Deceived Love

Adeline

I walked leisurely but cautiously across the street, hiding my feelings. I always reminded myself not to let others know when I’m scared. Act cool as if nothing bother my mind. Especially when walking along this street.

Walking alone at this street, late at night, was creepy. I went to work right after my class ended, and I walked home from the bus stop. It’s twenty five minutes of walking, and I did that every day. Without failing.

My ears expertly catched some noise, and I was immediately alerted. It was footstep. I reached for my back pocket where I put my pocketknife. My another hand rummaged through my bag, pretending I was searching for my phone, until I touched the bottle of pepper spray; my other weapon but equally important.

Usually, I would go with the pepper spray first. After a few kicks and the person who was harassing me was defeated, I will go. Only if things didn’t work out, or became worse, I opt for pocketknife. My intention was only to defend myself, not harming others.

But until now, I only have been using pepper spray. Poor pocketknife, waiting for its debut.

The footsteps were getting nearer, and my grip on pepper spray tightened. I continued to walk, like I’m not aware of the stranger’s presence. I was just waiting for the right time to act.

“Hey.” A sudden grip and pull on my arm made me turn towards a voice and stopped me from walking abruptly. A few years ago, if a stranger grabs my arm, I would have screamed. But not anymore, because now I know how to fight.

I lifted my face and took a good look at his face. Who knows I might need to lodge a report later? It was dark, and the lamp post only showed the lower part of his face. He was also wearing a cap, so it’s impossible to see his face. But I saw his smirk.

“Got me some money, and you will pass this street safely. Your choice.”

I took a sharp intake of breath, my breathing became faster. Anger started to build up in me. I worked really hard at the cafe, right after class, and I can barely rest to earn money. But this guy just simply get money by threating people, especially the ones who he considered weak; women.

But he’s wrong. I was going to teach him a lesson.

“How much do you want?” My hand in my bag was already prepared with pepper spray. All I had to do just pretended that I was taking my purse, and attacked him at the time he never expected.

“Everything you’ve got in your purse.”

Everything I’ve got in my purse? Just a few dollars, an ID and a bus pass. I haven’t received my salary yet. Lucky me. Plus, from my face, it’s obvious that I was a student. Students don’t have a lot of money, usually. Unless the student comes from a wealthy family and lives in a huge house, or maybe mansion. So, his choice to rob a student, was totally not a smart one.

I started to pull my hand out from the bag as he watched me intently, thinking I was taking out my purse. Hell no! With a swift move, I pulled out the pepper spray and targeted his eyes. Ha! Take that!

He groaned in pain, hands on his eyes.

“Damn it!” His voice was full with anger, it was evident. I gasped when he reached out his hand and grabbed my shirt collar. Even in the state he was temporarily blind, he managed to do that and strengthen up the grip.

Not wasting any time, I gave him a good punch on his face. He groaned and yelled in pain, but his grip on my shirt collar was still strong. So I gave a good kick on the stomach. That instantly made him let go.

The effect of pepper spray will disappear soon, so I’d better make my move before he did something worse.

I turned around and walked faster than I did earlier. I needed to be as far as I can from this guy before he catched up on me. Having him following me to my house was definitely the worst idea.

I half-walked and half-jogged for a few minutes, and let out a relief sigh when I saw my residential area. Just a few more minutes, and I’ll be safe.

As I got nearer, there was another grip on my arm. My free hand automatically went for my pocketknife, turned around and drew it out in defense. The pocketknife was only a few inches away from his face, and my eyes widened in shock.

His face was also the same as me. He stared at me for a few seconds, and the pocketknife for a few more seconds, dumbfounded.

“Whoa, chill there.” He gestured his hands, finally got his voice back, ordering me to retreat the pocketknife. And I did, but still, I was in a cautious mode.

“What are you doing here?” I asked noncahalantly. Meeting a classmate of mine at this time was unexpected. What was he doing here? I knew he didn’t live around here.

“I saw you at the street and thought you needed help. But you managed it on your own.” There was amusement in his voice.

A proud small smile spread on my face. I was an independent girl, and I depended on no one to protect myself.

“Then, why are you following me?” I kept the pocketknife back in my back pocket. But my eyes cautiously watching around, looking for the guy’s presence. Of course, being ambushed was the last thing I wanted.

He pulled me into his embrace, sending me a wave of shock. “Aaron, what are you doing?” I started to writhe, feeling uncomfortable. Never in my life I have been this close to any man. Not even my father.

Really, if he did more than this, he’s getting from me!

He stroked my hair gently, slowly; for a few moments. Then he broke the embrace. He tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear, his eyes looking deep into mine.

“Just checking up on you, to make sure you are okay.”

Where the hell did my plan go? Why did my hands stay still? I thought I said he’s getting from me?

“I’m good.” I cleared my throat. And then I sent him a serious look. “You do that again, and you are done.”

He chuckled and shook his head.

“I’m glad you are safe.” He smiled. He reached out his hand and hold mine softly, but firmly. “Come, let me walk you home.”

Uh-oh. No.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I can walk alone.” I tried to pull my hand from him, but his grip became tighter. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt at all.

Or was I numb, and my whole body can’t feel anything?

No. I can feel his warmth.

“It’s dangerous to walk alone. Especially after what has happened. What if he comes after you?” His voice vanished my thoughts away.

“I can take care of myself.”

“I know. Please, Adeline. Let me take care of you.”

Ah, such a sweet talker. I guessed that’s why girls were so all over him.

I’m glad you are safe.

Let me take care of you.

No one has said that to me.

I shook my head. Shoving my thoughts away, I pulled my hand from his grip. I shouldn’t fall for his tricks. I was not going to be one of his flings.

“Bye, Aaron.”

I turned and started walking, making my way to home. Aaron didn’t respond, but I knew he was watching me, following me silently without uttering a word.

When I was finally in front of the door, I peeked over my shoulder. There he was, standing a few metres away from me. He was looking at me, half-smiling before he opened his mouth.

“Good night, Adeline.”

I ignored him and turned the door knob.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw mom was sitting on the sofa, watching television attentively and didn’t bother to greet her daughter home.

“I’m home.” I said nonetheless. I glanced at her before walking to the stairs. I wanted to reach my room as fast as I could. Rest was very much needed as I had to wake up early tomorrow.

“You are late.” She commented, and I stopped immediately. It was the first time she ever talked to me when I got back from work. Smile started to form as I open my mouth to answer. Finally, my mom cared for me.

“There was a problem ...”

“Got your salary yet?”

Her question shut my mouth up. I pressed my lips, holding back whatever I was feeling at that time. I was wrong. She never cared about me. All she asked about was my money, the thing that always became a problem in our family.

“No.”

“When are you supposed to get it?” She asked, eyes still on tv. When I didn’t answer, she turned to look at me. “You heard me.”

“Next week.” With that, I quickly walked away, straight into my room.