Don't

I slam the door shut, latching the silver chain and locking it. I run for the stairs, barreling up them two at a time. I scamper into my bedroom, swinging the door shut and throwing myself down to the floor in the corner of my room. I hastily pull out my phone, dialing the first person who comes to mind.

Each time the phone rings, the more I start to hyperventilate.

"Hello?"

"Ke-Kels-Kels. I-I-" I weep.

"Dahlia! Calm down! What's wrong?"

"I-I-There was-"

"Dahlia breathe!"

"A ma-a man-he-he tried t-to-"

"Dahl, you're scaring me."

"He-he trapped m-me in an alley. He was going to-to-"

Unable to finish my sentence, I start to hiccup; tears flood my face.

"What happened?"

"He was going to-but-but someone-they-they fought him off of me. They beat the shit out of h-him."

"Who was it?"

"I-I don't know. A random guy outs-side a pub."

"No, I meant the one who saved you."

"I d-don't know that e-either. He w-was in the dark. I on-only saw an outline."

"Where are you now? You're safe right?"

"I'm h-home."

"Stay there. Do not leave. Lock everything!"

"Ok-kay."

"See you soon."

"H-hurry."

"I will," she promises before the line goes silent.

I bring my knees close to my chest, slightly rocking involuntarily. I glance over to my window, seeing as it was wide open. I slowly stand, cautiously nearing it. Peering out, I notice something that frightens me: a figure standing next to a car; they are staring up at me. Watching. I swiftly close the white material curtains.

My stomach knots, feeling like I could throw up. I begin to feel like the room is spinning around me. I place my hand on my head, collapsing onto my bed.

****

The sound of pounding on the front door thunders throughout the house, startling me awake.

My heart begins to thump hard in my chest. I get up, quietly ascending the steps and towards the loud noise. I unlock the door, leaving the latch still attatched. I slowly crack it open.

"Dahlia, let me in."

I slide the chain off, allowing me to open it fully. Kelsey enters, practically pouncing on me. She bear hugs me.

"You're okay. Oh my God you're okay."

She sighs in relief, then lets go, still gripping my forearms.

"Come on, we can make tea and watch a marathon of American Horror Story. Okay? Does that sound good?"

I nod my head.

"Yeah. I'd like that."

She beams.

"And we can gawk over Evan Peters all night," she giggles.

I half smile, nodding my head once more.

"Let me just lock up first okay?"

"Alright. I'll go start the tea."

She releases me, heading off into the kitchen. I turn to face the open door. As I survey the street, I see the same car as earlier except this time around, whoever had been standing with it was seated inside. The car's lights flash bright, blinding me before it speeds away with it's engine roaring.

"Dahl, what's taking you so long?" Kelsey calls out.

I shut the door, locking it up. I pause, questioning what I just witnessed.

"Dahl?"

"Erm....nothing. I just thought I saw a dog...."

"You shouldn't be concerned about a dog right now," she laughs.

"Yeah," I respond faintly.

Notes