I think I put in a lot of effort.
I assist my mother and make purchases for myself that she is unable to make. Her nursing salary barely covers our rent, utilities, her car, and necessities, so it's not that she doesn't want to. We work together.
But I'm not interested in going to work today. I've come up with a hundred justifications, but the truth is that I need the cash. These are my final days working double shifts because classes begin on Monday. I won't be able to work until the evenings and weekends once school begins.
I haven't seen Ares in almost a week. Sincerely, I didn't predict missing him. Why would I? We didn't see each other very often. However, I believe I also miss stalking him. It was an odd hobby that made me feel a rush of adrenaline, but it is no longer there. I sigh as I gather my belongings and pack my backpack.
It would be an understatement to say that I've had a bad day. I've been preoccupied and constantly yawning. We had to give a customer free fries because I misplaced his order, and my boss has already reprimanded me three times.
My Dream Burgers cap is removed, and I keep it there. I'm debating switching my shirt, but I choose not to. I'll go to the bathroom when I get home because I can't walk right now.
What a bad day, huh? I jump when I hear Gabriel's voice and strike the locker door against my shoulder.
"Jesus!" you frightened me! gosh.
"I'm sorry." Gabriel removes his cap, allowing me to better see his face and letting his reddish hair fall out. If he were to look at you, you would collapse at his feet because of his soft face. so Naturally I'd be curious
Any justification for giving someone who requested an ice cream a milkshake? You saw that, didn't you? "Everyone noticed it. Everyone felt as though you were elsewhere. He removes his belongings from his locker and opens it. "It's really embarrassing."
"Remain calm; I've experienced it as well.
He looks at me with significance. I give him a long look. "Dani"? ""
"Yeah." He is lost in thought as he looks into his locker. "We come from different worlds, she and I." To her, I'm nothing more than the attractive boy who works at Dream Burgers.
"I apologize."
"Unwind." Although I was aware that it would fail, I didn't anticipate developing feelings for her so quickly.
Oh, trust me, I'm aware of that. "Gabo, I'm not sure what to say to you."
"Share your story with me."
"My story"
Why do you seem to be preoccupied today?
"A lot". My backpack is slung over my shoulder. "I must leave. Until tomorrow, Gabe.
"Good evening, shaken by Raquel Milk."
"Really"?
To get to my neighborhood faster, I decide to cross under a bridge to shorten the path. It's dark and lonely under there, and I don't take into account the men who rely on that darkness to get high or sell illegal substances. My feet freeze when I see three men under the bridge. With the darkness serving as camouflage, I don't see them until I'm almost in front of them.
"Do you want something, pretty girl?" one of them asks. His voice is deep, and he coughs a little.
My heart speeds up, and my hands sweat. "No, I don't. . . . No."
"Did you get lost?"
I make the decision to cross a bridge to shorten the distance to my neighborhood. I don't consider the men who rely on that darkness to get high or sell illegal substances; it's lonely and dark down there. When I notice three men beneath the bridge, my feet start to freeze. I don't notice them until I'm almost in front of them because the darkness acts as camouflage.
"Pretty girl, do you want something?" They all inquire. He coughs slightly and has a deep voice.
My hands start to shiver, and my heart beats faster. "No, I don't... No," I repeated.
"Did you become confused?"
"I..." One of them laughs as I stutter, "I took the wrong way."
You must offer us with something if you want to pass through here.
My head shakes. "No, I'm turning around."
My phone breaks the silence as I'm about to turn and leave.
It's too late when I frantically remove it from my pocket, end the call, and store it once more.
John, don't you think that phone looks nice?
Yes, that would make a lovely birthday gift for my daughter.
One of them grabs my arm and drags me into the shadows beneath the bridge as I attempt to flee. He holds me by the hair and covers my mouth while I scream as loudly as he can.
"Shh! Simple, lovely young lady. Just give us the phone, and we won't do anything to you.
My eyes are filled with tears. I can't identify the man's chemical or alcohol odor.
"The phone." I'm unable to move despite "now" demanding another one of them. I'm paralyzed by fear. I wish I could reach out and grab my phone, but I am unable to.
From the shadows, the third man appears. His face is scarred, and he has a cigarette stuck between his teeth. Hold her, it's in her pocket.
Don't touch me, please!
I scream, but the man holding my hands muffle the sound. The person with the scar comes over to me and licks his lips while touching my pants' pocket with his hand. I feel like throwing up help me!
He examines my phone after taking it out. It's nice and looks brand new; it'll make a great present for your daughter. His unsettling eyes never leave my face as he passes it to the other man. "You're very attractive."
Should we release her? The person holding me inquires, "We already have the phone."
That's enough, John, I agree.
John gives me a downward gaze while focusing on my body.
Please don't, I beg you. John grabs hold of me and pulls me backward toward him while once more covering my mouth as the person holding me releases me.
I am incapable to move or breathe normally.
Help!
"John, she's probably the same age as my daughter."
"Stop talking, assholes!" I can hear the echo of his shout. "Get out of here," he commanded.
"but..."
"Get away from here!"
I beg the two men with my eyes as they exchange glances, but they walk away.
No. Please, God, don't.
I begin desperately kicking and fighting as John drags me under the bridge. He turns me toward him while grabbing my hair. I don't want to cause you more harm than is necessary, so cooperate. However, pretty girl, if you scream, things will really go wrong for you.
I scream as soon as he lets go of my mouth. "Help me!" I yelled.
I get hit by him. He didn't even extend his hand to me. Only my right cheek is affected by the powerful impact. I've never experienced such intense, sudden pain after being struck. I lose my balance and fall to the ground as a result.
My right ear is throbbing, and everything is spinning. My mouth tastes like blood.
"Is anyone there?" From the bridge above, I can hear what sounds like God speaking. what's going on down there?
I scurry to sit up as John panics and flees. "Here!" "Down here!" I have a weak voice. My right side of my face is throbbing throughout.
"Oh my God!" The voice is that of a man. He appears in front of me in a matter of seconds that seem like an eternity. Are you okay, oh my God?
I have a throat lump that prevents me from speaking. All I want is to return home. All I want is safety.
In front of me, he bows his head.
Are you okay, he asks me.
I'm only able to nod.
"Should I dial 911?" Are you able to walk?
I stand up with his support, and together we leave that dreadful night.
Mom...
home.
Safe.
When the man lends me his phone, that is the only thing on my mind. I dial my mother's number, the only one I am aware of, with trembling fingers. She doesn't respond, though, and my chest tightens. My vision is distorted by tears.
Would you like me to make a police report?
No, I'm not interested in police or questions. I simply want to return home, where I will be secure and unharmed. However, I lack the courage to continue walking alone, and I don't want to go with this stranger.
Then I recall that up until recently, I only knew my mother's phone number. prior to Ares texting me.
I simply need someone to drive me home at this point, regardless of what he and I have agreed upon. I have no idea what I'll do if Ares doesn't respond to this call, which is my only chance of salvation.
I can hear him on the third ring.
"Hello"?
I find it nearly impossible to speak due to the lump in my throat.
"Hi, Ares."
"Who is it?"