Lacey's Point of View:
"See ya Darla!" I waved to my older friend, she was happily munching on her late-night pancakes and coffee. I walked out onto the street, wishing I would've told Selene I couldn't take her shift on a weekend night. I don't like walking home at night, especially on a Saturday. The bars and clubs surrounding the diner I work at are overwhelming, and it sounds like they are in full swing for the weekend. I dig for my phone in my bag, but the screen flashes the connect charger symbol. Crap, I tap the screen a couple times but it goes completely black, double crap.
I kept on walking down the poorly lit street, it reeks of alcohol and sweat. I get the feeling that I'm being followed, and I keep gazing over my shoulder. All I notice are shadows. Keep it together. I'm chanting into my head. I notice two drunk men staggering all over the road, they're throwing bottles and spouting nonsense. The street is even less lit towards this way, and the smell of garbage has my stomach churning. I hear one of them calling for me, asking if I want a good time. Go away. I don't want to hurt you. I look down at my shoes and try to cross the street without drawing any attention.
I realize I've failed miserably when the next thing I realize one of the men has grabbed me. His hands are rough and covered in sweat, I cringe away from the vile scent. His touch feels distasteful, and I try to struggle from his hold. He means me harm. I start kicking and screaming to let me go, but this brute doesn't listen! He slurring his words, and I can tell this isn't going to end well for me. I continue my tantrum, but soon he's trying to unbotton my top. I feel dread wash over me, but I'm trying to keep it together for the sake of showing strength. It's what my father taught me. Never show weakness.
I don't notice the stranger walking towards us, and I can't focus on the words he's saying as I'm trying to wiggle my way free. All I'm able to focus on is keeping my serenity, and getting away from this moron. I'm shoved out of the man's hold, and I push my arms out in front of me to brace for the fall that never comes. Instead I'm caught by a man who smells like mildew and rotting meat. His eyes seem to flash red, I panic and try again to struggle out yet another stranger's hold. He pulls a cloth out of his pocket, and shoves it against my mouth. In the background I hear words and crunching noises, I try and hold my breath but he twists my arm in his grip and I cry out. It's muffled by the cloth, but as I gasp my vision blurs. My mouth is dry, and tears sting my eyes. I hear more voices, but they sound muffled, far away. My body registers that I'm being moved, but before long I feel a sharp pain and darkness envelopes me.
~~~
I rub my eyes and reach for Hank but he's not sleeping beside me like he normally is. All I feel are the soft, cool feel of the silk sheets. It smells like lavender and fresh air. Part of me wants to snuggle into the sheets and forget the day, forget the pain in my arm, but as I lay here falling back into a deep sleep a loud roar shakes the house. All of the memories from my shift after work rush back to me, they rob me of my breath and I feel like I'm going to be sick.
"You kept me in the dark!" His masculine voice shakes the house. I shoot strait up, and look around for the first time realizing I'm not at home. The bedroom is big, spacious, too large for mine. There is a vanity on the far side of the wall, and a wardrobe in the corner. The window is partially open, allowing silk curtains to slowly wave in the wind. The room's walls are an off color white, eggshell maybe, and the bed is covered in a pastel pink bed spread.
I look beside me, next to the bed is a nightstand with fresh clothes sitting on top. I look through the pile. There are fresh under garments, with a soft three-quarter sleeved pink blouse, and dark skinny jeans. It's all my size. On the floor is a pair of nude colored ballet flats. Also my size, I find myself questioning how this is all here. I quickly change, and stick my head out of the door.
He's beautiful. Shaggy brown hair falls onto a muscular face. A strait nose, prominent jaw line, and big bow-shaped lips. He looks at me. I feel my heart lurch in my chest.
