When we are happy

Chapter 3: Night

"Penelope, it's time to go, honey." I feel Gracie brush the hair off my face.

I peak my eyes open and i look out the window seeing it's dark out.

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Please no.

"I know you usually like to be home by 6 but you looked so tired." Gracie smiles sheepishly.

I nod, "Oh, okay."

It's all a blur of her telling me how i should find somewhere else to go during the day instead of staying with her at the flower shop i don't even work at.

I snap awake as soon as i realise i'm standing alone on the side walk as it's pitch black outside.

I wish i had my bike, it would be so much easier to get home.

Can i still go home?

My dad told me to leave. So i can't go back can i?

I wish i had my bike.

I wish it wasn't like this.

I wish i wasn't here anymore.

I look at the ground as the street lamps light up the path.

I see my shadow. And one behind me.

I slightly turn my head and i see a middle aged man.

Oh god.

I look around and see no one. Just darkness.

Of course this happens to me.

I take a deep breathe.

Everything is fine. I'm okay.

I'm super skilled, if he tried anything on me, he'd be the one going home crying.

I look to my left as i hear a bunch of laughing and i realise i'm at Parker's Mechanics.

I turn my head back again and see the guy has gotten closer.

I take a sharp turn left and walk up the driveway.

I spot Parker and all of his friends.

Gavin nods at me and Parker turns around.

My eyes snap to the drink in his hand and then to the others also holding beers.

I quickly turn around and begin walking away.

I didn't know they drank.

What if they are like my dad? What if they would hurt me the way he does.

"Penelope?" I hear Parker closer behind me.

"I don't know who that is." I say.

Well that was dumb.

"What's wrong?" He grabs my hand and spins me around.

Holy guacamole.

"Nothings wrong." I smile.

His eyes dip down my body like he's looking for physical injuries.

"Why are you here so late?" He asks.

I don't even know how late it is.

I watch as his jaw unclenches and his eyebrows uncross.

"There was just this guy following me but it's all good no worries." I look at his beer again and then to his friends, "Have a good night."

I try to walk away but he doesn't let go.

"Where's your bike?"

"Home."

"Do you need a ride home?"

"Nope, can't go home anyway," I frown to myself as i said that, "Ha, kidding, of course i can go home."

My eyes flicker to his drink.

He throws his beer in the trash can beside us, "Do you have somewhere safe to stay tonight?"

I nod, "Of course! You have the bestest night and i will see you, whenever i see you. Probably never."

"Are you sure?" He asks.

"Yepidydooda!"

I run off before i burst into tears.

i feel so bad for her 😭