Blue

Beginning of the end

The bell rung out loud for all to hear. This was the week before graduation and I’d worked hard to get here, but that didn’t mean I could slack off now. My scholarship depended on me being perfect. Any less and the generational curses would get me.

“Why so stressed Rox?”

Good old Lela. She’s my best friend. Has been for the past two years since I moved to Carolina. She’s wild and impulsive, but I can trust her with my worst secrets. I can trust my Mom, it’s just that so many of my secrets would hurt her. They’d make her feel like a bad Mom for not being able to protect me from the invisible problems I’ve been through.

“I’m just planning my next move Lela, no stress here!”

“Yea right, your next 10 moves have been planned for a year at least. Take a breather, you’ve made it!”

I took her arm in mine as we strolled out of the building. Lela always helps me to relax a bit, but sometimes even she can’t help my paranoia. The thing is, my life has been hard. WHO’s hasn’t? I know it could’ve been worse, but I’m still always looking over my shoulder for him. I still get scared at night. I still feel the need to keep moving. I wonder how I’ll ever spend 4 years in a University without moving?

That night after school I headed to work like usual. I work at a small pizza shop next to the market where Lela works. It’s an alright place to work. Nice enough owners, and when it’s busy like tonight you can sort of drift off and let auto pilot take over. I’m gonna miss this once I’m at college mentally exhausted.

On my break I run to the market for a Red Bull to get me through my shift and the long list of things I have to do after work. As I aimlessly walk towards check out someone catches my eye… I always notice when someone is staring. He’s striking. Bright blue eyes framed with thick black lashes, black hair, olive skin, full sleeves of colorful tattoos, and a smirk that tells me he’s no good. No thank you.

“Need any help?” He asks.

“No thank you, just about to check out.” Maybe if I’m short with him he’ll get the hint and back up. This man is blocking my way and I’m too on edge to be patient right now.

“You go to school with Lela don’t you?”

“Yea.” Stalker. “I really have to get back to work.”

“Have a good night.” The brooding bad boy smirked.

Geeze, why can’t men take a hint?