Something was wrong. It was like that feeling after a horror movie and one hears a creak in the dark. There's nothing wrong but the instant doubt.
Robert felt that way upon seeing him. The man standing at the edge of the lunch field next to the parking lot. The feeling was so strong he dropped his gaze. Who was he? Robert didn't think he'd seen him before, but it was still a pretty big school even for a community college. There would be an abundant of students he's never seen.
He was being paranoid and to prove a point, he looked back at the man. This time the man was staring back. Those deep green eyes staring back send shivers down Robert's spine. Robert's began breathing he's as his heart slammed against his chest. He was going to die.
"Are you okay?" Someone grabbed him by the arm. She was a classmate. They weren't close, but Clara helped run the study group for interms.
"Hey...yeah. I was just-" he glanced back towards the man but he was no longer there. "Freaking out my upcoming test. I've been studying nonstop but I'm sure I'm still going to fail."
"Awe, don't say that. I'm sure you'll at least get passing. What class is it? The library is some tutoring." Clara being her studious self began giving her best test tips. Unlike most of the student here trying to get a quick degree to start working. She has plans of heading to university after this semester to get a masters in psychology. "Oh, it's almost time for my next class. If your still around later we can meet up in the library."
"Oh, thanks. I actually have to be getting home. Maybe tomorrow." They waved bye and Robert began walking home.
He usually takes the road behind the school. No one ever takes it anymore and it leads right to his house. He reached into his pockets to listen to some music when he heard footsteps.
He peaked over his shoulder and it was the man again. Why? Why was he there? Robert put the headphones in without any music so he could focus on the footsteps which seemed to crescendo behind him.
Robert tried to calm his irrational mind. Many student take this road home. This man has done nothing to Robert. He wasn't even being weird or suspicious. Just another student on his way home and to prove it.
Robert stopped in his tracks. This was so stupid but he needed proof he wasn't crazy. Any normal person would walk by him. His heart began beating harder as the footsteps were right behind him.
"Hey, are you alright?" A hand fell onto his shoulder.
Robert turned to face him. Seeing him up close, Robert began to calm down. He was just a person. "Umm, yeah."
"You sure? I think I saw you back at school there and you looked messed up there too."
"Yeah, no. I'm fine." Robert smiled. Just an ordinary person. "Thank you for checking up on me."
"No worries. If you want, I can give you a ride home? My cars at the end of the street if you're far from here," the man offered.
"Thanks again, but I actually live pretty close by." Robert's heart started beating faster as the man smiled at him. There was a strange glint in his eye. " Well, it was nice meeting you-"
"Eric."
"Nice meeting you, Eric." Robert began to back away. Eric stepped forward strangely which led to Robert running.
Eric ran behind him and tackled him to the ground. Robert scratched his chin against the concrete. He tried elbowing Eric from behind and crawl away simultaneously.
Eric reached around and pressed something against Robert's face. His sight became blurry and his mind numb. Robert kept trying to push away until his arms wouldn't cooperate anymore. His eyes felt so heavy.