Chapter 1
You would really think I knew better. I did truthfully but I just chose to go against my better judgment. Then again the dark never really bothered me. I enjoyed being out at night even if it was just sitting outside, in the back yard but this wasn’t sitting outside at night. No, I was walking down the streets, in a new city, at night, hopelessly trying to find my way home.
I had gotten turned around walking home from the store and my phone was dead. Now I was wandering the street hoping I would stumble upon the apartments or at least something vaguely familiar. Though it seemed I had found myself on the rougher side of town. I tried to subside the sense of fear I could feel creeping up my spine, as I looked for a store or gas station. I just needed somewhere to use as a safe haven and ask for directions.
I wasn’t scared of the dark but I was scared of the gangs that ran this side of town. I moved closer to the worn down buildings that lined the sidewalk, as a group of guys stumbled past me, intoxicated by whatever was in the brown bag they were passing around.
My parents were apprehensive about me moving to this city. It was common knowledge that the city was divided into two sides. The nicer side with busy people that had no other motivate then to get to where they were going. Rather that be home to one of the many perfectly styled house guarded by white picket fences or maybe at the top of one of the lavish apartment buildings that towered over the city. They might be headed to work at the sleek official looking offices that lined the side walk. Or perhaps out with a friend, having coffee at one of the cozy indie shops that was around every corner. Where ever they were, they were in their own world. Maybe that’s why it was so expensive over there, you are paying for your own world, clueless about the world and people around you but here on this side, that ignorant bliss was a price most people couldn’t pay.
Most of the time no one gave you a second glance as you walked down the streets there but on this side I could feel eyes on me with every step I took. People gave you more than a second glace here, they would stare watching and waiting with one question in mind; are they getting you or are you getting them.
It just so happened the school I wanted to go to was on the more charming side and to get my parents on board with me going I had to promise to stay away from this side. Well it had been exactly four days since I moved in and I had already found myself on the side that will probably lead to me getting shot. Well I doubt they would randomly shoot me, maybe kidnapped but that wasn’t better.
I let out a breath of air I hadn’t realized I was holding. A little convenient store stood alone on the corner of the street with a red open sign flashing in the dirty window. I hurried down the street as fast as I could without actually running. I entered the tiny store and scanned it looking for anyone to ask for directions. It was empty except for a tall man built like a brick wall, standing behind the counter with an extremely displeased look on his face.
Retail I get it..
“Excuse me sir” I began as he paid me no attention, keeping his eyes fixated on the glass front door.
“I was wondering-” I was cut off by him pulling a gun from under the counter.
My eyes widened as the world around me disappeared. All I could focus on was the man with the gun.
“I am so sorry I just wanted directions” I pleaded as I ducked behind the counter that separated us.
The small bell hanging above the door rang sending a rushing feeling of relief over me. I wasn’t alone. Someone else was there, I had a witness but as I turned my head, my glimmer of hope was replaced by overwhelming dread. The two men that just entered also had guns. It finally dawned on me that this wasn’t about my need for directions. I now had a bright side; the man wasn’t aiming at me, downside I was now caught in the middle of whatever was going on between these guys.
“Where’s my money Marco?” A man’s voice demanded as I tried to get as low as possible.
“I told you I already paid you” Who I can only assume was Marco, answered.
“Then why don’t I have it” the man with his voice filled with irritation asked followed by the sound of a gun click.
If bullets started flying I was going to get hit. I didn’t dare make eye contact with anyone as I very slowly tried to move out of the way and into the aisle. At least then I could have bags of chips and candy as a shield, as if that would help. The men didn’t even seem to notice or care I was there, as I crawled on my knees to the aisle.
“Listen I gave it to one of your thieving men and if they didn’t give it to you that’s not my problem” Marco said as his gun clicked.
This is it. This is how I die.
“No you see, it is your problem” was the last thing said before a gunshot went off.
The deafening sound rang in my ears and my hands trembled as I watched Marco drop his gun and grab his arm. Terrified I was next, I attempted to back up more but I knocked over a display. I froze as all eyes turned to me, well except Marco’s, he was a little busy. I locked eyes with the first gunman who shot Marco.
