Civil Skies

Stone Grip

After five minutes or so of trying to get myself unstuck with the stupid dumpster, I had given up. I was tempted to start yelling out for help, but my concern was waking up the neighbors. My phone was inside the apartment sitting on the counter, so I couldn't call Courtney. I stood there for awhile deciphering what my solution could be.

"Screw it. I'm cold and stuck, so if my neighbors have a problem with me yelling for some assistance, then they can just deal with it."

At first I made a little, weak attempt. I could barely hear myself.

"Hello? Someone awake?"
Just when I was about to start calling out for help a little louder, I felt a strong grip lift me up and gently place me down. Confused and creeped out at the same time by being touched unexpectedly, I responded,

"Wait. What? Um excuse me."

I quickly turned around to see who had helped me. At first I noticed that it was just a tall guy. He just stood there. I looked up to his face and realized it was a tall guy with brown hair. Then, I noticed it was a tall guy with brown hair past his ears, tattoos on his arms, and a familiar face. I knew who he was. I wasn't just creeped out, I was terrified. This was the same guy who I met at the market. He looked completely different from earlier today, like some murderer lurking at night. He was wearing dark leather gear and boots. He had a vest with some kind of chest plate with a cape attached to the back. It was not a cape that reminded me of some superhero, but a cape worn by the infamous Ancient Roman soldiers or gladiators. His hair was down and his muscles, covered with scars, were bulging, and it was completely intimidating. He looked very much like some guy you'd find from centuries ago. I even gave a quick look to his belt that, which to my horror, held inside two large silver axes marked with similar symbols on his arms.

While thinking to myself, he suddenly began to speak.

"This is important that you listen" He said.
His voice wasn't harsh, but it wasn't kind either. I didn't know what to do. I could only get a bad vibe coming from him, and my situation didn't seem so bright for me. I felt my body telling me something was definitely wrong with him.

The heart beating inside of me was racing. Before I could make a rational decision, my instincts took over. I turned and ran. I ran down the alley, stupidly. Why the heck didn't I run inside my apartment, lock the door, and call the police. It didn't matter, adrenaline was kicking in. I bolted down the alley and made a swift turn. I didn't look back. I didn't need to. I knew he was chasing me, and I knew I had to get away. I wanted to stop to have a panic attack and cry, I admit. I was terrified. I was running down the alleyway almost hopelessly not knowing what this guy was about or what his deal was with me. I continued running as fast as my body was able to do.

"Don't look back. Don't stop. Find a place with people around if you can."

I quietly told myself. I was running at full speed until I heard something.

"Andreé!"
What was that?
"Andreé!"
I didn't want to, but I stopped. My body took over and halted my steps. I quietly said to myself.

"How does he know my name? How did he know where to find me?"

I was really confused by now, and I could feel my breath catching up to me. I slowly turned around to see that this guy, who had some obsession with stalking and possibly murdering, was only inches from my face. He was taller than me, so my face was staring blankly at his chest. I noticed he was calmly breathing, a sign that he wasn't even close to being out of breath from chasing me.

"How did you sneak up on me like that?" I gasped.

"Stop Andreè, list-"

"How do you know my name?"