Don't

A light gust of wind brushes over my skin. I shudder from the cold, feeling goosebumps raising on my bare arms. I hold them in close to me even though it doesn't do me much good. A jacket would have been nice. If only I hadn't left it in my car.

It boggles my mind how it wouldn't start. It's not exactly old, yet, when I turned the key in the ignition, all I could hear was spastic sputtering.

My eyes gaze the street both ways. I check to see no cars were coming. Taking long strides to the other side, I hear the loud patter of my sneakers on the damp concrete.
I understand it is a bad idea to be walking around town at this hour. The only light sources are a few lamp posts spread out along the sidewalk, the traffic lights, and an occasional restaurant or store that was open late night. The rest of my surroundings were engulfed in darkness. I strain my eyes as I make out a tall figure headed in my direction. I attempt to sidestep them, but realize I under estimated their pace in my head. Their large frame crashes into my fairly petite one, causing me to stumble back. Rather strong hands grasp my forearms, allowing me to regain my balance.

"Hey watch it!" I spat venomously.

"Sorry love," a deep voice replies.

My eyes shift slowly from the brawny hands to his face. Dark curls mask him, as his head was bowed. He glances up from my arms to meet my gaze. I can't make out many details, only that when he smiles at me, deep dimples form in his cheeks. Something about the boy sends a shiver down my spine, though I can't particularly pinpoint what. I retreat from his touch.

"Are you okay?" he inquires.

"I-It's fine. I'm fine," I slightly stutter.

I fold my arms across my chest and advert my eyes down to my white shoes. I scurry past him, hoping that would be the first and last encounter of the night. I carry on, thanking my lucky stars as I reach my destination minutes later. Near the end of the street, I turn and enter into a short driveway. I make my way up to a small white house and knock sternly on the wooden door. While I wait, I stare down at the grey cement step, tapping the tip of my shoe into a small puddle beside me, causing water to splash. The front door swings open, making me jump. A blonde stands on the other side, grinning at me.

"Dahl! Come in!" she insists.

She ushers me in, shutting and locking the door behind me.

"Did you walk here?" she asks worriedly.

"Yeah, my stupid car wouldn't start. It's odd don't you think? It's never showed problems and all of a sudden it's broke down."

"Wasn't it working this morning?"

"It was."

"Hmmm. How weird."

I nod my head, entering into a hallway and stepping into an opened bedroom painted entirely baby pink. Nearly everything in the room matched in shades of pink and lavender. I scrunch my nose.

"Can your room get any girly-er Kels?"

She makes a jump for her bed, giggling at me. She lands on her stomach and props herself up onto her elbows.

"You can't deny it looks fab."

"I guess."

She sticks her tongue out at me, so I mirror her.

"You're such an idiot Dahlia," she cracks up.

"They say two birds of a feather flock together. Remember that Kelsey," I retort.

Though she laughs, all I can seem to do is simply grin. My mind lingers on the thought of the strange, unsettling boy. I ponder asking Kelsey her opinion on the matter, but quickly dismiss it; she would probably assume I'm over reacting and tell me to not worry. I attempt to reassure myself that it's just a random person I bumped into. Everyone seems more threatening during the night hours.

"Hello, Earth to space cadet."

I shake my head and focus my attention on Kelsey.

"Yeah?"

"You okay over there?"

"Yes. Just a bit tired you know."

"Yeah, same.....but you know what would be perfect right now?"

"What?"

"Netflix and cookie dough."

"You know it," I reply as I make a mad dash for the kitchen.

Notes