The sun sets as I look out the window; I've always enjoyed watching the sun as the day ends. The warm colors never seem to be exactly the same every time, it's beautiful. I can feel something pulling me outside tonight, I want to go out and enjoy the evening in the city. I smile to myself as I play the message again; Steven's anxious and excited voice rapid-firing information into my answering machine. I smile again as he congratulates me, us. Looking out over the downtown skyline, I decide to go out.
Its muggy again tonight, I look down the street in both directions and turn right. Walking down the street I can hear the sounds of cars echoing from miles away, people's voices in intense discussions, and the trains that run through town. But I don't pay attention, what went on today is still too fresh in my mind to let it be taken over by the mundane.
I go over the message again: Steven sounded so excited, he was nearly out of breath as he spoke, wishing he could have caught me and talked to me, but he realized the time and apologized. He went on and on, I still couldn't catch all of it and I'd have to call him later to find out what he had been talking about. But I wanted this time for myself now; as I walk down the street I can see the headlines: Bella Swan Tops the Charts Again!
I think back to Arizona and my little town that I grew up in with Mom and Dad. I miss them from time to time but I knew that I had to come to Chicago. Life was here and it was so different, not to mention cooler, than my other option of Phoenix that I couldn't think of any place better to start my adult life. I miss my friends, but keep in touch when I can, hopefully I'll be able to go and visit them after a few months out here on my own. Maybe I'll be able to see…
I'm pulled from my daydream by an ice cold hand on my arm and mouth as I'm pulled into a dark alley. I try to struggle but he's too strong and he throws me into a pile of garbage bags. I feel my head knock against one of the buildings, dazing me. I hear him laugh as he approaches; crouching over me I see a flash of reflection and feel something cold against my skin.
"Now hold still little lady." My vision comes back into focus enough to see the knife dragging up my stomach cutting away my shirt. I thrash violently and his knife catches my arm, I feel the blood and gasp in pain.
His hand over my mouth again, "Now, now, now. That isn't very lady-like of you miss. Just be a good little girl and I won't have to hurt you." His hands are all over me, I feel him reach for my pants. I struggle a little more, he lays the blade of his knife along my jugular, "Quit your squirming or I'll gut you, you little bitch." I look into his eyes, they're cold and angry, and I can only imagine that I looked as frightened as I felt. Tears well in my eyes and, as he lowers himself onto me, I feel a cold breeze blow from down the alley.