Save Me #1

prologue

Loud screams from somewhere outside tear me out of my sleep. I blink dozily and feel goosebumps all over my body.

"Shit!" I curse as I spot the open window. I must have fallen asleep while reading my book. It's freezing in my living room, and the cold frosty winter breeze sends shivers down my spine.

After wrapping my blanket over my shoulders, I quickly jump up and walk over to the window.

I'm just about to close it when my attention is caught by screams once again.

"What the fuck?" What's happening out there?

I risk a glimpse outside.

A small crowd of people is gathered around two tall shapes across the street. They seem to have a fight.

"Not again!" I mumble and roll my eyes.

It's probably just another group of teenagers from the bar around the corner which have had one too many. I'm just about to grab the handle of the window, when suddenly the sound of gunfire fills the air. I flinch hard and instinctively duck my head.

"Oh my god!" I breathe shakily.

After a few seconds of trying to calm myself down, I dare to glance outside again. Everyone seems to be gone.

Wait!

I narrow my eyes to get a better sight, and gasp when I spot a body lying on the sidewalk in the subdued light of the streetlamps. My heart skips a beat, and my eyes widen.

After a short moment of hesitation, my instincts take over, and I run outside looking both ways before sprinting over to the lifeless body on the ground. I fall down on my knees next to the young man.

"Hey, can you hear me?" I ask, cautiously shaking his shoulders. There's blood everywhere, filling me up with panic.

I try to think clear and take a deep breath before drawing my attention back to the wounded man in front of me.

He slightly moves and grabs my hand. "Help me... please," he breathes feebly.

"Shh, I'm here," I try to soothe him.

I pull out my phone and call an ambulance. Out of my state of shock I barely manage to find clear words. His dark, wavy hair is soaked from blood, even though he seems to be grazed only. At least that's what I hope as I can't make out a point of entry, but who am I to diagnose a shot person.

While I'm waiting for the ambulance to show up, I take a moment to study the face of the wounded man. His hazel eyes, one is purple-colored and swollen, are holding onto mine, and he has split lips which are slightly parted to let free his irregular breaths.

"Who did this to you?" I ask him in a low voice and frown. A strained groan escapes his throat as he tries to reply.

I instinctively place my hand on his cheek to stop him from talking. The stranger eyes me warily, and I swallow at his piercing gaze which stirs something unknown inside my chest.

"It's okay. Don't speak. The ambulance will be here soon." I give him a bashful smile.

As soon as I hear the sound of sirens, I let out a breath of relief.

"Everything will be fine!" I whisper to the young man and gently squeeze his cold and limp hand which still rests in mine.

The ambulance stops right next to us and the paramedics jump out of the car. They quickly check on the wounded man and one of them asks me to tell him what happened. Unfortunately, I can't give him any useful information, so he just notes down my name and address.

Everything happens so fast when I step aside and watch them from afar as they carefully lift the young man into the ambulance.

Before they close the door, I meet his gaze one last time and he gives me a weak smile. I awkwardly wave at him, returning his smile, and soon enough, the sirens turn on again and the ambulance disappears as swiftly as it came.

As if in trance I turn around and slowly return to my apartment. Inside the house, I slide to the floor and huddle up against my door. My head sinks onto my knees as hot tears start running down my face. Tears of fear. Tears of relief. But most of all tears of exhaustion and confusion.

~

I wake up with a jolt as my alarm goes off. How long have I been sitting here?

A glance at my phone tells me that it's already time for work. I don't even know how I could manage to stand up let alone getting ready.

When I remember the happenings from last night, my thoughts instantly wander to the young guy. His piercing eyes are burnt into my memory and the strange feeling his gaze unleashed in me is still present inside my stomach. My gaze falls on my hands which are still covered in his dried blood. I really hope he made it since he lost a large amount of blood while I was beside him.

With a big sigh I heave myself up from the floor. No way I'll be able to concentrate on work properly today, but there are no excuses. I have to go.

I walk over to the bathroom and start getting ready. Ready for another ten-hour shift at that stupid Diner I call my workplace.

After a short, hot shower, I slip into my diner uniform and eye myself in the mirror. I look exactly how I feel after last night. Stirred up and exhausted with big bags under my grey-blue eyes. I don't even try to put make-up on as it wouldn't make any difference at all. I'd still look completely wasted. My caramel-brown hair is tied back in a bun, as always at work, and I'm already wearing my work clothes. A dark red skirt which ends just above my knees paired with a plain white blouse.

I utter a deep sigh before I grab my skateboard and leave for work.