Theft

Pilot

It was a Saturday. A Saturday that I'd never forget, for good reasons and for bad. I've never been known as a thief, and never thought I would be, but that's what I am.

I'm Alexander Ghale. It was pronounced Hail, but everyone said Gail. I'm 22 and had recently gotten into my dream college: U-Dub. Ever since I saw it, I knew I wanted to be there. I always enjoyed helping people and wished to pursue a career in which I helped; my parents and friends always said I was a great listener and frankly, the study of psychiatry intrigued me for a while.
I was sharing a square flat with my best friend Penny Windsfield. We bonded at a young age, since kindergarten when she simply asked for a crayon. She was the only I could talk to, and the only one thats would talk to me.
We had worked every summer since we were 15 to save up for tuition.
She was lounging around after work while I was busy studying at the counter across from the living room. "Come on Alex, you're going to pass the test tomorrow and you know it. So stop stressing and relax."
I cared that she had faith in my intellect, but I wasn't sure about it.
Penny had wanted to become a teacher, and I did admire her charismatic personality. She could make nearly anyone do anything, which would help being a teacher.
Rousing myself from my studies, I close the textbook with my notes held captured in it. I walk over and slump down next to her on the couch.
She rests her head on my shoulder while Night of the Living Dead plays. "Long day?" I ask as the lids of brown eyes closes. She simply nods her head against my arm. Before I could count to sixteen she starts snoring.
With grace I lay her out on the couch and drape her with a threadbare mblanket. She groans softly as I turn off the T.V. and retreat to my bedroom.
As I put textbooks and papers away, the water from the sink drips. Drip drip drop.
I pull off my clothes and slide underneath my cool grey comforter and into the madness that is my dreams.
. .. ... ....
Dirt cracks underneath my pale bare feet. I walk down the dark hallway that smells of liquor and menthol mixed together in a sickly sweet combination. The paint chips peel off slowly as I approach the rear of the hall.
I put a small arm decorated blue against the chipping door and push. It screams in resistance to only admit defeat as I step inside the dimly lit room. I see his head, but I can't see his face, for it is blurred out.
He reaches down for my white shirt, but I pull back, only to meet the rear of his hand. A pungent metallic taste fills my mouth. With a strong hand, he lifts me up off the ground and tosses me onto a water bed, which he proceeds to get on to on top of me. The words I scream make no sound. I throw my fists at him, but it feels as if my bones were drained of marrow and replaced with steel.
. .. ... ....
"ALEX WAKE UP!" Penny yells at me from next to me. My eyes open as my body jerks up. I wipe the sweat from my brow and try to catch my breath. "Jesus Christ Alex you scared the shit out of me! I thought there was a burglar or some shit."
"So you brought a ladle?" I say as her hand clenches a long metal spoon.
"Hey, these things can be dangerous weapons when used by professionals like me." She pauses as I fold my legs into my chest and wrap my arms around them. "What were you dreaming about?" She sits down next to me and drapes an arm around my shoulders.
"I can't even remember." I lie as I shake my head.
"I'm sorry, it sounded bad. If you need anything I'll be across the hall."
She gets up and leaves after I thank her. As I lay back down I regrettably try and fall back to sleep.