~NOTE: This is only a cliffhanger... I'm not completely done with this, I'm just on a time schedule right now and can only write a bit at a time~
We arrived at an empty lot, at a run down looking place... A place that looked a bit like a squatter's hangout, and got out of the car. Eli let go of my hand, and began to walk around the building to what I had assumed was the front entrance, and waved his hand to signal me to follow. "Um, where exactly are we?" I asked him, looking around nervously. I knew this neighborhood well, and well enough that it was not a safe place to be in. I had to keep on my toes, and keep on guard. Eli opened the door for me, and I stepped inside to find a cozy, warm-looking cafe setup, with a natural glow to all the people's faces. It was mostly filled with elders, sipping their ginseng tea and talking amongst themselves, as well as young couples staring down awkwardly at their own selves. In other words, it was my kind of place. Eli showed me to our table, and we sat down on the plush booth seats, sighing as he waved down the waitress. The young girl, Susan, came to our table and smiled cheerfully, automatically filling me up with a slight joy. She handed us our menus and flashed another grin. "Just tell me when ya'll are ready to order, mkay?" she said and walked away.
Already I was in a fantastic mood, and Eli lightly tapped my leg under the table with his foot. "So... you like the place?" he asked me and I nodded lightly, looking back down at my menu. I didn't want to overdo it on the food, even though I knew everything would end up being absolutely delecious. Nothing ever lasts though... I thought to myself, sighing. I heard loud, thundering footsteps come in through the door, as an obnoxious looking group of men entered the tiny community of people trying to enjoy themselves.
The pungent odor wafted through the room, and their ruffian look began to un-nerve the place. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, as the gang made their way towards us. Eli looked… unsettled, and continued to clench his fists on top of the table, as his jaw set. I opened up my mouth to say something, when there was a sudden slamming nose followed wet chill on my shirt and lap. I shot upward, backing into one of the guys by accident. I felt his arms snake around my waist, as he laughed at my weak attempt to get away.
The largest one, who appeared to be the leader of this freakshow glared at me and muttered slowly. "Let the kid go. Don't forget why we're here in the first place…" I felt a release and a push as I fell into the booth. I looked up at the leader, who was glaring hard at Eli, who seemed to be unfocused and looking down. They know each other… I thought to myself.
"You thinking you were gonna pay for your girlfriend over here with the money you owe us?!" he shouted, face right besides Eli's. "Huh, punk?! Don't forget, you are way overdue on this! Payment was last Friday, and you bailed. You know what happenes to people like you who don't do what they're told?! They. Get. Hurt!" He said, swinging to strike Eli. Eli quickly reacted, grabbing the guy's arm and holding it there, his struggle seemingly useless against him. His voice was low and horrifying, sending shivers down my spine. "I don't think so… Adrian…"
