"Are we playing hard to get?" He shouts. "It's been a long time since I've had a young, tight thing, like you."

His remarks made me uncomfortable. I frantically call Ethan and start walking away. The call is sent straight to his voicemail. I turn around to see if the drunk has disappeared. He was strolling slowly behind me, that is a full sprint. I run, as fast as I can. I have no idea where I am or where I am going.  I try calling Ethan, Aiden, and Sam, but no one answers. 

 "Fuck!" I shouted as tears begin to slide down my face.

I picked the worst day to wear heels. I would take them off, but I don't have  time to stop. I have to keep moving. I hurry down an ally that houses an abandoned building. Without thinking, I run inside and hide behind some cinder blocks, in the corner.
It is dark and creepy. There is a horrid stench and sight is damn near nonexistent.

The echoing from footsteps fill the hollow room. I try to still my breathing. It is so quiet and still in here, a tear drop would give me away. As the footsteps got closer, I realize they belong to two men.

They are chatting quietly. One sounds American and the other speaks with an Irish accent. It's been so long since I've heard one in person.

"Ye' been keepin' tabs on Paddy's daughter, eh?" The Irishman says.

"Yes, sir. She has a date tonight." States the other. His voice is familiar, but I can't put my finger on whom it reminds me of. "Shh... You hear that?" He continues.

Their walking comes to a halt, directly in front of me. I become fearful they heard or seen me somehow. Unfortunately it is  too dark to distinguish if they are looking in my direction or not.